By Paul Newberry, AP Sports Writer

ATLANTA (AP) — Roddy White had seven receptions for a season-high 147 yards and Jonathan Babineaux led an Atlanta defense that held off the Titans for a 23-17 victory Sunday.

The Falcons (6-4) bounced back from an overtime loss to New Orleans, but it wasn't easy. Jake Locker took over for injured Matt Hasselbeck and threw a pair of touchdown passes to Nate Washington to make a game of it for the Titans (5-5).

Atlanta jumped ahead on Matt Ryan's 17-yard touchdown pass to Tony Gonzalez and was up 20-3 in the third quarter after Michael Turner scored on a 4-yard run.

Hasselbeck went out with a sprained elbow and Locker nearly led an improbable comeback. The rookie threw for 140 yards after taking over late in the third quarter.

Game stats

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