The fourth stop of the RosterWatch Training Camp Tour took me to Flowery Branch, GA. A place I’ve never been before, but it’s right down the road from the new Buford High School Stadium, I’m going to check that out tonight! The Falcons camp on Friday morning gave me a look at Atlanta’s quarterback competition, if that’s what were calling it.

The Falcons have plenty of high-end talent at the skill positions, in Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts, but the inconsistencies at quarterback will make this offense frustrating for fantasy managers all season long.

Quarterback Play.. let’s talk about it

Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa rotated throughout practice, with Penix still not being 100% and in for 11-on-11 drills. Atlanta alternated quarterbacks between drills and first-team periods both on-air and during install.

Penix received the first drive of 7-on-7 work with the offense aligned in an empty formation. Drake London lined up at X, Kyle Pitts worked from the slot, and Bijan Robinson aligned at Z.

• Penix delivered a beautiful corner-route completion to London.
• He followed it with two poor red-zone throws, one of which should have been intercepted by Mike Hughes.
• On another play, Penix had his tight end available on a choice route, but pulled the ball too far outside.

Early on, I noted that Accuracy remained the primary difference between Penix and Tagovailoa, but Tua also struggled as practice went on.

• Tagovailoa opened one red-zone period with London, Austin Hooper, Pitts, Charlie Woerner, and Robinson on the field together in an empty formation.
• He attempted a dangerous pass over the middle to London that was broken up, the definition of “Hospital Ball”.
• Coverage Sack.. again
• London beat Darnay Holmes on a corner route toward the pylon, but Tagovailoa’s pass was overthrown and uncatchable. Holmes kept jaw jacking, but London won the route.
• Tua rebounded with a touchdown to Olamide Zaccheaus along the back line of the end zone.

Both quarterbacks can deliver impressive throws, but neither operated with enough consistency. The overall quarterback play WILL be the limiting factor for an otherwise talented offense. I’d put about $1 on who will be the Starter in Week 1 and It would be a lean to Michael Penix Jr.

Drake London Remains the Centerpiece

London looked dominant throughout practice and consistently separated from Atlanta’s defensive backs.

During one-on-one drills, London worked exclusively against A.J. Terrell. Zachariah Branch, Antwane Wells Jr., and Olamide Zaccheaus were the only notable receivers to create any separation against these sticky Falcon corners.

London’s size, strength, and route-running were evident throughout the session. Even when passes did not reach him, he consistently created enough separation. He looks like a million bucks

London’s ability to command targets will keep him in the middle of Round 2 on the Ultimate Draft Cheat Sheet this season. The concern is, of course, can the Falcons’ quarterbacks deliver the ball accurately enough to maximize his ceiling.

Bijan Robinson Leads the Backfield

Bijan was Bijan, he looked great and remained central to everything Atlanta did offensively. My favorite play of the day came on a wheel route from Robinson that he smoothly caught while looking over his shoulder, as he jogged 70% speed down the field for a “touchdown”.

During 11-on-11 work, the Falcons used Bijan and Brian Robinson Jr. together in an offset-I formation with London and Jahan Dotson aligned outside. The opening play was a fullback-power run for Brian Robinson. Of all things.

Tyler Goodson replaced Bijan on the third play of that period and would be my bet to have a strong chance to make the roster as the third running back. Goodson brought a receiving and speed element that complements the more powerful styles of Bijan and Brian Robinson. He’ll compete with Nathan Carter and Cash Jones for the RB3 spot.

Speaking of Cash, the Former Georgia running back Cash Jones made an impression in the red zone. He burst around the edge for a touchdown and followed it with another carry that show some strong vision between the tackles.

The backfield hierarchy appears clear:

• Bijan Robinson
• Brian Robinson Jr. – primary complementary and power back
• Tyler Goodson: receiving RB3
• Cash Jones: bubble / special teams

Zachariah Branch update

Rookie receiver Zachariah Branch spent the opening period having his hamstring examined and appeared to be dealing with tightness. He eventually rejoined the wide receivers and worked at a controlled full speed.

Branch participated in one-on-one drills but had a bad drop. His speed and dynamic-ability are always intriguing.

Chris Blair also stood out physically. The 6-foot-2, 215-pound receiver looked big and powerful behind London and has a chance to earn the fifth or sixth receiver spot.

Defensive Backfield Stands Out

Atlanta’s secondary was impressive during Friday’s practice. The cornerbacks consistently played sticky/tight coverage and made life difficult for the quarterbacks.

Mike Hughes had an interception, and A.J. Terrell was a demanding matchup for Drake London.

Divine Deablo and former Texans LB Christian Harris operated in the middle of the defense. Rookie Harold Perkins Jr. also rotated into the lineup in place of Harris.

Biggest Takeaways

• London and Bijan looked like the clear stars of the offense.
• Neither Penix nor Tagovailoa played consistently enough to separate himself.
• Accuracy remains the primary concern for both Penix and Tua.
• Tua made a few quality throws but also missed London and took multiple coverage sacks.
• Goodson appears to be the favorite for the third running-back spot… explosive
• Branch practiced after dealing with hamstring tightness, but hasn’t overtaken Jahan Dotson, yet
• Atlanta’s cornerbacks were excellent throughout practice.