Flowery Branch, GA- Football season is finally back as the Atlanta Falcons took the practice field today for day one of their 2019 Training Camp, as they gear up for the start of a new NFL season.
Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn on the first day of camp, “It’s a bit of that family reunion feel,” he continued, “I’ve been as excited as I’ve ever been for a long time to get rolling because of what I thought this group could be together.”
The big news from day one was the attendance of star wide receiver Julio Jones, who made it to camp on time despite being in discussions of a much-reported contract extension that has still yet to be settled. Julio was on the sideline with helmet in hand, talking with fellow receivers, but he never took the field on a day that was pretty low-key overall.
Making his return on offense was running back Devonta Freeman, who missed most of the last season following a groin injury that required surgery. The Falcons lost backup running back Tevin Coleman to free agency this offseason, so this is a big year for Freeman to bounce back and try to return to his pro bowl level talent.
On defense, the Falcons return most of a group that was snake-bitten with injuries to many of their key contributors. Defensive backs Ricardo Allen and Keanu Neal suffered major injuries last season, and it was great to see them back in the field in full action, playing with the starting squad with no restrictions.
After a pretty much lost season last year, this defensive squad has something to prove, and it starts with Allen and Neal getting back to their leadership roles that they have earned.
Atlanta also had two big contract extensions finalized last week on the defensive side, as defensive lineman Grady Jarrett and linebacker Deion Jones inked new deals to remain with the Falcons for the foreseeable future. Both players reported for camp, with Grady Jarrett was fully suited to participate, while Deion Jones was on the sideline throughout practice.
Grady Jarrett’s deal, which is for four years and 68 million dollars, is big for this squad that needs a stalwart on the defensive line, and have that now as the talented tackle shores up the interior defensive line. Coach Quinn was excited about Jarrett’s deal not just because of his talent, but because of how he has grown as a leader of the defense every year, and he sees him taking another step forward this year.
Overall, it was a great first day of Falcons training camp for head coach Dan Quinn’s Atlanta Falcons. Players and coaches alike showed fire and energy throughout the practice as they prepare for a season to prove doubters wrong following a disappointing 2018 season.
Written by Brian Pohl
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