ASJ Talks Marcus Mariota

December 29th, 2014
Bucs TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins got a little excited when asked about Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota possibly tossing passes to him next season.

Bucs TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins got a little excited when asked about Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota possibly tossing passes to him.

Read into this what you wish. Sometimes, body language says more than what comes out of someone’s mouth.

Today was clean-out-your-locker-day-and-go-home day at One Buc Palace. Many players are indeed heading back to their native lands; some won’t return.

(It was a sad sight for Joe to see Mason Foster exit the locker room, probably for good, carrying his road white jersey)

Austin Seferian-Jenkins spoke to the local pen and mic club. and a thing that Joe loves about ASJ are the high standards he has set for himself. He really wasn’t overly interested in talking about the past season. Understandable, given that he was hurt most of the year and largely the season was a kick in the groin.

But then ASJ was asked about Oregon quarterback and fan favorite Marcus Mariota. When the discussion switched to Mariota, ASJ went from being bored to happy, his face lit up like Kate Upton was cooing him.

 Joe has observed most Bucs fans are on all fours begging Team Glazer to bring Mariota to Tampa Bay with the first overall pick.

ASJ played for Washington (same alma mater as Foster) and witnessed Mariota up close and personal.

“He’s a good quarterback, man,” ASJ said. “He plays for the Ducks! It’s the Ducks, man. But, yeah, he’s a good quarterback. He’s a good quarterback.”

When asked how he would like to catch passes from Marota, ASJ punted, saying, “We’ll see. That’s a paygrade above me.”

62 Responses to “ASJ Talks Marcus Mariota”

  1. armchairGM Says:

    I am surprised it is somewhat of a positive Mariota article without a mention of Winston. Are the Joe’s coming around to the idea of maybe grabbing Marcus?

  2. biff barker Says:

    Joe would rejoice if Mariotta’s name is called first. Bank on it.

  3. BuccaneerBonzai Says:

    lol, armchairGM.

    You are right. I’m impressed Joe resisted too. Watch his do an update about winston in the article, just to pick on us 😉

  4. Dave Pear Says:

    Giving Lovie and Licht the first overall pick is like giving a loaded gun to a five year old. You just know it’s not going to end well.

  5. BuccaneerBonzai Says:

    I’m leaning toward Marcus myself. His knee worries me though.

  6. BuccaneerBonzai Says:

    @Dave Pear

    How do you know that? Hmmn?

  7. Tom Edrington Says:

    ASJ should just shut up and get himself strong enough to last a 16-game NFL season.

    “He’s a good quarterback…..” Seriously??? This guy is a regular Sherlock Holmes!

  8. Jeagan1999 Says:

    I like Mariota a lot! He reminds me of Russel Wilson, but taller, faster and with a better arm. I know there are those that say that he is strictly a system QB, but I disagree. I think he is smart enough and athletic enough to play under center in just about any system. I’m certain that the day after Oregon finishes it’s season, Mariota will be on a plane to work with a top QB coach (Bradenton maybe???) to work on direct snaps, reading defenses, etc… The other great thing about Mariota, is there are no off the field or personality issues to worry about. Can’t wait to see him and Winston play Thursday night!

  9. Buccfan37 Says:

    So the tank was for a QB with the first pick?

  10. Howard Cosell Says:

    Joe,
    Ironically this is the most positive I’ve felt about the Bucs in awhile.

    * The defense truly is going to be wicked next year. No doubt about it.

    * If we can get Trestman we’re cooking with steam now on offense

    * Keep Lovie away from the offense. Checks and balances.

    * Draft one of the two Heismans

    * Make a concerted effort towards an o-line in draft and FA.

    * Once you have your linemen get them on a Chip Kelly type
    workaholic schedule.

    * Problem solved. Bucs are now at least an 8-8 team

    * Make checks payable to Howard Sports consulting services LTD

  11. BuccaneerBonzai Says:

    Tom Edrington Says
    “ASJ should just shut up and get himself strong enough to last a 16-game NFL season.”

    Wow. I had no idea talking would delay the recovery of injuries.

  12. Dannyboy Says:

    I would definitely love to have Mariota next year and watch him burn the league on fire! He is the real deal. Smart enough to make the transition and play under any system!

  13. BuccaneerBonzai Says:

    I think we should bring in Mariota AND a veteran.

