Furiously Defending Marcus Mariota

March 8th, 2015

marcus mariota 1229

Damn, they get really defensive in Oregon if you start asking how the Portland Timbers have sold out every game and questioning how Marcus Mariota will be prepared to run an NFL offense.

The Oregonian reporter Andrew Greif dove into this subject as it related to former Buccaneer and current University of Oregon offensive coordinator Scott Frost talking to TheMMQB.com about Mariota.

Frost is in disbelief at the national narrative on Mariota. And Greif shared interesting background from his intelligence-gathering while covering the Ducks.

“To say Marcus can’t play in a pro style offense is like saying Dwyane Wade can’t play in the triangle offense,” Frost told [Peter] King. “To say he can’t do the things an NFL quarterback can do–I laugh when I hear people say that, and I am keeping track of all the experts who’ve said it. He changes protections, he slides protections, he shifts protections, he makes reads, he changes calls at the line. Watch our games. We have every protection at Oregon that they have in the NFL. He changed protections at the line seven or eight times a game. He completely changed the play two or three times a game.”

His comments echo what he told me last fall, while I was reporting a story that never ended up being written about Mariota’s freedom at the line of scrimmage. Center Hroniss Grasu, in September, said that though he changed the protection at the line, Mariota had the ability to override it at any time before a snap. (The two worked together for so long that they could switch protections with solely hand signals.) And Frost said Mariota was one of the most cerebral — read: trustworthy — quarterbacks he’d ever been around, which is why they allowed him to change a play if he felt it wasn’t correct.

I remember asking Grasu for an example of a time when Mariota switched into a better option after reading the defense, pre-snap.

“I couldn’t really tell you, because it happens all the time,” Grasu said in September.

Yes, Joe firmly believes Jameis Winston is the frontrunner to be the Bucs’ new quarterback of the future. But Mariota fever isn’t going to die anytime soon. Hype should swell for Mariota next week, when he has his Pro Day, and Joe’s confident the Bucs will go publicly bonkers for Mariota when he visits One Buc Palace in a few weeks.

It’s in the Bucs’ best business interests to captivate fans as much as they can — and get fans salivating for either QB.

As for the Xs and Os of Mariota’s game, Joe has no doubt that the kid is a great prospect, but for Frost to assert Mariota’s role in Oregon’s system was very NFL-like is downright silly.

163 Responses to “Furiously Defending Marcus Mariota”

  1. "TheKevin" Says:

    Come on all you loser haters start saying everyone is wrong and MARIOTA sucks and everyone is stupid and wrong except for you idiot losers.

  2. Bird Says:

    About As defensive as you get joe when someone says something negative about your boyfriend Jameis .

  3. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    The Bucs are handling this just right….all positive…all the way to the draft….we will like both candidates enough to support either of them when picked….

    BUC FANS UNITE!!!

  4. Brandon Says:

    Boy, that “The Kevin” d-bag, sure is tough! My fingers are shaking on the keyboard as I type this.

  5. "TheKevin" Says:

    @brandon

    Go beat off to your winston poster you punk a** bitc*

  6. Brandon Says:

    My main problem with this article is the people interviewed. They are all very confident of their guy’s ability to change plays but neither of them have ever played QB in the NFL and they have no idea what it takes. I used to change plays on defense right before the snap in a 7 on 7 flag football league, but that hardly made me the next coming of Buddy Ryan.

  7. OB Says:

    As I have said before, I trust Koetter to pick the right one, but the silly notion that Winston is better because he played in a pro style offense is in it self silly.

    Look at how each QB played in their losses and tell me Winston is better. He throw interceptions when under fire and Marcus doesn’t.

    With our OL, we need a quick release QB and Winston with his windup is not one.

    Joe one thing I don’t understand is that in the videos and Pics, VJax towered over Winston, Marcus is supposed to be around the same height, and VJax is 6’5″ and Winston is 6’4″, is it boots or is VJax taller than listed?

  8. Brandon Says:

    Hey, Kevin… 100% chance you don’t talk to anybody like you do on here. I guarantee that. Internet tough guys are wusses in real life 100% of the time.

  9. Jacko101 Says:

    I just like Mariota’s game, I trust Dungy and truly
    Believe he will be special. I got club seats this season I would love to watch him be at the helm.

  10. Mort Says:

    Joe always seems to salivate over folks who seem to sputter out in the pros over the last few years.

    Claibourne and Johnny nose candy both very recent examples.

    I’m sure that although Winston has similar issues to Johnny rehab that it’ll be a totally different story though. He’ll be great.

  11. Brandon Says:

    You’re impressing the world right now, little boy. You’ve managed to call me “gay” and a “loser” now numerous times… I’m thinking you’re…in 7th grade? I would crush you, little boy.

  12. BucsFanSince89 Says:

    “To say Marcus can’t play in a pro style offense is like saying Dwyane Wade can’t play in the triangle offense,” Frost told [Peter] King.

    Fact! there are many players in the NBA that couldn’t play Phil Jackson “triangle offense”.

    That was the most idiotic statement I’ve ever heard! lol

  13. tmaxcon Says:

    I wish Mariota well but think he will be often injured. He is a risk on too many levels.

    Trusting Dungy when it comes to QB or anything offense related, is like trusting Charles Manson with acid, weed and 8 sority sisters. Nothing good can happen.

  14. Erik with CleanAthletics.com Says:

    Everyone needs to start embracing Mariota bcuz when this is all said and done, he will be our new QB. Just like the only other time they faced each other head-to-head, Mariota will win again and be our #1 draft pick. Winston is kind of a weak prospect compared to Mariota.

  15. "TheKevin" Says:

    @brandon

    I’m impressed that you’re able to spell correctly with your keyboard keys being so sticky. Step away from the winston videos and take a break!!! Oh I forgot you play flag football so you must be an expert on all things football.

    Everyone bow down and listen to the great wisdom sir Brandon has to offer.

    Be sure and shake his left hand as his rights hand still needs to be washed from watching winston videos.

