NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Marcus Mariota spent the first part of Saturday's practice signing autographs for fans at Nissan Stadium. Many of them were decked out in his No.8 Titans uniform, some even from his days with the Oregon Ducks
The quarterback was cheered as he left the field.
In between, the second overall pick of the NFL Draft offered a glimpse of the future.
"The atmosphere was great. To get the fans out here and have a crowd and get some real live situations was fun and exciting," Mariota said. "I think for all of us it provides an opportunity for what's coming up, for what the future is like. I thought everybody came out today and practiced hard. It was exciting."
After holding their first seven practices at Saint Thomas Sports Park, the Titans practiced at Nissan Stadium on Saturday, an event open for season ticket members.
Mariota's first unofficial touchdown was a completion to receiver Harry Douglas on a rollout. Later, he had nice completion to receiver Kendall Wright and tight end Anthony Fasano, among others, and finished the day completing 12 of his 21 passes. Mariota and Wright connected several times.
"I thought red zone went well. I thought it was pretty efficient,'' Mariota said. "The entire offense took care of the football. That's the most important thing down there is to make sure you don't turn it over and you score points.
Mariota also continued his impressive streak of practices without an interception to eight. Mariota has thrown 140 passes in 7-on-7 and team drills combined during training camp, and the defense hasn't picked him off yet. Cornerback Coty Sensabaugh got his hands on a pair of Mariota passes, but was unable to haul the throws in.
"Boy, it was close today,'' Titans coach Ken Whisenhunt said with a smile. "That streak almost ended a couple of times."
Mariota appeared to settle down after sailing a few passes early. He went 5-of-9 in a period when the offensive starters faced the first-team defense. He completed four of his first five passes in that drill.
In a red zone drill, Mariota went 3-of-3, including the touchdown pass to Douglas.
Titans tackle Taylor Lewan said Mariota has been impressive, along with the entire offense. Regardless of the streak of eight practices without an interception.
"Honestly, I don't care that you guys talk about it,''' Lewan said. "It is a cool thing for him not to throw a pick yet, and obviously you never want him to throw a pick. But I think it is so easy to just focus on the quarterback. This whole team is working its tail off."
The Titans open the preseason on Friday at Atlanta.
Titans players take the field for training camp on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2015 at Nissan Stadium. (Donn Jones Photography.com)
