Mariota returns for Titans, not enough to beat the Jets
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota played his first game since breaking his right leg late last season in a 7-3 loss to the Jets in the preseason opener for both teams on Saturday night.
Mariota, who threw for 3,426 yards and 26 touchdowns in 2016 before his injury on Dec. 24 against Jacksonville, played two series in the first quarter.
On his first attempt, he scrambled to his right and completed a 15-yard pass to Rishard Matthews . He finished 2 of 3 for 15 yards.
Unlike the Titans, the Jets' quarterback situation is more muddled. Well-traveled veteran Josh McCown got the start for New York. He was 3 of 4 for 72 yards and a touchdown in his one series, which was enough for the win because the Jets defense had eight sacks and was dominant throughout.
Christian Hackenberg, a second-round pick in 2016, took over for McCown and played until late in the third quarter. Hackenberg was 18 of 25 for 127 yards.
Bryce Petty, a fourth-round pick in 2015, finished up and was 2 of 6 for 16 yards.
Robby Anderson, an undrafted free agent who was trying to make the team a year ago, is the Jets' No. 1 receiver after Quincy Enunwa was lost for the season to a neck injury. He had three receptions for 71 yards.
Anderson made a nice 53-yard catch on the opening drive, which ended with McCown's 4-yard TD pass Charone Peake.
Titans rookie receiver Taywan Taylor made a leaping a 42-yard catch in the third quarter. The drive ended with Ryan Succop's 36-yard field goal.