Tennessee Titans: Don’t bail on Marcus Mariota yet

Despite a disappointing Week 3 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Tennessee Titans should continue to start quarterback Marcus Mariota.

After the Tennessee Titans‘ disappointing 20-7 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, Marcus Mariota has become the subject of criticism among hot-seat quarterbacks. In many ways, he deserves the heat, but head coach Mike Vrabel shouldn’t bench him yet.

Mariota doesn’t deserve a pass here; he’s been a mediocre quarterback for much of his career. It’s no surprise that the Titans’ win-loss record has reflects the same, three consecutive 9-7 finishes coming into the season.

Many critics feel the Titans are wasting a top-notch defense under Vrbael for the sake of finding out if Mariota deserves the franchise quarterback label.

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Although it’s a crucial year for the 25-year old signal-caller, the coaching staff should allow three-time Pro Bowl left tackle Taylor Lewan return from his four-game performance-enhancing drug suspension before making any changes under center.

Lewan isn’t going to solve all the Titans’ problems, punt-return issues, misfires downfield and drops on routine screen passes, but he can stabilize the offensive line, which would result in better pocket protection.

Mariota has taken 17 sacks in three games — nine against the Jaguars Thursday. According to Washington Post‘s STATs, fill-in left tackle Dennis Kelly is responsible for three; most of the others fall on the interior of the front line.

Mariota won’t say this, but what if he’s uncomfortable in a new offensive system under play-caller Arthur Smith without his blindside tackle? That’s not an excuse, it’s a legitimate concern for a quarterback who’s adjusting to fresh tweaks under center and unfamiliar perimeter playmakers like rookie second-rounder A.J. Brown and fifth-year veteran Adam Humphries.

After consecutive losses with Mariota struggling to move the ball early and often, Vrabel had to speak on the quarterback situation with Ryan Tannehill, whom the team acquired with a sixth-rounder in exchange for a seventh-rounder and a 2020 fourth-round pick, in a backup role, per Terry McCormick of Titans Insider.

Tannehill started 88 games for the Miami Dolphins between the 2012-18 campaigns. Because of his starting experience and mobility, fans may want to see what he can do with the offensive personnel in place. While intriguing, Vrabel has the right mindset to stay the course with Mariota while he likely battles to extend his future in Tennessee.

Three games, one on the road in a short week, isn’t enough to essentially pull the plug on Mariota’s contract-year audition. Does he need to show improvement? Of course, that’s evident, but the fifth-year signal-caller isn’t the only issue with this club.

According to Football Outsiders, the Titans offensive line ranks 31st in pass protection. Running backs Dion Lewis and Derrick Henry have three combined drops, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required). Tight end Delanie Walker, who’s caught the most touchdown passes from Mariota (14), seems healthy, but he’s played just 53.54 percent of offensive snaps under an offensive coordinator who once coached his position.

Tannehill isn’t going to fix all those mistakes and missteps, tossing him into the fray may amplify them as he acclimates himself to a brand new team.