DALTON, Ga. (AP) --The Tennessee Titans continued their preparation for the preseason, taking part in a joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons Monday in Dalton, Ga.
Titans head coach Mike Munchak said it was a productive day of work for his team that opens the preseason Saturday night in Seattle.
"This is more about getting better and competing, and I think you saw that with both teams," Munchak said.
The Falcons open their preseason schedule on Thursday night when they host the Baltimore Ravens.
Falcons head coach Mike Smith gave quarterback Matt Ryan and his starters extended playing time in Monday's controlled environment because they probably won't see much action against the Ravens.
"It's a great opportunity for us to work our first teams," Smith said. "That was our philosophy. We wanted to get some good work with our first units because historically they don't play a whole lot in the first preseason game. We have our first game coming up on Thursday and a lot of the younger guys are going to get a lot of snaps."
Atlanta continued to work Sam Baker at left tackle with the first-team offense. Baker was beaten by Tennessee safety Jordan Babineaux, and Atlanta tight end Tony Gonzalez was beaten by Titans defensive end Kamerion Wimbley on one play that could have ended in a sack in a game.
Ryan had enough protection to complete nice gains to tight end Tony Gonzalez and receiver Roddy White, as well as screens to running backs Jacquizz Rodgers and Michael Turner.
Matt Hasselbeck had a strong start as he continued his competition with Jake Locker for the starting quarterback job for Tennessee. Hasselbeck beat Falcons cornerback Asante Samuel on a deep sideline pass to Nate Washington.
Samuel enjoyed a double dose of revenge with two interceptions against Hasselbeck.
Hasselbeck had compliments for the way Atlanta's defense handled the scrimmage.
"From the start I thought Atlanta's defense was real professional with how they handled everything," Hasselbeck said.
"You can tell Atlanta is a good team. You can tell their mindset is to have a good season and make it to the Super Bowl. They get it."
Munchak said the practice against the Falcons helped him evaluate the quarterbacks.
"They've got some great DBs and they made some plays and were covering well, especially early," Munchak said. "I think it was good for them to get a feel for that, the receivers and the quarterbacks.
"It helps. It just creates a different atmosphere, a different situation."
NOTES: Munchak said he had not heard from the league about receiver Kenny Britt's meeting Monday with league officials at the NFL offices after being charged with driving under the influence. It was Britt's eighth run-in with police since he was drafted in 2009. "No, really that's a private matter between Kenny Britt and the league," Munchak said. "We know he's there and that's pretty much all we know." ... Falcons DTs Vance Walker and Corey Peters were held out with foot injuries. CB Dunta Robinson did not practice due to an ankle injury.
