Titans and Marcus Mariota Face Challenge vs Playoff Minded New York Jets

The Tennessee Titans need more pieces to make a Playoff run, which will have to wait another year. Marcus Mariota, with a good day could upset the Playoff Minded New York Jets on the road.

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The National Football League Learning Curve continues to narrow for Tennessee Titans Quarterback Marcus Mariota. The Titans and their fans had the opportunity to watch a Quarterback do something last week against Jacksonville that had not been done since 1960. Mariota took the ball 87 yards for a touchdown and he had blockers all the way there.

Tennessee won the game against the Jaguars, but the team has been relegated to the role of spoiler as their 3-9 record will not get them to the Playoffs this season. The Titans and Mariota now take to the road to take on the 7-5 New York Jets, a team very much in the AFC Playoff hunt. The two areas where most young Quarterbacks struggle according to ESPN, is against the blitz and in the red zone.s

Dec 6, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) rushes 87 yards for a touchdown against Jacksonville Jaguars strong safety Johnathan Cyprien (37) during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Tennessee won 42-39. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

This season, Marcus Mariota is among the leaders in the red zone and is also having success against the blitz thanks to quick thinking to get rid of the ball – or take off with it in hand. On Sunday, the former Oregon Ducks Quarterback will face a more experienced Offense and a team in the New York Jets that can find the end zone.

New York Jets Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick could reach 3000 yards passing in the game and Running Back Chris Ivory along with Wide Receiver Brandon Marshall have 17 touchdowns combined. Mariota will need to be protected with an injury prone Offensive Line and likely use his feet to his advantage. The Jets are averaging close to 375 yards per game, the Titans just below at 350 yards.

Kendall Wright will miss the game against New York. Marcus Mariota will miss one of his favorite targets this season who has the speed to get down field and has been effective when he has been on the field. As the Oregon Ducks motto rings true, “Next man up” for the Titans receiving corps.

Next: Oregon Ducks Lose At Boise State

The Tennessee Titans and New York Jets kickoff at 10am Pacific Time on CBS.