Tennessee Titans: Five Keys To Successful 2015
By Les Bailey
Jul 31, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterbacks Zach Mettenberger (7) Charlie Whitehurst (12) and Marcus Mariota (8) watch as quarterback Alex Tanney (11) takes the snap during the first day of training camp at Saint Thomas Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Marcus Mariota
There was a reason that the Tennessee Titans drafted Marcus Mariota in the first round of the 2015 draft, and he is beginning to show coaches and fans alike as training camp gets underway, that they got it right.
Four days into training camp, and the 2014 Heisman Trophy winner has not thrown a pick. He took the training camp motto “take care of the football” to heart and has continued to impress throughout.
Mariota’s success during his rookie season will rely on three points.
- Will Ken Whisenhunt create plays that will optimize Mariota’s talent while he learns the game at NFL speed and difficulty.
- The Titans can develop a running game that will allow real play action possibilities.
- Marcus Mariota can stay healthy.
Two games hold my concern. Week six against the Miami Dolphins, and week eight against the Houston Texans.
If Mariota can get past Ndamukong Suh, and J.J. Watt without injuries, I will deem the year a huge success. The Texans have added former New England nose tackle Vince Wilfork and have hopes of getting the 2014 number one pick, Jadeveon Clowney back. That could be a tough week for our rookie quarterback.
Next: Brian Orakpo