After bordering on stagnant in the preseason opener, the Tennessee Titans offense erupted for 34 points Saturday in a 34-27 win over the Carolina Panthers in Nashville. The Titans had a solid afternoon from quarterback Marcus Mariota, who completed 6-of-8 passes for 61 yards and a touchdown, that being a four-yard completion to tight end Delanie Walker. Mariota played only two series before being replaced by backup Matt Cassel in the first quarter.
The Titans opted to keep running back DeMarco Murray out of the game. Travis Henry got the start and rushed for 36 yards and two touchdowns in the first half, including a 17-yard run which gave the Titans a 17-0 lead late in the first quarter.
The Titans made some big plays on defense as well, forcing a fumble on Carolina’s first offensive play of the game. Later, Titans linebacker Justin Staples intercepted a Derek Anderson pass. The Titans converted both of the turnovers into scores.