Tennessee Titans quarterbacks Matt Hasselbeck and Jake Locker were both solid, but not spectacular in Monday's joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons in Dalton, Ga.
Facing a Falcons' secondary developing under first-year defensive coordinator Mike Nolan, the Titans' quarterbacks faced man coverage for the majority of the two and a half hour practice. Both Hasselbeck and Locker completed more than 60 percent of their attempts and each threw a touchdown late in the session.
Injuries forced the Titans to start a makeshift offensive line. Center Eugene Amano is out for the season with a torn right triceps and starting right tackle David Stewart missed the trip with a knee injury. Third-year lineman Fernando Velasco received reps with the first-team at center, while fifth-year veteran Mike Otto appeared at right tackle with the starting team.
“They (the quarterbacks) were put in some tough spots with the different guys they're playing,” coach Mike Munchak said. “We have some young guys in there so there's more pressure when they're in.”
Both of Hasselbeck's interceptions came on passes intended for rookie wide receiver Kendall Wright. The three-time Pro Bowl quarterback needed to place a throw to Wright's outside shoulder on a fade route in the right corner of the end zone. Falcons cornerback Asante Samuel had better position and made the interception. Several plays later, Wright mistakenly broke to the inside of Samuel on a deep pass down the right sidelines. The throw was easily intercepted by Samuel.
“I was out there thinking too much,” Wright said. “I'm wiggling, I screwed the quarterback up there. That's my fault. I know (the route), I just needed to run it.”
Tight end Jared Cook made a diving catch on a Hasselbeck pass across the middle, while wide receiver Nate Washington made a nice reception in traffic over Samuel. Hasselbeck did well to step up and avoid pressure on the throw. Wide receiver Michael Preston also made a sliding catch on a Locker throw along the left sidelines. Minutes later, Washington made a fingertip catch across the middle on a pass from the second-year quarterback.
11-on-11 Drills - Hasselbeck: 10-16, 1 TD, 2 INTs; Locker: 10-15, 1 TD, 0 INT.
Day 9 Advantage - Tied
Training Camp totals - Hasselbeck: 99-137, 5 TDs, 7 INTs; Locker: 102-156, 3 TDs, 3 INTs
Advantage – Tied
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