  16. kaput Says:

    The offensive coaching staff called all the pre-snap protections, not Mariotta. What do you think all of those colorful signs are about? Every player looks to the sideline, checks the meaning of the cards that are being shown and then runs that play. Doing it that way saves time, and time is what that offense is all about.

    That’s not to say Mariotta can’t do it, but he hasn’t done it yet.

    Pointing that fact out doesn’t mean you hate Mariotta.

    But I’d still like someone, anyone really, to point to an example of a quarterback that played that style of offense in college that went on to be a franchise-type quarterback. I can’t think of a single one. I don’t believe it has ever been done.

  17. Erik with CleanAthletics.com Says:

    U really think Lovie is going to go against Dungy’s advice?!?? Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

  18. "TheKevin" Says:

    @brandon

    I’m still laughing at the fact you play flag football. I think you’re the 7th grader.

    Most adults aren’t still trying to relive their glory days lmao.

    Oh but I’m sure you’re sooooo good.

  19. "TheKevin" Says:

    @kaput

    I bet you could also pull out some tape showing all these “pro style” qb’s that have failed miserably. So your argument holds no water at all. Just a stupid comment. Period.

  20. Brandon Says:

    It’s funny how being a person that simply thinks Winston is a better football player than Mariota (like 85% of the experts do) can somehow constitute having a crush. That’s ridiculous. I hate FSU, I’m a UVa fan…which might explain my mastery of spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and grammar while you still struggle with the more rudimentary parts of sentence structure.

    I went into January hashtagging #suckfortheduck and Mariota was my favorite to be drafted #1 overall but then I watched tons of tape at draftbreakdown.com of both QBs and now the race isn’t even close. Winston is clearly a better NFL QB prospect. What have you done, Kevin? Call names? Good job! You’ve earned a sticker!

  21. Bawlmerbucfan Says:

    Steel cage match…..TheKevin versus Brandon….let’s get ready to ruuuuuummmmmbbbbllleeeee!!!!!!

  22. Brandon Says:

    Okay Kevin, whatever you say. The facts, however, are that I’m smarter, bigger, stronger, and know way more about football than you ever will.

  23. Brandon Says:

    Bawlmerbucfan,

    That’s a terrible idea. Click on my profile and check out a couple of my workouts. I would be charged for murdering poor little Kevin.

  24. "TheKevin" Says:

    @brandon

    we couldn’t fight because it would be considered a hate crime because of your lifestyle. Let’s just say it’s FABULOUS.

  25. jj Says:

    no one knows if either one of these QBs will pan out in the NFL. Been listening to all this crap how a athletic spread QBs cant make it. Don’t buy it . what happens to a team that finds a athletic freak of a QB that has a Manning or Brady mind. It becomes a Dynasty

  26. Brandon Says:

    It honestly doesn’t bother me for you to call me gay. I grew out of that a long time ago, like most adult men have. But it’s nice to see that you’re bringing back “gay” into the cutdown vernacular. That’s so retro of you, racy, edgy, shows great intelligence, I like it!

  27. Pat Says:

    Once we are all behind the 8 Balls…Does anyone know how MG8 & MM8 will coexist? #8. Now that is drama.

  28. biff barker Says:

    Brandon Says:

    That’s a terrible idea. Click on my profile and check out a couple of my workouts. I would be charged for murdering poor little Kevin.
    _____________________________
    It’s highly doubtful you’d be charged due to the lack of witnesses.

  29. tmaxcon Says:

    Pat that’s irrelevant unless both are working for the same radio station in a couple of years.

    Winston to Evans! Touchdown Tampa Bay

  30. jj Says:

    Winston is very carless with the ball. He will lead the Nfl in interceptinos

  31. Pat Says:

    Mariota to Evans….Touchdown Tampa Bay!

  32. Buxfan Says:

    Everyone speaks on Mariota threw way less INT’s then Jameis. Well if Mariota threw as many INT’s as Winston, playing in a gimmicky offense. We would be talking Mariota as a WR prospect today.

  33. Posey99 Says:

    “My main problem with this article is the people interviewed. They are all very confident of their guy’s ability to change plays but neither of them have ever played QB in the NFL and they have no idea what it takes. I used to change plays on defense right before the snap in a 7 on 7 flag football league, but that hardly made me the next coming of Buddy Ryan.”

    Umm better check your sources again, Scott frost played in the NFL. To say he has no idea what it takes is stretching the truth.

  34. biff barker Says:

    Gimmicky offense? Urban Meyer copied it and won a National Championship.

    Chip Kelly is making strides in the NFL with many of the same concepts. It’s coming. Hey, Gruden says so!

  35. tmaxcon Says:

    Maybe if Mariota played in a less gimmicky offense that actually called plays, protections he’d be less of a project. Order up those Winston Jersey’s

    It will be fun watching people jump on the jaboo train. It won’t take more than a couple of wins.

    Next year we get a head coach who doesn’t belong in a museum. That’s progress

  36. McBuc Says:

    @OB. Actually Mariota through one interception against Ohio State, and Winston through one interception against the ducks.

  37. ndog Says:

    Erik again no facts and just baseless opinions. By the way Danny Wuerffel beat Peyton Manning head to head in college so I guess he’s the better qb as well. This is the kind of baseless thought you bring daily to this debate.

  38. Pat Says:

    Also, I loved the Fast Break offense Charlie Ward had. Wished he tried to play in NFL.

  39. THETRUTH Says:

    X -QB analyst that have actually watched all MM game tape say he goes to 4th progression at times , some thing jambes struggles with this past year, watch the combine and listen o what they say about MM. Radio guys and Seminole supports watched 2 games and thick they know marriota, if you base judgment on two games than winston must be terrible.. Winston had on e good year and one terrible , MM 4yrs consistent good years.

    I like both and lean more towards Jamies after combine, but don’t be blind people and act as in MM can’t start day one. FSU doesn’t tend to produce QB with thier so called “pro-offense”

  40. CalBucsFan Says:

    Hey Joe, how about booting some of these immature idiots off the page and make this all about the Bucs? You have the power to “change the play at the line” too!

