Titans' Mariota forming early bond with rookie Sharpe

For all the talk of the Tennessee Titans "exotic smashmouth" running game, they can throw it, too.

In Saturday afternoon's preseason game against the Carolina Panthers, Marcus Mariota showcased his arm much more than his legs. In three series, the sophomore passer completed 9-of-10 passes for 104 yards and ran the ball twice for 13 yards.

Mariota threw a 23-yard touchdown pass to Harry Douglas, but he also killed the Titans' first drive by throwing an interception.

The most interesting development of all may be his connection with fifth-round pick Tajae Sharpe. The rookie out of UMass was the recipient of six of Mariota's passes. He caught all six targets for 68 yards and four of his receptions went for first downs.

With the mercurial Dorial Green-Beckham out the door, Sharpe has quietly climbed the team's depth chart. Among a group that includes free-agent signee Rishard Matthews and established names in Andre Johnson, Douglas, Kendall Wright, and Justin Hunter, Sharpe was listed as the team's No. 2 receiver going into the preseason matchup.

Their bond will be one to watch as the Titans' starters are set to play even more in their third preseason game next Saturday against the Oakland Raiders.