Big hits from linebacker Mike Peterson and safety William Moore caused tempers to flare in the Falcons' final padded practice of exhibition season, says the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's D. Orlando Ledbetter.
First, Peterson laid a hit on running back Michael Turner, then Moore hit RB Antone Smith, causing a scrum on the practice field. Falcons coach Mike Smith had to separate the two sides before addressing the players.
"I just needed to politely remind them of the number one goal of our training camp is to make sure that we get everybody to the first game healthy," Smith said. "I love their enthusiasm. I love their energy. I love their passion. But it was just something that I needed to remind them about."
The Falcons close out their exhibition season in Jacksonville on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. ET against the Jaguars. Falcons starters are not expected to play much, as Atlanta's coaching staff evaluates borderline players before cutting rosters down to 53 players Friday.
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