Understanding the schematic advantage presented by a speedy NFL quarterback, the Titans coach wants the second-year quarterback to run the football more in 2016. But he insists that Mariota’s health remains a priority.
MOCK DRAFT: Titans add Mariota protection with first overall pick
“My feelings are he can protect himself much better running the football than he can standing in the pocket, and you’ve seen it over time,” Mularkey said Monday on NBC Sports Radio, via Pro Football Talk. “We’re not going to run him like they run Cam Newton with some of these designed counter plays and things up the middle that are gonna expose him by any means, but I think he’s such a threat in the run game for defenses.
“It just gives you an advantage. The playing surface is evened; they don’t have an extra guy in the box. There is no extra guy when you have a quarterback like Marcus who can, and we saw it last year, go eighty yards if he has to, to be effective in the run game.”
Mularkey, who was hired last month after coaching Tennessee to a 2-7 record in his interim role last season, referenced former success as the Steelers’ offensive coordinator in relation to his plan for Mariota.
“(My) first time as a coordinator was in Pittsburgh with Kordell Stewart, and we were very good with him running the football,” he said.
Stewart earned his lone Pro Bowl selection in 2001, Mularkey’s first season as coordinator. It’s no coincidence that Stewart posted career highs in rushing attempts (96) and yards (537) that year, which resulted in a 13-3 record and an AFC title game loss to the eventual champion Patriots.
Mariota had 34 carries as a rookie, 24 of which came after coach Ken Whisenhunt was fired and replaced by Mularkey. He averaged 7.4 yards per carry and scored twice.
But the Titans, otherwise thin on offensive talent, need more on the ground.
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Utilizing Mariota’s speed isn’t a new idea — Mularkey told The Tennessean in November he wanted to give the QB more opportunities to take off, and he did. But a zone-read style in the mold of Seattle’s offense with Russell Wilson appears to be the specific approach moving forward.
Mariota twice last season suffered a sprained MCL, his left in Week 6 and his right in Week 15. But Mularkey doesn’t seem worried about the injury risk associated with additional carries.
Stewart stayed relatively healthy under Mularkey in Pittsburgh; Wilson, with 411 carries in four seasons, has avoided serious injury running outside the tackle box.
The Titans have the first pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, though they’re reportedly willing to deal it. Should Tennessee stay at No. 1, SN scouting expert Eric Galko projects more protection for Mariota.
Plus, a bulldozing tackle would do wonders clearing the way for QB keepers.
