Tennessee Titans: Philip Rivers or Marcus Mariota?

By Justen Rosenberg | Apr 13, 2015

Nov 1, 2014; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) throws the ball before the game against the Stanford Cardinal at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

In 2013, the Tennessee Titans finished the season with wins against division rivals Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans, which matched the teams longest win streak of the season.

Last year, however, the Titans won just two games, marking the lowest total during a season since 1994, when they were the Houston Oilers. As a result, the Titans hold the second pick in this year’s draft.

Heading into 2015, second year coach of Tennessee Ken Whisenhunt could find himself on the hot seat at the end of the season if the team struggles. With the pressure to improve the roster in Tennessee rising, rumors of the team trading their first round pick in this year’s draft has become a hot topic.

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One team that could be interested in moving up to second overall is the San Diego Chargers. However, if the Chargers wish to make a move, it will come at a hefty price.

Talks of San Diego re-locating to Los Angeles in the foreseeable future have been discussed, resulting in the debate of whether quarterback Philip Rivers, who is a free agent at the end of the season, will sign a new contract with the Chargers.

December 20, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) warms up before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi

The Chargers have made it clear that they want to agree with Rivers on a new contract. Yet, if Rivers does not resign with the team, the front office needs to be willing to move on from their franchise quarterback.

With Rivers under contract for just one more season, the chances of him winning a Super Bowl is not high. San Diego has made the playoffs once in the last five seasons and finished in third place in the AFC West last year.

And while the Titans are not in a position to win a championship within the next season or two, the franchise is currently in an identity crisis.

Fortunately for Tennessee they have options with the second pick. They could either draft quarterback’s Marcus Mariota or Jameis Winston, or they can deal the pick for a veteran quarterback such as Rivers.

But what is the better option?

Sitting at second overall, the Titans are likely out of the Winston race, as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are the favorites to select him first overall.

The real question comes down to who is a better fit for Tennessee – Rivers or Mariota?

Based solely off NFL experience, the only choice is Rivers. In his 11 seasons in the league (nine as the starter), he has led the Chargers to five playoff appearances and four division crowns.

From a statistical standpoint, Rivers holds multiple franchise records, including most wins and highest quarterback rating, and is just two touchdown passes shy of tying Chargers great and Pro Football Hall of Famer Dan Fouts for most in team history (254).

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Rivers also is a better fit for the Titans offense and has familiarity with the coaching staff. Coach Whisenhunt served as the Chargers offensive coordinator in 2013 – which was arguably Rivers’ best season as a pro.

Mariota, however, brings a unique look to the quarterback position. At the University of Oregon, Mariota won a Heisman Trophy, played in a National Championship game and shattered nearly every major quarterback record for the Ducks.

In his senior season, Mariota threw 42 touchdowns to just four interceptions, ran for 770 yards and 15 touchdowns and led the Ducks to a record of 13-2. But despite his collegiate success, Mariota’s game fails to translate to Whisenhunt’s pro-style offense.

In fact, there aren’t too many teams in the league that have an offense that fits Mariota’s style of play. Drafting Mariota is a project that the Titans – more importantly Whisenhunt – might not have time for.

The major difference is whether the front office will give Whisenhunt time to work with Mariota. Rivers, who is 33 years old is not getting younger. On the other hand, if Mariota can properly develop, then the Titans will have found their face of the franchise for the next decade, maybe more.

Regardless of their decision, making a move for either of these two quarterbacks would greatly benefit the franchise and would give the fans something to look forward to.

Next: What should the Titans do with the second pick?

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