“Tampa Bay Leads The Marcus Mariota Derby”
December 8th, 2014
Duck, or Goose?
It’s that time of year, when all those fancy draft experts start emerging with their genius.
Joe’s favorite last year was the lunacy that Teddy Bridgewater wasn’t strong enough for the NFL. Damn, if the Bucs had only drafted him. Damn, how easily they could have traded up for him like Minnesota did.
Draft lovers, Joe included, have noticed the Bucs now holding the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 draft. Their 2-11 record and a garbage strength of schedule (the draft-position tiebreaker) give Tampa Bay the nod.
And, of course, any sane observer can see the Bucs need a quarterback.
This morning in his must-read column, Allie-LaForce-smitten, Big-Ten-Network-hating, pedestrian-bumping, olive oil-lapping, popcorn-munching, coffee-slurping, fried-chicken-eating, oatmeal-loving, circle-jerking, beer-chugging, cricket-watching, scone-loathing, college football-naïve, baseball-box-score-reading, NPR-listening, filthy-hotel-staying, fight-instigating, barista-training Peter King, of Sports Illustrated and NBC Sports fame, seems to think the Bucs would be bananas not to snag University of Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota.
T-minus three weeks, and Tampa Bay now leads the Marcus Mariota derby. Oakland’s win over San Francisco takes the Raiders out of the first slot in the 2015 NFL Draft. That leaves five teams at 2-11, vying for the top pick and the right to take Mariota (presumably—considering all the off-field problems swirling around Jameis Winston). As of this morning the top five would fall in this order, based on the won-loss record of the opposition in each team’s 13 games to this point:
King goes on, while typing about the upcoming Jets-Titans draft bowl game, to suggest teams should be losing intentionally.
Why on earth would Ken Whisenhunt, who, presumably, is going to be the coach in 2015, pull out all the stops to try to win this game? Take your medicine, lose, and get the highest pick you can so you can be in the best position possible to take the best quarterback or best player—or trade the pick for a few good ones.
Hmm, that’s an interesting concept.
Before Joe crowns any draft pick, Joe would like to see how the college season ends. Mr. Mariota lines up across from young Jameis Winston on Jan. 1 at the Rose Bowl. That should be a telling evening.
December 8th, 2014 at 11:09 am
Would love to see us draft this guy! I think he is a lot better then Winsto.
December 8th, 2014 at 11:10 am
Mariota sucks and is a product of the Ducks system, he will be a bust in the NFL like all the Oregon QBs. Winston is pro style QB and a proven winner, he has velocity and accuracy that blows mariota off the map
Let’s review the trash people throw at Winston and examine why it’s all hot air….
Alleged Sexual Assault: Jameis got trolled by an admitted cleat chaser, once the deed was done, she went for the money. The facts of the case clearly show there was no assault. The woman may have had some regret, but that is not rape or assault.
Autographs Incident – proven that Jameis had no involvement and some shady memorabilia scum had forged his signature.
Shouting Obscenities: while tasteless, it really is not a big issue at all and can be chalked up to college high jinks. Doubtful this would continue.
Fireworks : typical college behavior
Crab legs: Everyone knows that the FSU players get free food at Publix. Same at UF and UM. It’s a well known fact the big stars on campus eat free, even if it under the table and against ncaa rules. The incident happened because a new publix employee did not know the agreement was in place and made scene when he should have let it go.
OVERALL: typical college BS that people out grow. I know many DRs and Lawyers here in Tampa that did some crazy stuff in college and we all turned out fine. It Does mean that Lovie Smith would need to become very close to Jameis and be a mentor for him. Isn’t that what he was hired to do? Coach the young players in NFL stars.
DRAFT WINSTON! He is a great pocket passer and that is what we need
December 8th, 2014 at 11:12 am
Any team that drafts Mariota will have to run the spread offense for him to be successful. If the Bucs keep basically the same offense that they are running now I think Winston is a better fit. But drafting Winston is a major crapshoot. Personally I’m starting to like Bryce Petty more and more.
December 8th, 2014 at 11:15 am
I could go on and on about all the successful read-option QBs who are tearing it up in the NFL.
