Internally, the Atlanta Falcons have set high expectations for their offense in 2025. This sentiment was evident during the team’s first training camp practice on Thursday. Several players expressed optimism about their potential.
Right guard Chris Lindstrom stated, “We have that belief that we can be the best offense.” Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. echoed this by saying, “Potential? We should be the best in the league.” Right tackle Kaleb McGary added, “I’m horribly biased — you’re asking an O-linemen — I think we’re the best ever.”
The team has retained most of its starters from last season. Notably, Penix and center Ryan Neuzil are starting from the beginning this year. Last season, Penix took over as quarterback in Week 16, while Neuzil started eight games due to Drew Dalman’s injury. Kirk Cousins is now named as backup quarterback, and Dalman has joined the Chicago Bears.
Penix’s three starts last season saw the Falcons average 32 points per game, ranking sixth among offenses from Weeks 16-18. With Neuzil starting eight games from Week 4 onward, Atlanta ranked seventh with an average of 5.9 yards per play.
Despite these positive indicators, challenges remain. Wide receiver Darnell Mooney suffered a fall during practice and left with a trainer without returning to the field. Head coach Raheem Morris had spoken before practice and did not provide an update on Mooney’s condition but emphasized defining identity daily: “I like to just buy into the clean slate and let our guys go out there and kind of define it,” he said.
During practice, tight end Kyle Pitts Sr., entering his contract’s final year, caught both passes thrown to him by Penix during drills and worked on blocking with his position coach Kevin Koger.
Kaleb McGary humorously commented on his willingness to secure a new contract: “You’ll never find somebody more willing to be paid in all your life.”
The day’s soundtrack featured “Semi-Charmed Life” by Third Eye Blind (1997), setting a varied tone for practice sessions.
Several players were absent from practice including cornerbacks Kevin King and Cobee Bryant; inside linebacker Malik Verdon; defensive lineman LaCale London; and inside linebacker Troy Andersen who was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list prior to practice.
General observations included wide receiver Drake London’s birthday celebration marked by an impressive catch over cornerback Keith Taylor during drills; solid performances by quarterbacks Penix and Cousins with their respective units; notable rotations within defensive teams involving rookie edge rushers Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr.; multiple drops during position drills which need addressing soon; interactions between wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III and running backs coach Michael Pitre discussing footwork techniques; enthusiastic fan participation throughout practices especially cheering for running back Bijan Robinson after catching passes from Penix followed by waving at spectators.
The next open practice is scheduled for Saturday at IBM Performance Field with tickets already sold out. The countdown continues towards Falcons’ Week 1 opener against Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in 45 days on September 7th.
