NFL notes: Marcus Mariota wants to protect ball after rough preseason debut

Marcus Mariota knows exactly what he wants out of his home debut, and it’s what his father has been telling him to do since high school.

Protect the football.

“He always told me when you’re running with the ball, make sure you’re taking care of it whether you’re inside, outside the pocket, as well when you’re throwing,” Mariota said. “Just make a decision.”

Well, the No. 2 pick overall turned over the ball twice in his preseason debut in a 31-24 loss at Atlanta last week, not something the quarterback is accustomed to doing. He sure didn’t turn the ball over much at Oregon. Now Mariota will get his second chance Sunday night when the Titans (0-1) host the St. Louis Rams (0-1) and former Tennessee coach Jeff Fisher.

Mariota rebounded from that rough start, which included being sacked, by driving the Titans 80 yards to a touchdown. Mariota said finishing that drive as an offense was a good way to close out his stint, and he wants to keep building a rhythm with the offense in his next outing.

Falcons sharp early in 30-22 loss to Jets

Matt Ryan was sharp for the second straight preseason game, leading Atlanta to touchdowns in both of his offensive series in the Falcons’ 30-22 loss to the New York Jets at East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Friday.

Ryan finished 4 of 5 for 75 yards, including a 60-yard completion to fullback Collin Mooney, and a 2-yard touchdown toss to Leonard Hankerson. Rookie Terron Ward also had a 4-yard TD run for the Falcons (1-1), who carved up the Jets’ starting defense.

Meanwhile, Ryan Fitzpatrick and the Jets’ offensive starters were sluggish until facing Falcons backups midway through the second quarter. New York (1-1) was sparked by the defense on a safety by first-round pick Leonard Williams.

Chris Ivory followed less than two minutes later with a 33-yard TD run, and Fitzpatrick found Brandon Marshall for a 2-point conversion that cut New York’s deficit to 14-10.

Around the League

The Washington Redskins acquired tight end Derek Carrier from the San Francisco 49ers. … Browns quarterback Josh McCown will not miss any practice time after injuring his right ring finger in Thursday night’s exhibition loss to Buffalo. … The Vikings, already bound for a glitzy new stadium, announced the signing of a purchase agreement for an Eagan, Minnesota, property that could become its headquarters and training facility.