Gil Brandt of NFL.com graded 10 rookies on their performances in week 1. Marcus Mariota was one of the guys he graded. As you might have imagined, Brandt had a lot of good things to say:
Mariota made a mockery of fears he wouldn't be ready for the pros on Sunday. He performed like a veteran rather than a rookie starting his first NFL game at the toughest position in football. Mariota used his outstanding quickness, speed, accuracy and arm strength to finish with 209 yards, four touchdown passes and a perfect passer rating (158.