Mariota Wants To Make “Impact”
February 19th, 2015
Marcus Mariota was grilled this afternoon
Marcus Mariota made his debut in front of Joe and hundreds of NFL media today at Lucas Oil Stadium in frozen Indianapolis. He seemed to enjoy some of it – and tired quickly over another element of it.
Mariota, the heralded Oregon quarterback, brought with him a reputation of being almost a mute, either terribly uncomfortable with the press, shy or just a hermit. That didn’t seem to be the guy Joe watched a few minutes ago, but Joe could tell he did not like questions about quarterback systems.
The ugly truth is spread quarterbacks often struggle to adapt to the NFL because the pro-style offenses are so radically different. It is to the point that spread offenses are almost the modern version of what the 1970s wishbone was to the NFL.
Mariota visibly winced a couple of times when questioned various way on how he could play in an NFL offense. In fact, he believes, no matter what team drafts him he should be starting Week One.
“My goal is to make an impact from Day One. I think I am going to continue to have that mentality. I will find ways to improve myself to be ready for Day One,” Mariota said.
To those who claim they cannot fairly grade Mariota from tape because he did not play in an NFL-type offense, Mariota had this to say:
“That’s other people’s opinions,” Mariota said. “That is something I cannot control. For me, all it takes is for one team to believe in me and to give me an opportunity and I will do my best to make the most of it.”
Overall, Mariota came across to Joe as humble, smart, thoughtful, and a bit irritated when doubted.
February 19th, 2015 at 4:06 pm
“I will find ways to improve myself to be ready for Day One Buc Place.”
February 19th, 2015 at 4:10 pm
Well I would irrirate the hell or of him cause I doubt he is ever going to be anything more than Alex Smith.
February 19th, 2015 at 4:14 pm
If Bucs draft Mariota, Tennessee will pass on Winston. Wanna Bet?
February 19th, 2015 at 4:15 pm
Kap 2.0 simply does NOT wanna go to Tennessee!!!
February 19th, 2015 at 4:17 pm
Hopefully the Bucs are giving the kid a fair shot , instead of going through the motions. Lovie did not hesitate last year with Mccown as the Bucs QB who is to say he didn’t do the same with the Bucs drafting Winston?
February 19th, 2015 at 4:18 pm
He stated in PFT that his biggest concern is learning how to work in a huddle to call plays, since he worked under a no huddle offense in college.
Has he worked in shot gun? That seems to be a kinda red flag IMO.
February 19th, 2015 at 4:19 pm
Well the question about the non-nfl system at Oregon is a tough one, since no one has come from it and done squat in the NFL.
Thus the irritation.
February 19th, 2015 at 4:21 pm
“Overall, Mariota came across to Joe as humble, smart, thoughtful, and a bit irritated when doubted.” – Joe
He’ll win you over, Joe.
His answer seems very promising. It is just what you would want to hear from a player that intends to prove doubters wrong.
February 19th, 2015 at 4:30 pm
Draft Mariota we are going to the Superbowl. Of course we will have to play Russell Wilson to get there, but should be a nice matchup.
February 19th, 2015 at 4:33 pm
He and Winston measure out with the same height, Winston weighing 9 lbs more and Mariota with slightly larger hands
February 19th, 2015 at 4:41 pm
You people don’t get it we don’t need a complimentary piece like Wilson as we don’t currently have a dominate defense or running game like Seattle. We need a guy at qb who can dominate and at times carry an entire team like Rodgers, Luck, or Brees has in the past. That trait and ability only exists in one of these two qbs and we all know it is not Mariota with his zero comebacks in his career.
February 19th, 2015 at 7:45 pm
ndog, you are wrong about Winston. His antics on the sideline will result in the entire team turning against him. It worked in college because no one wanted to make waves and damage their draft stock, but in the pros they will turn on him in a heartbeat.
Not to mention he holds onto the ball nearly as long as Glennon. The speed of the game will overwhelm him, and he isn’t nearly as talented as those guys you mentioned.
He is as much a project as Mariota. They just want the Eagles to have a shot at Mariota, so they are talking up Winston, hoping he’ll be drafted by the dreg team of the NFL.
February 19th, 2015 at 8:06 pm
Mariota seems like a great guy. Probably turn out to be great in the NFL but I feel will still take a couple of years to develop. He hardly ever worked in a huddle. Will he translate into that take charge guy both in the huddle and on the field between plays? I still like Winston’s swagger and confidence. I feel in this aspect alone Mariota will have a significant learning curve to endure. I believe however both QBs will have a measure of success at the next level.
February 19th, 2015 at 8:16 pm
To my fellow Winston fans, there’s no need to knock MM. He’s got some skill and is a class act.
I honestly see the two as comparable “talents” but VERY different situations. Winston is fiery, outspoken, and a huge arm. MM is quiet, confident, and calculated (and very fast). They couldn’t be more different IMO, but they both have unique attributes that should be successful if used properly.
February 19th, 2015 at 8:22 pm
Actually, you take the rest of the flab off Winston, they would be about the same size. It sounds like Mariota has a frame capable of holding more weight and be a faster athletically…but the hand size, contrary to some beliefs is important…recent history….of course, if you deflate the ball….
February 19th, 2015 at 8:32 pm
Anyone comparing Mariota to Alex Smith by the fact that Smith hasnt been super successful in the NFL doesn’t know Squat about football.
The kid has had 6 different HCs and 8 different OCs. Tell me how ANYONE could be great without Any consistency.
February 19th, 2015 at 9:01 pm
Mark2001,
They’re the same size. How does one appear to be able to hold more weight? Part of MM’s appeal is his speed, add 30 lbs and his game changes a lot. Add 20 lbs to Winston and he can still beat Auburn.
Are Bucs fans coming any closer to rational conversation?
February 19th, 2015 at 9:52 pm
MM sounds like a likable young man. He will be fine. For another team.
February 20th, 2015 at 2:48 pm
Marcus Mariota sounded like a leader who is tiring of the one trick ponies asking him things he can’t prove in an interview.
I’d say his Heismann and decimation of Kid Fameis and his band of Criminoles (sorry, couldn’t resist…)…and his other achievements performing at an elite level for several years at a very competitive university…speak to Mariota’s ability to be ready for the athleticism of the NFL.
The fact that he GRADUATED from college with a science degree while carrying a 3.22 GPA…and doing so in 3 years…speaks to his intelligence and ability to grasp the nuances of an NFL offense.
His Humility is from his culture. Samoan culture emphasizes respect and humility…but their warrior spirit is also well known throughout the South Pacific.
Kid is a warrior on the field and academic in the class room.