FLOWERY BRANCH -- The Falcons caught a break Saturday morning as the clouds covered the field to make conditions more bearable for practice on Day 4 of training camp.
Even on a cool day, tempers flared and there were two fights. After the first one, defensive lineman Jalen Dalton was kicked out of practice. In the second fight, defensive lineman Anthony Rush at the center of the rumble.
Rush’s rumble came on the last play of practice. Falcons coach Arthur Smith had the players run after practice because they committed too many penalties and not because of the fights.
“That was by far one of the most competitive practices since I’ve been here,” Smith said after practice. “When you go to the edge ... there are learning experiences. Nobody did anything really that dumb, but if you’re going to ... if somebody takes a swing on air, you throw them out.”
It was the last practice before the Falcons put on the pads Monday after a day off Sunday.
Here are five things we learned:
1. Kicking game on point: Kicker Younghoe Koo made 5 of 5 field-goal attempts during his kicking session.
He made a 43-yarder (left hash), 45-yarder (right hash), 47-yarder (left hash), 52-yarder (right hash) and a 53-yarder (left hash).
The last kick would have been good from 60 yards out.
2. One-on-one: The receivers and the defensive backs went one-on-one again, and rookie wide receiver Drake London and defensive back Dee Alford were the stars of the period.
London soared and made a spectacular catch in the back of the end zone over Alford. It was a nicely thrown ball from quarterback Marcus Mariota.
Alford, a former CFL star from Griffin, bounced back and broke up a pass intended for wide receiver Stanley Berryhill.
Tight end Kyle Pitts had a nice catch along the right sideline.
3. Offensive line shuffle: The Falcons continued to use Elijah Wilkinson at left guard with the first-team offense.
Centers Drew Dalman and Matt Hennessy have been rotating at their position, and it was Hennessy’s day.
Also, right tackle Kaleb McGary is holding down his spot.
The second offensive line consisted of left tackle Rick Leonard, left guard Jalen Mayfield, center Drew Dalman, right guard Colby Gossett, right tackle Germain Ifedi.
Falcons offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford can’t wait to get the pads on so he can find out how physical his new group will be.
4. Fan favorite: Falcons wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson, after catching a few punts in the middle of practice, went over to the stands to mingle with the fans for the second day in a row.
5. Newborn: Falcons fullback Keith Smith missed his second day practice to witness the birth of his son. He posted about it on his Instagram account.
The Bow Tie Chronicles
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