Philadelphia Eagles’ backup quarterback Marcus Mariota had a second opportunity to leave a lasting impression during the NFL preseason clash against the Cleveland Browns, held at Lincoln Financial Field, but unfortunately, he failed to capitalize on it.
Mariota, aged 29, managed to accumulate 86 passing yards, completing 9 out of 17 passes, but failed to secure any touchdown passes. His lone rushing attempt only yielded five yards, and he also had an interception before being replaced by Tanner McKee.
McKee, aged 23, took over and completed the game with 147 passing yards and a touchdown, making him a notable contender for the backup quarterback position.
Mariota’s journey has been somewhat tumultuous. Previously the starter for the Atlanta Falcons in the last season, he signed a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles as a backup for Jalen Hurts. However, both of Mariota’s preseason performances, including the previous game against the Baltimore Ravens, were underwhelming. In that game, he managed a mere 58 passing yards on 7 out of 11 completions, with no touchdowns.
In contrast, McKee’s performance against the Ravens showcased his potential, as he amassed 148 passing yards on 10 out of 20 completions. Comparatively, McKee appears to be a more promising option as a backup quarterback for Hurts.
Although Mariota demonstrated some of his valuable skills, notably rushing for 29 yards on four carries against the Ravens, his agility and explosiveness seem to be diminishing over time.
Since departing from the Tennessee Titans in 2019, Mariota’s career has taken a different trajectory, transitioning into a journeyman quarterback. However, his current stint with the Philadelphia Eagles presents an opportunity for him to solidify his position as a reliable backup quarterback. Nevertheless, Mariota needs to demonstrate his value swiftly, as failure to do so may result in him being compelled to retire from the NFL.
