The Sports Xchange

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -Dan Quinn has a strong defensive background, and the focus of Wednesday’s practice for the Atlanta Falcons’ first-year head coach was the football – the offense protecting it and the defense getting after it.

It is all in preparation for Friday’s preseason opener against the Tennessee Titans, when the coach staff will alternate playing time in an attempt to further establishing the depth chart and battles for roster spots.

“There’s so many guys who are going through different stages at where they’re at, and trying to represent for themselves and for their teammates,” Quinn said. “From the guy who’s trying to make the club, to the guy who’s really trying to get his skills sharp. I think it’s totally important for each guy to represent for one another with the style and the attitude that they can play with. ‘Can you count on me to play in this fashion all the time?’ Yeah, so I think it’s really important.”

The team worked in helmets only, and will do so again Thursday.

“Sometimes we’ll go helmets, sometimes not, sometimes full pads,” Quin said. “Every time we’re going I just want the speed and the energy to be the same, so always educating the guys and how we can go do that”

–Wide receiver Carlton Mitchell spent some time working with defensive backs coach Marquand Manuel after practice on Wednesday. The Falcons are looking for big cornerbacks and Mitchell is 6-feet-2, 211 pounds.

–Cornerback Michael Lee was re-signed after being released last Wednesday to make room for nose tackle Derrick Hopkins. Lee, who played at Massachusetts and Fort Valley State. Nose tackle Ricky Heimuli was waived after the team reached an injury settlement.

–T.Y. Yates and Sean Renfree continue to battle for the backup job to starting quarterback Matt Ryan. Quinn labeled the competition as “back-and-forth,” and said both quarterbacks will see significant playing time during the first few preseason games.

INJURIES: RBs Devonta Freeman (hamstring) and Tevin Coleman (hamstring), LB Brooks Reed (hip/groin) and DE Cliff Matthews (ankle) are not expected to play against Tennessee.