Welcome to the (almost) weekend, Falcoholics.
Good morning Falcoholics, and welcome to Friday, Aug. 1. We got to watch some semblance of professional football last night, we’re just a few days away from the Falcons’ first preseason game, and the weekend is almost here. Can’t complain.
The Falcons were back on the practice field yesterday, which was unfortunately Adnan Ikic’s last day of coverage. Kevin Knight’s done for this year, too — he flew home a couple of days ago. Kevin came all the way down from New York, and Adnan took time off from his day job to brave 85 North up to Flowery Branch for every practice, and they delivered detailed, thoughtful analysis and fantastic insight as always. We’re lucky to have them and grateful for their excellent coverage.
Speaking of training camp, I’m still in Ohio. My mom is nine days post-knee replacement, and this recovery is brutal. She’s a tough old broad (her words, not mine, though I don’t disagree), and she is definitely getting a little better every day, so I’m hopeful I’ll be back in Flowery Branch to get back to Falcons coverage soon.
As always, scroll down to the comment section and use it as today’s open thread. Here’s a conversation starter that surely won’t cause a ruckus: Does Matt Ryan have a legitimate case to be inducted into the Hall of Fame?
Now that I’ve opened that can of worms, on to the links!
Falcons news
- Shoutout to FalconFaninMaine, who mentioned this Michael Penix story in the comments on Adnan’s most recent training camp report. In Maine’s words, “[Penix] doesn’t lack confidence and has the exact amount of competitiveness needed to lead an NFL team.” – Will McFadden, AtlantaFalcons.com
- ‘The NFL’s most efficient pass rusher is a player you’ve probably never heard of.’ It’s The Athletic, so there’s a paywall, but it’s a great read on Kaden Elliss. – Josh Kendall, The Athletic ($)
- Falcons owner Arthur Blank’s foundation has issued $2.7 million in grants to five food banks in Georgia and Montana. Food banks are experiencing unprecedented demand, and The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation also “invite(s) our fellow philanthropic and civic leaders to join us in rising to this challenge with urgency and generosity.” – BlankFoundation.org
NFL news
- Good news! The Falcons aren’t on The Ringer’s NFL Training Camp Panic Meter. It’s an interesting read regardless. – Diante Lee, The Ringer
- I love the Why Your Team Sucks NFL preview from Defector, and if you do too, you’ve got to read all of the reasons the Carolina Panthers suck in 2025. – Tom Ley, Defector
- Not really NFL news, but … ESPN8: The Ocho is back this weekend! James Dator, SB Nation
ICYMI
- Today’s recap and practice notes is jam-packed with details. Adnan delivered even though the view was obstructed for both the media and fans on the hill during 11-on-11s. – Adnan Ikic, The Falcoholic
- The Falcons worked out former first-round pick CJ Henderson. The Falcons do need depth at outside corner, so we’ll see what happens. – Tre’Shon Diaz, The Falcoholic
- Jalon Walker dealing with ‘minor’ hamstring injury, per Raheem Morris. Well, now we know for sure why he hasn’t been practicing. It makes sense for the team to be cautious, and here’s hoping for a quick recovery. – Dave Choate, The Falcoholic
From the comments:
On Jalon Walker’s hamstring injury: