NFL Playoffs 2020: 20 Bold predictions for Conference Championships
By Dan Parzych
19. Mariota catches pass of more than 40 yards
Marcus Mariota may not be the starter for the Titans at the moment, but Mike Vrabel has been using the former Oregon star to throw off opposing defenders in each of the last two playoff games.
After tossing a short pass against the New England Patriots in the Wild Card Round, Mariota was used as a decoy during last weekend’s win over the Ravens by lining up as a receiver before Derrick Henry‘s touchdown pass.
As difficult as it was for Mariota to get benched in the middle of the regular season in favor of Ryan Tannehill, the Titans quarterback deserves plenty of credit for the way he has handled the situation, especially with Tennessee now in the AFC Championship.
Time will tell when it comes to determining Mariota’s future with the Titans, but at least if Vrabel needs him for another trick play on Sunday against the Chiefs, he will be ready.
Whether it happens to be a touchdown catch, a quarterback run, or simply just a big catch in general, whatever Tennessee needs from Mariota, he will be ready to help on offense.
There aren’t many teams fortunate enough to have a reliable backup with starting experience, but luckily for the Titans this is the case with Mariota.