NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Coaches typically tell quarterbacks ball security is priority number one. In seeking second-half offensive improvements, Tennessee Titans coach Mike Mularkey is hopeful Marcus Mariota will walk the tightrope a little closer to capitalize on explosive plays.

Monday, we detailed the five steps Mariota should take for a successful second half of the season. Mularkey gave his take on what Mariota needs to do to improve post-bye week and it starts with timing and taking advantage of open big plays.

"I say it to him every game to please take what the defense gives you. There's a fine line between that and sometimes maybe stepping up in the pocket and making some of the throws that are down the field, possibility of some bigger throws," Mularkey said. "We're talking about a handful of plays that may have been explosive plays."

Mularkey believes it's a matter of Mariota staying healthy and getting the rhythm needed to trust his own time clock in the pocket. Mularkey's advocating for Mariota to sit in the pocket a little longer on occasion and wait for the big plays to develop.

There has been a lot of conversation over the last few weeks about whether the Titans passing struggles are because of playcalling, execution or talent. It's likely a mixture of them all, with receivers, coaches and yes, Mariota sharing some of the blame.

Tennessee used its bye week to review 2017 film in hopes of getting their offense back on track. Mularkey has already highlighted those spots for Mariota.

"These aren't like throws that are contested. These are throws that I think he could make," Mularkey said, clarifying the situations where he would like to see a more-aggressive Mariota. "He's been smart with the ball and I'm not going to chance it. There's some things, some little things, that we can fix still, and I think a healthy Marcus will be good for us."

Mariota ranks 13th among NFL quarterbacks in air yards per attempt. Titans receivers have struggled to separate, which might be a reason why some of the explosive plays take longer to develop. The return of Corey Davis, more Taywan Taylor and improvements from Mariota could help fix that.