The Atlanta Falcons held their annual Friday Night Lights event on the seventh day of training camp. Here is a collection of all the major headlines emerging from last night’s practice and scrimmage.
The roar of the crowd. The crack of the pads. Football was back last night during @Kia Friday Night Lights! #FNL15 https://t.co/ZVtG9YPGz7
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) August 8, 2015
Injury Update
Four Falcons were held out of practice: linebacker Brooks Reed (hip/groin), defensive Cliff Matthews (ankle) and running backs Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman (both hamstring). Reed is expected to be back sooner than the running backs at least.
Antone Smith Shines
Running back Antone Smith took advantage of the opportunity created by the injuries to Freeman and Coleman, becoming the star of the night.
There goes Antone Smith showing that explosion
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) August 8, 2015
Although everything wasn’t good for Smith:
Antone Smith down on one knee.
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) August 8, 2015
Antone Smith got hit in the private area. That's why he was in so much pain tonight.
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) August 8, 2015
Ward & Smith Botch Opportunities
With the injuries at running back, Terron Ward and Jerome Smith also had opportunities to make names for themselves, but both players’ practices were marred by fumbles. Ward got starting reps.
Terron Ward first up at RB
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) August 8, 2015
Terron Ward just fumbled.
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) August 8, 2015
#Falcons RB Jerome Smith, who should see plenty of action in the exhibition games, dropped a toss sweep.
— D. Orlando Ledbetter (@DOrlandoAJC) August 8, 2015
Person & Stone Flip Flop
The past few days the Falcons have steadily worked center James Stone at both guard spots, while guard Mike Person has gotten work at center. Both players are likely the leading candidates to be the team’s top reserve along the interior offensive line and will have to be well-versed at all three interior spots to be active on gamedays.
Mike Person continuing to get center reps behind Joe Hawley.
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) August 8, 2015
Seeing James Stone get more and more right guard reps.
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) August 8, 2015
However, the Falcons defensive linemen didn’t do them any favors.
Saw Grady Jarrett blow by Person and Stone in 1 on 1 drills
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) August 7, 2015
Claiborne, Babs, Vic getting into the backfield regularly. Just coming off the snap so fast.
— Jeanna (@jeannathomas) August 8, 2015
Hardy Wins
Rookie receiver Justin Hardy took advantage of his opportunities last night.
Nice deep ball from T. j Yates to Justin Hardy for TD
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) August 8, 2015
Yates to Hardy been a nice combination tonight.
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) August 8, 2015
Practice ends with a @FreakMagic2 touchdown! 🙌🙌🙌 #FNL15 #RiseUp pic.twitter.com/lqFvBZ2sPF
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) August 8, 2015
Odds and Ends
.@ericweems with the TD! And the slam dunk (we'll just call it legal for now). #FNL15 #RiseUp pic.twitter.com/97JoYKJF7y
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) August 8, 2015
Michael Ford, signed just hours ago, looks to have a handle of the offense already #FNL15 #RiseUp pic.twitter.com/HfBQ5NDouY
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) August 8, 2015
Truuuuuuu at it again! 🔓🔒 #FNL15 #RiseUp pic.twitter.com/HAjoDxahMq
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) August 7, 2015
