Defensive observations (Waack):
– There wasn’t anything all that notable from the 7-on-7 period. Falcons safety Ronnie Harrison, who signed last Sunday, was super close to getting his first interception in Atlanta when a pass from Titans quarterback Brandon Allen hit Harrison’s hands rather than those of a Tennessee teammate in the end zone. The ball fell incomplete, though.
– During the first 11-on-11 period, Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley caught a deep touchdown pass down the left sideline from quarterback Cam Ward. Falcons cornerback AJ Terrell Jr. was beat in coverage. Upon crossing the goal line, Ridley spiked the ball and was yelling toward the crowd. Much later in practice, Terrell low-key got his revenge, breaking up another ball intended for Ridley during full-team work.
– Ward later threw a touchdown pass to Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo. It looked almost too easy, as Okonkwo was clear by the time he reached the end zone and the ball came his way. Falcons cornerback Mike Hughes and safety Xavier Watts were the closest defenders, but without knowing the coverage call, it’s unknown whether it was really their fault. Inside linebacker Kaden Elliss was seen chatting with Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich immediately after the play concluded. What was good to see, however: Two plays later, the Falcons’ defense had great coverage on a likely pass play that forced Ward to throw the ball away. Almost like a quick lesson-learned moment.
– Titans running back Tony Pollard had a really good, long run into the end zone prior to Ridley’s touchdown. Judging any type of run is difficult during training camp because players aren’t actually ever tackled to the ground, but still going to give credit where credit is due, and that is to Pollard in the moment. He got by Falcons safety Jordan Fuller.
– Watts spent what seemed like the majority of 11-on-11 work opposite fellow safety Jessie Bates III with the first-team defense. Fuller mainly rotated with Watts, while DeMarcco Hellams stuck primarily with the second-team unit. The battle for the second starting safety spot may be one of the most highly contested this preseason, as the trio of Watts, Fuller and Hellams have shared reps at the position.
– Falcons cornerback Mike Ford Jr. received reps with the first-team defense, rotating with nickel Dee Alford. Ford flashed in special teams, too, showing off his speed and ability to reach a punt returner upon catching the ball. Really, noting Ford here more so as someone to keep an eye on in the remaining preseason games as he makes a push both on defense and special teams to make the 53-man roster.
– Overall, I personally did not watch the Falcons’ defense during Tuesday’s joint practice. But from what I read of McElhaney’s coverage, the defense didn’t have nearly as flashy of a day Wednesday. Whether that’s because the Titans cleaned things up or the Falcons weren’t as productive is tough to say. Either way, even without watching both sides of the ball both days, I can confidently say the vibes from Day 1 to 2 were very different.
Special teams observations (Waack):
– The Falcons’ offense wasn’t the only unit to cause a scuffle. Special teams did, too. After Titans wide receiver James Proche II fielded a punt, Falcons wide receiver Casey Washington was on him for the stop. Washington, who may have still been hot from his offensive skirmishes, appeared to have played through the moment because soon enough, he and Proche were jarring, each grabbing the other’s face mask. It was enough to draw teammates over. Washington eventually walked off without his helmet on.
– There was another close call with Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley earlier, when the punt responsibilities were flipped. A fight didn’t ensue, but Ridley was clearly chirping on the Titans’ sideline to a point where Falcons head coach Raheem Morris spoke to him. Between that and the offensive outburst, it’s safe to assume Ridley came into the second joint practice with a chip on his shoulder from the first.
– Falcons safety DeMarcco Hellams got banged up on punt coverage. He walked off slowly holding his left shoulder or collar bone. Hellams was later seen active with the defense, though, so he’s presumably OK.
What’s next: The Falcons host the Titans for their second preseason game on Friday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.
Countdown to kickoff: There are 25 days until the Falcons’ Week 1 opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 7 inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium. | See full schedule
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