The Atlanta Falcons are a month away from training camp opening and the 2026 season truly getting underway. As fans trudge through the longest stretch of the offseason without meaningful moves or practice, it is noteworthy to look at the schedule ahead. Among the updates has been Atlanta's decision to hold a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts in a move that has a chance to help the Falcons gain confidence and a bit of momentum going into the regular season.
Watching joint practice, it becomes clear there is a level of intensity and focus that is often missing in the preseason. Whether it is the summer heat or simply the challenge of facing another unit after endless reps against your own, it brings a needed level of competition. For the Falcons, it is a welcome chance to build their confidence against a team that is among the more underwhelming AFC units.
The Colts are likely to be very careful with Daniel Jones, who is coming off a season-ending injury and could miss this practice. Even if the quarterback is on the field, this is far from a difficult matchup for a franchise that has every reason to believe a hot start to the summer is incredibly important.
Atlanta competing for a playoff spot is very much on the table, not due to proven talent, but playing within an NFC South that remains wide open. The joint practice is a chance to build a level of confidence that could help get the ball rolling.
Falcons Schedule Fitting Joint Practice Opponent in Preseason Matchup
The Colts gave up 24.2 points per game in the 2025 season, not among the league's worst units, but far from being consistently capable. This is a great chance for either Michael Penix Jr. or Tua Tagovailoa to build a level of momentum that won't be slowed. Atlanta has a difficult opening to the 2026 season, facing the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Carolina Panthers, and the Green Bay Packers.
These are three rosters that many pundits are expecting to be far better than Atlanta, pointing to the importance of starting off hot. Practicing against a roster of comparable or inferior talent is a needed chance to begin to defy expectations.
For the Falcons, it is wise to go with a team that isn't as familiar and of similar talent, allowing the team their best chance to both build momentum and hopefully avoid any camp fights. No question, it is the perfect scheduling decision and points to strong decision-making.
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