The Falcons took the field this morning in pads once again, which was a bit of a surprise. Considering the limitations the CBA places on the number of padded practices each team is permitted to have during training camp, having the first two on consecutive days wasn't anything I expected. The early focus was special teams, with an emphasis on hitting assignments and getting timing down.

Dan Quinn said after practice that the team was also focused on short yardage situations today, and while there were a lot of penalties and a number of things they'll need to clean up, he was pleased with how the team performed overall.

Linebacker Brooks Reed had an unspecified strain, according to Dan Quinn. He was limited in practice as a precaution. In addition,

Offense

Defense

Vic Beasley doesn't just have remarkable burst off the line; he's also tough. Beasley was shaken up after Terron Ward put a nasty block on him, but he returned to action almost immediately.

It seemed like the defensive line was getting the best of the offensive line pretty consistently during 11 on 11s. This is due in part to improvement, but Dan Quinn also mentioned after practice that they were offsides quite a bit, so that's something they'll need to clean up before the season begins.

The linebackers and secondary seem to be taking much better angles to the ball carrier in run situations. If that's demonstrated against actual opponents, it will be a big improvement.

Tyler Starr has really improved. I'm still concerned about his functional strength, but his technique is better and he's using his speed more effectively. Starr spent some time on the field with the first team defense today.

Linebacker Boris Anyama, an undrafted free agent out of Louisiana-Lafayette, looked really good in one-on-ones against the offensive line. He's someone to keep an eye on in preseason action.

Special Teams

Fan Questions

@jeannathomas @TheFalcoholic who is controlling the line the dline or the oline? — brian phillips (@briangrunt311) August 3, 2015

It's been pretty even until today, when the defensive line seemed to be winning more often. However, as Dan Quinn noted after practice, coming off the snap a little early was part of the issue, so that's some important context.

@jeannathomas @TheFalcoholic has paul worrilow looked more fast/quick then last year? Since Quinn likes the speedy type of LBs — Cards (@Cardo_32) August 3, 2015

I'm not sure if we can expect Paul Worrilow to get quicker, but what I do see from Worrilow that's encouraging is better gap discipline and good angles to the ball carrier. The simplified defensive scheme should really benefit him.

@jeannathomas @TheFalcoholic what's your comfort meter with the Oline? is the DLine that much better or reaping benefit of bad Oline? — RB9 (@the_RB9) August 3, 2015

I'm cautiously optimistic about the offensive line. Guys look like they're really getting a grasp on the zone blocking scheme. I do think they'll be able to open up the run game, and balancing the offense should be really beneficial overall.

It was really fun, thanks for asking.

@jeannathomas @TheFalcoholic How is @Rashedehageman looking? It is obvious be is in great shape & I'm excited to see what he does this year. — #Quinning (@wdcc4falcons) August 3, 2015

Shede is in great shape and looks really quick coming off the line. Eager to see him in preseason action.

I've been really impressed with Allen. I'll have a more comprehensive piece on Allen's transition to free safety tomorrow.

There haven't been any fights during training camp thus far. Joe Brawley has not been living up to his nickname. What's interesting is that practices are really physical and there's a lot of competition against guys in one-on-one and team drill situations, but tempers have not flared.

@jeannathomas @TheFalcoholic Has Hankerson been seeing more snaps at WR than Hester? — Dee_Cee (@DavidCarley) August 3, 2015

I don't really keep a snap count or anything, but everybody's getting a lot of reps.

@jeannathomas where was tevin coleman today? — Alex Davis (@dashdavis43) August 3, 2015

It seemed like he spent more time with the second team. It means very little at this point. Both Freeman and Coleman are going to get plenty of first-team looks.

@jeannathomas @TheFalcoholic which side of the ball has impressed you more? — Shedrick Carter (@shedrickcarter2) August 3, 2015

To this point, I'd have to say the defense has been more impressive. You can really see the benefit this simplified scheme is having on the way these players execute on the field. That's not a knock on the offense, but this new defensive scheme is pretty exciting.

@jeannathomas @TheFalcoholic what has Hester's role been on O? If he's a 4/5 behind Hardy / Hankerson in depth do we cut him for cap? — James Baldwin (@JWBVAHoldings) August 3, 2015

Hester's still getting a lot of opportunities in practice and has looked solid. I think there's a role for him in this offense, and we'll have a better idea of what that is in preseason.

@jeannathomas @TheFalcoholic when can we start taking what we see in practice as an indication of what to expect in the regular season? — Idin (@bianconeridin) August 3, 2015

If we see these apparent improvements carry over to preseason game performance, I think that's probably the turning point.

@jeannathomas @TheFalcoholic Do the media fight the temptation to get carried away with training camp optimism, or do they just go with it? — FDRJones (@jmveal) August 3, 2015

We mostly try to remain objective, but I will say, watching Dan Quinn and his staff work is a whole lot of fun.

@jeannathomas @TheFalcoholic how are is the team adjusting to the new coverage scheme? — Charles McDonald (@McDraft2) August 3, 2015

It looks like a really positive change so far. Assignments are really simple and players are free to adjust to create turnover opportunities. The guys they have in the secondary are really well suited for this approach, also.

@TheFalcoholic @jeannathomas @jmveal Does it seem players have kept "fit" during off-season? I know it's hot out there — John Walls (@JohnWalls73) August 3, 2015

A couple of guys had some issues with cramping the first day, but overall, players seem to be in good shape and there haven't been many problems despite the heat.

@jeannathomas @TheFalcoholic Is Tyler Starr still a project DQ is willing to work on or does he end up not making the roster? — Aaron Reed (@AaronKReed) August 3, 2015

As I mentioned above, he got some first team work today. I'd say there's a chance he sticks.

@jeannathomas @TheFalcoholic Hows our O line.... can we give Ryan more time — Shane Roberts (@Goldenchildc4w) August 3, 2015

I think the offensive line is coming along. The combination of an improved rushing attack and the scheme adjustments should result in more time for Ryan.

Your thoughts on camp so far?