Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons

Practice report: Pollard calls Falcons ‘Pretenders’

By
Aug 4, 2014

The Falcons and the Tennessee Titans, despite admonishments from both head coaches, had a couple of fights in a spirited practice on Monday.

They didn’t wait long to mix things up.

Falcons cornerback Robert McClain and Tennessee defensive back Coty Sensabaugh started fighting on a punt-coverage play during the first practice session. Tennessee’s Tommie Campbell came in quickly and knocked off McClain’s helmet before things ended up in a massive pile up.

Later in 11-on-11, Tennessee’s defensive players didn’t like when Falcons rookie running back Devonta Freeman dipped his shoulder and tried to run over safety George Wilson.

Veteran safety Bernard Pollard, tried to fire-up his players, ran up the sidelines telling his team mates not to back down and he kept saying, “They are pretenders. Remember, they are pretenders.”

Later Falcons center Joe Hawley got in a fight and was apparently ejected from practice.

About the Author

Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.

Follow D. Orlando Ledbetter on facebookFollow D. Orlando Ledbetter on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

Michael Penix Jr. talked about preparing to face the Buffalo Bills on Monday night and what he expects to see. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Falcons’ Michael Penix Jr. talks about the Bills

Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. talked about what he expects to see from the Bills' defense on Monday night.

Falcons have plan for Bills’ reigning MVP, Josh Allen: Rush, then chase

Atlanta defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich has lots of experience going against Buffalo's star quarterback, as he went 2-6 against Josh Allen when Ulbrich was with the Jets.

Falcons’ pass rush has improved, but it must get better

Atlanta, which was next-to-last in the NFL in sacks last year, expects "elite and dominant games coming," according to linebacker Kaden Elliss.

The Latest

Michael Penix Jr. talked about preparing to face the Buffalo Bills on Monday night and what he expects to see. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Falcons’ Michael Penix Jr. talks about the Bills

Falcons have plan for Bills’ reigning MVP, Josh Allen: Rush, then chase

Falcons’ pass rush has improved, but it must get better

Featured

A native of Columbus and a fine arts graduate of Clark Atlanta, Amy Sherald was chosen as the official portrait artist of former first lady Michelle Obama. On the same week that the portrait was unveiled at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, it was also announced that Sherald was awarded the High Museum's 2018 David C. Driskell Prize. (Andrew Harnik/AP)

Credit: Andrew Harnik

High Museum to showcase Amy Sherald’s uncensored retrospective next summer

Georgia-born Amy Sherald gained national attention when she pulled her solo National Portrait Gallery exhibit, citing censorship. Atlantans will get to see it in its entirety.

Police, GBI investigating off-duty officer killing man near Buckhead bar

An Atlanta officer responding to a "disruptive patron" call at the 5 Paces Inn shoots the man after seeing him take an item he believed to be a gun from a car, GBI says.

Monday madness guide: Falcons, Hawks to bring traffic to downtown Atlanta

Expect packed MARTA trains and traffic snarls around State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Big crowds of Bills fans are expected to descend on the city.