The Falcons defense made the stronger impression on Thursday afternoon in Westfield, Ind., as Day 2 of joint practices with the Colts gave Atlanta a chance to answer back after last season's uneven meeting in Berlin, Germany.
That earlier game was a reminder of what the Colts can do when they get rolling. They finished with 512 yards of total offense and Jonathan Taylor went for 244 yards and three touchdowns, so this practice week was always going to be a useful measuring stick for the Falcons.
A better showing from the Falcons defense
On a day when the Atlanta Falcons and the Indianapolis Colts worked through 1-on-1s, 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 periods, the Falcons defense had the clearer edge. The session offered the kind of live evaluation that can expose whether a unit is ready for tougher offenses, and Atlanta looked more settled than it had on Wednesday, when the focus had been on offense during Day 1.
One of the early standouts was A.J. Terrell, who won a 1-on-1 rep against LaQuon Treadwell. That kind of moment matters in a practice setting like this because it sets the tone for the rest of the defensive group.
Why the Colts test mattered
The Colts offensive line has carried a good reputation for the last several years, which is why this was not a soft assignment for Atlanta's front and secondary. Even so, the Falcons were able to produce the sort of response that coaches will want to see after last season's problems against Indianapolis.
There were also signs that the defense was comfortable competing across the field, not just in isolated drills. A joint practice can be as revealing as a preseason game in some ways, and this one suggested the Falcons were sharper on that side of the ball.
Another chance still to come
There may be another opportunity for Allen Jr. to repeat his performance on Saturday night, which gives both teams one more chance to build on what they showed in Westfield. For Atlanta, though, Thursday was the day that stood out.
If the Falcons wanted a response to the questions raised by that 512-yard performance in Berlin, they got one here. It was only practice, but it was the kind of practice that tells you the defense is ready to compete.