    Joe does this daily.–Joe

  41. Brandon Says:

    Posey99 Says:
    March 8th, 2015 at 11:08 am

    Umm better check your sources again, Scott frost played in the NFL. To say he has no idea what it takes is stretching the truth

    ———————

    In what world did Scott Frost play QB, which what I clearly said, in the NFL? He was a safety. He never threw a pass in the NFL.

  42. Brandon Says:

    ndog Says:
    March 8th, 2015 at 11:13 am
    Erik again no facts and just baseless opinions. By the way Danny Wuerffel beat Peyton Manning head to head in college so I guess he’s the better qb as well. This is the kind of baseless thought you bring daily to this debate.

    ———————

    I like your thinking. We need to get Wuerffel.. or Tee Martin… or Matt Mauck..or Craig Krenzel…or Chris Weinke… then we’d be in business!

  43. Josh P Says:

    @OB

    since you asked…

    Mariota had 3 picks in 4 losses

    Winston had 1 pick in 1 loss.

  44. Josh P Says:

    @OB

    forgot about the OSU game

    Mariota had 4 picks in 5 losses..

  45. Brandon Says:

    Anu Solomon was the QB for Arizona when the Wildcats beat the Ducks in the 2014 regular season… he must be even better than Mariota.

  46. Posey99 Says:

    “In what world did Scott Frost play QB, which what I clearly said, in the NFL? He was a safety. He never threw a pass in the NFL.”

    I never said he did. I’m saying the guy played in the NFL and your saying he has “no idea what it takes.” Rather harsh judgment, no? You’re suggesting he has no credibility in his interview because he didn’t play QB in the NFL. He played in the NFL, Played the QB position in college and led a college to the championship game as an offensive cordinator. So in order to be a credible interview the guy has to have played QB in the NFL?

  47. Brandon Says:

    Posey99 Says:
    March 8th, 2015 at 11:37 am
    “In what world did Scott Frost play QB, which what I clearly said, in the NFL? He was a safety. He never threw a pass in the NFL.”

    I never said he did. I’m saying the guy played in the NFL and your saying he has “no idea what it takes.” Rather harsh judgment, no? You’re suggesting he has no credibility in his interview because he didn’t play QB in the NFL. He played in the NFL, Played the QB position in college and led a college to the championship game as an offensive cordinator. So in order to be a credible interview the guy has to have played QB in the NFL?

    -==——

    If he had run a pro-style offense in college or was running one at the college level, I would agree with you. But he was a wishbone QB in college and now runs an offense in college that has never churned out an elite NFL QB.

  48. Arealbucsfan Says:

    I really dont why we’re arguing. Id be happy with either one of the QB’s. I jus hope whoever we pick is the rite pick.

  49. BUCutalkinbout Says:

    They both bring hope and excitement.
    i just wanna win, baby win!!!
    We need to unite behind our flag. We have a strong nucleus in leadership now on offense. Instead of knocking down either QB, where are is the talk of ass-kicking? I can’t see the regime screwing this up, FA and draft. We’ll get 10 wins! Cmon Buc fans, show some excitement! Can’t wait to hear the cannons go off, touchdown Tampa Bay!!!
    I’ll take Greg Hardy too. If they are employable in the league then i want that player. End game… Jewelery.

  50. J Says:

    @Brandon V Kevin.

    The two hour slap fest would be as bad as watching the Bucs games this year. I’m not if the Futility would be as amusing, however.

  51. ndog Says:

    We are arguing because one of these guys is going to be like matt ryan or better and the other has a ceiling of Alex Smith. Which one would you want? And yes Smith was a number 1 overall pick that came from a gimmick offense and then struggled mightily in the NFL. Who does this sound like: exceptionally smart player has a big arm, makes good decisions and also runs well … currently Utah’s career record-holder in completion percentage (64.8%), passing efficiency (150.22) and yards per completion (12.86) … 20-year-old received bachelor’s degree in economics in May after just two years at Utah … will begin a master’s program in economics this fall ….

  52. Tom Edrington Says:

    We need a “JOE BUCS FAN COMMENTERS” hour at a local watering hole as we get closer to the season so that “The Kevin” and Brandon can settle their feud with an arm wrestling contest while the rest of us talk Bucs football!!

  53. Brandon Says:

    J,

    You talk as if you actually know me.. trust me, you don’t, so your attempt at humor is ill-conceived. I don’t make a habit of getting into internet skirmishes and I certainly didn’t provoke or encourage this one. I find it humorous that, if you actually knew me, you would accuse me of engaging in a slap-fest with anybody. Check out my profile, you’ll see the only thing I slap around is 225 for 20+ reps on the reg. I don’t talk down to anybody on here or anywhere else until they’ve already done so to me but I’m certainly going sit idly by for you to talk about me physically as anything other than what I am.

  54. wifebeater5 Says:

    I’m sure that although Winston has similar issues to Johnny rehab that it’ll be a totally different story though. He’ll be great.

    Or more likely he could assume players get everything for free (Publix) misinterpret the body language from one of the Mons ladies. Commit another rape and never play a down for the Bucs…

  55. Brandon Says:

    Tom Edrington Says:
    March 8th, 2015 at 12:12 pm
    We need a “JOE BUCS FAN COMMENTERS” hour at a local watering hole as we get closer to the season so that “The Kevin” and Brandon can settle their feud with an arm wrestling contest while the rest of us talk Bucs football!!

    ——————

    No offense, but I don’t arm wrestle. I’d beat 99% of the people on here with ZERO problem, but I don’t do it as it irritates my elbow. I did box for three years as a teenager, did some powerlifting and then bodybuilding shows.

  56. BuccaneerBonzai Says:

    If Licht and Lovie take Winston…well…the fan base will rebel and I’ll be amongst them.

    Call us haters. I don’t care. Marcus Mariota is the best quarterback in this class.

  57. BuccaneerBonzai Says:

    I wonder who many FSU people populate this website?

    I’d imagine those are the ones crying “hater!”

