Since Week 5 this season, Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota ranks second in Total QBR at 85.4. That number puts Mariota in front of Tom Brady (84.9) and Drew Brees (83.1) during that stretch. In fact, Mariota's 21 touchdown passes leads the league since Week 5, as the Oregon product continues to crush the narrative that college spread quarterbacks can't produce in an NFL offense.
Today, using examples from the tape, let's examine Mariota's second-year growth at the position and discuss how the Titans can further his development with concepts and personnel upgrades to maximize his talent base within the offensive scheme.
The second-year jump
This season, Mariota has thrown for 2,998 yards (eighth in the NFL) and 25 touchdowns (fourth) while averaging 7.93 yards per attempt (fifth). Those are amazing numbers when we consider the offensive philosophy in Tennessee and the talent at the skill positions for the Titans.
Remember, the Titans spent their first-round pick in 2016 on offensive lineman Jack Conklin. They then added the downhill style of running back Derrick Henry in the second round, and they traded for DeMarco Murray. This team was building to control the line of scrimmage and pound the ball. I understand that with a young quarterback, and it's the same style of football that is playing out in Dallas this season with rookie quarterback Dak Prescott. Controlled tempo, physicality and a game plan that can facilitate more manageable production at the quarterback position.
However, when looking at the receiver position in Tennessee, I don't see a group that has to be consistently accounted for from a defensive game plan perspective. Yes, tight end Delanie Walker can create matchups, especially in the red zone. And I know wide receiver Rishard Matthews has elevated his game this season. But the Titans lack a consistent deep-ball threat (or deep-ball speed), and they don't have a true No. 1 like Dez Bryant.
Instead, they have a group that is being elevated by Mariota's development within the system. From his anticipation to deliver the ball into tight windows to his ability to quickly read and diagnose coverages, Mariota is attacking NFL defenses like an experienced veteran.
Let's take a look at the examples.