Ken Whisenhunt Comments on Olivier Vernon's Hit on Marcus Mariota

Tennessee Titans head coach Ken Whisenhunt wasn't pleased with the hit his quarterback Marcus Mariota took to the knees from Olivier Vernon in Sunday's 38-10 loss to the Miami Dolphins.

"I think it was B.S.," Whisenhunt said, per ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky. "That's not the way you play football. I think it was done with the idea of trying to hurt our quarterback, and that's bulls--- football."

Mariota crumbled to the turf in the first quarter when Vernon came flying in to apply pressure on the rookie signal-caller.

"I know one thing—it wasn't intentional," Vernon said, per Kuharsky. "I've never been a dirty player in my whole career. ... Nobody tries to get personal fouls. I know one thing, they are expensive."

Mariota spoke about an encounter with Vernon after the game, backing up Vernon's testimony, per the Tennessean's Jason Wolf:

"

Marcus Mariota on Olivier Vernon late hit: "He came up to me after the game & apologized so I don't think it was malicious at all." #Titans

— Jason Wolf (@JasonWolf) October 18, 2015"

Titans offensive tackle Taylor Lewan was beaten on the play by Vernon and largely agreed with Whisenhunt's assessment in a profanity-filled rant, per Kuharsky:

"

I think it is bulls--- football. I'm so tired of people being politically correct. That's bulls---, that's f---ing bulls--- to do that to a player -- to do that to a guy's career.

That was my guy and I blocked him, and Marcus threw the ball and I saw Marcus threw the ball, and that guy jumped in his legs. Do I wish anything upon him? No. I should have blocked him longer. That's the end of the story.

"

Despite the punishing hit and needing the assistance of a knee brace thereafter, Mariota remained in the lineup for most of the game. Zach Mettenberger entered for Mariota late, when Miami had the win well in hand.

Bleacher Report's Mike Freeman was among those who thought Vernon's play was unethical:

Mariota lit it up with four touchdown passes in his NFL debut. The going has been a bit tougher since then for the Oregon product and former Heisman Trophy winner. Tennessee won in Week 1 last year as well but wound up finishing with a 2-14 record and has won only once since defeating Tampa Bay in the 2015 season opener.

For all the flak Mariota faced regarding his athletic ability and simplistic college system not translating to the NFL, he's grasped the pro game well to start his career. He's shown uncommon maturity and poise while taking over as the face of the Titans franchise at the age of 21. Taking the high road in Sunday's postgame comments was further evidence of that.

Though Vernon was penalized on the play, he may not face further discipline from the league office. The same may not be true for Whisenhunt after his implicit criticism of the officiating and the profanity uttered in his postgame press conference.