  58. CreamsicleBananaHammock Says:

    Anyone who doesn’t understand the problems with mariota and the style of offense he ran must watch this video…

    http://www.battleredblog.com/2015/2/18/8064157/the-film-room-is-marcus-mariota-worth-a-top-15-pick

  59. kaput Says:

    I’m still waiting on the first example of a quarterback like Mariotta making it big in the NFL. NonNo matter how many times I have asked, nindy ever gives me ONE example.

  60. NCbucfan Says:

    @Brandon

    Yeah and I use to bench like 305 in HS bro! Seriosuly though I love how everyone on here is talking about mariota doesn’t do this and that. The true story is none of you know what the kid does and can not do. So you can stop with all that non sense unless you were there on the sidelines. I’m happy with either, but the fact that Winston threw a pretty good bit of interceptions is quite scary. Even in Oregons offense you can throw picks all day long, but you know what he didn’t. He’s also pretty built, kid looks like he can take a beating. At least i’ve seen him slide unlike cam newton and RGIII. Dudes are crazy going head first in.

  61. Jeagan1999 Says:

    “Damn, they get really defensive in Oregon…” Yeah, about as defensive as Jameis Winston supporters get when you bring up the myriad of character and behavioral questions regarding the INT prone QB from FSU. So it’s about even!

  62. McBuc Says:

    Ncbucfam. I link both qbs, but plenty f great nfl qbs thru a bunch of picks in college, and plenty of bad ones had great ball security in college. It s not really a great indicator. I thnk they will both be good.

  63. Josh P Says:

    @Bonzai

    “If Licht and Lovie take Winston…well…the fan base will rebel and I’ll be amongst them.”

    So you’re basically saying you are no longer going to be a Bucs fan?? or You’re going to root against Winston every game which in turn would mean you would be rooting for he Bucs to lose?

    Talk about the ultimate Bucs fan….

  64. bucs4lyfe Says:

    Lol his bust rate is just as high as Winston’s. Hell nick foles is accurate but still he’s just a quarterback. He needs to be defended is spread option qb’s have high bust rate and no one knows what he can do in a real offense under pressure. This is nothing like Wade, it’s more like asking Michael Jordan to be a spot up shooter or kyle korver to be the number 1 option and dominate the ball like melo lol

  65. jj Says:

    Winston threw a lot of pics in collage. Hes not going to throw less when he gets to the nfl. Heard it from experts for years. and seen it with my own eyes. If they throw alot of picks in collage they throw more in the NFL. Mariota much more carefull and accurate. Winston is not.

  66. bucrightoff Says:

    They are both flawed prospects who wouldn’t go in the top 10 if not for the desperation some teams have for QBs (and the rookie cap as well). Arguing like either of these guys are locks to be good is a bit much, they both need to be brought alone and built well, if either starts week 1 next year they are almost a lock to bust.

  67. MarshallU Says:

    I still think Joe should throw us all a great big draft party!

  68. SSG Mike Says:

    Wow. The number of trolls on here is ‘Silly”. I remember when this site was a nice little secret place to get news and talk Bucs without having the idiots go completely off the reservation. While I disagree with “Joe’s” assessment that Winston is the frontrunner I’m not going to go all idiot about it. I still think both QB’s prospects are just that “PROSPECTS”. With both being prospects I’m taking Mariotta but would not be unhappy with either. I will say I told you so if Winston’s ugly (alleged) past rears up and bites us in the a$$. As always I will live through whatever happens. Bucs Fan for Life! With free agency and the draft at our doorstep let the fun begin.

  69. tmaxcon Says:

    Let me remind all the INT police out there. Not only does Favre have the all time record for TDs also holds all time INT record. I know this won’t fit the PC Character police agenda but the only numbers that matter end of the day is Wins and Losses.

    Lovie desperately needs Winston.

  70. KuKKlan Says:

    No Winston 4 me Boyz what in tarnation do ya’ll like about that boy

  71. I'm a great person Says:

    @Kaput… Aaron is one example. You said one, so I’ll start there. Aaron Rodgers ran a spread offense at Cal. So since you have an answer now why don’t you tell us who was his coach at Cal at that time?

  72. John McKillop Says:

    @Brandon, Scott Frost was a national title winning at Nebraska under Tom Osborne. Played Qb in the nfl for the for the Jets, browns,packers and bucs.

  73. kaput Says:

    No. Rodgers did NOT run an offense anywhere near what Oregon runs. It was a pass first system with pro-set tetendencies.

    Try again.

  74. Lurker Says:

    Mariota is the best best quarterback ever! MM all the way!

  75. John McKillop Says:

    Aaron Rodgers came out of a spread offense under Jeff Tedford. The reason spread qb’s don’t have a lot of success is because teams force them into starting to early. Aaron Rodgers is the perfect example of how all quarterbacks should be brought along. Just like they used to do, but everything today is instant gratification which isn’t always the best for these organizations. Develop your players correctly and you will find success. Use past history as your barometer.

  76. JBuc Says:

    BuccaneerBonzai: I am an FSU grad and lifelong fan. I prefer the Bucs take Jameis. However, if they take Marcus I will hope and trust they know what they are doing and give them and him a chance. I would not rebel and act like a two year old because I didn’t get my way.

    The fact is they have a very hard decision to make because the case is not clear cut. Obviously we can all make cases for either player based on the thousands of back and forth posts over the past few weeks. I would assume they did their homework and know more about this than any of you clowns.

  77. I'm a great person Says:

    @Kaput. No need to try again. It was a spread offense period, not expecting you to agree of course, but it’s exactly what it was. Do the research if it helps you rest easy. And yes the coach was Jeff Tedford! That’s who Lovie brought in to run the offense last year. Obviously we know what happened to Tedford, but don’t be nieve to what Lovie was trying to accomplish.

  78. Mark Says:

    Why don’t we draft Mariota 1st then trade all our other picks to Tennessee and draft Winston 2nd so everyone will be happy?

