For all the bashing going both ways on Mariota and Winston, it cannot be overemphasized the technical reasons why the Bucs should choose Winston over Mariota and it becomes even more clear when you watch the Gruden QB Camp. As has been stated over and over again, Winston comes from a pro-style system. When he walks up to the line under center, he evaluates the defensive scheme, makes adjustments, calls audibles if necessary and when the play unfolds adapts to what the defense is doing. He did this for two years at FSU and the transition to the NFL should be somewhat easier for Winston. Mariota on the other-hand, has played in a system where the play was the play. He was not required to analyze the defensive scheme, make adjustments and was not allowed to call audibles. This is what many have referred to as plug and play. Mariota will have to learn how to do this and it is going to take time, ALOT of time. And it is going to take playing experience. This is not something that can be acquired by analyzing tape or sitting on the sideline watching another quarterback perform. It is not something personal, its just a fact. While leadership and maturity are all important factors, the ability to adapt is the most essential. If we were the Eagles and were going to modify our system to Mariota's skill set, it would be a different story. But we are not and if we choose Mariota over Winston be prepared for a long frustrating road ahead.
