What Titans coach Mike Vrabel had to say about the Falcons

A: "I don't try to determine what team we're going to see. It's a talented football team when operating and functioning properly. They are tough to defend on offense and aggressive on defense. I think that they are still a team that wants to run the football and wants to be physical."

Q: What are the challenges facing the Titans’ defense, with all of the Falcons’ weapons?

A: "I just think when you look and see the opportunities when teams have chosen to double team (wide receiver) Julio (Jones), (quarterback) Matt (Ryan) quickly recognizes it and will make a play away from it. Whether that be taking a shot for a long touchdown against the Eagles. Even if he has some coverage on him, he's trusting who the player is that he's throwing it to and Julio is going up and making plays."

Q: Is there an advantage to having some film on a common early season opponent like the Colts? 

A: "I think that there is so much scheme variances that sometimes it's hard to figure out exactly what their game plan may be and how they plan to attack. I wouldn't say that it would be an advantage either way."

Q: How impactful will the lost of Keanu Neal be at strong safety for the Falcons?

A: "I'm not going to comment on what their situation is, other than to say he's a very good player. Very instinctive and reactive. Good blitzer. He covered (tight ends). That's always a challenge that teams face is trying to replace somebody that does a lot of things for you. He did a lot of different things for them. Communication, alignments, production and leadership. Those are a lot of things to replace. He is a good player."

Q: How are the Titans working on their offensive line problems?

A: "We're doing the same thing as everyone else. We're trying to improve, be accountable and work on our fundamentals."

Q: How’s Nate Davis coming along. Will he be ready to play against the Falcons? 

A: "Well, we are going to find out here in a little bit. We'll have pads on today. We'll work out first- and second-down package. We're going to see where he's at. We going to check on his progress and his improvement."

Q: How are you assessing the matchup between tight end Delanie Walker and the Falcons’ strong safety or strongside linebacker. 

A: "I think we'll assess the matchup based on the production in the game. We'll prepare and put together a plan that will give us the best chance to win the game. Offensively, as it relates to Delanie and who ever may be covering him in a zone concept or man coverage."

Q: How’s running back Derrick Henry playing for the Titans? 

A: "Well obviously, Derrick is somebody that we have to get going. We have to find ways to throw him the football. We have to keep him on the move. Be able to run it with him and to help set up some other things. ... Coming off the last game, we all can play better. There are some plays that we'd like back. I think Derrick is like a lot of other guys, me included, in that equation."

Q: How’s Kevin Byard performing for you at free safety? 

A: "Great leader. He loves football. He just had a baby. He and his wife. Very consistent player. I thought he tackled very well on Thursday. He helps control our defense." 

Q: How’s Marcus Mariota doing after that Jacksonville outing?

A: "We're trying to improve. I think that there were plays in our most recent game that functioned and operated as an offense with discipline, execution and there were some plays that we'd all like to have back at three levels, the line, at the passing level with receivers and the quarterback. There are things that we definitely have to work on and try to have more of those good plays and less of the bad ones."

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