Marcus Mariota has exploded upon the scene early on in preseason looking like a comfortable passer in the pocket, taking snaps from under center and out of the shotgun. Last night, Mariota played in Nashville for the first time against one of the leagues most talented fronts, the Saint Louis Rams. He didn't bat an eye once.
Already, this early in the game, Mariota has thrown 16 passes and completed 12 of them, a 75% completion rate. Yes, his first pass was a pick six, and he should have had a pick against Saint Louis, but the point is that Mariota finished in Atlanta with 7 other passes that resulted in completions. Dexter McCluster dropped his first TD pass. Mariota is looking like a true student of the game learning quickly.
His footwork is pristine, and helps him move out of trouble. His accuracy is uncanny, making every throw so far. He's calm, composed. His helmet went out for 2 plays last night, to where he couldn't communicate with Ken Whisenhunt for the play. He didn't loose his cool. He jogged to the sideline and took the plays to the huddle. Whisenhunt was more then impressed.
Most of all, Mariota is a leader. He wants his teammates to follow him, and if anyone improves Tennessee's chances in the AFC South his season, its Marcus.
Earlier this season, I told Pete Priscoe that Winston was a bust, but Mariota was the real deal. I believe I just still may be correct on that prediction. We will see how Winston performs tonight. However, Mariota is the real deal. Watch him begin the turnaround in Nashville.
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