The Atlanta Falcons conducted the first of two joint practices with the Tennessee Titans on Tuesday at their training facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia. Head coach Raheem Morris addressed the media before practice, emphasizing the value of facing a different opponent during training camp.
“These (days) are the ones I really love,” Morris said. “Highly competitive days, going against a different color, going against different skillsets, different schemes, getting a chance to match up your guys with those guys. Real high level of energy, high physicality, assimilation of that game-like structure versus another team with really skillful players. Getting a chance to see this young quarterback that they have go out there and play against our defense, and get a chance to see some old faces whether it be Calvin Ridley, Sebastian Joseph-Day, those guys going against us on defense — I’m really fired up to go out and play against those kind of guys and fired up to see those guys play against us.”
Morris also provided updates on several injured players. Cornerback Clark Phillips III remains day-to-day after suffering a rib injury last week. Linebacker Caleb Johnson is absent for personal reasons unrelated to injury and is expected back soon. Running back Carlos Washington Jr. is dealing with a hamstring issue but could return shortly. Wide receiver Darnell Mooney continues his recovery from a shoulder injury and will be evaluated week-to-week. Defensive lineman Ta’Quon Graham sustained a lower leg injury during practice and did not participate in team drills afterward.
Among offensive standouts was wide receiver Casey Washington, who made an impression in Darnell Mooney’s absence by catching both targets during 11-on-11 work—including a 52-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
On defense, Natrone Brooks saw time with the first-team unit for the first time this camp period, stepping in as an outside cornerback behind A.J. Terrell and Mike Hughes.
Running backs coach Michael Pitre commented on competition for depth at running back: “Jashaun Corbin, Nate Cater and Elijah Dotson. I think all of them are showing different signs and flashes of things they can do. It’s ultimately who can be the most complete guy on all three days.”
Defensive lineman Brandon Dorlus shared his perspective: “You can’t have a million-dollar move with a $10 finish.”
In offensive drills, both quarterbacks Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins saw significant action during 7-on-7 periods—Penix completed all five passes while Cousins connected on three out of five attempts. Wide receiver Drake London also had notable performances in both individual matchups and team periods.
The backup offensive line group appeared less prepared compared to starters based on their performance during drills.
On defense, cornerbacks Dee Alford and Billy Bowman Jr. were recognized for breaking up passes during one-on-one sessions while A.J. Terrell faced off against former Falcon Calvin Ridley in several competitive reps.
There were communication issues between Titans quarterback Cam Ward and his receivers throughout practice which resulted in multiple pass breakups by Falcons defenders including an interception by Jessie Bates III following a deflection by Terrell.
The Falcons’ starting defensive front maintained consistent pressure through the interior line led by David Onyemata, Ruke Orhorhoro, Brandon Dorlus, and Zach Harrison.
First-round picks Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. were used in varied roles along the defensive front as coaches experimented with new alignments during third-down scenarios.
Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich noted that several starting positions remain open within the unit but did not specify which ones.
Special teams work included field-goal sessions where Younghoe Koo converted all four attempts from distances ranging from 40 to 54 yards; Lenny Krieg was successful from similar ranges but missed one attempt at 52 yards near session’s end.
The Falcons will hold their final open practice for fans Wednesday at IBM Performance Field before continuing preparations for their season opener against Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 7.