  14. nate Says:

    Asj has been a big talker bro ur a rookie let ur game do the talking….

  15. NJBucsFan Says:

    Mariota is a Hawaiian Steve Young. No need to look beyond him.

  16. armchairGM Says:

    Lovie Smith press conference hopefully revealing some telling things going on within that shiny dome of his. Says he thinks the # 1 pick could be attractive to an OC , that he wont look over the next OC’s shoulders, believes they can win absolutely win with a rookie QB, that the Bucs need a balanced offense and all options are on the table including a spread offense, read option can be used occasionally but not all the time as using it to much get QB’s hurt, Mike Glennon has a future going forward ( no mention of him as QB of the future) and that he handled his changed role with dignity. Take all for what it’s worth, he seems more forward with his messages. I guess no need for smoke screens when you have the # 1 pick.

  17. Joe Says:

    Are the Joe’s coming around to the idea of maybe grabbing Marcus?

    HELL no.

  18. Newbucsfan!!! Says:

    Don’t believe the sheeple they know that Winston is the better qb for this Bucs team. Take your rhetoric to, to well leave it here for other sheeple to digest.

  19. Phillip Says:

    Bring us Mariota!

    Bring us Chud, Trestman, or Scott Frost as OC!

    Bring Jim Harbaugh to Ann Arbor as my coach for the Michigan Wolverines! (not OFFICIAL… YET)

    All smiles today 🙂

  20. MariotaOrWinstonOrWalkdaPlank Says:

    I would take Mariota, but I suspect the Eagles would be willing to pay a king’s ransom to get him back with Chip Kelly. To me, these are the best choices:

    Draft Winston
    Draft Mariota
    Trade down (probably with the Eagles) for a surplus of picks and/or a couple good players.

  21. Patrickbucs Says:

    Trestman?

    That’s a horrible move IMO. Bears have better skill players then we do now and the offense was nearly as bad. How about recruit someone with a current program that has had success, not a retread from a failing stint. So stay away from Bears ties basically.

    What’s funny is everyone on this board doesn’t mention the Bears offensive success when Lovie was there is his last few years. Not saying he’s some guru but Forte, Cutler and Marshall did pretty damn well when he was there.

  22. bucrightoff Says:

    Lovie has had one top 15 offense ever, and that was with the original RG3 running the show. So no, the offense was still awful under Lovie even with Forte and Cutler and Marshall.

  23. meh Says:

    Joe prefers QBs like Johnny Manziel.

  24. Phillip Says:

    Patrick

    The offense was bad this year because of Jay Cutler unfortunately… He clearly has not grown up or just rubs every coach he has played for the wrong way.. He made Josh Freakin McCown (ya that same one we signed… ugh) look like a HoF QB in the 8 games he played in 2013… He also made Jimmy Clausen look like a professional NFL QB as well..

    @Joe

    How do you justify Winston being a better prospect than Mariota? I mean 17 picks in a season(with atleast 1 more game) in that piss poor excuse of a league called the ACC? I’m not a big stats guy either but man when you have that many INT’s in college imagine playing professional defenses? I know he had an amazing year in 2013 but so did Mariota…

  25. armchairGM Says:

    Joe you will come around just like you jumped off the MGM bandwagon and onto the tank bandwagon you will come around on Mariota.

  26. Tom Edrington Says:

    @Bucbonzai: You can have ASJ and his wonderful observations and I’ll take Nick O’Leary every day of the week and twice on Sundays…..ASJ loves the tub, O’Leary is nothing but tough.

  27. Yeah It's me! Says:

    NJBucsFan Says:
    Mariota is a Hawaiian Steve Young. No need to look beyond him.

    It’s called an interview! And he answered a reporters question. Man! some of you are just arse wholes. Support your 2nd rd pck instead of endless bashing over nothing. Not every player is a pro bowler there rookie year. Support your dam team for once instead of bashing a rookie for being hurt,missing training camp because of college rules. shshh

  28. Yeah It's me! Says:

    Sorry, wrong post
    Here is right post:

    nate Says:

    Asj has been a big talker bro ur a rookie let ur game do the talking….

