“Storyline” to watch (and laugh at) No. 2
The manufactured QB controversy in Tennessee
This isn’t so much a storyline to watch during the game as it is one to watch after. It’s the kind of storyline that you’ll be able to point your finger at and laugh when you see an uninformed national media continue to push it.
The national media has zeroed in on the Titans’ quarterback situation because of sheer boredom, nothing more, nothing less. There aren’t any interesting quarterback controversies to fawn over, thus the media has manufactured one between Mariota and Tannehill.
It is the definition of phony. It doesn’t exist. Mariota is the starter and has the backing of both his head coach and general manager, both of whom have made it clear he is the No. 1 guy behind center.
However, after just one preseason game, the national media has decided it doesn’t matter and will continue to run with this nonsense. If Tannehill has a repeat performance of his first preseason game and Mariota so much as sniffs an incomplete pass, this ridiculous conversation will continue.
What you won’t see is the media pull back on this joke of a narrative if Tannehill stinks it up on Saturday night. That wouldn’t fit the forced narrative.
Do not buy into it at all. The only thing you should be concerned about is if Mariota gets more reps in Week 2, and how ready and good he looks with some of his new receivers as he prepares to be the 2019 starter when the regular season begins.