NFL World Blasted Marcus Mariota After Lackluster Preseason Performance vs. Browns

Marcus Mariota was expected to be Jalen Hurts’s backup after signing with the Eagles this offseason, but the 29-year-old’s performance vs. the Browns on Thursday night didn’t do much to instill confidence.

The quarterback started Thursday night’s game and completed 9 of 17 passes for 86 yards and one interception and was sacked three times. He drew the ire of fans particularly with a few throws that were seemingly way off the mark.

Sixth-round rookie Tanner McKee played in the second half and performed well, completing 11 of 19 passes for 149 yards and a touchdown.

Fans and media didn’t go easy on Mariota during the game on Thursday night on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Here’s some of the social media reaction.

Marcus Mariota game recap pic.twitter.com/D5FlUDBQzT

— Jimmy Kempski (@JimmyKempski) August 18, 2023

how did the Falcons start Marcus Mariota last year and stay within 1 score in 15 of 17 games

hilariously bad

— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) August 18, 2023

“See those guys with the Eagles jerseys?
Yeah… throw it to them.”

- Jalen Hurts to Marcus Mariota (probably) #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/dqwNjesbq1

— A2D Radio (NoNotes) (@a2dradio) August 18, 2023

Marcus Mariota is sooooooooo bad man🤣🤣🤣🤣

How the Falcons won 5 games with him is masterful by Arthur Smith lol

— Steven Padillas (@Falcons_Pad) August 18, 2023

I don't understand how Marcus Mariota is THIS inaccurate

— The Birds Blitz (@TheBirdsBlitz) August 18, 2023

obviously it's just one game but... the Eagles can't feel *great* about their backup QB situation after tonight.

— Mike Golic Jr (@mikegolicjr) August 18, 2023

"Previously, on "Quarterback"..."

Marcus Mariota still made some plays. This is a tough watch.

— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) August 18, 2023

Marcus Mariota trying to go to the Eagles practice facility tomorrow #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/ZqBoOhHfnQ

— iregretlikingsports (@Jimmy2424555) August 18, 2023

Tanner McKee just threw a pass better than any pass Marcus Mariota did tonight -- on his first attempt.

Joseph Ngata was the recipient of the catch. #Eagles

— Jeff Kerr (@JeffKerrCBS) August 18, 2023

Tanner McKee has even fallen better than Marcus Mariota in this game.

— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) August 18, 2023