    It’s called an interview! And he answered a reporters question. Man! some of you are just arse wholes. Support your 2nd rd pck instead of endless bashing over nothing. Not every player is a pro bowler there rookie year. Support your dam team for once instead of bashing a rookie for being hurt,missing training camp because of college rules. shshh

  29. JoeJoes Fungi Nails Says:

    Hopoefully Mariota is more committed to be a Pro than ASJ….

  30. Skyline Crew for Mariota or Winston Says:

    Mariota is the only way to go. If he isn’t there it’s because he decides to stay another year, but he won’t stay. Winston should stay another year though and work on his image.

  31. Rutgers4Schiano Says:

    Since it is a “Buc’s Life” how about a bit of history.

    Bucs first round Quartback selections through the years

    1978 Doug Williams
    1987 Vinny Testaverde (First overall pick)
    1994 Trent Dilfer
    2009 Josh Freeman

    If history is any indicator we are 1 for 4 or a 25% success rate in QB selections.

  32. Joe Says:

    How do you justify Winston being a better prospect than Mariota?

    Quite simple. Mariota runs a spread-option. Winston runs a pro-style offense. Joe has yet to read a former NFL scout/GM type that Marota’s skill set is better than Winston’s in an NFL offense. No need for Joe to type anything more.

  33. CreamsicleBananaHammock Says:

    Look at how skinny MM is…..he’ll never play a full 16 game season in the league and you can take that straight to the bank

  34. Bucs fan in Chicago Says:

    My favorite part of the year: the off-season, when everything is “looking up”! Year after pathetic year…….

  35. Phillip Says:

    @Joe

    Still doesn’t explain the 17 picks in a season.. Last time I checked decision making is a skill set in the NFL and a big one..

    The spread offense works in the NFL especially the one the Oregon Ducks run.. Hello Mark Sanchez and Nick Foles.. Also Johnny Manziel ran a spread offense in college and you loved him last year?

    I’m not saying Jameis isn’t a good prospect because he is but to give an EMPHATIC HELL no to warming up to Mariota is ludicrous to me atleast… Mariota is no Denard Robinson, Jordan Lynch, or Tim Tebow. The kid clearly has an arm and can sling it..

  36. Barry Says:

    Let’s be honest, there are no QBs in this years draft worth the #1 overall. Joe knows this, I hope. Licht should turn this pick for multiple picks and a QB. McCown, Glennon, or Cutler will be your 2015 starting QB.

  37. Skyline Crew for Mariota or Winston Says:

    A lot of people might want to dismiss Mariota’s high-completion percentage in favor of Oregon’s spread offense, which has inflated quarterback numbers in the past.

    But it’s hard to argue that Marcus can’t make every throw on the field. While he might not possess the elite arm strength that Winston has, ball velocity and placement is where he truly excels.

    Add that to his mobility outside of the pocket, and he’s the ultimate dual-threat quarterback. This season, Marcus has thrown 38 touchdowns to just two interceptions. TWO!

    But it’s Mariota’s mechanics that make him elite. He has a good sense for pressure in the pocket, and has a quick, but fluid, release that helps him drive balls with force, even while taking hits.

    That said, Jameis is an impressively accurate quarterback in his own right. However, he does suffer from inconsistency, especially with throws over the middle.

    Who’s the more accurate passer?: Marcus Mariota

  38. Skyline Crew for Mariota or Winston Says:

    CreamsicleBananaHammock Says:
    December 29th, 2014 at 3:34 pm

    Look at how skinny MM is…..he’ll never play a full 16 game season in the league and you can take that straight to the bank
    *********************

    How do you figure? He is only 15lbs lighter than Winston. That is nothing. So Winston won’t last either.

  39. ihateloviesmith Says:

    ONE OR THE OTHER JUST GET ONE OF EM, DAMNITT MAN QB 1st pick edge rusher second then Oline come on man

  40. Skyline Crew for Mariota or Winston Says:

    You gotta read the article from Elite daily: http://elitedaily.com/sports/marcus-mariota-jameis-winston-number-one-pick/892198/

    Stronger Arm – Winston
    Accuracy – Mariota
    More gifted – Mariota
    Pro comparison – Winston
    Leader – Mariota

  41. Skyline Crew for Mariota or Winston Says:

    “But what separates Mariota’s running ability from anyone else in the nation is that it’s truly his last resort.

