The Titans are taking a beating in New England, and they seem to have decided to give Marcus Mariota a reprieve.
Zach Mettenberger came in to replace Mariota at quarterback with the Titans losing to the Patriots 21-3 in the second quarter. Mariota appeared to take a hit to the right knee, although he remained standing on the sideline rather than going to the locker room, which suggests that the injury is not too serious.
Titans interim head coach Mike Mularkey has made a point of protecting Mariota from unnecessary hits, and Mularkey may have decided to pull Mariota as a precaution.
Tom Brady has already thrown two touchdown passes, and the Patriots also got a touchdown by recovering a Mariota fumble in the end zone.