A new week began in Flowery Branch, and despite the same old heat wave sticking around, the Falcons were back on the field getting ready for the 2023 season before fans and the press.
On day seven of training camp, the players wore pads for the first time, but they shrugged off the heat and got down to business.
Bijan Robinson, Clarke Phillips III, and Drake London were the most buzzed-about Falcons on the field. Philips and London have a history, apparently, as the two were rivals in college when London was at USC and Philips III played for Utah. Their plays against each other on the field today showed they still have some unfinished business between them.
Think someone important is talking for the first time. #Falcons pic.twitter.com/hTR7Nqz4th
— Victor Prieto (@victorprieto_11) July 31, 2023
The Falcons new running back Robinson seemed to get everyone’s attention on the field today, with the kind of eye-catching plays the team is hoping will strengthen their offensive line. But ahead of the coming football season, Robinson is focused on staying healthy and ready for action. “The thing about the NFL, you always want to protect you and always want to make sure you’re healthy at every practice,” he told a large group of media gathered around him after practice. He noted that the team members are supportive and encouraging of each other. He was asked about the learning curve of being a rookie in the NFL. He replied it takes patience and not expecting success right away. On his quarterback and training camp roommate, Desmond Ridder “He’s been such a big help for me, and I can’t thank him enough,” he said.
Oh lawd pic.twitter.com/OIX4VFvi9Z
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) July 31, 2023
Safety Jessie Bates III also stated that the key to success is patience. “The best players try find a routine and stick to it day in and day out,” Bates III said. “Whether they’re having success or not having success. That routine you kind of go back on. Stay grounded no matter what.”
Another Falcons rookie, guard Matthew Bergeron said that he was working alongside veteran Jake Mathews, and that made him want to be better. “I just want to be a good teammate and be there for my people.”
Roster news broke earlier in the day. The team reportedly signed running back Godwin Igwebulike, and let go kicker Mathew Trickett.
Falcons Head Coach Arthur Smith said in his press conference that injured LG Matt Hennessy was a “day to day” situation after his prognosis was not serious. He said he was quite satisfied with the way team practices have gone up to this point. In particular, he said he was “pretty damn pleased” with Robinson’s performance so far, and acknowledged Zach Harrison, one of the Falcons many rookies this season.