Marcus Mariota: Raiders & Titans - A Tale of Two Teams

Marcus Mariota's Raiders Journey

After a disappointing tenure with the Tennessee Titans, Marcus Mariota signed a two-year, $17.6 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020. The move reunited him with his former Oregon Ducks head coach, Jon Gruden.

Initial Promise

In his first season with the Raiders, Mariota showed flashes of his former brilliance. He started three games, leading the team to two wins and posting a 95.6 passer rating. However, injuries and inconsistencies prevented him from seizing the starting quarterback role.

Back to Backup

In 2021, Mariota's role diminished. The Raiders acquired Derek Carr in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers, relegating Mariota to the backup spot. He made seven appearances, starting one game and compiling a 74.5 passer rating.

Marcus Mariota's Titans Tenure

Mariota was selected second overall by the Titans in the 2015 NFL Draft. High expectations were placed upon him as the franchise quarterback, but his tenure was marred by injuries and inconsistent play.

Early Success

In his rookie season, Mariota started all 16 games and led the Titans to a 9-7 record. He threw for 2,818 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. His mobility and dual-threat ability made him a dangerous weapon.

Injury Woes

However, injuries plagued Mariota throughout his Titans career. In 2016, he missed six games with a broken right leg. In 2017, he suffered a season-ending broken right fibula in Week 16. These setbacks hindered his development and prevented him from establishing himself as a consistent starter.

Lack of Sustainability

Mariota's play declined in subsequent seasons. In 2018, he threw for 2,323 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions. In 2019, he was benched in favor of Ryan Tannehill and only appeared in six games.

The Turning Point

The release of Ryan Tannehill in 2020 marked a turning point for the Raiders. Mariota replaced Carr as the starter and led the team to a 10-7 record and a Wild Card berth. In 2021, he guided the Raiders to a 9-8 record and another Wild Card appearance.

Statistical Comparison

Key Insights

• Mariota's Raiders tenure has been characterized by inconsistent play and injuries.
• He has shown flashes of brilliance, but reliability has been an issue.
• Mariota's Titans career was derailed by injuries and lack of sustainability.
• Carr's release in 2020 provided Mariota with an opportunity to revive his career.

Conclusion

Marcus Mariota's journey with the Raiders and Titans has been a tale of both promise and disappointment. While he has shown glimpses of his former potential, injuries and inconsistency have hindered his progress. The 2022 season will be a crucial one for Mariota as he looks to cement his role as the Raiders' franchise quarterback.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many games did Mariota start for the Titans?

Mariota started 63 games for the Titans.

2. What was Mariota's passer rating in 2020?

Mariota's passer rating in 2020 was 100.2.

3. When did Mariota sign with the Raiders?

Mariota signed with the Raiders in March 2020.

4. How many touchdowns did Mariota throw for the Raiders in 2021?

Mariota threw for 15 touchdowns for the Raiders in 2021.

Tables

Table 1: Mariota's Raiders Statistics

Table 2: Mariota's Titans Statistics

Table 3: Mariota's Playoff Statistics

Table 4: Mariota's Contract History