NFL MVP Watch: Tom Brady, Rookie Lead Week 1 Edition
Sep 13, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback
Marcus Mariota(8) throws the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
2. Marcus Mariota, Tennessee Titans
Marcus Mariota’s regular season debut was one of the greatest in NFL history. He was overwhelmingly efficient, tearing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to pieces with poise, precision and a veteran’s composure.
As is the case for most rookies, Mariota is unlikely to last in the MVP conversation. Nevertheless, he earned his spot during Week 1 by doing something that hadn’t been done since 1961.
The note still holds for 4!
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) September 13, 2015
Marcus Mariota is 2nd rookie to throw 4 TD passes in a season opener (Fran Tarkenton) (via @eliassports)
Mariota earned the Fran Tarkenton comparison by going 13-of-16 for 209 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions in what was essentially three quarters of work.
Mariota essentially ended the game by halftime. He was methodical in the way he attacked the Buccaneers’ secondary, picking his spots and only making the throws he knew he could complete.
You can label that approach with the negative connotation of a game manager, but his perfect passer rating is what got Tennessee the win.
Marcus Mariota wraps up his 1st NFL game, throwing more TD passes (4) than incompletions (3) & has a perfect passer rating of 158.3. Wow.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) September 13, 2015
Mariota completed touchdown passes of one, four, 12 and 52 yards. He found four different players for scores; two wide receivers, one running back and a tight end.
Whether or not he remains in these rankings further down the line, he’s undeniably deserving after Week 1.
Next: The Polarizing Legend