After two joint practices earlier in the week, the Atlanta Falcons hosted the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for their second preseason game. The Titans defeated the Falcons 23-20.
With the NFL’s 53-man roster deadline approaching on August 26, this preseason matchup offered coaches a chance to evaluate players still competing for roster spots. Head coach Raheem Morris has previously stated his preference not to play starters during preseason games. For instance, wide receiver Casey Washington did not dress for Friday’s game after taking many reps with offensive starters in practice, which may indicate he has secured a spot on the final roster.
The Falcons’ offense had difficulty finding consistency throughout the game. Aside from two significant plays—a 43-yard touchdown run by running back Nathan Carter and a 52-yard touchdown reception by wide receiver Chris Blair—the team struggled to move the ball effectively. Penalties on the offensive line also disrupted drives, including one sequence following cornerback Natrone Brooks’ interception that pushed Atlanta out of scoring range and resulted in a field goal instead of a potential touchdown.
A highlight for Atlanta came when quarterback Easton Stick connected with Chris Blair for a 52-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter. Blair is competing for a roster position after spending most of last season on the practice squad and being elevated late in the year.
Several key players did not participate in Friday’s game, including ILB Divine Deablo, WR Darnell Mooney, S Jessie Bates III, WR Drake London, RB Bijan Robinson, TE Kyle Pitts Sr., QB Michael Penix Jr., and QB Kirk Cousins. This list is unofficial and was not provided by the team.
On defense, Natrone Brooks stood out with an interception returned for 33 yards—Atlanta’s first pick of the preseason—which set up their first points of the night.
Nathan Carter led Atlanta’s rushing attack with his 43-yard touchdown run and was already leading all rushers before that play. On special teams, tight end Teagan Quitoriano forced and recovered a fumble on kickoff coverage as he competes for a backup role behind Kyle Pitts Sr. and Charlie Woerner. Kicker Younghoe Koo made both his field-goal attempts (from 39 and 42 yards) in his return from injury late last season.
Punter Bradley Pinion delivered a notable punt that traveled 55 yards and pinned Tennessee at its own six-yard line; rookie safety Xavier Watts downed it inside the ten.
For Tennessee, rookie quarterback Cam Ward played three series in the first half and completed two of seven passes for 42 yards.
Injury-wise, Falcons quarterback Emory Jones left late in the fourth quarter after taking a hard hit but walked off under his own power accompanied by trainers. Easton Stick finished out Atlanta’s final series at quarterback.
Leading up to this game, both teams held joint practices where tensions occasionally flared—most notably involving Michael Penix Jr., who did not play Friday as planned after being involved in an altercation during Wednesday’s session with Titans defenders.
The Falcons will conclude their preseason schedule next Friday against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. No more training camp practices are open to fans before then.
