How Marcus Mariota has opened up the Raiders offense
The Las Vegas Raiders have an excellent backup quarterback in Marcus Mariota, who has helped energize this offense in recent weeks.
When Raiders backup quarterback Marcus Mariota was drafted as the No. 2 overall pick by the Tennessee Titans, he was expected to be a little more than a gimmick offensive player. Mariota’s time as a starting quarterback was nowhere near a failure. He led the Titans to multiple winning seasons as well as a playoff birth and a Pro Bowl alternate selection.
Mariota always had the talent and athleticism to be a successful player, but his inaccuracy and durability led to him losing his job.
The Raiders originally signed Mariota as competition for Derek Carr, but after an unimpressive training camp run, rumblings about his accuracy, and an injury, Mariota was demoted and eventually placed on injured reserve for months.
Mariota eventually jumped Nathan Peterman in the quarterback pecking order and when he got an opportunity late last season after Carr was injured, he shined. Mariota completed 17/28 passes for 226 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.
However, it was his added ability in the running game that presented the Chargers’ problems, where Mariota ran the ball 9 times for 88 yards and a touchdown.
Mariota’s athleticism was on full display and sparked many Raider fans to question if Mariota should be the starter. Even Head Coach Jon Gruden said “Mariota still proved he’s a dual-threat. He’s obviously very sharp. He can handle a lot of situations. And if need be, he’ll be ready again.”
This game offered the Raiders a glimpse at what abilities and wrinkles Mariota brought to the offense. Mariota himself needed that game.
Mariota brings a ton to the Raiders offense
“I was trying to kind of find my way again,” Mariota said after the game last season. “They gave me an opportunity to kind of take some time. They were patient with me. I just appreciate the fact that they were willing to do that. It’s kind of part of being an athlete. You’re going to go through some ups and downs. I think this staff did a great job with kind of keeping me levelheaded and kind of fighting through it.”
After the performance, it made sense that the offensive coaching staff would create a package of plays for Marcus Mariota. He offers something different that no one else on the team offers. Mariota is a fluid runner who also is a threat to throw and makes good decisions. The Mariota package was expected to be a major part of the offense.
During the Raider’s week 1 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Mariota came in and ran a read option for over 30 yards and demonstrated his explosiveness. However, Mariota was injured on the play and we didn’t see him for a few weeks.
When Gruden resigned and Ruggs had his tragedy, the offense began to fall flat. Mariota wasn’t fully back into the offense and the team struggled mightily. As the season progressed, however, Mariota began to see more opportunities. Late in the season against Denver, Indianapolis, and Los Angeles, Mariota has seen his snap count rise.
The Raiders have struggled all season in short-yardage and the red zone, but Mariota’s running ability has offered an immense advantage. Mariota has converted, what seems like every 3rd down he’s on the field. He has simply opened up the offense because of what he’s able to do.
Mariota has given a stagnant offense new life. He is electric and exciting, even if it is just for a few plays a game. What Mariota brings is a level of disguise and unpredictability to an offense that has struggled to consistently pick up yardage.
While his original contract may have been nothing short of horrendous, Mariota has provided terrific value this season and should get consideration for more playing time and even an extension. Mariota could be a key factor in the playoffs as he plays his Taysom Hill role and be a major focal point to an offense.