The Philadelphia Eagles signed free agent QB Marcus Mariota to back up starter Jalen Hurts. Many observers felt this was a good move, since Mariota’s skill set is similar to that of Jalen Hurts.
So far during training camp, Mariota has struggled mightily. He has missed open receivers in practice, thrown sloppy interceptions and more often than not, Mariota has tucked the ball and run.
Local media who have been out to practice, have constantly commented on how Mariota has struggled and how concerning it is.
The 29-year-old Mariota a former No. 2 overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft and most analysts and experts thought that he was destined for stardom.
Mariota’s career has not turned out to be what was expected of him. He is with his third different NFL team in the last three seasons.
Last season with the Atlanta Falcons, Mariota started 13 games. He tossed 15 touchdown passes and nine interceptions and added another four scores and 438 yards on the ground.
Mariota’s struggles are a major concern. We all know how important No. 2 quarterback position is. History tells us that. Just look at Nick Foles in 2017.
During the two games that starting QB Jalen Hurts was sidelined, the Eagles lost both of them (at Dallas, vs. New Orleans) with Gardner Minshew under center.
A not fully healed Hurts had to come back and play the last game to clinch the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs.
Behind Hurts and Mariota, the Eagles have rookie Tanner McKee and Ian Book on their QB depth chart.
The hope is that Mariota starts playing better, because the No. 2 QB is a very valuable spot on an NFL roster.
Eagles backup QB Marcus Mariota. Photo courtesy of The Sporting News – Getty Images
