Mariota not discouraged despite Titans' struggles
After experiencing a whole lot of success during his time at the University of Oregon, Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Marcus Mariota is finding life in the NFL to be much different.
Mariota, who went 36-5 as a starter with the Ducks, is part of a 2-9 Titans team in last place in the AFC South.
Yet despite the losing, the rookie, who has thrown 16 touchdowns and eight interceptions in nine starts this season, said he hasn't gotten discouraged and remains committed to improving during the final five weeks.
"It’s part of the process,’’ Mariota said, per the team's official website. “I’ve learned that no matter what, everyone is going to go through adversity. It’s how you handle it, it’s how you overcome it, and we do it as a team. I lean on these guys and they have been awesome for me, and that is kind of how we get through it.”
As the Titans prepare to face the Jaguars on Sunday, Mariota will have his first opportunity to play an opponent for the second time in his NFL career. The Titans took a 13-9 lead into the fourth quarter Nov. 19 before losing 19-13.
"It is good to have things so fresh in your memory and to be able to go out there and practice and know the looks," Mariota said.
“We are confident, and we have to go out there and execute.”
