ON THE FALCONS BEAT
ON THE FALCONS BEAT

Video: D. Led’s early takes on first practice

The defending NFC Champion Atlanta Falcons returned to practice today. Here are some early takes from D. Orlando Ledbetter.
By
July 27, 2017

Here some observations from the early portion of the Falcons’ first practice on Thursday:

1. Julio Jones looked very comfortable moving around and making catches.

2. Running back Devonta Freeman needed some extra stretching from the training staff.

3. First-round draft pick Takkarist McKinley, who’s coming back from shoulder surgery, appeared powerful while working through the individual bag drills.

4. Fans were lined up at 7:30 a.m., an hour before the gates opened up. It appears to be a large crowd on the hill overlooking the practice fields.

5. Coach Dan Quinn said that right tackle Ryan Schraeder, wide receiver Mohamed Sanu, strong safety Keanu Neal, free safety Ricardo Allen and linebacker Deion Jones had the best offseasons during his appearance on 92.9 The Game before 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

The Falcons’ pass rush has been attacking from a lot different places. “We’ve gotten better for sure,” Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich says. “They’re starting to understand the rush plan better.” (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Here’s how the Falcons revived their pass rush, are on pace to break record

The Falcons have 39 sacks with six games to play. They are currently ranked third in the NFL behind the Broncos (49) and Browns (42).

49m ago

Falcons’ rookie defenders Pearce, Walker helping pass rush on record pace

James Pearce Jr. and fellow rookie Jalon Walker, who each were selected in the first round of the NFL draft this year, have come along nicely as the season has progressed.

Falcons’ offensive change was to attack Saints, not get out of the ‘pistol’

The Falcons (4-7) may have another plan of attack when they face the Jets (2-9) at 1 p.m. Sunday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

The Latest

The Falcons’ pass rush has been attacking from a lot different places. “We’ve gotten better for sure,” Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich says. “They’re starting to understand the rush plan better.” (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Here’s how the Falcons revived their pass rush, are on pace to break record

49m ago

Falcons’ rookie defenders Pearce, Walker helping pass rush on record pace

Falcons’ offensive change was to attack Saints, not get out of the ‘pistol’

Featured

Carleigh Knight (left) and her sister, Natalie Rogovin, look at Christmas ornaments while shopping at Kudzu Antiques + Modern in Decatur on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (Natrice Miller/AJC)

Credit: Natrice Miller

Metro Atlanta retailers hopeful for strong holiday season after chaotic year

Some independent retailers in metro Atlanta are entering this holiday season feeling battered by what they call a chaotic year.

$21B data center proposal aims to become one of Georgia’s largest

Trammell Crow Co. is planning a $21 billion technology campus for a 1,632-acre site along I-75 roughly 60 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta.

This metro Atlanta couple spearheaded a change in football helmets

Erin and Lee Hanson are the founders behind Guardian Sports, the company that makes the Guardian Caps worn by college football and NFL players.