The Atlanta Falcons’ offensive line is focusing on building chemistry both on and off the field as training camp continues in Flowery Branch, Georgia. Right guard Chris Lindstrom said he brought a pillow for comfort and an Xbox for entertainment to the dorms, but chose not to bring football video games this year.
“He’s very good,” Lindstrom said about his roommate and new starting center Ryan Neuzil. “He’s one of those guys who will run the score up on you, and he doesn’t care. I’m going to avoid that for at least the short term.”
Neuzil, who re-signed with the Falcons this offseason after Drew Dalman left for the Chicago Bears in free agency, has stepped into a starting role at center. Jovaughn Gwyn has been taking snaps at center with the second-team offense.
Neuzil said he does not feel much difference with his elevated position but acknowledged increased pressure. “It’s always competitive,” Neuzil said. “I mean, that’s how people got here in the first place, just being overly competitive. And it’s just something I grew up with in the household as well, so it’s just always carried to no matter what I do.”
Lindstrom explained his preference for non-competitive games during camp: “Strategy game. Low key. Kind of play at my own pace,” Lindstrom said about playing The Sims 6 instead of football games. “I can’t do competitive video games because in season, that defeats the purpose. Just trying to chill.”
During Saturday’s open practice—the second of 11 scheduled—wide receiver David Sills V stood out by catching all three passes from quarterback Kirk Cousins, including a deep throw over cornerback AJ Terrell Jr.
Asked whether he’d go bear hunting with right tackle Kaleb McGary, Neuzil responded: “I would feel safe, but I don’t know about anyone else around us.”
McGary was absent from practice along with quarterback Emory Jones. Head coach Raheem Morris previously stated that McGary would have some modifications to his routine following an ankle injury and surgery earlier in the offseason.
KhaDarel Hodge filled in as third wide receiver on the first-team offense due to Darnell Mooney’s absence from a shoulder injury. Drake London made an impressive one-handed catch during drills but struggled overall during team work, catching two of six passes from rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr., including one fumble forced by safety DeMarcco Hellams.
Penix completed five of 14 pass attempts during team drills as he adjusts to his new role; Cousins completed nine of ten attempts while Easton Stick went one-for-two.
At tight end, Kyle Pitts Sr., Feleipe Franks and Teagan Quitoriano worked with Penix; Charlie Woerner, Nikola Kalinic and Joshua Simon took reps with Cousins. Pitts and Woerner are expected starters; competition continues for additional roster spots among tight ends.
Defensively, Hellams forced London’s fumble and nearly intercepted another pass bobbled by Hodge from Penix. Cornerbacks Mike Hughes, Mike Ford Jr., and Natrone Brooks each recorded pass breakups during practice.
Kickoff return pairings included Ray-Ray McCloud III with Jamal Agnew; Elijah Dotson with Natrone Brooks; Dee Alrod with Mike Hughes; Jesse Matthews was paired either with Lamar Jackson or Nathan Carter.
The next open practice is scheduled Sunday at IBM Performance Field; tickets are sold out.
The Falcons’ regular season opener is set for September 7 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
