Oregon Ducks In The NFL: Marcus Mariota Working On Deep Passing Game

Jun 14, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans quarter back Marcus Mariota (8) passes the ball during mini camp practice at Saint Thomas Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 14, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans quarter back Marcus Mariota (8) passes the ball during mini camp practice at Saint Thomas Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /
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Marcus Mariota has a lot he is working on to improve for the upcoming season, one aspect that saw work this week was the passing game.

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The Tennessee Titans are having Organized Team Activities this week and one area that was a big concern last season from Rookie Quarterback Marcus Mariota was the passing game, in particular when throwing the ball 20 yards or more. Of course, in college, Oregon lived quite a bit on the long ball from Mariota to a bevy of talented Wide Receivers.

For some reason this part of Mariota’s game has not translated so well to the NFL Level. Part could be that he doesn’t have time to get the accuracy as the Offensive Line breaks down, the other could be the talent of his Titans Wideouts may not quite be the level of talent he saw at Oregon, not taking away from them – they are in the NFL and can do the job.

On Tuesday, the team worked on this aspect of the game according to the Tennessean. Last season the completion rating for passes 25 yards or more was the third worst in the NFL. The Titans are looking to improve that number entering 2016. A revamped Offensive Line will certainly make it easier for Mariota to find his target.

"We’ve had chances to make plays. (Mariota) is giving guys opportunities to make plays down the field. I need to see them make them. He needs to see them make them, for his confidence.Tennessee Head Coach Mike Mularkey on Mariota’s Passing on Tuesday (via the Tennessean)"

Following practice Mularkey did say that he saw improvement, but that is how Mariota works. He is the type of player that is going to work, not just on one thing, but on all aspects of his game to get better for the upcoming 2016 season.

Next: Oregon Visits Nebraska For a 12:30pm PT Kickoff

The Preseason for the Tennessee Titans is just two months away. Mariota and the team host San Diego on August 13th at Nissan Stadium.