Preparation for the 2016 Season began in Nashville this week for Marcus Mariota and the Tennessee Titans.
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The Tennessee Titans began OTA’s on Tuesday and there were some noticable changes with former Oregon Ducks Quarterback Marcus Mariota. He did some work in the offseason. Of course, work ethic with Mariota was never an issue when he was with the Ducks, but in the National Football League more folks are taking notice of the second year Tennessee Titans Signal Caller.
According to the Tennessean, Mariota added five pounds in the offseason after spending several months healing from his rookie season in the NFL that saw him sacked more than any Quarterback in the AFC. The Offensive Line was sured up in the NFL Draft and we can hope that a 225 pound Mariota will be better suited to deal with opposing Defensive Lines entering 2016. That and the fact that the Titans have more than a handful of Draft choices that the team hopes will pan out into successful players in the coming seasons.
The former Oregon Quarterback is also learning to be more vocal and his teammates have noticed the difference in his character on the field compared to last season.
"You go through a whole year, you experience a lot of different things, so you know a lot more, from that point, I feel like I can help these guys out, especially the young guys. I can help with knowledge, but I’m not going to try to go out there and be someone who I’m not. But I’m not going to be crazy vocal or anything like that.Marcus Mariota on Offseason Changes (via The Tennessean)"
One offseason addition to the team that has brought in an immediate impact on Offense is DeMarco Murray who was traded from the Philadelphia Eagles. Murray struggled in 2015 undr Chip Kelly, but in early OTA’s is showing a return to 2013 form when he was one of the best rushers in the NFL. Tennessee also drafted Derrick Henry for a nice 1-2 punch from the backfield in 2016.
Murray came to work on Tuesday and showed some moves that were noticed by Head Coach Mike Mularkey, as well as Marcus Mariota
"He made a few cuts today that were pretty special. To have someone of that talent back there, it will not only open a lot of run-game stuff, but also play-action stuff and passing game. It will really make our team that more dimensional.Mariota on his first impressions of DeMarco Murray During OTA’s (via The Tennessean)"
I expect Tennessee to have a better season in 2016 than last season. Of course, it is very early as the team prepares and gets set for the Fall. The one, two punch of Murray and Henry could make some noise in the AFC. Add to that a healthy Mariota and they could be a Playoff Contender.
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One day does not make a season, but the team is off to a very good start entering the 2016 campaign.