Quinn likes debuts of his coordinators

Despite exhibition loss, performance by team pleases coach.

Coach Dan Quinn was pleased with the debuts of his first-year coordinators during the exhibition opener at the Dolphins on Thursday, a 23-20 loss.

“It went well for both guys,” Quinn said Friday. “(Defensive coordinator) Marquand (Manuel) was on the field giving the signals through the headset or with his hands. (Defensive backs coach) Doug Mallory was on the sideline visiting with the (defensive backs). Next week, we’ll have Marquand in the press box. I want him to have that experience as well.”

Offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian called the game from the booth.

“With Sark, (he was) really clear in terms of his communication with me in his role,” Quinn said. “When we were on offense, I could hear the calls coming through. It was clear, and that’s what I was hoping for from the first game.”

Manuel and Sarkisian replaced Richard Smith, who was fired, and Kyle Shanahan, who left to become the 49ers’ head coach.

“For a number of us, it was our first time coaching in a game together,” Quinn said. “I was pleased with the communication from them.”

Despite the loss, Quinn generally was pleased with the performance on the field.

“One of the things I was happy about was the regard for the ball that our offense showed,” Quinn said. “Defensively, we created two turnovers, but didn’t really have a shot to force some fumbles.”

Ward impresses: Running back Terron Ward led the Falcons in rushing with 48 yards on 11 carries and one touchdown Thursday.

“Ward, I felt had some good runs,” Quinn said. “It was good to see that from him. He’s also showed good vision.”

Rookie Brian Hill was stymied. He ran for just 10 yards on nine carries.

“I want to see more of that finish from Hill,” Quinn said. “We know he has that kind of toughness, that kind of background. Where he really shined for us last night was on special teams.”

Hill played well on the coverage units.

McKinley still iffy: Firstround pick Takkarist McKinley was held out of Thursday’s game. However, Quinn is hopeful the defensive lineman will play against Pittsburgh on Aug. 20.

Several other rookies played well Thursday. Linebacker Duke Riley and defensive back Damontae Kazee played strong games in the 23-20 loss.

“He looked really aware in the system,” Quinn said of Riley.

Sean Harlow played 52 snaps at offensive lineman, which was second on the team behind backup center Cornelius Edison.

Tight end Eric Saubert had a dropped pass and a penalty.

Undrafted receiver Reggie Davis had a big punt return and a nice block on Ward’s long run.

Neasman coming along: Sharrod Neasman made the start for Keanu Neal at strong safety Thursday. Neal was held out as a precaution.

“He looked real comfortable,” Quinn said of Neasman. “He had a nice tackle on a screen play that went out to the defensive left. He did a really good job of wrapping the receiver up.”

Neasman, who played at Florida Atlantic, has been in the Falcons’ developmental program.