  79. MarshallU Says:

    John McKillop

    100% Correct. Wise Words. Teams draft QB’s early out of deparation, start them way too soon, then wonder why they flop

  80. the real Buck Bruce Says:

    I am a huge Florida State fan and I want Marcus Mariota he will be the better pro.

  81. Josh P Says:

    People really need to stop comparing college stats to NFL potiential…

    Heres some CAREER college stat lines for you

    1. 63.8 5469 43 TD 13 INT(2 YRS) Future HOF

    2. 57.6 8597 79 TD 69 INT(4 YRS) HOF

    3. 52.0 4121 25 TD 25 INT(2.5 YRS) HOF

    4. 61.9 4773 30 TD 17 INT(2.5 YRS) Future HOF

    5. 50.4 5995 37 TD 54 INT(3 YRS) HOF

  82. Tom Edrington Says:

    I still like the commenters happy hour, it would eliminate those under 21…..okay, no arm wrestling by Brandon and the Kevin but we can all compare what we used to run the 40 in……

    Another pitcher please…….

  83. LargoBuc Says:

    OK. So Scott Frost is claiming that Mariota changed protections and called audibles. Yet countless others in the media (national and local) are saying no all Mariota does is look to the sideline and read the giant card to adjust plays. So which is it? Is Scott Frost LYING? He didn’t just imply that Mariota has done those things he is saying that he did those things every week! Which is it?!?

  84. Stanglassman Says:

    NDog- Yes that was exactly what I was thinking when I read the why don’t we all just get along person’s post.

    JJ- That is just simply not true. Brees threw 20 picks his sophomore year in college with an E. I don’t know too many people who think Jameis had a terrible year. It wasn’t as amazing as his freshmen year would be a more accurate way to describe it.

    Number one QBs overall are expected and should play day one period.

  85. Posey99 Says:

    “Anyone who doesn’t understand the problems with mariota and the style of offense he ran must watch this video…”

    He watched one game. He’s an expert, clearly.

  86. P'cola Buc Says:

    Not enough quality quarterbacks to fill all 32 teams. The law of supply and demand. When you have the opportunity to draft someone with a chance of being “above average” you grab him.

  87. Posey99 Says:

    “OK. So Scott Frost is claiming that Mariota changed protections and called audibles. Yet countless others in the media (national and local) are saying no all Mariota does is look to the sideline and read the giant card to adjust plays. So which is it? Is Scott Frost LYING? He didn’t just imply that Mariota has done those things he is saying that he did those things every week! Which is it?!?”

    I would definitely side with the media… I mean they’re proffesional writers, interviewers, columnist and make their judgements based on proffesionals player evaluations. No sense in siding with someone who is currently employed and has had success at all levels of the game, right?… The media is such a joke nowadays

  88. White Tiger Says:

    I think all but the FSU fans are beginning to confront their west coast bias. Mariota’s the best QB in this draft. Winston’s offense will be relegated to a museum.

    Anybody that has a high football IQ…but throws twice as many picks as he did in his senior season, either doesn’t process well under pressure, or doesn’t actually a high football IQ…and it won’t matter how talented he was in college, if defensive lineman blow past his turnstile offensive line…the guy’s jersey number will be a bullseye.

    Seriously, Steve Young had an incredibly high “football IQ”, played in a gimmicky offense at Brigham Young…had his leg broken while playing behind the LA Express’ “offensive line”…Tampa Bay then used him as a snow plow in an early Green Bay Game…then he landed behind a REAL, MOBILE, offensive line in San Francisco and became a record setting, Super Bowl winning, ALL PRO…once he learned the spread-o of his day (better known as the “Pro-Style” Kid Fameis ran at FSU.

    So, the lessons from the career of a Hall of Fame QB:

    A) it doesn’t matter how good you are if you’re playing behind an “offensive line” (like ours).

    B) “Football IQ” is an argument they make when you aren’t fast enough to get out of your own way – it means you’re handicapped to a dinosaur offense featuring a drop back passer that relies on offensive line techniques no longer taught in college (on any level) – one that will take 3 years to build from scratch (assuming we keep the same coach and offensive system).

    C) sometimes it’s best not to be the highest draft pick if you’re not going to a team that is already prepared to protect you up front…best that you slide to a team that has a stout offensive line or at least already has a massive-yet-agile-strong Left Tackle….you may not face broken legs, collar bones…or in the case of Jim Zorn – a broken face.

    Or, the really smart team looking to finally define it’s offense – do what all the top teams (i.e., Seattle, San Francisco, Carolina, and Philadelphia) have done – convert to a spread-heavy/pro-style hybrid. Because they’ve been to a LOT of Super Bowls (win some too), win conference championships, win divisions, and their offenses TEAR UP the league…at least the last 4 drafted since 2011.

    …or you could try to go “Back, To The Future” (to 2001) – only this time DRAFT Brad Johnson number one overall…maybe he’d last more than two years this time…I’m sure Kid Fameis can take a sack as good as “the Bull”…just not so sure our offensive line will be as good as that patchwork line.

  89. Bucs#1 Says:

    Tom

    If we eliminated the posters under 21, over half of the Winston supporters on here would disappear since it’s 1 very young guy posting under more than a dozen screen names daily, actuallt 5 right at the moment, lol

  90. Lurker Says:

    Anyone who says Winston is better than MM is just dumb…Marcus will rule the NFL and likely be a Hall of Famer…Winston has bad decision making habits

  91. gracelivin Says:

    Whether you call the plays in a huddle, which by the way the QB doesn’t make up on his own but is relayed to him or written on an armband, or reads them off a sign he must still know what everyone is doing,. All QB on most levels do make some changes at the line, protections, change of play from run to pass, even Peyton when he changes plays changes from a preset pass to a preset run play, which may be either to the left or right. yes some are better at it than others but most are capable of doing so. And everyone talking about coming form behind, well I once heard someone say, They would rather not have to come from behind in the 4th quarter because that means you stunk it up for 3 quarters.

