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Atlanta Falcons training camp heats up

By Kathryn Morrison

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With just ten days remaining before their first pre-season game, the Atlanta Falcons 2016 XFINITY Training Camp has started to heat up. The Falcons had another very physical practice on Sunday, Day 4.

The Atlanta Falcons put on full pads for Sunday’s practice in what turned out to be a very physical practice. Here are three things to take away from the Falcons’ Sunday practice:

1. Neal Makes Big Hits

Day 4 of the Atlanta Falcons Training Camp was especially physical for rookie Keanu Neal, who walked away with numerous big hits for the day, including Jacob Tamme and Eric Weems. He also broke up a pass intended for tight end Levine Toilolo, who is currently fighting for his future with the Falcons. 

Neal, the Falcons first round draft pick, has continued to prove himself as a threatening force for the defense. Everyone knows he can make big hits, but the question is, can he be consistent? So far, consistency and physicality haven’t been issues for Neal in training camp.

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VIA Andrew Hirsh of AtlantaFalcons.com: 

"Keanu Neal made his presence felt with a number of big hits, including one on Eric Weems that drew big cheers from the fans in attendance. Atlanta’s first-round pick understands protecting his teammates is the No. 1 priority during camp — Jacob Tamme reminded him of that after a big collision between the two — but he also knows he’s here to play with an edge.Head coach Dan Quinn was happy to see the rookie flash his aggressive nature.“We thought that would show up once we got the pads on,” Quinn said. “That’s certainly his game. He’s got such respect from other members of the team because of his work ethic. Really, as a veteran player, what you’re looking for in a young player (is) a guy who’s got confidence, a guy who’s willing to work and a guy who keeps his mouth shut helping the team. And he epitomizes those things. All he wants to do is help the team.”"

2. Return Specialist Search Continues

The day before the Atlanta Falcons kicked off their training camp, they released kick returner Devin Hester. Head coach Dan Quinn had previously mentioned that the Falcons proposed a contract to a certain unnamed player, but there has been no update on that offer.

As the Falcons look to replace Hester, some other Falcons were seen returning kickoffs at Sunday’s practice. Among those returning kicks were rookie wide receiver Devin Fuller, wide receiver J.D. McKissic, wide receiver Eric Weems, and running back Tevin Coleman.

3. Julio Jones Update

Atlanta Falcons star wide receiver Julio Jones, who “tweaked” a muscle on Day 1, has been actively making his way back to being a full participant. Since the injury occurred, Jones had been participating in individual drills, but was able to take part in team drills on Sunday. According to Quinn, he can be expected to be a full participant when camp resumes on Tuesday.

VIA D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

"Falcons All-Pro wide receiver Julio Jones participated in practice and took part in some of the 11-on-11 work. Coach Dan Quinn said Jones wasn’t on a “pitch count,” but he was being closely monitored."

Next: Atlanta Falcons: A Look at Day 2

Players will have Monday off. Here is a look at the Atlanta Falcons training camp schedule for the upcoming week: 

August

1 – Monday, no practice.

2 – Tuesday, public practice, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

3 – Wednesday, public practice, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

4 – Thursday, public practice, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

5 – Friday, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Grayson High School

6 – Saturday, players off.

7 – Sunday, public practice, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

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