Falcons fans looking for early clues on how the team would do in their first pre-season opener on Friday can take some comfort in media reports from joint practices in Miami.
The team practiced today against the Dolphins, the opposing team they will face off against two days from now. After two weeks of on-field training in Flowery Branch and a week of training in South Florida, it looks as though the Falcons are ready to start the new season, and want to start it on a winning note.
A few key observations and key plays have been noted by the press covering the team there:
- Desmond Ridder looked very good against the Dolphins defense.
- Ridder wasn’t the only Falcons QB connecting with the offense. All of the QBs went to the red zone in practice today.
- Ridder connected with Robinson, Patterson, London, and Frizpatrick to score touchdowns.
- Safety Jaylinn Hawkins taught an interception that ended a Dolphins drive. Dee Alford with a PBU and Troy Anderson’s pass cancellation were also among notable Falcons’ defensive moves.
- It’s apparent these Falcons have attitude. It reportedly got chippy between them and the Dolphins on two occasions.
The Dolphins did end the day’s joint practice activities with a De’Von Archane (RB) touchdown completion from Miami QB Skyler Thompson.
After practice, Head Coach Arthur Smith told the press what the plans were for the approaching game.
“Our [starter] guys will play in preseason,” said Smith. He stressed that he has not yet decided who will play and for how long on Friday night. The coaching staff will make the decision of who will play in the exibition game. He said he liked how Ridder made play calls on the field the last two days, but would have to look at practice film to be sure.
On Clark Philips III, who left practice Tuesday due to an left ankle injury, Smith said “He’s good.”
Ridder told Fox 5 reporter Kelly Price he’s ready to play if he is chosen to start in the preseason opener. “Hell yeah I want to play,” he said. He noted that he did not know what the number of snaps he will end up with if he is picked for Friday night.