Let’s list all of them: I mean there’s….wait, you also have…..hmm. Ummm.
December 8th, 2014 at 11:15 am
Oh wait, I forgot that Mike Glennon is the Buc’s QB of the future because Lovie said so
December 8th, 2014 at 11:15 am
Getting the #1 overall pick is a strange sensation. It’s embarrassing because on the one hand, it means you REALLY sucked the season before! But it also gives you hope for the future….because you EARNED that pick…by REALLY SUCKING the season before!
As for what to do with that pick….I think Mariotta will be a good(possibly great) NFL QB…and you don’t get a chance at those very often! But on the other hand, I can see the value in trading down and picking up multiple other picks (Like St. Louis did a few years ago with the RGIII pick), because this team has SO MANY holes to fill!
All I know is that if Coach Smith continues to insist on starting McCown….our position atop the draft board will be secure!
December 8th, 2014 at 11:16 am
This Bucs team will be .500 next season with mariota as the Qb. The running game will be better because of his threat to scramble but the passing game will suffer causing Evans to look like he is regressing. Mariota will scramble when he should throw causing a wide open Evans to get frustrated on the sidelines and prompting some people here to say that he has a bad attitude. Winston is the best and safest choice to make and you all should no this. You won’t win alot of games scoring 30+ points with mariota but you will be better with great defense, special teams and a running game. But when the defenses start to bottle the pocket taking away his scrambling the offense will look like it does now. Winston would be good for the running game and would keep Evans and the rest of the receivers involved. C’mon people you see it, I know you do
December 8th, 2014 at 11:17 am
You’re just brushing the off the field issues under the rug like they don’t matter, but the fact of the matter is that pro teams analyze these issues ad nauseum before coming to a decision whether or not to give their franchise to a 21 year old kid. Every thing he’s ever done in college is put under a microscope and looked at. Just because someone is drafted, doesn’t automatically change their actions and thought process. More often than not, it brings them more more intensely. Meaning, if you have off the field issues in college (Pacman Jones), you’re more likely to have them in the pros. Money makes things worse, and some owners have already came out publicly and said they aren’t even looking at him, citing his maturity level. I get Mariota is a system QB, but you have to admit Winston’s numbers this year aren’t too impressive either. College is a different game. If you throw 3 INTS in the 1st half, you shouldn’t expect to PLAY in the 2nd, let alone win the game lol. I think the problem is that Winston looks like he took a step back after last year, not something you want to see in the 1st overall pick.
More to the point on this, I don’t think either QB is worth of a top pick. Unless there is an Andrew Luck style QB coming out(and there isn’t), the Bucs should look to trade down for more picks and cast a wider net to find a superstar. I know most casual fans won’t appreciate it, and that’s fine, but understand the game is won and lost in the trenches. Offensive and Defensive line are major issues that need to be corrected ASAP before you stick some poor rookie under center and hope for the best.
December 8th, 2014 at 11:18 am
101 TDs vs. 12 INTs in 3 years. Yes, Trevor, Mariota certainly “sucks”.
December 8th, 2014 at 11:20 am
I am sure we will find a way to screw this up too! Yes our O-line is terrible, but we NEED a true Franchise QB….with mobility and size!
December 8th, 2014 at 11:24 am
Titans tie our SOS if the Falcons win tonight.
December 8th, 2014 at 11:26 am
I’ll take either but would rather take Winston….dude is ready! Hopefully the off field issues go away after he’s drafted.
December 8th, 2014 at 11:26 am
There is no one on this site that loves Mariota more than me. He’s the most exciting player on the most exciting team, and he just so happens to be from Hawaii. I think he’s fantastic and I would be the very first one to buy his jersey, but even I know he isn’t a slam dunk success in the NFL. There just isn’t much success in the NFL from QB’s like him. It is absolutely essential that we get a OC that knows what to do with him, because using him in a traditional NFL offense is going to end badly. If you get Mariota, you take advantage of his skill set. You don’t make him what he’s not – a pocket passer. I still think we’re going to win 1 or 2 more games and he won’t even be available for us, because that’s just how we roll.
