NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A year ago, despite coming off a brutal ending to his fouth season, Marcus Mariota’s career was still filled with hope.
He had one more big shot to establish himself as the Titans’ franchise quarterback. He had another new coordinator, but one who was familiar with him and who would bring a lot of carryover. He was about to get an influx of help on offense, a veteran left guard who would prove to live up to his billing in the end and a rookie wide receiver who would reach heights nearly 30 draft picks at the position had not come close to for the franchise.
But Mariota didn’t seize the opportunity to become the long-term solution. In six games, he worked his way to the bench. When Tennessee’s excellent run to the AFC Championship Game ended the praise for Mariota was for his practice-squad work imitating Tom Brady, Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes.