3 studs (and 4 duds) from Titans' ugly joint practice with Falcons

The Tennessee Titans held their first of two joint practices in Atlanta with the Falcons on Tuesday. The two sides will conclude their shared week on Friday for their Week 2 preseason game. It represented the Titans' first practice-field opportunity since losing their exhibition opener 29-7 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Titans made several roster changes following the Bucs' defeat, and prior to the Falcons practice. They replaced third-string quarterback Tim Boyle with Trevor Siemian. Linebackers David Gbenda and Anfernee Orji were waived (Orji was waived-injured), and were replaced by new signings Khaleke Hudson and Blake Lynch.

Which players managed to stand out — for better or worse? Let's take a closer look at what occurred during Tuesday's joint practice with the Falcons by identifying the standouts and duds.

Standouts and Duds from Titans' first joint practice with Falcons

Stud: WR Calvin Ridley

Calvin Ridley showcased outstanding chemistry with rookie quarterback Cam Ward in Saturday's preseason opener, recording three catches for 50 yards on a lengthy scoring drive. Tennessee's No. 1 receiver carried that momentum over to Thursday's joint practice. Ridley caught three balls on four one-v-one reps with Falcons Second-Team All-Pro cornerback A.J. Terrell, per Turron Davenport, and later made a big-time play for Ward down the field, per Terry McCormick.

Dud: Titans pass rush

Tennessee's pass rush left plenty to be desired in the preseason defeat to the Buccaneers, recording just one sack (a coverage sack). The Titans' edge-rushing group has been a concern all offseason long. At Tuesday's practice, the Falcons' offensive line routinely won their one-v-one reps against the Titans' d-line, according to D. Orlando Ledbetter.

Dud: LB Cedric Gray

Sophomore linebacker Cedric Gray hasn't truly made it a "competition" for the starting gig opposite Cody Barton. Fellow second-year defender James Williams has exclusively run with the first-team defense throughout training camp. Gray did himself no favors at Tuesday's practice, allowing Falcons running back Bijan Robinson to beat him on a wheel route for a TD during 7-on-7, per Davenport.

Stud: DT Jeffery Simmons

Superstar defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons isn't always a recurring participant in one-v-one drills. During a team period, Simmons had a pressure on Falcons starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. that forced an incompletion, according to Paul Kuharsky. The Titans' pass rush needs him to be great this season.

Stud: WR Chimere Dike

Outside of Ridley, Tennessee's receivers struggled during one-v-one drills. One of the few bright spots was this route by Titans rookie wideout Chimere Dike, who created ample separation between he and Falcons cornerback Lamar Jackson. Dike's speed could create explosive plays this season.

Dud: CB Amani Oruwariye

Veteran cornerback Amani Oruwariye is on the roster bubble. Oruwariye is likely competing for the Titans' final cornerback spot with Gabe Jeudy-Lally and UDFA corner Davion Ross. Falcons No. 1 receiver Drake London absolutely embarrassed him in coverage, climbing the ladder to make this highlight-worthy grab.

Dud: RB Julius Chestnut

The Titans may rely more on Julius Chestnut at running back following the high-ankle sprain injury to Tyjae Spears. Chestnut did not take advantage of more opportunities versus the Falcons. The former Sacred Heart ball-carrier lost a fumble during an 11-on-11 drill, which was scooped up for a Falcons defensive score, according to Davenport. That's a big no-no.