NASHVILLE – Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota looked across the line of scrimmage on Wednesday and saw a team in a different uniform at Saint Thomas Sports Park.

The defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots are in town, and their presence provides the Titans a chance to get better while preparing for the 2019 season.

Mariota, set to begin his fifth NFL season, said he's also competing against himself. He wants to be the "best version" of himself this fall.

The addition of veteran Ryan Tannehill, who played well in the team's preseason opener, gives the team its best back-up plan since Mariota arrived in Tennessee in 2015. But Mariota said on Wednesday his focus is on getting better when asked how much the former Dolphins QB has pushed him.

"Having Ryan in our room has been a tremendous addition," Mariota said. "That competition, year in and year out for me, is with myself. I just look to be the best version of myself, but Ryan adds a guy who has done it, has experience, can talk about things we see in practice. Even today, different things the Patriots are doing, just being able to communicate and be there, be another set of eyes for each other.

"But when it comes down to it I am just competing against myself. I just try to be the best version that I can be, day in and day out."

Mariota complimented Tannehill on Wednesday, pointing out his accuracy and his ability to keep his eyes downfield while under stress. Tannehill completed 12-of-16 passes for 130 yards and two touchdowns in the team's preseason opener at Philadelphia. He threw two interceptions in Wednesday's practice session against the Patriots, however.

Mariota, meanwhile, had mixed results against the Patriots. The offense was a little unsteady early before settling in during a 7-on-7 period when Mariota completed 5-of-6 passes, including a strike to receiver Corey Davis.

Mariota and the offense struggled in a third down period, when the QB went just 1-of-6, with his one completion going to receiver Taywan Taylor.

In a team period near the end of practice, Mariota stepped up and made a nice pass to Taylor, and he also connected with Sharpe, as the offense ended the practice on a high note.