atlanta sports tagged interest

FLOWERY BRANCH — Atlanta Falcons players and coaches reported to IBM Performance Field in Flowery Branch on Wednesday as they prepare for the opening of training camp.

With the first day of practice slated for Thursday, Atlanta will kick off its month-long program in preparation for the 2024 season. Wednesday’s reporting day of camp included players moving into their dorms at the practice facility, meeting with team trainers and more.

Consisting of preseason games as well, the Falcons will travel to Miami for joint practices with the Dolphins on Aug. 6 and 7. After the practice sessions, the two will faceoff for Atlanta’s first preseason game on Aug. 9.

“It’s just an exciting moment,” said Falcons guard Chris Lindstrom on reporting day. “It’s one of the best days of the year, to get back into camp. You do all that preparation from the end of last season to now and the moment is here now to put that all to work.”

The beginning of training camp signifies a new season and new opportunities for all NFL teams.

For the Falcons, the new season also brings a new regime and added expectations. With the hiring of first-year head coach Raheem Morris and the well-documented acquisition of Pro Bowl quarterback Kirk Cousins, the Falcons have become the favorites to win the NFC South in 2024.

After three straight 7-10 seasons, there’s a clear pulse around this year’s team that hasn’t been felt in several years.

“I know there’s expectations,” said Lindstrom. “That’s the best thing. You play this game to win and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Second-year Falcon and 2023 All-Pro safety Jessie Bates spoke on the expectations surrounding the team as well, saying that it’s part of the game.

“I mean every year there’s going to be expectations,” said Bates. “It’s part of what we do. There’s going to be some pressure that’s added. … None of that outside noise really matters, what really matters is what we set for our team.”

The Falcons will begin their preseason campaign against the Dolphins on Aug. 9, with matchups against the Ravens on Aug. 17 and Jaguars on Aug. 23 to follow. The regular season for Atlanta will kick off at home against Pittsburgh on Sept. 8.