Earlier today, Marcus Mariota was quoted by USA Today calling his preseason start, “a dream come true.” That start against the Falcons became one of those classic be-careful-what-you-wish-for Twilight Zone episodes (like the "Time Enough at Last," except less bleak).
Mariota wasn't great. Tennessee's hope turned the ball over twice in his first two drives. The first time, he made the mistake of not seeing how ready linebacker Justin Durant was to hawk that ball and blow up the screen play. So he did just that and returned the into for a pick six.
The second one was more slapstick. Jonathan Babineaux made it into the backfield and stripped the ball from Mariota's hands. Paul Worrilow, picked it up, and just like that, Mariota gave up 14 points.
The terrible start of Marcus Mariota captured in this vine - http://t.co/hPMMachTvQ
Mariota's time wasn't a complete disaster, though. Before he ended his night, he led an 80-yard drive that ended with Dexter McCluster's 6-yard touchdown.
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[via Bleacher Report]