  92. Stanglassman Says:

    One person has skin in the game and color cards on his sidelines. Frost didn’t play QB in the NFL for a reason and it wasn’t because he couldn’t throw the ball and have wheels because he clearly did.
    Blaming the ‘media’ is so easy. I think it’s your own lazy fault now if you can’t find a good source on a subject you have interest in knowing more about.

  93. Barry Bryan Joel all agree Says:

    Update on Winston. He’s made it through Saturday night, Sunday morning without being accused of rape and/or any other crimes. #ThinkYouLockAndKey

  94. Brandon Says:

    John McKillop Says:
    March 8th, 2015 at 1:17 pm
    @Brandon, Scott Frost was a national title winning at Nebraska under Tom Osborne. Played Qb in the nfl for the for the Jets, browns,packers and bucs.

    ————

    He did not play in the NFL as a QB.

  95. Brandon Says:

    NCbucfan Says:
    March 8th, 2015 at 12:27 pm
    @Brandon

    Yeah and I use to bench like 305 in HS bro!

    —-

    Good job, and I hit 315 for 4 yesterday after hitting 225 for 25…not talking crap, it’s on my IG account, which is linked to my name. Not bad for weighing a mere 185 lbs.

  96. Bucs#1 Says:

    Barry, Brian, Joel

    Thank God for small favors, lol

  97. JSmalls Says:

    Is Mariota clutch?

  98. cmurda Says:

    Let’s be clear. Frost said the PROTECTIONS are NFL-like. Not the offense. If Frost were to say the offense is NFL-like would be downright blasphemy. I like Mariota. There’s not much to dislike except the unknown. That’s exactly what scares me. It’s still unknown how Mariota would function under center. We aren’t in position to take a big risk. The same debate could be had over any 2 QB prospects. When RG3 and Luck came out there were as many analysts and NFL experts saying RG3 was the better prospect. We see how that is unfolding. In determining between a true pocket passer and a guy that can make big plays, give me the pocket passer. I’m still on the Winston bandwagon.

  99. Josh P Says:

    John McKillop Says:
    March 8th, 2015 at 1:17 pm
    @Brandon, Scott Frost was a national title winning at Nebraska under Tom Osborne. Played Qb in the nfl for the for the Jets, browns,packers and bucs.

    Yeah, Frost never threw a single pass in the NFL…So there’s that.

  100. Stanglassman Says:

    The only place I’ve ever read that Rogers ran the spread or Tedford’s Offense system described that way was by commenters on JBF. I always seen it and read it described as a ‘pro-style’ and in later years had some elements of the spread or what they called Bearcat.

  101. John McKillop Says:

    cmurda most of Mariota’s throws were from the pocket. He didn’t take snaps from under center, most qb’s today take 70% and more of their snaps from the shotgun. I don’t see that as a big issue.

  102. John McKillop Says:

    Frost may not have thrown a pass in the NFL but he was on four NFL rosters which is four more than anyone on this forum, which qualifies him more than anybody here to speak about his quarterback and what he does and doesn’t do.

  103. 87ForJameisNOMariota Says:

    John McKillop …when Jimbo said good things about Winston people in here pounced on Jimbo…..it’s the same thing that they are doing to Frost.

  104. jfat Says:

    If you aren’t completely biased you know both of these QBs are very football smart.

    Doesn’t it stand to reason that if Jameis could run this “pro-style” offense his first year in college; Mariota might be able to pick up whatever he is missing just as quickly?

    Unless you don’t watch the NFL, you will see a ton of shotgun, zone-read, bubble screens, short passes, play action. These are all things Mariota has done, and does quite well with. Hell most of the time if you see a QB under center it is going to be a running play

  105. John McKillop Says:

    @87 I agree. I am just a Buc fan and will support whichever QB the Bucs choose.

  106. Luther Says:

    People are way over thinking this. Winston is the better player on film and that is what L&L will go by…I hope. I could care less if Mariota finally learns how to call plays or learns to take a snap under center.

  107. 87ForJameisNOMariota Says:

    “Jameis Winston Reportedly Pursuing $750K-Per-Year Apparel Deal”

    By Adam Wells ,

    Featured Columnist The Bleacher Report
    Mar 7, 2015

    We have a star on our hands gentleman.

  108. PRBucFan Says:

    If they show excitement it’s cause their excited… Lol

    But at the moment I lean Winston if he can stay clean here till draft day.
    But the scale is ever so close to tipping toward Mariota. If he can show Lovie proof that a pro style offense is no big thing and make Lovie feel safe taking him… He may be the guy.

  109. PRBucFan Says:

    Come on now 87 calm yourself a teeny bit brother.

    Jajajaja

  110. tval Says:

    Scott frost is mad because he cant teach something he doesnt know(how to be a quarterback) marcus should give jameis 10 mil on draft day..winstons the only reason marcus is even being considered top 10..such a great kid teams wont even want to tackle the sweetheart..

  111. feelthepewterpower Says:

    White Tiger Says:
    March 8th, 2015 at 1:55 pm
    I think all but the FSU fans are beginning to confront their west coast bias. Mariota’s the best QB in this draft. Winston’s offense will be relegated to a museum.

    Anybody that has a high football IQ…but throws twice as many picks as he did in his senior season, either doesn’t process well under pressure, or doesn’t actually a high football IQ…and it won’t matter how talented he was..

    ——————————–

    Huh? All the INT’s were Winston’s fault, eh?

  112. Lurker Says:

    Mariota is the best qb. Its not even close. Do you people watch Winston’s wind up? Winston will be a bust

  113. KuKKlan Says:

    No thanks to Winston boyz, he likes to steal food

  114. Pat Says:

    Okay, then blame it on Milli Vanillu. Lol.

  115. Barry Bryan Joel all agree Says:

    Not including the owners, it’s not all in on Winston at OBP. Owners? Are not sold on Winston. The early visit of Winston was in fact to gauge community reaction and to sell the Glazers. The Glazers like everything about Mariota at this point. Can the Winstonites sell the others and also Bryan? Why hasn’t Light met with Winston’s reps? Where did the Glazers dine Winston? Know this, decision makers at OBP know who’s in complete control of this pick.