December 8th, 2014 at 11:27 am
But Im still ok with trading down, go O line, and draft Bryce Petty….we have many holes.
December 8th, 2014 at 11:28 am
Am I the only one who isn’t impressed with either of the 2 big name qbs? I mean, we can draft a running qb whose gimmick might win him the Heisman but get him killed in the NFL. Or we can draft a pocket passer who I’ve seen make terrible decisions on the field and get bailed out by his championship team. The off the field stuff doesn’t concern me very much except I’d like him to learn English.
I worry we’re going to set ourselves back another 5 years because we draft for need instead of best player available.
December 8th, 2014 at 11:33 am
Best case… We draft Mariota and sign Scott Frost to be our OC/QB coach next year… I honestly don’t care which position as long as he is here with Mariota.. Then sign an experienced coach for the other position… Make this kid as comfortable as it is for him to be in the NFL to make his adjustment much more smoother..
Make sure Lovie is as far away from the offense as possible… That’s if he’s still here next year (hope he isn’t hated the hire from the get go)…
December 8th, 2014 at 11:34 am
Agreed, Justin.
@NewBucsFan and similar thinkers. Yes, a running qb will win some games and help the running attack. Then what? They all turn to turds in the playoffs where the good defenses are. The only exception is Wilson, who has an amazing team around him on both sides of the ball.
December 8th, 2014 at 11:39 am
Told my son last night that the Bucs better have a scout at the Rose Bowl. He said ‘with all our problems, we better have scouts at ALL the bowls.
December 8th, 2014 at 11:42 am
Can we get an O coordinator before we have the heated debates that are going to accompany all of this talk about the draft? I mean, what good is Mariotta if we get an OC that likes pocket QBs and loves to run with Bettis style RBs? If we don’t know what our program is going to look like, we can’t say that either of them are best for the Bucs. You can debate who the more talented QB is all day but that doesn’t make them the best choice for our team.
December 8th, 2014 at 11:47 am
Jameis or Mariota either or to me.
December 8th, 2014 at 11:48 am
Wouldn’t surprise me if Lovie passed on a QB with the number one pick which would agrevate the heck out if me.
December 8th, 2014 at 11:54 am
Whom ever becomes the Bucs QBOTF will need to be extremely mobile, other wise he will not have an extended NFL career.
I mean, McCown yesterday looked like the poor guy at Walmart that has to open the front doors on Black Friday.
#runningforhislife
December 8th, 2014 at 11:54 am
The hardest thing to believe is that if Mariota gets drafted by the Bucs, his NFL uniform will actually be uglier than his college uni.
December 8th, 2014 at 11:54 am
Jonathan Casillas is a Starter in New England.
I would take all decision making abilities away from Lovie Smith.
December 8th, 2014 at 11:54 am
Jonathan Casillas is a Starter in New England.
I would take all decision making abilities away from Lovie Smith.
December 8th, 2014 at 11:57 am
I think this franchise did a tank job just for #1 pick next year. There’s no way this team goes 2-14 with the talent we had. If so, NFL should force Glazers to sell.
December 8th, 2014 at 12:00 pm
@jo_mama – You realize that our LB play isn’t an issue right? In fact, our whole defense is largely playing ok. There are places we could improve, but LB is a position where we’re doing well. Between LVD, Lansanah, Lemon, and Foster, we’re not doing too bad there. If he was a guy that didn’t buy in then it’s not a big deal that he’s gone. Him starting for someone else doesn’t mean that it’s a loss for us
December 8th, 2014 at 12:11 pm
Signing Mark Sanchez might be the better move; get him the right OC and he could be as good as he is right now in Philly.
December 8th, 2014 at 12:14 pm
I like how shifty Mariota is in the pocket, if he only looks to pass before running then I’d be fine with him. The Bucs have the WR’s so he won’t need to run so damn much. Just do that little shift he does to get out of the pocket and look downfield for our Dunakneers.
