Marcus Mariota Happy With his Weapon

Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota was nothing special as a rookie in the NFL in 2015. His numbers were okay because they were dressed up by bubble-screens and slants. But he had no impact on the team as they went from the No. 2 overall in pick 2014 to No. 1 overall in 2015.

To win in the NFL, you have to be able to throw the ball down the field. That’s how a quarterback is makes his impact on his team. But Mariota lacked that ability as he was the least efficient passer in the NFL when it came to throwing the deep ball or passes over 20 yards.

His accuracy down the field was a problem in college so there’s no reason to be surprised here. So the Titans need to help him out and a receiver that’s 6’5″, 240 pounds, with good hands and the ability to go up and get it would be the best way to help him.

They actually went out and got that in Dorial Green-Beckham in the draft last year. But he wasn’t able to do too much as a rookie because he didn’t know the offense well enough to be a starter. His role will this year will depend on how well he masters the playbook.

And from what he’s shown in OTAs lately, the playbook and injuries are the only things that can hold Green-Beckham  back. A hamstring injury did hold him back for a portion of the offseason. But he managed to show some flashes Tuesday and has Mariota excited about him.

Mariota told Titansonline.com Tuesday. “The dude is a stud. Physically, he is very gifted. He made a couple of plays today that’s going to be needed. So hopefully we can find ways to get him the football and let him do his thing.”

Green-Beckham could be just what the doctor ordered for Mariota!