Mariota's lethal deep ball key to Titans' breakthrough Published: Dec 07, 2016 at 02:45 PM Justin Turner Jersey Around The NFL Podcast Co-Host As one of the hottest quarterbacks in the league, has the in a three-way tie atop the AFC South. Since Week 6, no quarterback has posted a higher pa ser rating (117.7) or accounted for more touchdowns (23) while the boast the league's No. 1 scoring offense (30.9 points per game) over that span. It's been a remarkable turnaround for the second-year signal-caller who spent September and early October throwing and fumbling games away in key moments. So what accounts for Mariota Tony Gonsolin Jersey 's breakthrough? It starts with a growing familiarity in a new offense run by Mike Mularkey and Terry Robiskie. Although the poured resources into the offensive line, backfield and receiving corps this past offseason, it took Mariota a few games to click with the new faces. Mariota has certainly benefitted from the protection of first-round Alex Verdugo Jersey tackle , the stalwart running of and the reliability of wideout . The biggest change in Mariota's game, however, has been transforming from an inefficient liability to a tremendous a set on downfield throws. Amid as a rookie, Mariota's 39.5 pa ser rating on throws over 20 yards ranked 33rd among 37 qualifying quarterbacks. When I for 's "Redraft" series last offseason, I noted Mariota's inconsistent release on deeper pa ses. It didn't help that he had no Russell Martin Jersey reliable wideouts capable of winning the hand-fighting battles with defensive backs on the sidelines and deep down the field. How disappointing was Tenne see's downfield attack? Johnny Manziel in six starts than Mariota managed in 12. A year later, Manziel has washed out of the league while Mariota has emerged as a deep-shot artist. The ' playmaking quarterback has completed 22 of 48 throws of 20 or more air yards, per NFL Research, recording a 123.3 pa ser rating that among Victor Gonzalez Jersey 33 qualifying pa sers. After 12 starts last season, Mariota's fancy footwork, lightning-quick release, intermediate accuracy and red-zone prowe s led the to conclude they were . After 12 starts this season, his effective deep ball and improved decision making have confirmed the organization's beliefs. This article has been reproduced in a new format and may be mi sing content or contain faulty links. Please use the Contact Us link in our site footer to report an i sue.
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