Winston (on the field) can be streaky this season. Last season however he was one year younger and he lit up the college football world. His football knowledge is through the roof as well. So much that if you watch FSU games he sometimes gets into little tussles with Jimbo about the play calling. I don’t think Jimbo minds it either, I think he LOVES having Jameis Winston. Jameis was focused and on like Donkey Kong in that ACC Championship game. The best game he played in about 5 games. Towards the end he wanted to run it up and put GT away when they were up, it was 3 and 1 then 4th and 1. Both times Fisher declined Jameis and elected for the FG. Winston was in the zone last Saturday night. In the zone so much the commenters, zoomed in on Winston’s eyes in slow motion 3 different times….
Bring me THAT zone to Tampa!
Oregon vs FSU.
A battle for the ages or another Duck’s blowout?
It will be fun to watch the 2 of them play against one another to do a little more comparing.
December 8th, 2014 at 12:19 pm
Paul Says:
December 8th, 2014 at 11:57 am
“I think this franchise did a tank job just for #1 pick next year. There’s no way this team goes 2-14 with the talent we had. If so, NFL should force Glazers to sell.”
@Paul…who paid for all this “talent” that they have?
I agree they probably are tanking, (Dietrich Smith rolling snaps on the ground)this just might be evaluation time buddy.
I’m kind of glad they are tanking if it’s so. I don’t care, and haven’t cared since week 7.
December 8th, 2014 at 12:24 pm
Don’t worry there’s always next year. None of Lovie’s decisions have improved the team. Why should this one? Regardless of the 1st round pick taken there are more holes than there were when L&L were hired.
December 8th, 2014 at 12:28 pm
@87, whats your thoughts on Bryce Petty?
December 8th, 2014 at 12:29 pm
Mariota will return to Oregon if we’re drafting #1. Just like Andrew Luck did when Carolina was in a shot to get him at #1. And if it’s a choice between Crab Legs and no QB, no QB wins by a country mile.
December 8th, 2014 at 12:40 pm
@Max..he comes in 3rd to me and like you said they could trade down and get him later on. While picking up an O-lineman. Better be a damn good trade down though if it’s for number 1.
@bucrightoff…you don’t know wtf you’re talking about when it comes to crab legs. At least he remembered the butter.
Crabs legs got accepted to Stanford. They don’t accept athletically gifted idiots to Stanford. It just doesn’t happen.
You only get one chance to take a potential franchise QB every 10 years or so and you have to be in the right spot, no matter how bad the O-line looks.
December 8th, 2014 at 12:41 pm
I’ll also add that Winston might return to FSU if he faced with Bucs.
December 8th, 2014 at 12:41 pm
@Paul
C’mon. This franchise’s run of bad play is way less than (pre-Warner) Cardinals under the Bidwells and the Raiders for the last 20 years or so. Let’s not get crazy.
December 8th, 2014 at 12:43 pm
If you don’t think that the BUCS have not been searching for a Permanent Offensive Coordinator since day one after Tedford took ill, you are kidding yourself. The recent news coming when it did about the BUCS-Tedford “Officially” parting ways should be confirmation that the new Coordinator Contract is already in Negotiations if not already “done”.
AND
If you are any bit a Manziel fan you should be a Mariota Fan. Mariota is just a Taller, Smarter, Faster Johnny Football. And if it is a “System QB” that you are worried about, what are your thoughts about Chip Kelly’s Oregon… err… Philly Eagles Offense?
Then think about the Glazer’s Goal to hire Kelly a few years ago. When you think about who they next went after… Jeff Tedford, who’s (rumored) offense is a Oregon Clone if not just dynamically similar, you might follow the Clues…
Chip Kelly,
Jeff Tedford,
BUCS 2015 Number One Pick = Marcus Mariota
December 8th, 2014 at 12:45 pm
Show me a team that drafts lineman in the first found and I will show you a team that is serious about winning. The third stringer from Ohio State is better than them both and could be had in the third round next year.
December 8th, 2014 at 1:09 pm
Patrick in VA Says:
December 8th, 2014 at 12:00 pm
@jo_mama – You realize that our LB play isn’t an issue right? In fact, our whole defense is largely playing ok. There are places we could improve, but LB is a position where we’re doing well. Between LVD, Lansanah, Lemon, and Foster, we’re not doing too bad there. If he was a guy that didn’t buy in then it’s not a big deal that he’s gone. Him starting for someone else doesn’t mean that it’s a loss for us
___________________________________________
Wrong. If he is starting for the Pats. He should have been starting for us. We need starters, A starter at any position is a positive for the team.
