Marcus Mariota produced a breakout season in 2016, leading Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan to say he has been impressed by the Tennessee Titans quarterback.
"Marcus is a great player, a really young guy who has done a lot of really good things in his first couple of years," Ryan said, according to titansonline.com
Ryan wouldn't be surprised if Mariota made another big jump in his progression in 2017 because of the Titans coaching staff, particularly head coach Mike Mularkey and offensive coordinator Terry Robiskie.
Ryan, the No. 3 pick of the 2008 NFL draft, worked with Mularkey and Robiskie early in his career. Mularkey was Atlanta's offensive coordinator from 2008 to 2011, and Robiskie was the Falcons' receivers coach from 2008 to 2015 before joining the Titans in 2016. Ryan said the two were instrumental in his development.
"I learned a ton from (Mularkey) about being a professional, about what it takes to be successful," Ryan said. "Mike is one of the most detailed and organized people I have ever been around and he has remained a great friend to this day. He has been so supportive of me throughout my entire career."
The Titans wide receiving corps also made significant progress, which Ryan said reflected the influence of Robiskie.
"He brings a lot of toughness to that position, and I think you've seen that in Tennessee this year," Ryan said. "He'll get his guys to play hard and to play physical and he is an excellent motivator."
Mariota posted career-highs in passing yards with 3,426 along with 26 touchdown passes in 2016. He threw just nine interceptions and finished with a passer rating of 95.6. He threw 21 touchdowns and just three interceptions during an eight-game stretch.
With Mariota working under Mularkey and Robiskie, Ryan expects Mariota to continue improving.
"I think Mike will do a great job with Marcus,'' Ryan said. "I think Mike and Terry will be great for Marcus."
-- Geoffrey C. Arnold | @geoffreycarnold
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