NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota played against the Ravens last year, and he performed well.
In the team's 23-20 victory over Baltimore, Mariota completed 19-of-28 passes for 218 yards and two touchdowns.
As Mariota prepares for Sunday's game at Nissan Stadium, the recent experience vs. Baltimore should help in his preparation. He's familiar with some of the returning personnel, and the style of play.
Mariota also has another resource as he studies the Ravens: Dean Pees.
Pees, Baltimore's defensive coordinator from 2012-2017, is now with the Titans. Don Martindale replaced Pees in Baltimore as the team's defensive coordinator after Pees initially retired.
"Coach Pees is here now," Mariota said on Wednesday. "Obviously, if we have questions or anything like that we can talk to him, but it is somebody new calling the plays."
The Ravens continue to play at a high level. Baltimore is ranked third in the NFL in total defense – fifth vs. the run, and 4th vs. the pass.
"I think across the board they've got players in every part of their defense," Mariota said. "Whether it's upfront, whether it's in the secondary, or even at the linebacker level. Statistically, I think they're up there with one of the better defenses in the league. You can see on the film why. Whether it's owning the line of scrimmage, causing havoc in the back end, they've done a great job.
"We've really got a challenge in front of us, and we've got to make sure that we're ready to go."
The Tennessee Titans take the field for practice on Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018 at Saint Thomas Sports Park. (Photos: Gary Glenn)
