Saints vs. Titans: 5 Things We Learned from Tennessee's 22-17 Loss

The Tennessee Titans suffered a heartbreaking loss at LP Field to the New Orleans Saints in Week 14, 22-17. 

Tennessee fell one game back of the New York Jets for the final Wild Card playoff spot as the Houston Texans clinched the division by beating the Cincinnati Bengals to win the AFC South.

Ahead are five things we learned from Tennessee's tough loss Sunday afternoon.

1. Tennessee Proved They Belong

The Tennessee Titans came into the contest Sunday as four-point underdogs against the New Orleans Saints.

Receiver Nate Washington was hampered with an ankle injury, Jason McCourty missed the game entirely due to a concussion he received in Week 13 and quarterback Matt Hasselbeck suffered a strained calf early in the second quarter, leaving rookie Jake Locker to close out the game.

Tennessee fought against the odds Sunday as Washington gave a gritty performance and Locker gave Titans fans something to look forward to.

2. Titans Defense Took a Step Backwards Sunday

The Tennessee Titans defense has played above expectations for the majority of the season but struggled mightily against the New Orleans Saints high-powered offense.

For only the second time in the 2011-12 regular season, Tennessee allowed a 100-yard receiver, as Marques Colston caught seven passes for 158 yards and two touchdowns. The Titans allowed over 100 yards on the ground and quarterback Drew Brees picked apart the defense for over 300 yards passing and two touchdowns.

Tennessee's defense will have a chance to redeem themselves next week against the hopeless Indianapolis Colts.

3. Rookies Continue to Make an Impact on Defense for Tennessee

While the defense as a whole has played above expectations, the Tennessee Titans rookie defenders have to be the biggest surprise on this no-name defense.

Rookies Karl Klug and Colin McCarthy have had the most success on the defense thus far.

McCarthy had somewhat of a quiet game Sunday afternoon, recording only six tackles, his fewest as a starter. While McCarthy struggled for the first time this season, Klug had his best game as a pro. 

Klug recorded a career-high two sacks, once on a critical third down and the other on a first down inside the red zone.

If Tennessee hopes to win-out, these rookies will be vital to their success.

4. Nate Washington Can Be a True No. 1 Receiver

When receiver Kenny Britt went down with a torn ACL, Tennessee Titans fans clamored for an upgrade at the vital position. Veteran receiver Nate Washington insisted Tennessee had enough pieces at the position.

Washington proved Sunday that without Britt in the lineup, he can be the No. 1 receiver for the team. The seventh-year veteran eclipsed a career-high in catches, receiving yards and touchdowns in their loss Sunday. Despite practicing sparingly throughout the week on a sore left ankle, Washington recorded six catches for 130 yards and a touchdown.

Tennessee will need consistent production from Washington as they fight down the stretch toward the postseason.

5. Jake Locker Is the Quarterback of the Future

Rookie Jake Locker of the Tennessee Titans entered just his third game of the season Sunday, with Tennessee trailing the New Orleans Saints 3-0 in the second quarter.

Locker played remarkably in the place of injured-quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. The rookie completed 13-of-29 passes for 282 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for 36 yards and a touchdown on six carries.

Locker connected with Nate Washington on clutch throws, leaped over the Saints defense for an impressive touchdown and simply ran out of time as he attempted to lead Tennessee to victory.