Tennessee Titans: Mike Vrabel talks QB change, Week 7 starter
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel talked about his decision to bench quarterback Marcus Mariota in Week 6.
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel made a big change in Week 6, as he decided to bench starting quarterback Marcus Mariota in favor of Ryan Tannehill.
Vrabel made the move in the third quarter of the Titans’ 16-0 loss to the Denver Broncos on Sunday. The Titans offense was struggling badly during the contest, and Vrabel decided it was time to make the switch.
After the game, Vrabel explained what his thinking was in making the move after Mariota had completed 7-of-18 passes for 63 yards and two picks, per Jim Wyatt of Titans Online.
"“Every decision we make we try and do in the best interest of the football team at every position,” Titans coach Mike Vrabel said. “At that point and time, we’re just trying to move the football and score more points.”"
When talking to the media about his benching, Mariota himself explained that Vrabel said the team “needed a spark” when telling his QB that a change was being made — and there’s no doubt a spark was needed.
Vrabel went on to talk about how Mariota took the news.
"“He took it like a pro. I think that he certainly wasn’t happy, any of us weren’t happy. When we do, nobody is happy, and we want guys that want to play.”"
As for next week, Vrabel told the media that he would consult general manager Jon Robinson before making a final decision.
"Vrabel said he’ll consult with Titans general manager Jon Robinson and his coaching staff before deciding if the move is permanent."
If we’re being honest with ourselves here, the decision will likely be Tannehill. He went 13-of-16 for 144 yards and interception in less than two full quarters of action.
The former Miami Dolphins quarterback simply looked better than the Oregon product, and the offense had more success moving the football, even though it failed to score points with Tannehill behind center.
At 2-4, the Titans have no choice but to see if Tannehill can do better moving forward. This team is at rock bottom right now and while it isn’t all Mariota’s fault, he’s certainly part of it.
One thing’s for certain: Tannehill has quite the hill to climb in improving this offense with all the issues it has that extend beyond the quarterback.