Defense creates turnovers, carries Titans to rout of Saints

Jordan Babineaux forced a fumble and intercepted a pass as the defense forced five turnovers in the Tennessee Titans’ 32-9 victory over the New Orleans Saints in the final preseason game for both teams.

Babineaux, who also was credited with two tackles, started at safety in place of Chris Hope, who sat out with an arm injury, on a night when the Titans starters played little and many of New Orleans’ top players never saw the field.

Babineaux's forced fumble led to the first of three Rob Bironas field goals, which made it 5-0. He intercepted a pass on the next possession and set up a 22-yard touchdown run by rookie quarterback Jake Locker.

In addition to Babineaux, rookie cornerback Tommie Campbell intercepted a pass and Patrick Bailey and Pannel Egboh recovered fumbles. Rookie defensive tackle Karl Klug started the scoring when he sacked quarterback Sean Canfield for a safety with 8:42 to play in the first quarter.

“In the first half, I think we had three turnovers and a safety with a good pash rush, too," coach Mike Munchak said. "That was some good stuff from the defense.”

The Titans scored the first 32 points and held the Saints scoreless until the fourth quarter. They scored just 44 points in the first three games combined.

Tennessee had 10 takeaways in the four preseason game and won three of the four.

Locker replaced starter Matt Hasselbeck after two series and played well into the second half. The first-round draft pick completed 15 of 17 passes for 132 yards. In addition to his touchdown run (he had three carries for 39 yards), he threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to Lavelle Hawkins. He completed his final 10 passes.

Hawkins, Damian Williams and Riar Geer all finished with a team-high three receptions. Locker was Tennessee’s leading rusher.

“It was great to get a lot of work," Locker said. "I thought we played great as a unit. The more snaps I get as a rookie the better. I can’t wait for the regular season to start so it counts for real.”

The team will make its final cuts and set its 53-man roster, which will include running back Chris Johnson [1], on Saturday.