NFL training camp notepad: Falcons will showcase Michael Penix Jr. a lot this preseason

Yahoo Sports Senior NFL Reporter Charles Robinson is out on the road covering training camps. Today’s stop: the Atlanta Falcons.

About the QB

The staff is raving about Kirk Cousins, who has been nothing but exactly the player Atlanta was hoping for when it signed him in free agency. From his relationship with Michael Penix Jr. to his preparation and practices, he’s been a pro’s pro. He also wants to get some preseason game snaps. I wouldn’t count on that happening.

Rookie to watch

Make sure you catch Atlanta’s preseason games. The “best case” plan for 2024 is for those to be the vast majority (or all) of Michael Penix Jr.’s live action beyond practice. Penix was throwing sharp, effortless passes against the Falcons’ first-team defense when I was there, and makes this month some of the rare must-see exhibitions.

Keeping my eye on

There’s a lot of excitement in the building about this being the season tight end Kyle Pitts puts it all together. He’s arguably been the Falcons’ best skill position player in camp, and his bond with free agent addition Charlie Woerner appears to be paying dividends in the tight end room. We’ve heard Pitts hype before. This might be different.

Fantasy thought

Health permitting, this will be the season Bijan Robinson puts a dent into the massive expectations that followed him into the NFL. His touches are expected to be far more consistent from game to game as the Falcons strive for balance. Having a steady Kirk Cousins at the controls will also enhance his value as both a runner and receiver.

What I saw that was interesting

It was a small thing, but I was nearby when wideout Drake London ran an out route that saw him fail to get his feet inbounds by inches. He responded with a salty four-letter exclamation. Entering his third year, you can see London drilling on precision. Of all the players with the potential to go nuclear with Cousins, he tops the list.

Wild card

Linebacker Kaden Elliss was a surprise breakout player for the Falcons last season after coming over from the New Orleans Saints in free agency. There’s significant internal buzz about him going into 2024 in defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake’s scheme. Expect him to be a very active pass rusher and chaos agent moving forward.