The Las Vegas Raiders signed quarterback Marcus Mariota in the offseason. Although the Silver and Black don’t expect him to contribute right away, the signal-caller is healthy and ready to step on the field if the situation calls for it.Â
At last, the Raiders have an adequate backup quarterback
The acquisition of the Hawaii product marked the first time the Raiders invested heavily in the backup quarterback position. Before, they had used draft selections such as Connor Cook or low-tier veterans like Mike Glennon. This all changed this past offseason when they offered Mariota a two-year deal worth up to $17.6 million. Of course, it would be better if Mariota doesn’t play a snap. That would mean Carr is playing well and that he hasn’t sustained any injuries. However, if the former Titans signal-caller has his name called, he’ll be ready to lead the Silver and Black.
Mariota has started 61 games, thrown for 13,207 yards, and scored 76 touchdowns. Moreover, he’s defeated the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead. After being supplanted by Ryan Tannehill in Tennessee, the Raiders might be what Mariota needs to reinvigorate his career. Even if he doesn’t play right away, taking a step back will be beneficial in the long run. The fact he isn’t carrying a franchise on his back can help him re-adjust his approach and get ready for whenever he sees the field again.
Marcus Mariota is healthy
In a press conference, Raiders head coach Jon Gruden talk about what the Silver and Black’s newest quarterback brings to the table. The team’s official website collected some interesting quotes from the event. Gruden praised Mariota for being able to get himself healthy and learn the playbook.
I’ve been impressed. The number one thing with Marcus was to get healthy. He had a shoulder problem, an ankle problem, so it’s a real credit to him to get his injury rehab done during all of this social distancing. The distraction of finding a doctor, being safe, and he did a great job of getting himself healthy and learning the system.
Mariota has suffered a litany of injuries through his career, so it’s reassuring to know he is likely the healthiest he’s been in recent year. Back in 2018, it seemed like he got hurt every single week so not playing has definitely helped him get better.
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Marcus Mariota has been nothing but an asset for the Raiders QB room
The Raiders have made it clear that Carr is the starter and Mariota his backup. Nevertheless, Gruden believes Mariota’s addition has been smooth and both Carr and the rookies benefit from it.
Being in the room, chat sessions with Derek Carr every day has really helped him. Derek is very advanced and very quick mentally, and Marcus is as well. So, he’s learning pretty fast and he’s applied it pretty fast with our rookies on the field during walk through.
Mariota surely itching to play, but he’s taking the right approach. He had the chance to become the Titan’s franchise quarterback, it didn’t work out. For now, he has to sit back, get ready and wait for his next shot. If he does what he has to do, he should be in position to succeed.
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