Its one less starter we need to go out and find or draft.
December 8th, 2014 at 1:26 pm
@jo_mama – but we don’t need to go out and find a LB. We’re good there.
December 8th, 2014 at 1:40 pm
It’s a no-brainer. Winner of this game is the choice. Most likely, the Bucs will beat New Orleans in the season finale and end up with the number 3 pick. Jet and Titans play next week so one of them gets to 3 wins.
December 8th, 2014 at 1:51 pm
Joe, here’s something to think about. I’ve only seen a few Oregon games but with that offense I can’t help but think who couldn’t hit that WR who was wide open. But the first Arizona game when Oregon fell behind and was forced to throw he struggled a lot. Winston sure had his first time struggles but he can throw people open instead of waiting for them to get open. He’s undefeated in his college career so far. With that being said I’m leaning towards Winston. He’s in a pro style offense, he’s had success and continues to be clutch. how can you pass that??
December 8th, 2014 at 1:55 pm
Willie D – Cleveland Browns drafted Joe Thomas over Matt Ryan. Ryan has led the Falcons to playoffs and division championships. But hey, Thomas is a fine tackle.
December 8th, 2014 at 2:07 pm
I remember last year almost everybody was telling us that we had to draft a QB because we would never be in a position again under Lovie to draft so high. Lol.
December 8th, 2014 at 2:12 pm
How’s KC doing with that bust Fisher from Central Michigan, St Louis with bust from Baylor, etc, etc, etc.
@scott
If you look at Oregon’s o-line from that game to this past weekend game that will tell you a whole bunch as to why they lost. I just watched a breakdown on Mariota and how people that say he’s a system QB have no idea what they are talking about. They showed multiple plays where he’s looking through his 3rd and 4th options. Petty I’m not so sure, think Mariota will be better but no one knows for sure.
How many teams have the overall first pick and are good? So QB’s are going to stay in college so they can play for another horrible team the next year and not with a young stud WR in Evans? Luck went back to finish school, he grew up wealthy and had a high insurance policy. Indy isn’t much different in city size or their franchise other then 1 Super Bowl victory over Rex Grossman, the other lost on a last second fg to Brady.
December 8th, 2014 at 2:22 pm
Spread or System QBs don’t last. Accurate passers who have experience under center do last. Winston is the guy, if not him then draft OL. Missing on this draft will set us back 5 years, or if in Tampa just another Thursday night.
December 8th, 2014 at 2:31 pm
I currently have QBs if they were to come out as such:
Mariota
Winston
Hundley
Petty
Cook has already said he is staying. So think about it. We can go for it this year and if it doesn’t work we can take Cook the following year as well.
How sad it is that we have 2 wins with the 7th easiest SOS in the NFL? Awful.
December 8th, 2014 at 2:34 pm
Drew Brees ran a spread offense in college. Are you saying he didn’t last?
December 8th, 2014 at 2:35 pm
If Winston runs back to FSU because he thinks the Bucs will draft him than he is a coward. As far as im concerned, he can keep throwing interceptions in college and we can pick up pass rushers and o-linemen. Lovie will go after the best free agent qb to avoid dealing with a rookie signal caller.
December 8th, 2014 at 2:44 pm
Big Ben also played in a spread offense.
December 8th, 2014 at 2:49 pm
Also, for those that worry about Mariota under center he has been practicing it because he knows he will have to do it in the NFL. He is a smart kid so I’m not worried about him. However, let’s be honest, you don’t see Manning coming from under center a whole lot either.
December 8th, 2014 at 2:57 pm
too many QB flops to mention….an RG3 type deal would be preferred and safer 🙂
…http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/1199476/st-louis-rams-jab-washington-redskins-using-picks-acquired-redskins-captains
December 8th, 2014 at 3:17 pm
Winston over Mariota please.
Look at that slim frame, he will get pummeled in the NFL. Zero chance of making it through his rookie season without getting hurt. He will be a giant bust.
