Tennessee Titans

Mariota bounces back in win over Rams

Published Aug. 24, 2015 11:59 a.m. ET

foxsports

Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback had an uneven debut in the team's preseason opener last week against the Atlanta Falcons, but Sunday night against the St. Louis Rams, the Heisman Trophy winner responded with a much better performance.

Mariota was 5-of-8 passing for 59 yards and passer rating of 84.9. The No. 2 overall pick in this year's draft led the Titans on a scoring drive that would have been a touchdown, if not for a drop in the end zone by running back Dexter McCluster. Instead, Tennessee settled for a field goal.

“You know that happens,’’ Mariota said of the dropped pass, per the team's official website. “I just tell him, “Go ahead and catch the next one, and that’s all you can really do.”

Mariota also had an impressive 35-yard completion to tight end Craig Stevens during the drive.

“That’s what he’s done in practice,’’ head coach Ken Whisenhunt said. “He’s worked hard at doing some of those things, but he’s also a very good player. So it’s encouraging to see this."

Whisenhunt was also pleased how the rookie responded after the coach-to-quarterback communication device went out and Mariota was forced to head to the sidelines for play calls.

“Most guys would panic at that point, but (Mariota) handled himself like a pro. He was calm,’’ Whisenhunt said. “If we make two catches, he’s got a touchdown and a big first down on that opening drive, so he played well.”

(h/t Tennessee Titans)