    He goes through his entire progression, makes the read and then hits the hole with no mercy once he knows the defense is sleeping.”

  42. Skyline Crew for Mariota or Winston Says:

    “With his unique skill set at 6’4″and 220 pounds, Marcus Mariota has been often compared to 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

    Likewise at 6’4″ and 230 pounds, many say that Jameis Winston’s game resembles Steelers Super Bowl-winning quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.”

  43. bucs4lyfe Says:

    JOE*****(It was a sad sight for Joe to see Mason Foster exit the locker room, probably for good, carrying his road white jersey)

    you talk like a serious fan with no kind of insight into the bucs whatsoever…probably for good? that’s how you report news? I guess you believe theres some lavonte david type impact player at middle linebacker in this year’s draft because you can’t keep bringing in big money free agents at key positions

    are we gonna get some of your brilliant draft evaluations because everyone here has a draft board, I know you have one joe

  44. Joe Says:

    you talk like a serious fan with no kind of insight into the bucs whatsoever…probably for good? that’s how you report news?

    Joe has spoken with suits who work at One Buc Palace about Mason Foster. You?

    Joe has spoken — on the record — with Leslie Frazier who told Joe that Foster is not a good fit for outside linebacker in his defense.

    Hell, even Foster admits he may not be back, even though he wants to stay.

  45. Skyline Crew for Mariota or Winston Says:

    Here is what Lovie had to say about an OC.

    “We’re keeping all options open, from spread looks to – we just want to be able to run and pass the football when we want to and when we need to. If we mold this Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense together, it’s not like I’m going to be over the guy’s shoulder saying do this, do that. I’ve given a lot of offensive coordinators that I’ve had a lot of full range to implement their system.’’ -Lovie

  46. Skyline Crew for Mariota or Winston Says:

    He said spread looks….Mariota

  47. Joe Says:

    Still doesn’t explain the 17 picks in a season.. Last time I checked decision making is a skill set in the NFL and a big one..

    Jimbo claims only six picks were Winston’s fault, i.e. freshmen running wrong routes, etc. Besides, most of these happened in first half, right? Tells Joe he can adjust on the fly which is a helluva attribute.

    Oh, and there’s the whole never-lost-in-college thing. Joe likes that, too. Also likes how he is an alpha male on the team.

    Spread-option quarterbacks spook Joe.

    Conclusion: Joe wants Jameis.

  48. bucs4lyfe Says:

    @admin

    HE HAD TALKED WITH SOMEONE ABOUT MASON FOSTER THEN HE WOULD’T HAVE SAID (PROBABLY)

  49. Rrsrq Says:

    Those who are talking about JW’s interceptions are probably the same ones that were clamoring for Brett Favre, not comparing the two, but the gunslinger threw lots of int’s. As far as Foster goes, keep him and go after Miami’s Denzel Perriman.

  50. Walter Says:

    King Lovie is probably gonna screw us and either trade for Cutler sorry self and sign Trestman as the OC or gonna trade the first pick for someone that will never pan out.

  51. Skyline Crew for Mariota or Winston Says:

    ^^Walter,

    I think he would alienate more fans by doing that. Why would we want to turn into the Bears?

  52. BoJim Says:

    Man he’s got skinny legs. One thump from Mason Foster (when he get’s picked by a winning team) will knock him out for the season. If we go QB, take Winston.

  53. armchairGM Says:

    Joe says:

    Spread options Qb’s spook you? Really? Really? And last year you were clamouring for Manziel who ran Kevin Sumlin’s spread offense. Joe I just think you like the headline grabbing, needle moving Qb’s.

  54. Just lose 'no more' baby!! Says:

    I agree Marcus has a higher chance of injury due to body type…Just think of Sue hitting the guy….OUCH!! Honestly, Winston is the higher rated QB …he has four Months of interviewing to prove it and I think he will.

  55. Pickgrin Says:

    As long as we take one of these 2 QBs w/ the 1st pick – I will be happy. No trading down. The Bucs have a rare opportunity to draft a franchise QB and no other move makes sense. We will always have “needs”. Every year there are holes to fill and sometimes they are glaring (like the Bucs right now). But the hardest thing to find in the whole NFL is a good QB (much less great). We have a pretty sure shot at a good QB who may well become a “great” QB. Is there risk? Of course. The higher the pick – the bigger the risk. Time to role the dice on a potential franchise QB.

