Eagles Backup QB Race: Marcus Mariota 'Efficient Expectation'
The Philadelphia Eagles' preseason has begun as they attempt to at least defend, if not improve on, their defense of the NFC title from a year ago. Coach Nick Sirianni did not play starters in Saturday's 20-19 loss to the Baltimore Ravens with hopes of keeping them fresh for upcoming joint practices against the Cleveland Browns.
As a result, Marcus Mariota got the start under center and showed his ability to lead the second-team offense in the first drive. Mariota led Philly on a 14-play, 55-yard drive that ended with a Jake Elliott 45-yard field goal, and an early Eagles lead.
Did he meet expectations? After going 7 of 11 passing for 58 yards and adding four carries for 29 yards, that answer likely remains unknown through just one preseason game, but we now know what he's aiming for.
"The expectation is to be efficient. The expectation is to be a point guard and spread the ball around and let these guys make plays," Mariota said. "That's the beautiful thing about this offense is that it gives everybody an opportunity to shine and as we continue forward in camp, we're going to get more and more comfortable."
On that drive, Mariota converted a 3rd and 13 with his legs and hit wideout Tyrie Cleveland on a nine-yard slant play on a third-and-10. Mariota then offered such a convincing fake handoff, the closing linebacker never saw what was coming, and Mariota converted on fourth down.
The defense then forced a three-and-out by the Ravens' offense, and Mariota once again led the offense on an impressive drive. A 14-yard pass to receiver Greg Ward converted a third-and-4, putting the offense in scoring range. Back-to-back penalties forced Elliott to miss wide right from 46 yards, and Mariota's night was done.
"The expectation is to be efficient. The expectation is to be a point guard and spread the ball around and let these guys make plays," Mariota said. "That's the beautiful thing about this offense is that it gives everybody an opportunity to shine and as we continue forward in camp, we're going to get more and more comfortable."
Mariota expected to be efficient. He was. He wanted to spread the ball around. He did. He did everything exactly right. Next? More exhibition games, and more opportunity to shine again.
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