Tennessee Titans: Mike Vrabel talks decision to switch QBs
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel spoke about the switch at quarterback from Marcus Mariota to Ryan Tannehill for Week 7.
The Tennessee Titans made the switch from Marcus Mariota to Ryan Tannehill official on Wednesday, and head coach Mike Vrabel spoke to the media about it.
The Titans pulled Mariota from the Week 6 game against the Denver Broncos late in the third quarter after Mariota had completed just 7-of-18 passes for 63 yards and two picks.
Tannehill came in and played better, completing 13-of-16 passes for 144 yards and one pick.
Vrabel had this to say about the decision to go with Tannehill then, and in Week 7, per ESPN’s Turron Davenport.
"“Just felt like now was the time. Sitting at that game, sitting where I was, made the decision during the game and then just was able to think about it, evaluate it, and move forward and make a decision to try to spark the offense, to try to do something to get us going, to score some points and to help us win.”"
The Titans head coach also made it clear that this decision was based on more than just one game and some bad plays.
#Titans' Vrabel: Decision was based on a collective view of Mariota, the whole body of work, the passes we need to complete.
— John Glennon (@glennonsports) October 16, 2019
Vrabel also noted that both general mananger Jon Robinson and owner Amy Adams Strunk had input in this decision.
Mike Vrabel said Jon Robinson and Amy Adams Strunk had input among others in the decision to go with Ryan Tannehill this week. #Titans
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) October 16, 2019
One of the more interesting things Vrabel said during the presser was about a possible Mariota return to starter. He doesn’t rule out Mariota winning the job back and playing behind center for the Titans again.
#Titans' Vrabel: Says the decision was made "for this week," and doesn't rule anything out as far as MM winning the job back.
— John Glennon (@glennonsports) October 16, 2019
While interesting, I wouldn’t expect Mariota to just outright win the job back. Tannehill would have to either get hurt or perform horribly in order for that to happen. This will be Tannehill’s job until either of those things happen. This isn’t something he’s going to lose in practice.
If the Titans do need to call on Mariota again down the road, Vrabel is confident he’ll be ready.
Vrabel says he's confident in Marcus Mariota to be ready to go if his number is called again. #Titans
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) October 16, 2019
While quarterback has been an issue for Tennessee, there is plenty more blame to go around on this team. The offensive line, play-calling, and drops by receivers have all contributed to the team’s offensive ineptitude.
#Titans' Vrabel: We have to play better. It's not about one person or one player.
— John Glennon (@glennonsports) October 16, 2019
Last but not least, Vrabel isn’t happy with the job he’s done through six game of the 2019 season.
#Titans' Vrabel: Frustrated with the job I've done through 6 games, to get team to understand keys each week.
— John Glennon (@glennonsports) October 16, 2019
Next. 3 things Ryan Tannehill must overcome to be successful. dark
We’ll just have to wait and see if Tannehill is the spark this team so desperately needs. If not, it’s going to get late early for Tennessee.