Titans HC Ken Whisenhunt announced Friday that Zach Mettenberger will draw the start in Week 8, as rookie QB Marcus Mariota isn’t ready to play just yet.
“Marcus Mariota made a lot of progress this week, but we aren’t going to play him Sunday,” Whisenhunt said.
Mariota was able to practice this week, despite sustaining an MCL sprain a few weeks ago, and it appeared as though he had a chance to play this weekend. However, it’s hard to fault the team for being cautious with their No. 2 overall pick.
Previous reports had said that Mariota could miss between 3-4 weeks in order for his knee to be fully healed.
On benefit of continuing to go with Mettenberger while Mariota is out with his knee injury is that it could also boost his trade value.
Last week, Mettenberger completed 22-of-35 passes for 187 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions in their Week 7 loss to the Falcons.
This season, Mariota has thrown for 1,239 yards while completing 63.9 percent of his passes to go along with nine touchdowns and five interceptions. He’s also added 72 yards rushing over the course of five games.
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With the end of the trade deadline approaching next week, Is Zack Mettenberger being showcased tomorrow? If so, do you have an article ready to suggest trade ideas?
We don’t have an article about the Titans moving Mettenberger before next week’s deadline. Any time he’s playing, they’re clearly showcasing him for a future deal. However, I’d be surprised to see them trade him by next Tuesday.
An offseason trade makes more sense when there will be more teams looking for options at QB, and it’s more likely that the Titans would get better value for him at that point in time.
We agree with your decision here in Oregon based on the long term. MM will use the time to increase his knowledge in the film room on future opponents this year to recognize their tendencies and shore up any tendencies of his own. In general, the whole team has to slow the game down and at the same time become more efficient on both sides of the ball. Sustain blocks, tackle, and cover a bit better will go a long way. Go TITANS!! The great people of Tennessee and Oregon are behind you!!!