CLEVELAND -- Marcus Mariota sees himself as a point guard on the football field.
The Titans quarterback heads into games aiming to distribute the ball to his playmakers.
On Sunday, he was dishing.
Two touchdown passes to tight end Delanie Walker. A pair of long completions to rookie A.J. Brown. A 75-yard touchdown toss to running back Derrick Henry, which turned into a big slam dunk.
It all added up to a ton of points for the Titans in a 43-13 win over the Browns.
"For me, I know if I can distribute the ball and let these guys run and make plays, I am going to do it," Mariota said. "I think it started up front. We knew we had a tall task up front, and the guys did a great job of handling that.
"We had some times where we stalled, but guys trusted what (offensive coordinator) Arthur (Smith) was doing and we found ways to make plays. … Guys just made plays, and it was fun to watch."
Mariota completed 14-of-24 passes for 248 yards and three touchdowns in the contest, good for a passer rating of 133.3.
He found Walker open for scores of seven and 11 yards and looked to Brown for a pair of big plays – a 47-yard catch, and another one for 51 yards. Brown, a second-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, had three catches for 100 yards in his NFL debut.
It was Henry who had the biggest catch of the day, and it came on a screen pass thrown by Mariota.
Henry caught it and raced 75 yards for the score, picking up a key block by guard Rodger Saffold at the start.
"I knew going in that we had an opportunity with that play, and it just hit," Mariota said. "I knew if I could get the ball to Derrick that it was going to have a chance. Guys did a great job of blocking downfield and you get that guy in space and he's tough to tackle."
Mariota credited Smith for the job he did in his first game at OC.
Smith was creative, and calming, Mariota said.
"He kept telling us to stick to the game plan," Mariota said, "and guys just made plays."
After the game, Mariota was already talking about the Colts, who visit Nashville next Sunday.
"We just have to continue to build on what we've done," Mariota said, "and look forward to next week."
The Tennessee Titans take on the Cleveland Browns in the 2019 regular season opener at First Energy Stadium. (Photos: Donald Page)
CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 08, 2019 - Tennessee Titans game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Austyn McFadden/Tennessee Titans
Tennessee Titans cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) tackles Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) during the first half in an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver A.J. Brown catches a pass during the first half in an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Tennessee Titans free safety Kevin Byard (31) keeps watch during the first half in an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota scrambles during the first half in an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota looks to pass during the first half in an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver A.J. Brown runs a route during the first half in an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota throws during the first half in an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) rushes during the first half in an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota looks to throw during the first half in an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry rushes during the first half in an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Cleveland Browns cornerback Terrance Mitchell (39) tackles Tennessee Titans tight end Jonnu Smith (81) after a pass reception during the first half in an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 08, 2019 - Tennessee Titans game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Austyn McFadden/Tennessee Titans
CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 08, 2019 - Tennessee Titans game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Austyn McFadden/Tennessee Titans
CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 08, 2019 - Tennessee Titans game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Austyn McFadden/Tennessee Titans
CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 08, 2019 - Tennessee Titans game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Austyn McFadden/Tennessee Titans
CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 08, 2019 - Tennessee Titans game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Austyn McFadden/Tennessee Titans
CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 08, 2019 - Tennessee Titans game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Austyn McFadden/Tennessee Titans
CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 08, 2019 - Tennessee Titans game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Austyn McFadden/Tennessee Titans
CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 08, 2019 - Tennessee Titans game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Austyn McFadden/Tennessee Titans
CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 08, 2019 - Tennessee Titans game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Austyn McFadden/Tennessee Titans
CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 08, 2019 - Tennessee Titans game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Austyn McFadden/Tennessee Titans
CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 08, 2019 - Tennessee Titans game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Austyn McFadden/Tennessee Titans
CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 08, 2019 - Tennessee Titans game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Austyn McFadden/Tennessee Titans
Tennessee Titans cornerback Malcolm Butler returns an interception for a 38-yard touchdown during the second half in an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker scores a touchdown during the second half in an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel, left, congratulates running back Derrick Henry after Henry scored a 1-yard touchdown during the first half in an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry rushes for a 1-yard touchdown during the first half in an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) hands off the ball to running back Derrick Henry (22) for a 1-yard touchdown during the first half in an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) throws under pressure from Tennessee Titans cornerback Logan Ryan (26) during the first half in an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Tennessee Titans inside linebacker Rashaan Evans (54) and strong safety Kenny Vaccaro (24) celebrate a safety during the first half in an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Tennessee Titans kicker Cairo Santos watches his ball after kicking a 53-yard field goal during the second half in an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel watches during the second half in an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel yells instructions to players during the second half in an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota scrambles during the second half in an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota scrambles during the second half in an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) called for a face mask penalty against Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during the second half in an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry rushes during the second half in an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Tennessee Titans free safety Kevin Byard keeps watch during the second half in an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker scores a touchdown during the second half in an NFL football game Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Tennessee Titans free safety Kevin Byard (31) celebrates an interception during the second half in an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Tennessee Titans inside linebacker Wesley Woodyard runs route during the second half in an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker (82) scores a touchdown during the second half in an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) celebrates with teammates after Butler intercepted for a 38-yard touchdown during the second half in an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Cleveland. The Titans won 43-13. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Logan Ryan (26) keeps watch during the second half in an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Tennessee Titans defensive back Amani Hooker keeps watch during the second half in an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota answers questions after the team defeated the Cleveland Browns in an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel speaks at a news conference after this team defeated the Cleveland Browns in an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota answers questions after the Titans defeated the Cleveland Browns 43-13 in an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel speaks at a news conference after the Titans defeated the Cleveland Browns 43-13 in an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry celebrates after the Titans defeated the Cleveland Browns 43-13 in an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Tennessee Titans linebacker Cameron Wake (91) hugs Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) after an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) signs autographs after an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
