Titans' Mariota: 'I have no doubts' about starting again
Head coach Mike Vrabel's decision to start Ryan Tannehill at quarterback over a struggling Marcus Mariota ahead of Week 7 was one of the turnaround moments for the Tennessee Titans during their incredible 2019 campaign.
But despite the recent subpar performances that leave Mariota's future uncertain, the signal-caller still believes he'll succeed as an NFL starter again.
"I have no doubts at all, no doubts at all," he said, according to team writer Jim Wyatt. "I'm just hopeful and ready for whatever that next opportunity is."
Mariota is scheduled to become a free agent on March 18. Over six starts in 2019, he completed a career-low 59.1% of his pass attempts for 1,176 yards and seven touchdowns while throwing two interceptions. The Titans were 2-4 with Mariota under center.
Overall, the 26-year-old has started 61 games for Tennessee (29-32 career record), posting 13,207 passing yards and 76 touchdowns against 44 interceptions since being drafted second overall in 2015 out of Oregon.
The former Heisman Trophy winner led the AFC South club to two postseason games in 2017.
"The organization took a chance on me, and I felt like I gave them everything I've got," Mariota said. "Obviously, we're not sure what is going to happen. But I know when it is all said and done, I gave this organization everything I could."
Tannehill, who was acquired from the Miami Dolphins in March and led the Titans to the AFC Championship Game, is also set to become a free agent this offseason.