Titans credit strong running game for Mariota's success

In his second year as a pro, it's tough to find a weakness in Marcus Mariota's game.

The Tennessee Titans quarterback has been successful passing and running the ball this season, while leading his team to a surprising 5-5 record. But it's not just Mariota's arm or targets that have the Titans believing in their former second overall pick's future.

"I think all great quarterbacks, I think their success is always predicated or stems from having a good running game," offensive coordinator Terry Robiskie told USA TODAY's Jason Wolf.

"I’ve told people forever, I’ve studied in all the years of doing it, you study the great games that Tom Brady has had. He’s been outstanding throwing the ball, but when he hands that thing off and they run it and they pound people and get after people, he has a ton more success.

"And to me, when you have young quarterbacks, young receivers, you’re young at those positions, the best thing you can do is establish the running game."

The Titans have the league's third-best running game behind the like Mariota, DeMarco Murray, and rookie Derrick Henry, while the second-year quarterback sits fourth in passing touchdowns and eighth in yards through the air.