  116. Dave Pear Says:

    @Barry,
    How do you have all of this insight to what the Glazers are thinking? Did you steal their cars too? And now are priveleged to insider intel?
    Give me back my car Barry!
    You car thief!

  117. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    I will support Mariota as the Buc QB…..I’ll also support Mariota…..I think Mariota is the best QB…but think Mariota is also great…..

  118. jfat Says:

    Mariota Pro Day will be must see TV.

  119. Erik with CleanAthletics.com Says:

    Lurker, those are the first 3 comments that I’ve ever agreed with of yours….. You’re getting wiser. Kudos

  120. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    @ Lurker

    Have you turned around….or are you yanking chain?

  121. Erik with CleanAthletics.com Says:

    Tbbf…. I’m sure he’s mocking, but he doesn’t realize how brilliant he sounds when he says stuff like that….

  122. Java Says:

    98% of snaps from the shotgun
    Does he know how to audible from under center?
    Read a defense under center?
    Take a snap from under center?
    Can he go thru his progressions in a pro style system against nfl defenders?

    Too many unanswered questions present themselves when watching him on tape. Dude has to re learn a lot to be a good pro.

  123. lurker Says:

    welcome back, prbucfan.

  124. lurker Says:

    why do people insist on using other’s names?

    silly tsktsktsk

  125. lurker Says:

    wiser means NOT agreeing with you erik! 🙂

  126. cmurda Says:

    @ John,

    Most of Mariota’s passes were from the pocket? Of course they were. Every QB’s passes come from the pocket unless they throw on the run. The point is Mariota didn’t line up under center. That is not to be downplayed. Any of the experts will tell you Jameis footwork was far superior to Mariota’s. Can Mariota read defenses while under center, rolling back in a singleback or i formation. Nobody knows, not even MM. Like I’ve said before I’m not here to bash Mariota. There really isn’t anything to bash. He was excellent in college but I prefer Winston who did line up in those offenses and certainly understands the defense and making reads. I prefer the known over the unknown. If we draft MM, trust me. I’ll be the first one 100% behind him. However, I think Jameis is the right pick and I’m pulling for it.

  127. Barry Bryan Joel all agree Says:

    Pear I think even your Groupies are getting tired of your car thief posts. I actually feel sorry for you. You know the PEDs and all. I will not banter with you from this day forth. I hope things work out for you.

  128. cmurda Says:

    The interesting thing is you can see the impact of the media who do their usual circling of the wagons when it comes to the top 2 QB’s coming out in the draft. Winston had a great combine and the media talked him up. Now, that there is a lag between now and the draft, Mariota is being touted and “experts” are suddenly finding flaws with Winston. I saw a ton of support for Winston and now it’s Mariota. Don’t believe the hype. Go with your gut. My gut says Famous Jameis but if your gut says MM so be it. Just don’t let it be because of some B.S. mediaheads influencing it.

  129. cmurda Says:

    LOL@ TBBF.

    Well, you’ve been consistent with MM. I respect that. You’re wrong but I respect you. LOL.

  130. lurker Says:

    @ Erik/TBBF,

    I was 100% Winston but after watching more video on both its pretty tough. I’ll be happy with either but MM has major upside. He is a lot better in the pocket than I thought

  131. Broy34 Says:

    How do the lot of you fight every day. Blows my mind

  132. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    @cmurda

    It’s not by much…..about 55-45……was 70-30…

    I think both will do very well….just a bit more comfortable with Mariota…and I think he has a tremendous ceiling….& I trust Koetter to design an offense for him.

    You won’t see me crying on draft night….unless we pass on one of them.

  133. lurker Says:

    poor methmike, patrick, whomever sadsack that has to highjack a username to undermine their weak-ass position. smh

  134. cmurda Says:

    @TBBF

    Agreed

  135. Erik with CleanAthletics.com Says:

    Lurker, I love to hear u say things like that…. I agree that both are elite, but I feel like there’s just so much more potential with Mariota.

  136. Poor Decsion Making Rob Lowe Says:

    Hi. I’m Poor Decision Making Rob Lowe and I have cable.
    I’m getting into an internet fight on a Bucs blog. Then I’m
    going to advise the Bucs to trade Mike Glennon for a 7th
    round pick.

  137. Pickgrin Says:

    Is it April 30th yet? Please let tomorrow be April 30th. These arguments have gotten ridiculous. I guess Joe is happy for all the clicks though.

    I strongly prefer Winston – but as long as we take 1 of these 2 QBs I will be happy and excited. That seems like a given so what will really make me happy for the Bucs is to see them draft 2 Olinemen in rounds 2>4. Rounds 2 and 3 would be even better.

    I strongly believe that if the Bucs draft Winston and upgrade the talent on OLine – then 2015 could see a big turnaround. We have quite a few pieces in place already. 8 to 9 wins could legitimately win our division.

    Call me an optimist but the payoff of finally getting a QB with lots of natural talent sure takes the edge off of a nightmarish 2-14 season as well as the last 6 years of Buccaneer futility.

    “Relevance” is coming folks. Hang in there and be nice to each other. It’s gonna be a long 7 1/2 weeks.

    It would be in everyone’s best interest to not get too deeply dug in with your QB “preference”. Stating why you like one over the other is natural and creates a healthy debate. Ragging on the QB you do not prefer in an attempt to make “your guy” look better is counter productive and just drags the whole comments section into the gutter. Most of you are better than that I think.

    Nuff said.

  138. PRBucFan Says:

    Appreciate it Lurker 😀

  139. lurker Says:

    When the line breaks down and/or the receivers are covered MM can take off and get a few yards extra. I just hope he doesn’t run too much then he might get hurt. Marcus was the running game and passing game for oregon so he did a lot with only 1 other offensive NFL prospect. But, you guys know Winston would be awesome also

  140. Pickgrin Says:

    Mariota’s running talents are well known Lurker – but I think Winston is going to surprise a lot of people with his mobility and effective situational running.

