The NFL preseason is meaningless, but some are already quick to jump to conclusions as to what the Tennessee Titans will look like in 2019.
Despite a dismal performance from the offensive line that saw quarterback Marcus Mariota removed from the game after just two series, the former Oregon Duck isn’t worried about the season ahead.
He’s confident not only in himself and his supporting cast, but also in what his offensive coordinator has done.
“I think no matter what, we’re ready to go,” Mariota said in a report by the team’s Jim Wyatt. “Since spring, I think our guys have bought into what (OC Arthur Smith) has established. Again, it’s just building one day after another.”
2019 is a particularly important year for Mariota, considering he is on the fifth and final year of his rookie deal and needs to prove he’s the franchise quarterback of the future.
In greatly limited action through three matchups this year, Mariota has completed 10-of-20 passes for 87 with one touchdown and no interceptions.
Mariota’s best performance came in Week 2’s game against the New England Patriots, when he delivered 6-of-9 passes for 63 yards and a touchdown.
Thursday’s preseason contest against the Chicago Bears is the last before the Titans kick off the regular season against the Cleveland Browns on Sept. 8.
