The 5 Biggest Busts of the 2017 NFL Season So Far
By Erik Lambert
Marcus Mariota
A year ago it looked like Mariota was ready to take his place among the NFL elite quarterbacks. He threw 26 touchdowns and just nine interceptions. The Tennessee Titans were painfully close to reaching the playoffs for the first time since 2008. Everybody felt this year would be the time for him. His offensive line was strong, his broken leg was healthy and he even had a shiny new weapon with the arrival of 1st round pick Corey Davis at wide receiver.
Turns out not so much. Whatever identity the Titans had last year has vanished. They aren’t running the ball as well, their defense has taken a step back and suddenly Mariota has become quite careless with the football. He’s already thrown four more interceptions than he did a year ago with only eight touchdowns. Thankfully the Titans are still 6-4 and in a weak division. There is time for him to get out of this funk before it’s too late.