Marcus Mariota Making Noise with Las Vegas Raiders

Photo by: Abbie Parr/Getty Images

The 2019 season ended on Tennessee’s sidelines for Marcus Mariota. Then, he signed with the Raiders in March.

Most “experts” believe Mariota will be the backup to Derek Carr. However, Mariota is already making an impression on Las Vegas coach Jon Gruden.

Marcus Mariota “really fired me up today,” Gruden said. “He has turned a corner with his ankle (injury) and he is a dazzling playmaker. He had a very nice day.” #Raiders

— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) August 14, 2020

Gruden has been a staunch supporter of Mariota since he left Oregon in 2014. So, it’s really no surprise Gruden continues to be bullish on the former Duck star.

Mariota struggled with the Titans, but he also had three head coaches in five seasons. Turnover like that is not going to help anybody’s development.

Then, last season, Mariota was benched in favor of Miami Dolphins castaway Ryan Tannehill, and Tannehill was great.

If Tannehill can revive his career, why can’t Mariota? Gruden hasn’t exactly been thrilled with Derek Carr since returning to the NFL in 2018.

Mariota has missed at least one game in each of his first four NFL seasons before being benched last year. His best season came in year two when he threw for 3,426 yards, 26 touchdowns and just nine interceptions. He’s also scored 11 rushing TDs in his career.

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