In his first three months as an NFL starter, it’s been talked about how Mariota doesn’t run enough as a professional quarterback. The skill that made him so dangerous as a dual-threat at Oregon has been hardly used with the Titans.
Until tonight.
Mariota snuck around the edge in the third quarter against the Jaguars, and made his way into the endzone on a 20 yard scramble. It’s the longest run of Mariota’s career, and his first career rushing touchdown. It’s also the longest touchdown run from any quarterback in the NFL this season.
The play started with a great fake handoff from Mariota. With the Titans pounding the inside run all night, Mariota was able to completely fake out the defense on the bootleg run.
Mariota’s commitment to the pocket is a contrast from his days at Oregon. In three seasons with the Ducks, Mariota rushed for over 2,00 yards and 29 touchdowns. He’s rushed just 16 times in seven games in the NFL.