Where do Titans go after benching Marcus Mariota for Ryan Tannehill?

DENVER — Marcus Mariota spoke with a hint of defeat behind his words, a rarity for a guy who could write the book on remaining completely even-keeled through the ups and downs.

This is a new low for the Titans quarterback, who on Sunday against the Broncos was benched by coach Mike Vrabel in favor of Ryan Tannehill in the third quarter. 

Mariota's second interception of the day was the breaking point.

“At that point in time we were just trying to find a way to move the football and score some points,” Vrabel said after his team’s 16-0 loss. “Our defense was forcing them to kick field goals. We gave up the touchdown, but I felt like we were in the game and we just needed to find a way to score. That’s the only way you can win.”

Mariota said the benching over his poor play – he completed seven of 18 passes for 63 yards with two interceptions – was a first for him and conceded that “as an athlete, maybe” this is the most adversity he’s ever faced.

“Coach made a decision,” Mariota said, “and he’s going to make the decision that is best for the team, so I respect it and I just try to be there as a teammate.”

So what now? 

“I will evaluate with (general manager) Jon (Robinson) and the coaching staff,” Vrabel said, “but I will let you know as soon as I figure out and do what is best for the team.”

Benching Mariota itself held great significance as the Titans continue to evaluate their fifth-year quarterback who is in the final season of his rookie contract. The Titans drafted Mariota second overall in 2015, but after consecutive underwhelming seasons, they focused this offseason on adding as much talent around him to give him the best chance to succeed – and ensure he had no more excuses for poor play.

And then came Sunday.

Both Mariota and Tannehill said they didn’t yet have any indication of who will start for the Titans (2-4) on Sunday (3:05 p.m., CBS) against the Chargers at Nissan Stadium, but both believe they have a case.

“I absolutely do,” Mariota said when asked whether he wants to remain the starter. “No matter what, though, I’m a team player. If they call my number, I’ll be ready to go. I’ll make the most of my opportunity.

Said Tannehill: "I have a ton of confidence in myself. I think you have to to play this position. … I thought as soon as Coach Vrabel gave me the nod, I thought we were going to go win the game. Obviously didn’t happen, but that’s my mind-set as soon as my cleats touch the field. Whatever the role is going forward, I know I have a lot of confidence going forward."

The Titans signed Tannehill this past offseason to a one-year deal, giving them a top safety net in the event Mariota got hurt or struggled.

Although the Titans still couldn’t find the end zone with him under center, the offense operated with at least some signs of life. Tannehill, a former Miami Dolphin who started all 88 games he appeared in prior to arriving in Nashville, completed 13 of 16 passes for 144 yards and an interception.

“There wasn’t a whole lot of rust in terms of throwing. We throw in practice,” Tannehill said. “I felt ready to go. Obviously, it’s different feeling a live rush and moving around in the pocket, so I definitely felt like it had been a while since I played.”

Before Sunday, Mariota had played all but two snaps through the first five weeks of the season; Tannehill was inserted briefly during garbage time against the Browns in Week 1.

But it appears Mariota could cede more snaps to Tannehill when it matters.

“I was inaccurate today, and I didn’t give our guys a chance to make plays,” Mariota said. “Obviously, those are some of the reasons why I got pulled.

"Things happen for a reason and I truly believe that. I can learn from this and grow from this, and I'll become a better player from it."

Reach Erik Bacharach at ebacharach@tennessean.com and on Twitter @ErikBacharach.