ARLINGTON, Texas – Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota ditched the glove, and played like a Smooth Criminal.
Mariota completed 21-of-29 passes for 240 yards and two touchdowns in the team's 28-14 win over the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football. He also ran for a nine-yard touchdown late, as the Titans sealed it.
It was Mariota's first game without the glove on his right hand since Week One, when he suffered an elbow injury.
On Monday Night Football, it all seemed even more special.
"It is special for sure," Mariota said. "Growing up, all you can really dream about is playing on Monday night. It was fun to be able to do that – we had a great atmosphere and we had a bunch of Titans fans in town. So it was quite enjoyable.
"And being able to get back to .500 was very important, and we have another one (against the Patriots) coming up."
The Titans converted 11-of-14 third downs in the contest, as the Titans turned a lethargic start into a winning performance.
Mariota connected on an 18-yard touchdown pass to running back Dion Lewis, and he flipped a seven-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jonnu Smith in the second half as well.
Mariota has now thrown 26 touchdowns and only seven interceptions in 13 career games vs. NFC opponents.
"Marcus is a warrior, man," Lewis said. "He plays extremely hard, and he is our leader. He's a great quarterback."
Mariota spread the football around in the contest. He connected with receiver Darius Jennings on a beautiful 36-yard completion on one scoring drive, and he also found receiver Cameron Batson on another third down to extend the drive. Receiver Corey Davis led the Titans with six catches for 56 yards.
Asked about Mariota's performance after the game, Titans coach Mike Vrabel said he liked what he saw.
"We won the game, and that is the most important thing," Titans coach Mike Vrabel said of Mariota. "He threw some great balls, and ran the football and scrambled and scored a rushing touchdown when nothing else was there. We are excited about that performance. It was a winning performance."
The Tennessee Titans take on the Dallas Cowboys in Week 9 of the 2018 season on Monday, Nov. 5, 2018 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Photos: Donn Jones, AP)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) works against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) works against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) works against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Tennessee Titans free safety Kevin Byard (31) intercepts a pass intended for Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Amari Cooper (19) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Tennessee Titans free safety Kevin Byard (31) intercepts a pass intended for Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Amari Cooper (19) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders perform before the first half of an NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Tennessee Titans, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders perform before the first half of an NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Tennessee Titans, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Tennessee Titans free safety Kevin Byard (31) intercepts a pass intended for Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Amari Cooper (19) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Fans watch the field before the first half of an NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Tennessee Titans, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) runs against Tennessee Titans linebacker Wesley Woodyard (59) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Tennessee Titans free safety Kevin Byard (31) intercepts a pass intended for Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Amari Cooper (19) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Amari Cooper (19) runs into the end zone as Tennessee Titans cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) fumbles the ball against the Tennessee Titans during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. Dallas Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee recovered the ball.(AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Tennessee Titans free safety Kevin Byard (31) intercepts a pass intended for Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Amari Cooper (19) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Tennessee Titans free safety Kevin Byard (31) intercepts a pass intended for Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Amari Cooper (19) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) runs out of the pocket against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) works out of the pocket against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) runs out of the pocket against the Tennessee Titans during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Tennessee Titans running back Dion Lewis (33) runs into the end zone for a touchdown against Dallas Cowboys cornerback Chidobe Awuzie (24) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) runs out of the pocket against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) runs as Tennessee Titans linebacker Nate Palmer (50) makes a block against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) runs out of the pocket against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Dallas Cowboys kicker Brett Maher (2) attempts a field goal and reacts after missing the shot against the Tennessee Titans during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Tennessee Titans nose tackle Austin Johnson (94) sacks Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) runs as Tennessee Titans linebacker Nate Palmer (50) makes a block against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) works against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) runs against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Gallup (13) stretches for the ball as Tennessee Titans cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. The Tennessee Titans won 28-14. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) runs against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota, left, celebrates his touchdown run with team mates during the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) greets fans after an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. The Tennessee Titans won 28-14. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Tennessee Titans linebacker Harold Landry (58) celebrates his sack on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) runs for a touchdown against Dallas Cowboys defensive end Demarcus Lawrence (90) during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Daniel Ross (93) sacks Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
The Tennessee Titans prepare to take on the Dallas Cowboys in Week 9 of the 2018 season on Monday, Nov. 5, 2018 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Photos: Donn Jones, AP)
Dallas Cowboys fans tail gait before the first half of an NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Tennessee Titans, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) warms up before the first half of an NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Tennessee Titans, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Tennessee Titans tight end Anthony Firkser (86) warms up before the first half of an NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Tennessee Titans, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Tennessee Titans tight end MyCole Pruitt (85) warms up before the first half of an NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Tennessee Titans, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) warms up before the first half of an NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Tennessee Titans, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Tennessee Titans tight end Luke Stocker (88) warms up before the first half of an NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Tennessee Titans, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
