Ducks In The NFL: Titans Marcus Mariota Continues to Progress
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Twelve days away from his first NFL game, former Oregon Ducks quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota has turned in three solid preseason performances. Despite being pounded by critics for the past 6 months, coaches and teammates have seen several encouraging signs from the signal-caller.
Statistics are difficult to judge and compare during preseason due to the lack of continuity and playing time, but Mariota has shown that he could one day be a Top-3 Quarterback in the league. He runs nearly as efficiently as prominent dual-threat quarterbacks like Russell Wilson and Cam Newton, but can also sit back in the pocket with patience and throw when he’s asked to do so.
Marcus Mariota has looked far more NFL-ready than counterpart Jameis Winston, whom he will face on the road, Week 1 at Tampa Bay. Similar to last season in college football, Mariota has come across as poised, regardless of the situation, and has shaken off multiple slow starts in what would become dominant performances.
Tennessee Titans Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt has endorsed Mariota and reaffirmed that he believes in him as the Titans’ next franchise quarterback. With a schedule that is loaded with playoff-caliber opponents, it won’t take long for Mariota to be called to save the day.