I had to come to a decision on which QB I truly wanted, as a passionate fan of this team. I wavered back and forth, content with the fact we would get one of the two (thank goodness for getting the first pick!????). Resolution time is here. I am now in the Mariota corner. Firmly entrenched. Guy has a lot going for him, and the only negatives I come back to are his taciturn nature (Bucs need a leader, but their are many forms of leadership I am sure he displays and we are quite obviously not privy to). And the other knock: "The System" argument. Well...the guy wAs placed into that system and flat out dominated it. Ran it better than any other athletic QB could as a result of work ethic, love of the game, control of his emotions and lack of turnovers (aside from the fumbles). He will come out of his shell. It is only natural that he will become more vocal...it will happen - when it COUNTS. He strikes me as a cat who keeps a close, quiet watch, and springs when absolutely necessary. Not at EVERY turn of the corner. So, I turned that taciturn, soft spoken demeanor and turned that quality into a positive. He is a silent, tough type. And when good things happen, he displays that fire. Think about it...he really hasn't lost that many games and looked that bad too often. So why the heck should he be betting all riled up and crazy about? They run a smooth system, and he has no reason to display that firecracker we all want to see in the huddle. He lets the guys know when it is time. That much is discussed amongst his own teammates. The arm isn't the strongest. But I this whip like, and I will trust that his accuracy is a result of not just ALL of his receivers being open CONSTANTLY. He can throw in the run like a savant. No kidding. I love that. And since the picket in Tampa is going to be a mess, his mobility to generate yardage via airmail, or ground express is simply a massive need. In short, the man can throw the ball. Not the go route ball that will make people "ooh and aah" at, but he has an NFL whip for an arm. I think a good coordinator will be able to run a slower paced offense with ease. Really, why the hurry? Just set it up, take advantage of his skillset, and run roll outs, options, slants, screens to Murphy, Sims, and Cobb(wink), and all will be good. I can't see this kid em getting rattled by the NFL game. He played in one of the best and loudest college stadiums in the country. In huge games. He can run any system...how anyone can think this athlete can't learn to dropback seven steps and throw it is a moron. He is our guy. His character leaves me completely worry free. Bulk up a little bit, not much (mostly leg stuff, IMO). Bad game against FSU or not, this kid has to be the pick. The Duck Buc is coming. Plus, I can buy a cool Oregon Mariota jersey and rock that gear! Love their uinforms. Bonus. Seriously, I am aboard the Mariota Express. No waffling. Chips thrown. Bellied up and said it. I loved Manziel for his game. And really, Mariota is a taller, more polished and reserved (understatement) version of JFF. He scrambles well, he throws on the run with MORE ability IMO, and he wins games and makes ridiculousness happen. Same things JFF did. Draft Duck Buc. Just Do It.
