Tennessee Titans Drop Preseason Decision to Carolina Panthers, 26-16

NASHVILLE, TN — The Tennessee Titans fell to 1-1 on the preseason, losing 26-16 to the defending NFC champion Carolina Panthers Saturday at Nissan Stadium.

Marcus Mariota was once again sharp in his limited action, going 9-for-10 for 104 yards and a touchdown. His lone missed pass was an interception.

The Panthers were one of the NFL's top rushing teams last season and the Titans defense performed well when Carolina went to the ground, holding the running attack to just 53 yards. The other side of the coin, of course, is that the Titans' pass defense was far more porous as each of the trio of Carolina quarterbacks — starter Cam Newton (who did not once dab Saturday), vet Derek Anderson and third-stringer Joe Webb — had touchdown passes and put up a combined 340 yards.

Offensively, the Titans passing attack looked efficient and the rushing attack was useful, if not nearly as impressive as last week. Rookie Derrick Henry, often running behind former Alabama backfield partner Jalston Fowler, led the way with 31 yards on five carries.

Titans Rookie receiver Tajae Sharp continued his excellent preseason with six catches for 68 yards. Veteran Harry Douglas and rookie tight end Alex Ellis had touchdown catches for the Titans.

The preseason campaign rolls on next Saturday, as the Titans travel to Oakland for a 7 p.m. Central game against the Raiders.