Taylor Heinicke Reacts to Atlanta Falcons Receiver Drake London Returning to Practice
The Atlanta Falcons have flown through enough turbulence on offense this season. Between a quarterback change, resource management … concerns, and a handful of injuries, it has not been an easy half-season for the offense.
Atlanta did get some good news on Wednesday, as top receiver Drake London returned to the practice field. Head coach Arthur Smith said he was “trending in the right direction.”
London suffered a groin injury that held him out of Week 9’s chaotic loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The loss was the Falcons’ second consecutive blemish and their fifth in the last seven games. At 4-5, this offense needs to get off the ground fast.
London hauls in a pass against the Green Bay Packers.
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
London was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, prompting a reaction from quarterback Taylor Heinicke.
“Obviously Drake's a great player, great receiver, he's very friendly for a quarterback,” Heinicke said. “I don't think I've ever had a guy that big to throw to in my career. Obviously, Terry McLaurin, Jahan [Dotson], all those guys were really good receivers, they were just kind of smaller, speedy guys, whereas Drake's a big guy.”
If London is able to go, it will be Heinicke’s first start with London by his side. In Week 8, only 21 of London’s 55 yards came from Heinicke, who completed one-of-two passes thrown in his direction.
Heinicke finished Week 8 with 175 yards and a touchdown. A week later, he’d complete 21 of 38 passes for 268 yards, with a single score and interception.
With some extra time to gel, Heinicke is hoping to strengthen his connection with the 2022 first-round pick. Developing a rapport with London could give Atlanta a boost on downfield shots and red-zone attempts alike.
“I can maybe sail one and he makes it look like a perfect throw,” Heinicke said. “He's very fun to throw to, I'm very glad he's back out there."
Heinicke and London will look to elevate the Falcons’ offense against a mediocre Arizona Cardinals team, potentially rejuvenated by the return of quarterback Kyler Murray.
Simply put, this offense needs to be better, and getting put on upset alert could ground Atlanta’s playoff aspirations. The Falcons need a healthy London firing on all cylinders on Sunday.
