The Tennessee Titans are not happy. Not only did the team take the loss against the Miami Dolphins, but quarterback Marcus Mariota was sacked five times, one of them potentially catastrophic. The quarterback was hit low by Olivier Vernon and is now facing questions after injuring his knee on the play. How do the Titans move forward is Mariota misses time?
The Titans are awaiting an MRI on Mariota's knee after taking a low hit from the Dolphins' defensive end. Mariota was able to finish the game wearing a big brace on his left knee, but his mobility was clearly an issue. According to ESPN's Paul Kuharsky, Mariota was seen moving around at the Titans' facility today so the team is hopeful about the MRI results, but the quarterback's status for Sunday is up in the air.
Tennessee was not happy about the hit and head coach Ken Whisenhunt let the media know about it. Mariota said he did not think Vernon's hit was malicious, but his head coach said otherwise.
"I think it was B.S.," Whisenhunt said, via ESPN.com. "That's not the way you play football. I think it was done with the idea of trying to hurt our quarterback, and that's bulls--- football."
With Mariota's status up in the air, Zach Mettenberger could be preparing to play his first game of the season. The backup has not seen time thanks to Mariota as the team works to invest in the rookie. This could be Mettenberger's time to shine as trade rumors will definitely circle his name in the offseason. Fantasy owners would be wise to keep an eye on the quarterback on the waiver wire.
Regardless of who is under center, the Titans have a lot improving to do. Their offensive line simply could not protect the quarterback all game and it could get worse. According to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, the Titans are putting center Brian Schwenke on injured reserve as he will undergo ankle surgery. That is a blow for an offensive line already having issues.
The run game was certainly nothing to brag about for the Titans. Four players acquired just 63 yards of offense. Dexter McCluster led the way and Bishop Sankey continues to struggle with the rise of Antonio Andrews. Dorial Green-Beckham failed to bring in a few critical passes while Delani Walker led with 97 yards. Against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 7, those numbers must improve. Mariota looked every bit the rookie quarterback in Week 6 and must shake off the performance in order to improve.
"Marcus is a great football player, he's got a lot of heart, courage," Walker said, via ESPN.com. "For him to take that punishment, it's kind of hard to look him in his eyes when we didn't do our best to protect him."