Leonard Floyd is making an impact on and off the field for the Atlanta Falcons as training camp progresses. During a recent team scrimmage, Floyd intercepted a pass from Kirk Cousins and returned it for a touchdown on the first play of the first-team defense’s series. The play highlighted the aggressive approach that defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich wants to instill in his unit.
“We will dictate how this game goes, and to do that, there has to be, in my opinion, a little bit less of a read element, more of an attack mentality,” Ulbrich said. “So, that’s what we’re ingraining in these guys. The beauty of it is we have guys that are built for this life, guys that are aggressive and tough.”
Floyd has been practicing with the starting defense throughout camp and has provided stability at edge rusher—a position where Atlanta has sought consistency in recent seasons. His experience includes playing a key role during the Los Angeles Rams’ Super Bowl run in 2021. He is also serving as a mentor to younger players like Jalon Walker and James Pearce.
“Great guy,” Falcons defensive end Jalon Walker said. “The way he’s taken me and James under his wing and been that veteran for us and the way he mentors and helps us and gives two cents and things like that in certain scenarios always helps out.”
Atlanta’s defense has added several veterans up front over recent years—including Dante Fowler, Calais Campbell, and Lorenzo Carter—but Floyd’s presence is noted for both his production on the field and his leadership qualities.
Whether demonstrating technique or discussing mental aspects of football between plays, Floyd’s guidance is seen as important for developing younger teammates who need to contribute quickly.
“It’s definitely something you always want to see with your teammates, and your guys and the people, especially within your room, and you’re that veteran leadership type of guy,” head coach Raheem Morris said.
The Falcons are aiming to develop a tougher identity on defense by increasing their ability to force turnovers—an area shown by research to have significant influence on winning games (https://www.nfl.com/news/turnover-margin-why-winning-the-turnover-battle-is-so-important-0ap3000000690127). In training camp sessions so far, physicality among defensive linemen has led to several practice skirmishes involving Pearce.
“I just like playing my role, and I know, coming off the edge, it’s a physical game,” Pearce said. “Up front in the trenches it’s a little bit more physical than the back end, so you’ve got to play with some type of edge and some type of passion.”
Floyd has stepped up when tempers flare during practice: “I learned that from Aaron Donald when I was in L.A,” Floyd said. “You’ve got a ride for your guys on defense, even if he in the wrong, you’ve still gotta ride for him. And I seen a whole lot of white jerseys and his one little black jersey, so I ran over there to defend him pretty much.”
Coaches emphasize channeling this intensity productively rather than letting it result in penalties or fights.
“The intensity all day long, awesome. That’s exactly what we need,” Ulbrich said. “Great defense does not exist without it. It’s controlled anger, it’s controlled chaos, it’s controlled aggression, all those things, and that takes discipline, and it takes work. And I’m glad we’re getting to that place of – where it’s right there,’I want to throw a punch,’and I don’t.”
Ulbrich singled out Floyd as someone who exemplifies “controlled aggression.”
“I saw ‘Flo’, Leonard Floyd today, which made my heart so happy because Flo is very – I haven’t been around him a whole lot other than observing him from afar on other teams…he’s very calm…And I’m seeing this other side of him now…this intensity…this fierce loyalty…and it’s really cool to see…not only stand up for his guys today but at the same time not take it too far…”
Morris sees value in these moments as teaching opportunities about emotional control—a skill vital during games when mistakes can be costly.
Training camp provides daily chances for players like Walker or Pearce to learn from examples set by veterans such as Floyd regarding preparation—and managing impulses—for team benefit.
Floyd’s contributions extend beyond statistics; coaches describe players like him as “multipliers” due to their positive effect across position groups.
“I never expected myself to be in this role but I’m embracing it and I’m loving it so far,” Floyd said.”I love my young guys,and we’re gonna go outand get allthe quarterbacks.”
