PRESEASON WRAP: The win against the Saints gave the Titans a 2-2 record in the preseason, marking the fourth consecutive preseason they were .500 or better. The win also improved Jeff Fisher's career (1995-present) preseason record to 34-30.
TITANS SCRATCHES: The Titans not in action against the Panthers were running back Chris Johnson; wide receivers Justin Gage and Nate Washington; tackle Mike Otto; guard Leroy Harris; linebackers David Thornton and Rennie Curran; and defensive ends Williams Hayes and Jacob Ford.
TWO KEY DEFENDERS RETURN: The Titans had two defensive starters return to the lineup after missing the first three preseason games due to injury: cornerback Cortland Finnegan (groin injury) and defensive tackle Tony Brown (knee). Finnegan was credited with six tackles and one pass defensed. Brown did not record a tackle but was a part of the unit that limited the Saints to three points in the first quarter.
DEFENSE CONTINUES STREAK: With the Titans defensive starters playing much of the first half, the unit continued its preseason streak of not allowing a touchdown. The Saints scored three points on offense in the first half (seven after a blocked punt), giving the Titans four consecutive preseason games without the starters allowing a touchdown to an opposing offense.
MARIANI TAKES NFL YARDAGE LEAD: In the third quarter, Marc Mariani caught a 41-yard pass from Chris Simms. It was Mariani's third play in three weeks of 37-plus yards. The rookie from Montana had a 60-yard kickoff return against Arizona (8/23) and a 37-yard reception at Carolina (8/28). He led all NFL players during the preseason with 444 combined net yards (131 receiving, 267 kickoff returns, 46 punt returns).
STATISTICAL ADVANTAGE: Most of the statistics leaned in favor of the Titans, including total yards (466 to 292), rushing yards (222 to 74), first downs (27 to 17) and time of possession (33:39 to 26:21).
RINGER'S LONG RUN: Late in the first quarter, Javon Ringer gained 47 yards on a running play, leading to a Titans touchdown three plays later and a 7-0 lead. It was Ringer's longest run of the preseason, topping his 46-yarder at Seattle on Aug. 14. Ringer finished the preseason with 25 carries for a team-high165 yards, an average of 6.6 yards per carry. He ranked sixth in the NFL in rushing yards during the preseason.
YOUNG CAPS PRESEASON WITH TD PASS: The Titans took a 7-0 lead when Vince Young completed his first touchdown pass of the preseason, a seven-yard strike to tight end Bo Scaife. It was Young's final pass of the night. He finished the game with seven attempts, four completions and 24 yards for a 103.6 passer rating.
JONES SACK: Defensive tackle Jason Jones continued his impressive preseason, accounting for a seven-yard sack of Patrick Ramsey in the second quarter.
GADO TAKES OFF: In the second quarter, back-up running back Samkon Gado gained 31 yards on a rushing play, setting up a 30-yard field goal by Rob Bironas. Gado totaled 63 yards on 13 carries in the game, and in three preseason games he registered 19 carries for 39 yards and two touchdowns.
TWO-MINUTE DRIVE: With Kerry Collins at quarterback, the Titans executed a two-minute drive with success at the end of the first half. Armed with two timeouts, they took possession on their own 29-yard line. Ten plays and 63 yards later, Rob Bironas booted a 26-yard field goal as time expired in the half to give the Titans a 13-10 lead.
COOK LEADS WAY: Not only did second-year tight end Jared Cook lead the team in receiving against the Saints, he took the team lead in receiving for the preseason. His four receptions for 61 yards Thursday night gave him preseason totals of eight receptions for 132 yards and one touchdown.
SMITH-EDISON CONNECTION: In the fourth quarter, rookie quarterback Rusty Smith and second-year wideout Dominique Edison connected on the team's longest pass of the preseason. Smith hit Edison in stride down the right sideline for a 45-yard gain, setting up an Alvin Pearman touchdown run three plays later.
McRATH SECURES WIN: Linebacker Gerald McRath helped secure the win with a late interception. With 11 seconds remaining in the game, the Saints faced a fourth-and-two at the Tennessee 16. Quarterback Chase Daniel tried to find tight end Tyler Lorenzen in the end zone, but McRath made a leaping grab for an interception.
