Fansided

One thing every NFL team can be thankful for in 2016

By John Buhler

Sep 11, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys guard Zack Martin (70) and center Travis Frederick (72) celebrate with running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) after he scored a touchdown in the third quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys guard Zack Martin (70) and center Travis Frederick (72) celebrate with running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) after he scored a touchdown in the third quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 20, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) runs the ball in the second half of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Indianapolis Colts beat the Tennessee Titans 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) runs the ball in the second half of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Indianapolis Colts beat the Tennessee Titans 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Tennessee Titans: Marcus Mariota is a franchise quarterback

Who says the NFL is devoid of young NFL quarterback talent? Jameis Winston is getting better in Tampa Bay and we all know about Dak Prescott and Derek Carr. There is one other young signal caller that is becoming the star of an 80’s sitcom: Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota.

While the Titans struggle to win back-to-back games, Mariota has shown flashes of why he can be a star signal caller in Nashville for the next decade plus. Mariota has elite arm strength, great mobility, and very much a rhythm thrower. He has been sensational in the red zone in 2016.

Obviously, Titans general manager Jon Robinson has to get Mariota some better perimeter weapons for 2017. However, it seems that the Mike Mularkey/Terry Robiskie offense is doing just fine for Mariota in Nashville. He is proving to be more than just a disciple of the Chip Kelly/Mark Helfrich Oregon Ducks spread.

He is still in his early 20s, but Mariota has the chance to be the best quarterback in Titans history. Mariota could eclipse the late Steve McNair, maybe even the Hall of Famer Warren Moon from the franchises years as the Houston Oilers. Tennessee is only 1.5 games back of Houston in the AFC South. There is a lot to be thankful for in Nashville this holiday season.

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