National Football League

Locker steps up for Titans in battle of backups

Published Sep. 2, 2011 6:02 a.m. ET

foxsports

Tennessee's rookie quarterback Jake Locker added a bit of sparkle to an otherwise lackluster game Thursday night, leading the Titans to a 32-9 victory over the New Orleans Saints.

The Titans' first-round pick completed 15 of 17 for 132 yards and a touchdown. Locker also ran 22 yards to score.

Saints QB Sean Canfield was not as impressive. His only TD drive came in the fourth quarter when Montez Billings capped a 66-yard drive with a 2-yard reception.

The final preseason game for both teams was a battle of the backups. The Titans briefly played 10 of their regular starters, including quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, who took nine snaps, and five defensive starters.

New Orleans had one offensive starter in early and seven defensive starters play for a short time.