NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Titans aren't waiting any longer: Jake Locker, former Washington Huskies standout, is their starting quarterback.

Titans coach Mike Munchak said Monday that Locker will start this season over ex-Seahawk Matt Hasselbeck, choosing to go with the passer Tennessee hopes to build around after drafting Locker in the first round last year.

Munchak said Locker gives the Titans their best chance to win the AFC South as their quarterback this season and for many seasons to come.

"By no means has this job been given to him," Munchak said. "He's earned it."

The Titans had let the quarterbacks compete through the offseason, with each starting a game this exhibition season and splitting snaps in practice. Munchak said Hasselbeck was way ahead of Locker last season, but Locker caught up and won the job with his ability to move the team and score points.

Locker will play 40 to 50 snaps in Thursday night's exhibition against Arizona.

"It's really cool," Locker said of the decision. "It's something I'm proud of, but it's not going to change my approach on how I practice or my preparation for a game."

Munchak said giving Hasselbeck the news was a tough conversation. Munchak helped talk the veteran into signing a three-year deal with the Titans last summer after the NFL lockout ended.

Hasselbeck said, "As hard as it was, Munch made his decision, and as hard as it was for me to hear that, I'm also excited for Jake. I'll help and support him any way I can, and I'll be happy to do it."

Eagles beat Patriots

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Michael Vick keeps taking his lumps.

The Philadelphia quarterback was leveled after throwing a long pass in the first quarter and underwent X-rays for the second consecutive exhibition game — negative again. Then backup Nick Foles led the Eagles to a 27-17 victory over the New England Patriots.

Vick had X-rays on his ribs after being knocked down by linebacker Jermaine Cunningham. Eleven days earlier, in a 24-23 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, Vick had X-rays on his left thumb after hitting it on the helmet of center Jason Kelce. Vick took part in only six plays in each game.

Foles threw two touchdown passes for the second straight game. New England QB Tom Brady sat out the game.

Notes

• No alcohol or illegal drugs were found in Junior Seau's system when he shot and killed himself at his home in May. Autopsy results were released by the San Diego County medical examiner's office in a report about the 43-year-old former linebacker who was found by his girlfriend with a gunshot wound to his chest.

• Buffalo cut former standout pass rusher Shawne Merriman, 28.

• Linebackers David Hawthorne — a former Seahawk — and Curtis Lofton were two of New Orleans' most important acquisitions in free agency but both are injured. Lofton has a high ankle sprain and Hawthorne has torn cartilage in his knee and it is unclear if either will be ready to return when New Orleans opens Sept. 9 against Washington.

• Pro Bowl linebacker Tamba Hali of the Kansas City Chiefs will miss the Sept. 9 game against Atlanta without pay after violating the league's substance-abuse policy. "I accept the discipline from the league and will return Week 2 of the NFL season with a commitment to erase this mistake with my play on the field and my conduct off of it," Hali said.

• Rookie Ryan Tannehill from Texas A&M will be the starting quarterback for the Miami Dolphins.