FLOWERY BRANCH — The tempo remained high for the Falcons’ second non-padded practice of training camp Thursday.
In the 90-degree heat, the Falcons ran some wind sprints after the 100-minute practice (9:30 a.m. to 11:10 a.m.).
Here are five things we learned:
1. O-line shuffle: Falcons coach Arthur Smith said he planned to shuffle the offensive line as they attempt to find three starters at right tackle, center and left guard.
Elijah Wilkinson was working at left guard and Matt Hennessy at center with the first team in place of Jalen Mayfield and Drew Dalman, respectively.
2. On the heat: Quarterback Marcus Mariota, who spent some of the offseason in Oregon, is adjusting to the heat.
“Well, first and foremost is hydrating,” Mariota said. “Try drinking as much water as you can. Then, really, you try to come out a couple of days before, especially because I spend a lot of time out on the West Coast, so just getting adjusted to the time, getting adjusted to the heat.”
3. Footwork: The Falcons wide receivers were working on running their routes with precision early in practice.
4. Visitors: Former Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey was on hand to view practice.
Smith was on his staff when Mularkey was head coach of the Titans.
Also, former offensive linemen Justin Blalock and Tyson Clabo were on hand to help surprise former center Todd McClure for the announcement of his selection to the franchise’s Ring of Honor.
5. Nice ball: Falcons rookie quarterback Desmond Ridder made a nice fake to the running back and then tossed about a 20-yard pass on a rope to rookie wide receiver Drake London during the 11-on-11 portion of practice.
London said both quarterbacks, Mariota and Ridder, are doing well.
“They are both so new to me,” London said. “I haven’t been playing with either of them. I’m definitely getting a groove for both of them. We are steady going in the right direction with both of them.”
Both are similar.
“Definitely two mobile quarterbacks who can run at any time if they want to,” London said. “But at the same time, they’ve got pocket presence. I think they are just guys you want leading your team at the end of the day.”
