New England Patriots: 5 Tennessee Titans to watch for

FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 20: Marcus Mariota #8 of the Tennessee Titans stands under center during the first half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 20, 2015 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 20: Marcus Mariota #8 of the Tennessee Titans stands under center during the first half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 20, 2015 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
New England Patriots: 5 Tennessee Titans to watch for
KANSAS CITY, MO – JANUARY 06: Quarterback Marcus Mariota #8 of the Tennessee Titans celebrates a touchdown as the the Titans defeat the Kansas City Chiefs 22-21 to win the AFC Wild Card playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 6, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

Marcus Mariota

Marcus Mariota struggled throughout the 2017 regular season. After a strong sophomore campaign, there were high expectations in year three for the former No. 2 overall pick. Mariota fell short of those personal expectations but did help lead the team to a postseason berth.

Against the Chiefs, Mariota stepped up his game and was a big reason for the upset being pulled. Mariota is a true dual-threat quarterback and he showcased a third talent, as he even caught a touchdown off his own pass attempt.

Former Patriots cornerback Darrelle Revis actually batted Mariota’s pass attempt into the air, but Mariota was alert enough to catch it and lunge into the end zone for a touchdown that jump-started the Titans.

Mariota made plays when he had to against the Chiefs. He used his legs when given the opportunity and was precise with his pass attempts.

The Patriots have experience playing against mobile quarterbacks, as they faced off with Tyrod Taylor twice this season. They know what it takes to slow down a mobile quarterback, but it is easier said than done.

Next: Patriots: 3 Keys To Victory vs Tennessee Titans

Expect the Patriots to focus on stopping Henry and the Titans run game. If they accomplish that, it will fall onto Mariota’s arm to lead the Titans offense. Is he capable of carrying the offense? We will have to watch and find out!