December 8th, 2014 at 3:20 pm
@warren,
How small do you think Mariota is compared to Winston?
December 8th, 2014 at 3:27 pm
Answer about 10 pounds smaller.
December 8th, 2014 at 3:31 pm
Shane Marco…you forgot to include the blackouts…make sure you also say you want the Glazers to bring back the blackouts, because unless you want to go watch them play they will never sell that many tickets to lift one next season.
Winston’s sells tickets Shane. Go Gators.
December 8th, 2014 at 3:37 pm
87′,
Yes, 10 lbs. Everyone is making it out like he is 30 lbs lighter. 10 lbs is nothing.
There won’t be any blackouts. Congress is on that.
December 8th, 2014 at 4:17 pm
Mariota is actually a pass first run second QB, everyone keeps trying to compare him to RGIII, play style wise the best comparison is to Russell Wilson, please watch the kid play before you jump to conclusions, he’s tough as nails and makes great decisions, on and OFF the field.
December 8th, 2014 at 4:25 pm
@87 im a bucs fan first and formost…we fix our lines we win games, we win games we dont have blackouts….have fun getting bounced out of the first round of the playoffs noles fan, and keep your sorry ass qb.
December 8th, 2014 at 5:30 pm
On the spread sheets he is listed at 10 pounds lighter.
Doesn’t pass the eyeball test to me. Winston looks nfl ready.
Mariota looks too slim.
If you are going to roll the dice on a guy why not roll the dice on the more pro ready player.
Why roll the dice on playing ability over character?
How many of these types of QBs have to flame out or reach ho hum status or regress dramatically in the NFL before people realize this is NOT the way to go. Please don’t reference Russel Wilson, he is an exception. There are always exceptions.
December 8th, 2014 at 5:56 pm
I agree that Mariotta is not as sure a bet as Luck but the problem is quarterbacks that are sure fire number ones like Luck come along well maybe every ten years. The Bucs don’t have ten years and the fans certainly will not wait that long. And then ofcourse when a Luck comes along the Bucs are sitting there with a 7-9 record and not the number one pick. I say take Mariotta unless your assured of trading out and getting Winston. Without one of those two guys its a complete gamble and yes you could get the next Ton Brady or the next Mike Glennon. I am not aware of any free agents quarterbacks worth a hoot or any qb’s in a situation that they want out of that are worthy of starting. Maybe I am wrong but unless we draft one of the two we are stuck with Glennon/McKown noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!
December 8th, 2014 at 6:06 pm
Bring on mariota and the spread tank bucs tank
December 8th, 2014 at 6:06 pm
By the way I like the QB round one and every other pick offensive lineman strategy. That completely goes against best player overall at that pick but I would rather our draft scouts make the call than Lovey/Licht through FA. This year they messed up royally with FA’s.
December 8th, 2014 at 6:24 pm
You don’t throw 37 tds to 2 ints if you are inaccurate.
When you are inaccurate you throw for 24 tds to 17 ints.
December 8th, 2014 at 6:57 pm
While I am not going to sit here and attempt to sound like I know which draft pick will be the best fit TB, I will say that even though most of the things J. Winston has been accused of doing off the field have been proven to be hear say or false I think it is best to look at the most successful QB’s in the league and remember that those athletes don’t put themselves into the position to be questioned about there actions. I have heard people defending these athletes (college and professional) saying they are still kids and they dont have any life experience aside from being cast into the spotlight of the sports world. To that I will say these “Kids” are college students and should be learning how to navigate through life and understand being an icon is not as important as being a decent human being along with learning how to conduct themselves so that the history of professional athletes being role models is not tainted so bad that following their dreams to play sports in the big shows does not die before it has any life.
Long story long the Bucs need a QB and O-line help, without that Lovie will have to attempt to keep the statement ” good defense can win you 10 games”. Or something to that effect.
The true fans are the ones who are still rooting for a win even when your in last place
December 8th, 2014 at 7:39 pm
J. WINSTON ALL DAY
December 8th, 2014 at 8:54 pm
How exactly does the spread differ from what we are doing now?
And what makes everyone think we will NOT be running the spread when a new OC is hired?