Ducks In The NFL: Marcus Mariota Fights Through Adversity Against Cleveland Browns
Former Oregon Ducks Quarterback Marcus Mariota had a stellar opening week in the National Football League. In his second week he faced a swarming Cleveland Browns Defense that I don’t remember ever looking that good. The Browns Defensive front seven had their way with Mariota and the Titans Offensive Line most of the day. The first half was not good as the former Oregon Duck was sacked and hurried on multiple occasions. Handoffs to Running Back Bishop Sankey went no where and Mariota ended the first half with no touchdowns and under one-hundred yards passing after last week’s three touchdown in the first half performance at Tampa Bay. The Titans Defense held Johnny Manziel and the Browns to just fourteen points in the first half as Mariota left the field clearly frustrated at the half.
Sep 20, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) warms up prior to the game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
The second half saw Mariota throw two touchdown passes to put the Tennessee Titans within striking distance in the final quarter of play before Manziel put the game out of reach pushing the score to 28-14 and resulting in a loss for the Titans and Mariota. He endured seven sacks and two forced fumbles on the afternoon. On the final sack of the day he also suffered an ankle injury but played through it the rest of the game. Mariota finished the game 21 for 37 for 257 yards and two touchdowns. He did not throw an interception but in the end looked and probably felt like he had been through a battle.
Must Read: Fran Tarkenton Write Open Letter To Marcus Mariota – Autzen Zoo
Mariota just took his first big hit in the NFL. Ouch! pic.twitter.com/8l2dpjWJIc
— Aaron J. Fentress (@AaronJFentress) September 20, 2015
He also accomplished something that, similar to Week 1 with tying Fran Tarkenton with most touchdown passes in his first game as a Rookie. He became the second NFL Rookie to have six touchdown passes in his first two games. That record has belonged to former Miami Dolphins Quarterback Dan Marino. There was good, and bad in his Week Two performance.
Good job Mariota. #GoDucks #ProDucks https://t.co/rUOLvld8P9
— Joe (@Joe4Ducks) September 21, 2015
This week the Titans return home and will welcome in the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. Kickoff is set for 10am Pacific Time on CBS.