Tennessee Titans: Replacing Return Man Marc Mariani Easier Said Than Done

By Raj Prashad
Senior Writer

Following Marc Mariani’s gruesome leg injury suffered Thursday night against the Arizona Cardinals, the Tennessee Titans have a serious decision to make on a new return man.

An electrifying punt and kick returner his rookie year, Mariani was a Pro Bowler his first year in the league. Last season, his production took a step back as opposing teams kicked away from him and the league moved up kickoffs, increasing the likelihood for touchbacks.

Now Tennessee must find a suitable replacement with just over a week before the season kicks off. The two most likely replacements offer very different styles of play.

Third-year journeyman Darius Reynaud made a name for himself in three preseason games as the type of explosive player the Titans could use in the return game. In the backfield, Reynaud carried the ball 16 times for 117 yards, one touchdown and one fumble.

It was returning the ball, however, where he impressed.

In his debut with the Titans and on his first return of the night, Reynaud took a punt return 85 yards for a touchdown. He would continue to showcase his skill set in the next game, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Reynaud returned two punts and a kickoff for a combined 66 yards, much better than Mariani’s 45 on the night.

Before Thursday’s game against the Cardinals, ESPN’s AFC South expert Paul Kuharsky noted ways Reynaud might fit on the Titans’ roster, going as far as questioning if the 5’9″, 201-pound return man might be able to overtake Mariani for the starting position.

It looks like he just might be able to grasp the starting position. That is, if second-year receiver Damian Williams doesn’t make a claim.