NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- For new Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel, getting more explosive plays from Marcus Mariota and the offense is a priority this season, and he is encouraging his young quarterback to take shots down the field.
Last season Mariota completed six passes of 40 yards or more, tied for 19th in the NFL. He had seven such passes in 2016, tied for 22nd. Vrabel wants more.
"'It's OK. Let it rip!' I am telling him to throw it deep," Vrabel said. "'Launch it. Let it go!' If it gets intercepted, I have to be able to say, 'I told him to throw it deep.