  141. Pat Says:

    I love Bill Murray’s Groundhog Day. Let’s do this all over again. 🙂

  142. bucgatr Says:

    Is this where the party is?

  143. MariotaOrWinstonOrWalkdaPlank Says:

    @Pat

    Yeah the Bucs have been stuck in a never-ending time loop of sucking ass the past 10 or soyears. 🙂

  144. bucgatr Says:

    Philly has now dished Shady and Maclin. Resigned Sanchez……….They got stuff for the two that they want to trade to Someone for a better pick.

  145. bucgatr Says:

    @Mariota or Winston
    I think that is a combination of lack of effort at the Highest and Lowest levels. By that I mean Ownership and a public that just can’t afford to buy season tickets to a losing team.

  146. bucgatr Says:

    I have been more successful since I left Florida by five times at least. It has become a ‘niche’ state Imo. Sad too. I liked it there. I just don’t want to raise my son there.

  147. Posey99 Says:

    NFL analyst on Russell Wilson pre draft:

    ” It remains to be seen if he can throw effectively from the pocket at the next level.”

  148. bucgatr Says:

    Russell Wilson. ( A smaller version of Mariota)
    26 Tds to 10 Ints as a rookie. (Way better than Peyton)
    26 Tds to 9 Ints as a soph.
    20 to 7 as a jr.
    Defense be damned. That kid Took a job and Manhandled it so far.

  149. Yungry Says:

    Eagles and Seahawks have Top 10 offenses! One has Wilson and the other has Sanchez. The scheme is working some people just refuse to acknowledge it. Sooner or later more teams will catch on. We are likely to have a scheme similar to either Atlanta or Philly due to the oc and prospects. Atlanta and Philly are both top 10 and Winston would be excellent for the pro-style and MM would be excellent for the spread style.

  150. Clint Says:

    We can do this every night in the comments section.

    Winston is going to be the Bucs pick and probably their QB for the next decade. Carry on, Mariota crybabies.

  151. Posey99 Says:

    “Winston is going to be the Bucs pick and probably their QB for the next decade.”

    Can you share this breaking news with us? I’m searching everywhere on the bucs official pages.

  152. lurker Says:

    Posey99 Said:
    March 8th, 2015 at 10:25 pm

    “Winston is going to be the Bucs pick and probably their QB for the next decade.”

    Can you share this breaking news with us? I’m searching everywhere on the bucs official pages.
    ——————————————————

    common sense doesn’t need breaking news!

  153. tval Says:

    I can verify 🙂

  154. lurker Says:

    “When the line breaks down and/or the receivers are covered MM can take off and get a few yards extra. I just hope he doesn’t run too much then he might get hurt. Marcus was the running game and passing game for oregon so he did a lot with only 1 other offensive NFL prospect. But, you guys know Winston would be awesome also”

    ^^^^^^
    imposter
    and, when the line breaks down he runs and gets sacked or fumbles. did you see him get sacked 7 times vs a 3-9 washington state?

  155. cmurda Says:

    Are there 2 Lurkers WTF?

  156. tval Says:

    Whats most hysterical is the eagles dont even run oregons offense..who are these people who believe marcus is ‘plug n play’? Thats absolutely ridiculous…and with matthews and cooper marcus wants chip to stay put at 20..philly runs west coast with chips verbiage/tempo..thats his only ‘pro’ over winston, knowing chips scheme..and jameis being film rat, and chips already qb friendly scheme, hed make up for that in literally a month..marcus has 2 years before hes on jameis’ level as a rs fresh, as to what he sees on the field and how he can manipulate coverages and adjust protections/routes. Its common knowledge, the rest is just media clutter. I dont even think chip takes marcus over jameis..like pete skipping leinart..at least he wouldnt if hes as good a coach a coach as pete, and not just a homer who is losing his talent for less $$$ as a result (maclin)

  157. tval Says:

    Jameis had the most overrated line in college football history, especially year 2..rt bobby hart was a swinging gate in his face..

  158. Bill Says:

    @Yungry,

    Seattle and Philly do have top 10 offenses. Philly is LAST in the league in time of possession. Seattle was 7th.

    Too many people think the “spread” offense is the gimmick. It’s not. The “pace” is the gimmick. The “pace” works until you run into a solid base defense. Look at what Ohio State and Seattle did to the system last year, or Stanford in recent years.

    Seriously, look at the stats for the SEA-PHI game last year. It’s mind-blowing…and the NFL will catch-on pretty quick.

  159. lurker Says:

    @cmurda

    I am lurker, yes I’m the real lurker
    All you other lurkers are just imitators
    So won’t the real lurker, please stand up,
    Please stand up,
    Please stand up
    ‘Cause I am lurker, yes I’m the real lurker
    All you other lurkers are just imitators
    So won’t the real lurker, please stand up,
    Please stand up,
    Please stand up

  160. JFF Says:

    Good for Frost that he’s keeping track of what the “experts” are saying about Mariota. I’m doing the same just like last year when I tracked the “experts” who bailed on Bridgewater after his Pro Day, including Joe who had an even bigger mancrush for JFF than Jaboo.

  161. kaput Says:

    http://trojanfootballanalysis.com/?p=144

    No, Rodgers did NOT play in an offense like Oregon’s.

  162. Sim Says:

    What’s silly is for Joe to be carrying the Winston torch while covering up the numerous warts in his game, I.e., propensity for turning the ball over frequently, failure to go to 2nd or 3rd reads with any consistency during his career, failure to look off safeties, long slow windup, back foot throws, penchant for embarrassing teammates and showing up coaches, etc. MM is a great prospect who will obviously need work but is a kid the Bucs can be confident in investing time and money in. If Winston is the pick Lovie and Licht can start looking for another job.

  163. lurker Says:

    “propensity for turning the ball over frequently, failure to go to 2nd or 3rd reads with any consistency during his career, failure to look off safeties, long slow windup, back foot throws, penchant for embarrassing teammates and showing up coaches, etc.”

    that is what you see. not all of us are blind.