West Atlanta News

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — For the second consecutive practice, the Falcons' defense demonstrated its prowess, overshadowing quarterback Kirk Cousins on his birthday. The defense intercepted Cousins twice during Monday's session.

Cornerback Antonio Hamilton Sr. secured the first interception and returned it for a touchdown as Cousins attempted to chase him down. However, the 36-year-old quarterback could not catch up with the 31-year-old Hamilton, who posed at Cousins upon reaching the end zone.

Later in the afternoon, cornerback Clark Phillips III intercepted another pass from Cousins intended for wide receiver Darnell Mooney. Both interceptions were made by the second-team defense.

Despite these turnovers, Cousins was largely accurate throughout the practice session, completing 13 of 16 passes with two interceptions and one incompletion due to a drop by Mooney.

The first-team defense also contributed to the day's highlights. Safety Richie Grant recovered a fumble after wide receiver OJ Hiliare lost control of a pass from Michael Penix Jr.

Additional observations from Monday's practice include:

- Safeties DeMarcco Hellams and Dane Cruikshank were absent. Outside linebacker Lorenzo Carter and inside linebacker Nate Landman also missed practice, while linebacker Kaden Elliss left early.

- During red-zone drills: Safety Jessie Bates III broke up a pass intended for tight end Kyle Pitts; wide receiver Casey Washington caught a pass over safety Lukas Denis; cornerback Clark Phillips III drew a pass interference call on receiver KhaDarel Hodge; wide receiver OJ Hiliare caught a pass against cornerback Jayden Price; cornerback Natrone Brooks broke up a pass against receiver Chris Blair; and wide receiver Dylan Drummond had a reception against cornerback Antonio Hamilton Sr.

- With Elliss and Landman unavailable, rookie JD Bertrand practiced alongside Troy Andersen with the starting group. Bertrand impressed with his read on a Bijan Robinson run during an 11-on-11 drill.

- Washington took some snaps with the first team but did not catch any passes from Cousins. He later made a diving reception on a deep throw from Penix.

- New additions Justin Simmons (safety) and Matthew Judon (outside linebacker) participated in their first practice with individual drills and limited team involvement.

- Tight end Charlie Woerner scored another training camp touchdown despite having no touchdowns in his NFL career thus far. Ross Dwelley also saw action with the starters and caught a pass from Cousins.

- Head coach Raheem Morris reiterated that he has seen enough from rookie backup quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who did not play against Baltimore Ravens and will not play against Jacksonville in the final preseason game.

- Taylor Heinicke and John Paddock shared reps at Monday's practice, with Heinicke completing all four of his attempts while Paddock went 0-for-2.

- In honor of Cousins' birthday, coaching staff curated an early 2000s emo-punk playlist for practice music.

Paddock remarked that he initially did not realize the musical tribute but understood when Cousins commented during practice: "This is the music we need in lifts more."