CHARLES ODUM
AP Sports Writer
ATLANTA — Tennessee rookie quarterback Marcus Mariota quickly learned NFL games are different from practice.
Mariota’s first two series ended with an interception and a fumble before he recovered to lead a touchdown drive in the Titans’ 31-24 loss to the Atlanta Falcons in a preseason opener Friday night.
One play after he was sacked early in his first drive, Mariota’s short pass was intercepted by linebacker Justin Durant, whose 20-yard return set up a field goal. On Tennessee’s next drive, the ball slipped out of Mariota’s hand as he was preparing to pass.