What a day in Nashville! The BDE Tennessee Titans strike again, defeating the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. Marcus Mariota was the unquestioned MVP of the offense, and showed some real flashes of why he’s the perfect quarterback for Matt LaFleur’s offense. Yesterday also marked Mariota’s 11th game-winning drive.
But, it’s amazing to me to see the disconnect between how clutch Mariota is versus how his stats measure up. He’s near the bottom of the NFL in virtually every major statistical category, but that’s not an accurate measure of his ability. When it counts, in terms of being clutch, Mariota is among the very best in the NFL. Now, if we can just bridge that gap, Mariota may very well become the elite NFL quarterback he was drafted to be. Or, you can argue that the stats don’t matter as long as the Ws keep piling up. That’s fair, too.
I saw some people suggesting that yesterday was Mariota’s best game as a pro. My initial reaction to stuff like that is, “let’s pump the brakes on the all-time talk and let things simmer a bit.” But, since I didn’t have anything else to write about today, I thought I’d examine the question in a little more depth. So, I flipped through the archives and dug up the games that did come to mind as potential contenders for Mariota’s best game.
Philadelphia Eagles (9/30/18)
That was as clutch as we’ve ever seen Mariota. His final stat line from the game read 30/43 for 344 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. He was also the team’s leading rusher yesterday, carrying the ball 10 times for 46 yards and a score. But, what won’t show up on the stat sheet are the intangibles – Mariota’s elusiveness extending plays, the clutch 4th down conversions, the magnitude of the game, quality of opponent. Stuff like that.
Kansas City Chiefs, 2017 Wild Card Round
Again, not an eye-popping stat line – 19/31 for 205 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. He also had 46 yards on the ground, and oh yeah, by the way, he threw a touchdown pass to himself. It was yet another comeback win for the Titans, who advanced in the playoffs after defeating the Chiefs 22-21. This is still the game that immediately comes to mind when I think “Mariota’s best game.”
Green Bay Packers (11/13/16)
A surprisingly dominant victory over Aaron Rodgers and the Packers was also a big passing day for Mariota. He went 19/26 for 295 yards and a whopping four touchdowns. The Titans rushed for 154 yards in the 47-25 win over the Packers, in what was a big game for the entire offense.
Jacksonville Jaguars (12/6/15)
A tough shootout between two bad football teams in Mariota’s rookie season. But, it was a solid day for him nonetheless. He went 20/29 for 268 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception. He tacked on 112 rushing yards and a score in a 42-39 win. But, the team rallied, scoring 21 points in 4th quarter after going down 32-28. This was the game during which Mariota had his 87-yard run to give the Titans the lead 35-32. A Wesley Woodyard fumble return sealed that game.
New Orleans Saints (11/8/15)
This one might statistically be Mariota’s best game – 28/39 for 371 yards and four touchdowns. But, it was also another of Mariota’s big comebacks. The Titans were down 28-20 in the 4th quarter in New Orleans before Mariota hit Justin Hunter in the end zone. The 2-point conversion attempt was successful to Delanie Walker to send the game into overtime, where Mariota hit Anthony Fasano for the game winner. The Titans drove 80 yards in nine plays in overtime to win that game.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9/13/15)
It was Mariota’s NFL debut and what a debut it was – 13/15, 209 yards, four touchdowns, and a 158.3 rating. The Titans absolutely destroyed the Bucs 42-14, and had me thinking “what am I watching?” I can remember feeling, “boy, these Titans are going to be fun to watch,” before the team went 3-13.
You could argue that yesterday’s game was his best as a Titan, but I don’t think it was. What do you think, Titans fans? Did I miss any games here? Hit up the comments.
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Alabama Crimson Tide football, the WWE, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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