Marcus Mariota won’t play in Week 7 after suffering a knee injury the weekend prior. The Tennessee Titans will need backup quarterback Zach Mettenberger to be sharp against the 5-1 Atlanta Falcons to stand a chance of improving their dismal 1-4 record.
Head coach Ken Whisenhunt broke the news during a press conference on Friday. He did note Mariota’s frustration with the development, and that he shared that sentiment, with a caveat.
“He’s frustrated because he wants to play,” Whisenhunt noted, per wkrn.com. “We want to get him on the field as soon as possible. I just don’t be this week.”
Mariota will now find himself on the sideline after being decked on what many have deemed a dirty play by Miami Dolphins defensive end Olivier Vernon, who hit him very low. As a result of that hit, he’s now dealing with a sprained MCL that could potentially require multiple weeks of rest and rehab.
An offense with Mettenberger behind center is going to look a bit different than the one run by Tennessee while the rookie got his feet wet. Adam Caplan of ESPN provides some perspective, here.
You'll see Titans dial up deep passing game with Mettenberger: Justin Hunter, Dorial Green- Beckham likely targets.
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) October 23, 2015
For his career, Mettenberger — in his second year — has completed 59.9 percent of his passes with a very respectable 7.88 yards gained per passing attempt and has thrown eight touchdowns and seven interceptions.
He is capable of playing at a high level, and he had the support of his teammates before Mariota was drafted. In fact, a few of his playmakers were visibly upset after the team made the selection.
Atlanta’s defense is fast and has the ability to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Mettenberger must stay cool under pressure and deliver on time if the Titans have any chance of succeeding through the air. Overall, though, it’s going to take a team effort to win.
Regardless of the outcome there will be no quarterback controversy in Tennessee. Mariota is the team’s present and future. He’s going to play as soon as they deem him healthy enough to do it.