Falcons Recap: Rookie gets in practice brawl, Raheem Morris goes viral
The Atlanta Falcons held their sixth open practice on Monday morning, and fans got to see the team's full slate of rookies. First-round pick Jalon Walker and third-rounder Xavier Watts returned after being restricted to individual drills over the last few days.
In today's Falcons news recap, Michael Penix Jr. is compared to Super Bowl quarterback Matthew Stafford, right tackle Kaleb McGary gets a contract extension, and rookie James Pearce Jr. gets in another practice brawl.
Rookie James Pearce Jr. in another practice scuffle
Pearce has done a good job of getting under the skin of Atlanta's offensive line throughout training camp. The rookie was involved in two practice skirmishes last week. On Monday, Pearce was in the middle of another practice scuffle. Head coach Raheem Morris took the rookie out for the next rep to cool down.
"James Pearce Jr in the middle of it," wrote 11Alive News reporter Maria Martin. "Raheem Morris got in his face after. Tyrone Wheatley and JPJ chirping at each other for a while after. [It] looked like JPJ grabbed a face mask at some point. He was taken out of the next rep."
Falcons OC thinks Penix has Stafford-like traits
Penix has one of the strongest arms in the league, and it was on display during a rainy Monday practice. Offensive coordinator Zac Robinson told NFL Network reporter Cameron Wolfe that Penix reminds him of Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford.
"I talked to their offensive coordinator, Zac Robinson," said Wolfe. "Robinson was with Matt Stafford with the Rams. He said '[Penix] processes like Matthew Stafford.'"
Kaleb McGary signs two-year extension
After losing Drew Dalman in free agency, the Falcons weren't about to let right tackle Kaleb McGary get away so easily. The team signed the former first-round pick to a two-year, $30 million extension on Monday afternoon. McGary has been durable for Atlanta, starting 92 games over the last six seasons. The extension is also good news for left-handed quarterback Michael Penix Jr. since his blind-side protector is locked up through 2027.
Raheem Morris' fall vs. Drake London goes viral
Morris knows how to fire up his team, but he may regret his latest tactic. During Monday's practice, the second-year Falcons head coach took a rep against wide receiver Drake London and it went south fast. Morris attempted to press London at the line of scrimmage but was quickly disposed of by the former first-round pick. Watch the viral clip below.
Falcons camp highlights: Best of Monday's practice
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
24 minutes ago
- USA Today
Broncos QB Bo Nix not shying away from Super Bowl talk
After the Denver Broncos participated in a joint training camp practice right next to Levi's Stadium with the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday, coach Sean Payton was asked about potentially returning to the stadium in February for Super Bowl LX. 'It's the goal," Payton said. "It's always the goal, but I think it starts really more in the division. It starts with playing in your division well, having a chance to compete to win your division and then the next goal is seeding. Then the final goal would be trying to get to the championship game.' Payton has been bold with his proclamations this spring, recently telling Yahoo! Sports that he's coached six teams he believed could win a Super Bowl, and the 2025 Broncos are now the seventh squad on that list. That mentality has resonated with the players, and quarterback Bo Nix echoed his coach's message after Thursday's practice. "We should all be wanting to go win a Super Bowl," Nix said. "If we're not trying to go win a Super Bowl, why are we here? If you're not trying to be the best of the best in your particular area, ours is the NFL, the National Football League. I believe that's why you go out there and play the game. You go out there to play the game to be the best, beat the best and I feel good about our team but that is not just thrown around. It's not easy to do, obviously and we have a lot of work to do to go get that goal.' After Thursday's joint practice, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said he is a "huge fan" of Nix, and San Francisco loved the quarterback as a prospect coming into last year's draft. It's clear that Payton also loves him, and he told Yahoo! in that same interview that he believes Nix will become a top-five quarterback within the next two years. 'Well, first, it's good to have a coach that believes in you, but it's also… if he believes that, and I know I have a lot of work to do to get there, I don't want to let that word go void," Nix said when asked about Payton's prediction. "I want to give my best shot at going out there and doing that. "Not just obviously for him, for our team, for this organization, but for myself -- we put a lot of hard work into this, each and every day is a battle and a grind. We just want to see the fruits of our labor, and so I think that's obviously our goal. We talk about Super Bowls, talk about winning culture, that helps a lot in being the best that I can be.' The Broncos have talked the talk. We'll soon find out if they can walk the walk. Social: Follow Broncos Wire on Facebook and Twitter/X! Did you know: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.
