Falcons starters solid in limited showing, beat Titans 31-24 in preseason opener

Ryan completed all six throws, Jones had touchdown catch

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Justin Hunter (15) tries to make the catch against Atlanta Falcons cornerback Jalen Collins (32) during the first half of Friday's preseason game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. - photo by David Goldman

0815Falcons1 — Tennessee Titans wide receiver Justin Hunter (15) tries to make the catch against Atlanta Falcons cornerback Jalen Collins (32) during the first half of Friday's preseason game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. - photo by David Goldman

ATLANTA — Tennessee rookie quarterback Marcus Mariota, whose first two drives ended with an interception and a fumble, recovered to lead a touchdown drive in the Titans’ 31-24 loss to the Atlanta Falcons in a preseason opener Friday night. Atlanta’s Matt Ryan completed all six passes for 86 yards on his only possession, including a 13-yard touchdown to Julio Jones. With the assistance of Mariota’s early turnovers, the Falcons led 17-0 behind new coach Dan Quinn before the Titans pulled even at 24.

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