NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- In Ryan Tannehill, the Titans are bringing in the paddles and looking to shock their offense back to life.
Ian Rapoport tweeted Tuesday evening that Tennessee is making the change at quarterback and I've confirmed it.
Sure, game-planning, play-calling, pass-protection and receiver-separation have all been issues for the stagnant offense in addition to quarterback play.(Photo courtesy Miami Dolphins)
But Marcus Mariota really bottomed out in Denver before getting pulled in the third quarter, with accuracy issues handcuffing an offense that needed signs of life.
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While Tannehill has his limitations, some similar to Mariota's, he should at least be able to make a variety of throws against the Chargers Sunday when he's given the opportunity. The Titans dealt for Tannehill from Miami during the offseason to get the best backup situation they've had since drafting Mariota, who's been injured in each of his first four seasons.
But the change comes after six games in Year 5 not as a result of a Mariota injury but because of his poor play. He's not seen the field well, taking far too many hits but frequently holding the ball too long and failing to deliver the ball to open people.
An offense feeds off its quarterback and there was simply nothing for the Titans to draw off of with Mariota against the Broncos. He led the Titans to 7 points in the last two games, and 14 in three losses in their last four games.
Mike Vrabel will discuss the move when he meets with the media on Wednesday at 11 am CT.
Tannehill could speak after his coach does, in what's been Mariota's typical time slot, though the Titans could move the new starter until later in the week. Derrick Henry is the other player who typically talks just once a week, so as the backup Mariota should be approachable daily in the locker room.