NFL | Titans prevail over Buffalo in Fame game

CANTON, Ohio — For an exhibition opener, quarterback Kerry Collins felt as if he was already picking up from where he was last season in leading the Tennessee Titans to the playoffs. As for teammate Vince Young, it is one step at a time.

Overshadowing receiver Terrell Owens' debut for the Buffalo Bills, the two Tennessee quarterbacks combined to produce three touchdown drives in a 21-18 victory to kick off the league's exhibition season in the Hall of Fame game before a crowd of 22,153 Sunday night.

"I'm encouraged," said starter Collins, who is entering his 15th season and was 7 of 10 for 82 yards. "It doesn't take as long to get ready, but I'll take advantage of the work I'm going to get."

Collins helped to produce two touchdown drives, one capped by reserve punter A.J. Trapasso's 40-yard run on a fake punt on the opening possession. Collins was especially efficient in going 3 for 4 for 49 yards on third down.

Young needed to shake off plenty of rust. After going 1 of 5 for 13 yards and an interception in his first three series, Young showed great touch in hitting Paul Williams for a 5-yard touchdown pass to put the Titans ahead 21-3 late in the second quarter.

"It happens, man," Young said of his sluggish start. "I know everybody wants me to go out and be perfect, but it's not happening like that. You can't just jump into it."

In five series, Young went 5 of 10 for 39 yards.

Some of the Bills' highlights were provided by Owens, who signed a one-year, $6.5 million contract in early March, days after being released by Dallas.

On the field for one series, Owens had two catches of Trent Edwards passes for 27 yards, including a 16-yarder on the second play from scrimmage.

"It was just what was open, Trent saw it and threw it to me," Owens said of his first catch. "Whether or not it was a statement remains to be seen."

Notes

• Cornerback Malcolm Jenkins of Ohio State and the New Orleans Saints agreed to terms on a five-year contract. Jenkins was the 14th player drafted and has missed the first 10 days of training camp.

• St. Louis receiver Donnie Avery has a foot injury and is expected to miss from four to six weeks, ESPN reported.