Marcus Mariota 2019 Outlook: A Final Shot in Nashville
6 years agoAfter a breakout 2016 season in which he threw for 26 touchdowns to only nine interceptions, quarterback Marcus Mariota has done nothing to prove he can repeat these numbers. Since then, he has combined for 24 TD and 23 INT. Last season, while dealing with injuries to his leg and arm, he only amassed 2,528 pass yards with 11 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
We are still waiting for a breakout from wide receiver Corey Davis and at this point, it looks less and less likely it will happen. Even in his best season in 2016, Mariota only attempted 451 passes and this type of low volume offense does not produce a solid fantasy quarterback, or even one who is worth drafting. With Derrick Henry looking to have a bigger role, the run game is going to take precedence over the passing game even further. Henry is not a pass-catcher. He is a bruising inside-the-tackles running back. He will require 20 to 25 rush attempts a game and with a slow offense and a defense-first head coach, the offense does not look to be in store for a bright future.
Mariota is entering a make-or-break season with the Titans. If he has another bad year, he may be moving to another team in 2020. While it is unusual for a team to let go of a quarterback so young, it could happen if Tennessee feels like one of the quarterbacks in next year’s draft will get them to the next level in a strengthening division. If you are not playing in a two-quarterback or Superflex league, Marcus Mariota is a solid no-go as a draft pick as his ceiling is severely limited by the offense and he does not have a reasonable pathway to be a starting fantasy QB.