Mariota's milestone performance carries Titans past Jaguars
It took an unprecedented effort from Tennessee quarterback Marcus Mariota to break his team's 11-game home losing streak Sunday, but the rookie proved up to the task, guiding the Titans to a 42-39 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Mariota finished the afternoon 20 of 29 passing for 268 yards and three touchdowns, while running for a game-high 112 yards and another touchdown as well.
In doing, so he made history. Per the team's official website, Mariota became the first player in NFL history with more the 250 yards passing, 100 yards rushing and three touchdown passes in the same game.
“The guy is incredible,’’ Titans tackle Taylor Lewan said. “That’s why we drafted him. He has great patience in the pocket, and he proved again today he can do it running the ball, too.”
His 87-yard touchdown run was the third-longest by a quarterback since 1960, while the three touchdown passes helped Mariota tie Peyton Manning as the only rookies to have four games with three or more touchdown passes.
Mariota said after the game he hopes the win sparks the Titans through the final four weeks of the season.
“It is a huge win. Any time you are able to win in the National Football League it is a big deal," Mariota said. "Unfortunately we have been on the opposite side of some of these and it should give these guys the utmost confidence because we were able to finish today."
The Titans take on the New York Jets next week.
