Breaking down most interesting possible NFL Wild Card matchups
By Ian Wharton
Blaine Gabbert might clinch playoff spot as Mariota’s Injured
The injury woes have continued for 25-year-old Marcus Mariota this season, with his latest one being the most concerning. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Mariota suffered a nerve injury that left his “whole right side numb and tingly”.
I wrote about Mariota’s on-field issues earlier this week, but even with his flaws, the prospect of the team starting Blaine Gabbert against the Colts in a win-and-you’re-in game is scary. Gabbert’s been a fine backup but the Colts appear to be a safer bet with Andrew Luck.
If the Titans win, they may have to advance without Mariota at the helm in the biggest game of the season, further opening the question of his value to the team in the future.
The inconsistent nature of this team in general has them as a head-scratching projection entering each week. Their impressive wins against New England and Dallas seemed to show a coaching staff that had figured out how to best utilize talent. But they’ve also stumbled against Buffalo, Baltimore, and squeaked by mediocre foes.
Beating the Colts would mostly likely mean another divisional rematch against Houston. The two teams have split their season series.