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Why Marcus Mariota’s fantasy football outlook is better than you think

By Michael Moraitis

PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 08: Marcus Mariota #8 of the Tennessee Titans looks on from the sidelines in the second half during a preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on August 8, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 08: Marcus Mariota #8 of the Tennessee Titans looks on from the sidelines in the second half during a preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on August 8, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /
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Tennessee Titans right tackle, Jack Conklin.
PITTSBURGH, PA – NOVEMBER 16: Marcus Mariota #8 of the Tennessee Titans and Jack Conklin #78 walk off the field at the conclusion of the Pittsburgh Steelers 40-17 win over the Tennessee Titans at Heinz Field on November 16, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

3. Improved offensive line

Part of the reason Marcus Mariota dealt with numerous injuries last year was because of poor protection upfront. A lackluster year for the Titans’ O-line led to Mariota getting sacked 42 times in 14 games.

In response to that issue, the Titans let both of their guards go and signed left guard Rodger Saffold and drafted right guard Nate Davis. While Davis won’t be the starter to begin the season, fellow guard Kevin Pamphile was solid for Tennessee last season in multiple roles.

Right tackle Jack Conklin, who struggled mightily in 2018 and dealt with another knee issue, is back and looks motivated and healthy in a contract year. Conklin has shown up big time this preseason, earning the second-highest grade among offensive linemen through two weeks, per Pro Football Focus.

Left tackle Taylor Lewan is a top-five player at his position, however he will be facing a four-game suspension to start the season. That might be a huge concern normally for most teams, but the Titans have fellow tackle Dennis Kelly to fill the void. Kelly finished as the No. 18 tackle in the  NFL last season when playing on the right side, per PFF.

In all, PFF ranked the Titans’ offensive line as the No. 4 unit coming into 2019, and from what we’ve seen during the preseason, that ranking should come to fruition. Mariota should be healthy and upright for much of this season as a result, and that could lead to him putting up some of the best numbers of his career.

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