After having a revolving door of characters last season, it seems that the Las Vegas Raiders have now found their perfect number two quarterback. The Raiders signed former second overall pick Marcus Mariota in March to back up incumbent starter Derek Carr.
After trying on quarterbacks Mike Glennon, Deshone Kizer and Nathan Peterman to be the back up last season, the now Vegas-based franchise has the position on lock with the former Tennessee Titan shot-caller taking charge. And according to his former teammate, Mariota has a lot more to offer than just be an insurance policy.
Cornerback Logan Ryan came on the Double Coverage Podcast and gave his thoughts on how Mariota was destroying the Titans' defense as the scout team quarterback.
“He started killing us every single week. Like, he started ripping us in practice. Marcus Mariota was the practice quarterback and he was destroying us. And it made us better.”
The former Oregon Duck started six games for the Titans last season before being taken over by Ryan Tannehill in Week 7. But as he became the backup, the 26-year-old was instrumental for Tennessee's playoff run, including being tasked to emulate the opposing AFC quarterbacks to help their defense prepare, according to Ryan.
Ryan also added that Mariota acted as Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady, Deshaun Watson, and Lamar Jackson in practice and excelled, giving the Titans defense the much-needed leg-up to be ready for their opponents.
Mariota will be competing for the Raiders starting quarterback job despite Carr being penciled in for the position. But even if he doesn't see the field, the former Heisman Trophy winner can contribute in some other ways. Mariota did so with his former team as a backup last season, and he can do the same for Las Vegas during the 2020 season.
Follow Us
Subscribe