**ATLANTA -**- The Titans beat the Falcons 23-20 here on Friday night at Mercedes Benz Stadium.
Here's a look at six things that stood out in the contest:
Gunnar Helm
OK, Gunnar Helm. The Titans rookie tight end went up and made a big man catch in the end zone against the Falcons. Helm battled off defenders Ronnie Harrison and Jordan Fuller of the Falcons to secure a 25-yard touchdown catch on a ball thrown by quarterback Brandon Allen. Helm caught four passes for 48 yards and a score in the game, and his play was one of the bright spots in the contest.
Cam, Take 2
Titans quarterback Cam Ward played three series against the Falcons, but he ended up throwing fewer passes than he did in Week 1, when he played two series. Ward's first throw of the night was a strike to receiver Elic Ayomanor for 35 yards. His second throw was a beauty downfield to Van Jefferson, who was unable to bring it in. But the Titans first-team offense, playing without a number of starters, couldn't get into rhythm here on Friday night. Ward went 2-of-7 for 42 yards before being replaced by Allen in the second quarter.
Way to make a play, Kendell Brooks. Late in the first quarter, the Titans cornerback stepped in front of an Easton Stick pass and returned it 53 yards for a touchdown, which gave the Titans a 6-0 lead. It was a heck of a play by Brooks, an undrafted free agent from Michigan State. Brooks jumped the route, and he had nothing but turf between him and the end zone. His teammates then celebrated him when he got to the sideline.
ILB Switcheroo
The competition remains open at inside linebacker, alongside Cody Barton. Cedric Gray started the contest against the Falcons, a week after James Williams Sr. started in the preseason opener against the Buccaneers. Both players worked with the first team in practices here this week. Gray made plays early, recording a half-sack and five tackles. Gray also hauled in an interception, but it was negated because of offsetting penalties.
A Night Off
I mentioned previously the team was without several starters on offense, and that group included receiver Calvin Ridley, running back Tony Pollard and guard Kevin Zeitler. Receiver Tyler Lockett also didn't play, and a number of key defensive players sat out as well, including defensive linemen Jeffery Simmons, T'Vondre Sweat and Sebastian Joseph-Day. Running back Tyjae Spears, edge Jaylen Harrell, and safety Quandre Diggs also didn't suit up, while L'Jarius Sneed remains on the team's Physically Unable to Perform list.
Cushenberry Progress
Titans center Lloyd Cushenberry is edging closer to returning to action. Here on Friday night, Cushenberry was decked out in uniform for warmups, and took part in drills on the field in pregame. While Cushenberry didn't play in the game – he eventually changed into street clothes – he's trending in the right direction after being taken off the team's Physically Unable to Perform list earlier this week.