Titans bench QB Mariota for Tannehill
The Tennessee Titans benched quarterback Marcus Mariota in favor of veteran Ryan Tannehill late in the third quarter of Sunday's game at the Denver Broncos.
Tannehill entered with 4:56 remaining in the third quarter, the Titans' first possession after Mariota threw his second interception of the game on a heave under pressure. Justin Simmons' pick set up the Broncos' first touchdown of the game, putting Tennessee in a 13-0 hole.
The Titans punted on their first six drives of the game, picking up a total of six first downs. Then came Mariota's first interception, to Chris Harris Jr. Tennessee knelt down to end the first half, then went three-and-out to open the second half before the second interception.
Mariota was 7 of 18 for 63 yards and the two picks, while absorbing three sacks, before being pulled Sunday.
Mariota, who turns 26 on Oct. 30, is in the final year of his rookie contract after being drafted second overall by the Titans in 2015.
In five games this season before Sunday, he had completed 61.7 percent of his passes for 1,116 yards, seven touchdowns and no interceptions, putting him on pace for a career-high 7.9 yards per attempt.
Tannehill, 31, was acquired via trade from Miami this offseason. He had 88 career starts with the Dolphins, with a passer rating of 87.0.
--Field Level Media
