Falcons and Titans practice deemed a success

Both squads had productive afternoons working against each other and both coaches seemed pleased with the results. Both parties hinted that they'd consider making the practice an annual event.

The Falcons began to reveal their offensive identity at Monday afternoon’s practice against the Tennessee Titans. QB Matt Ryan was 16-of-17 passing and backup quarterback Chris Redman was a perfect 6-of-6. 

The Falcons ran 50 plays in total, 31 of which were passing plays. New offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter even ran a couple screen plays – one for shifty RB Jacquizz Rodgers and another for WR Julio Jones. 

“When we say a spacing game, it’s about throwing the football and being able to move the ball through the air,” head coach Mike Smith told Brian Mcintyre on Monday before the scrimmage. “You’ve got to have the weapons so our identity is we want to be as explosive as we can, both running and throwing the football.”   

In total, 14 receivers caught passes included three each from Jacquizz Rodgers, Roddy White, and Tony Gonzalez. 

“I think we got a lot accomplished,” Ryan told Orlando Ledbetter. “It was good for us to communicate against a different defense and see some different looks, to really make sure that we are on top of our assignments. It was really productive for us.”

Titans QB Matt Hasselbeck was complimentary of the Falcons’ new defense, saying that the polished team knew how to practice proficiently.

“I thought the Falcons defense was real professional with the way they handled everything,” he said to Ledbetter. “It’s been my experience that good teams know how to practice without pads, which means they usually know how to with pads. You can tell Atlanta is a good team.”

Cornerback Asante Samuel had a productive afternoon as he snagged two interceptions during the scrimmage in front of an announced crowd of 8,627 fans. 

Falcons release first depth chart: 

LT Sam Baker appears to have the inside track for the starting spot, a position he relinquished last season due to an injury. It appears to be Baker's position to lose.

Also, DT Corey Peters has lost traction in his attempt to start due to a lingering foot injury. Peria Jerry has replaced him on the first team. 

CB Asante Samuel is listed as the second-team defensive back behind Dunta Robinson, however both Robinson and Brent Grimes -- who's expected to start as well -- missed Monday's scrimmage vs. Tennessee. Robinson had a foot injury and Grimes had an ankle injury.

It remains to be seen whether they'll suit up on Thursday night vs. Baltimore.

 

For more Falcons coverage, follow Mike Singer @CBSSportsNFLATL.