    Both the 2 top QBs are legit and worthy of being top draft picks IMO. So glad we didn’t take a QB last year as I don’t believe any QB drafted in the last 2 years will ever be a top tier QB. There’s a decent chance that both Mariota and Winston will have very good if not great NFL careers if the teams that draft them can develop good offensive systems with good offensive players around them.

    My opinion is that Winston will be a better NFL QB – but what do I know? Yes I’m a life long football fan – but that doesn’t mean I am qualified to make such a decision. Nobody posting here is qualified and neither is Joe.

    I’m glad that people who are actually paid by the Bucs will be making the decision as to which QB is the best for what we want to do moving forward.

    If they trade the pick – I will not be a happy camper though – despite whatever “King’s ransom” another team is willing to pay for the chance we “earned” by suffering through such a horrible season (on top of 5 previous bad seasons).

    It’s been 3 years since the Rams traded away the rights to RG3 for a bunch of high picks – and they have yet to have a winning season. So even though RG3 has not turned out to be as good as was assumed coming out and the Rams evidently made the “right decision” – they still are not that great of a team – and until they find a good QB who can stay healthy – they will not be contending for a Super Bowl anytime soon.

  56. White Tiger Says:

    I still don’t think it’s going to be a QB – maybe the reason they couldn’t keep Tedford (no big loss, but they kinda did commit to the guy) – Lovie’s reserving the 1st overall pick for a coveted (by him) edge rushing DE?

    I’ve heard how Mariota is attractive because of what he WON’T do off the field…but the MOST that will do is not distract the team on Sunday’s. I’ve herd how Winston excels at ‘reading defenses’ – but those were mostly ACC defenses but I remain unconvinced. I haven’t seen a spread-option QB come out ready to read NFL defenses. I’m also not real sure Lovie Smith is still all that married to a conversion to a read-option offense…not after the number of injuries that particular offense opens your starting QB up to hits/injuries…and with our current o-line (or lack thereof), that would only compound the problem.

    Nope, to me…it spells too much risk for a guy like Lovie Smith.

    I’m thinking it’s pretty obvious (if you’re Lovie Smith), it’s either a RDE or LOT at the top of this years draft…

  57. Que589 Says:

    Its funny how posters talk about not trusting Lovie & Jason w/ the No. 1 pick, but they are the same HC & GM that picked Mike Evans, one of the best rookies in the league.

  58. K-Dubya Says:

    Mariota is the real deal, Winston is quality also. When you actually see what MM can do on the field you will go “WOW” seriously, drafting Marcus would have no regrets and I will be the first in line to buy a MM Bucs jersey after hearing his name called next May. Please don’t let Tennessee get him…BTW Helfrich has had MM taking snaps in practice from center all year, his work ethic knows no bounds, you should be proud to make him your QB. food for thought.

  59. Pickgrin Says:

    White Tiger Says:
    December 29th, 2014 at 7:16 pm
    I’m thinking it’s pretty obvious (if you’re Lovie Smith), it’s either a RDE or LOT at the top of this years draft…

    ——————————————————————————-

    No way dude. If the Bucs don’t pick a QB – they better get a boat load of high picks in trade for the #1 if they don’t want to see angry mobs holding torches and pitchforks surrounding 1 Buc place…

    Picking an OL or DL player with the 1st overall pick when there are 2 really good QBs available would be the last straw for many Bucs fans – and I think the owners know that…

  60. Pelbuc Says:

    ASJ was the typical looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane. Wasted 2nd round pick and when he caught that 2 yd TD, he acted like he had never scored before. His biggest play was the fumble that cost the Bucs in OT. Talk less and show us more on the field.

  61. White Tiger Says:

    Well, I think the Texans and their number 1 overall picks; 2006: Mario Williams, over Vince Young, Matt Leinart,and Jay Cutler. In 2014: Jadeveon Clowney over Blake Bortles and Johnny Manziel.

    All of the QB’s were a lock…Mario Williams, got Charlie Casserly fired…but Charlie was right…

  62. BringBucsBack Says:

    Winston may be more experienced at playing in a pro-style offense but, Mariotta is more experienced at playing in a ridiculous-looking uniform.

    BTW, the top rated DE is from Clemson – No thanks!!