USA Today
24 minutes ago
- USA Today
Seahawks' Geno Smith flips off fans for sign in Seattle return
Quarterback Geno Smith turned his career around with the Seattle Seahawks in 2022. The franchised traded away Super Bowl-winning passer Russell Wilson and Smith filled his shoes well, making his first Pro Bowl and winning Comeback Player of the Year in his first year with Seattle. The Seahawks traded Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders this offseason. Smith took the field for an NFL game as a Raider for the first time at his former home: Lumen Field in Seattle. Fans showed Smith appreciation prior to the game. When he exited the tunnel for the game later on, it was a different story. One fan held a sign that read "BIGGER BUST - GENO OR JAMARCUS RUSSELL." Smith had a not-safe-for-work response and gestured with both of his middle fingers at the fan. (Editor's note: The following photo contains a crude gesture.) That's a bit of a curious comparison. Besides both being first-round picks and playing for the Raiders, Smith and Russell have little in common. Smith's entering his 12th year in the league and has made two Pro Bowls. Russell played three years in the NFL and went 7-18 as a starter. Smith completed 1 of 3 passes for 15 yards in limited action Thursday night in the 23-23 tie between the Raiders and Seahawks. This is the only time these two teams will play during the preseason or regular season. Las Vegas is back in action on Aug. 16 against the San Francisco 49ers for the lone home game of the preseason. Seattle faces off against Kansas City on on Aug. 15 at home again.
USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
Ravens have encountered a significant drop in quarterback talent behind Lamar Jackson
Lamar Jackson's value is again demonstrated, this time in a preseason game where he didn't take a snap No one needs to be told or reminded about the brilliance of the Baltimore Ravens' star signal-caller. Lamar Jackson is truly one of the NFL's best and brightest. Sure, he has his detractors. Heavy is the crown, it seems, but let's be honest. It doesn't matter what the two-time MVP accomplishes; there will always be unfounded criticism. He could win a Super Bowl, or a few. The doubters will always be there. Once one realizes that, the negativity won't bother you as much. One can appreciate what he has done and pay less attention to what he hasn't, but here's a promise. That Super Bowl will come. It's a matter of when, not if. Lamar Jackson's value is again demonstrated, this time in a preseason game where he didn't take a snap. This season's journey is underway, and this is now Jackson's eighth in the NFL. One of the Ravens' three preseason games is in the books. The Indianapolis Colts were the backdrop for some angry runs by Keaton Mitchell and an electrifying punt return from LaJohntay Wester. Rasheen Ali punched in another TD run, and how about the Beau Brade breakout party? He notched a team-high seven total tackles (six solo) in the win. Notice we didn't mention the quarterbacks. Lamar Jackson didn't play a single snap behind center, and it was obvious. Devin Leary and Cooper Rush combined for five completions on 16 attempts. The result was 49 yards passing and two interceptions. Both were also sacked once. It was an ugly night for the offensive signal-callers wearing the purple jerseys. Rush's night got off to a disastrous start. On Baltimore's second play from scrimmage, he dropped back and uncorked a beautiful pass to Alex Johnson. There was just one issue. Johnson plays for the Colts. Leary threw a red zone interception. It's early. No one should panic about the results from one night at the beginning of August, but something we already knew is certainly more obvious. Though Lamar Jackson makes playing the quarterback position look easy, it isn't. It's the toughest job in all of sports. The Ravens signed Rush to a two-year deal worth $6.2 million that could eventually pay him $12.2 million. Leary represents an $840,000 cap hit. An early lesson has been heard loudly and clearly. New appreciation has already come for QB1. It's possible to prove one's value without even playing in a game, and Action Jackson has done that. Keep those fingers crossed for a fully healthy and prosperous eighth NFL season.
