Jacksonville, FL (Best E Casino) - Pierson Prioleau intercepted D.J. Shockley in the end zone in the waning second of regulation and the Jacksonville Jaguars held on to beat the Atlanta Falcons, 20-17, in the preseason opener for both teams.

Atlanta got the ball back with 3:14 remaining on the clock and Shockley marched the team down to the five-yard line. Instead of attempting the game- tying field goal, the Falcons opted to throw the ball on third-and-goal and the decision proved costly.

David Garrard completed 4-of-10 passes for 44 yards and rushed for a touchdown, while Chauncey Washington amassed 33 yards on 12 carries, including one touchdown, for Jacksonville (1-0). Maurice Jones-Drew rushed for 23 yards on five carries.

Matt Ryan, the No. 3 overall pick in last April's draft out of Boston College, was impressive for the Falcons (0-1), completing 9-of-15 passes for 113 yards and one touchdown.

The Jaguars got on the board in the late stages of the first quarter when Garrard scored from one yard out, capping a nine-play drive that originated from their own 22-yard line. Atlanta quickly responded on its next series that extended into the second quarter. Ryan led the Falcons on an 11-play, 74-yard drive culminating in a 25-yard touchdown pass to Roddy White.

Josh Scobee's 37-yard field goal gave the Jaguars a 10-7 lead with 4:31 remaining before halftime.

Following the break, Jacksonville added to its lead with Washington's two-yard touchdown run. Jason Elam's 36-yard field goal trimmed the deficit to 17-10 with 4:13 left in the third quarter. The Falcons tied the score later in the third on Joey Harrington's one-yard touchdown run.

Jacksonville regained the lead in the fourth quarter on Scobee's 25-yard field goal. Atlanta looked to tie the game, but Elam's 54-yard attempt came up short with under five minutes to go in regulation.