Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota: Who Has the Better Season?

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Whether it be during the College Football season, draft talks or even draft night, Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston have always been compared. As they enter their first seasons in the NFL, that isn’t going to change. Winton and Mariota were the first and second overall selections in the NFL draft respectively. Neither figures to have much success in their first NFL season in terms of leading their team to an improved record, but which one will have the better season?

Until Mariota proves himself, Winston is going to be given the edge by the NFL experts. Winston has been labeled as the more NFL ready player and he was selected first overall. However, this could also work in Mariota’s favor. The expectations won’t be as high for him in year one, so his success will always be greeted with positive criticism. Things may not be so easy for Winston.

For Winston, expectations will be high. He’s enjoyed plenty of success at Florida State University and Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans will be hungry for him to bring that winning spirit to Tampa Bay. Unfortunately for those fans, Winston still has some kinks to work out; he won’t come in and throw 30 touchdowns with only ten interceptions and turn the team around right off the bat. It will take time for him to become accustomed to the pressures of playing in the NFL. However, with receivers such as Vincent Jackson and Mike Evans, he is bound to see some success.

For a quarterback with a strong arm like Winston, having two tall receivers that can stretch the field can be incredibly helpful. There is no doubt that Winston will be looking to throw the ball deep to Evans a lot this season. He will inevitably succeed in some of those attempts. However, interceptions are also a concern; last season he saw his interception numbers jump from ten to 18 in one season. As with any rookie quarterback, he will need to control himself. You could expect around 25 touchdowns and 20 interceptions for Winston in his rookie season while the Buccaneers go around 5-11.

As for Mariota, he will come in with slightly lower expectations. Mariota also has more areas of his game that he needs to improve before he can reach his full potential. First of all, Mariota will have to learn how to take snaps from under center. Last season at Oregon, Mariota was in the shotgun formation for all but four or five of his snaps, that’s not an exaggeration either. In the NFL, if you’re not flexible, opposing defensive coordinators will figure you out quickly. Titans’ coach Ken Whisenhunt will surely mold the offense around Mariota’s shotgun experience, but he will need to be flexible as well.

Mariota will also need to learn to put more zip on the ball. His arm is apparently looking very strong at camp and that will be vital to his success. In the NFL, if a quarterback can’t put some heat on his passes then the defenses will feast. Lofted passes will lead to more interceptions.

One positive part of Mariota’s game is probably the most vital skill for any QB in the NFL, that being decision making. Last season at Oregon, Mariota only threw two interceptions in the regular season. Those numbers will definitely rise now that he’s hit the NFL, but he will most likely throw less interceptions than Winston. However, he is also likely to throw less touchdowns than Winston simply because he’s not quite as developed as a passer.

Another big advantage that Mariota has is his athleticism. He will be able to escape pressure rather well. You can expect to see him navigate the pocket similarly to Russell Wilson. Mariota probably won’t use too many designed runs, but he will be able to scramble with the best of them.

Winston and Mariota will most likely have very different rookie seasons. Winston will probably put up bigger numbers, but that includes interceptions. Mariota’s stats will most likely be quiet, but he will make few mistakes. People will be able to criticize Winston’s decision making while people criticize Mariota’s lack of touchdowns and passing yards. In terms of QBR, Mariota will have the better season; he will also most likely pick up his production towards the end of the season as he gets more comfortable with the NFL. Winston will stuff the stats sheet more but will also struggle with his interceptions.

In the end, Marcus Mariota will have the better rookie season as he gains positive experience. Winston won’t be close behind, but he will need to reign in his interceptions before he reaches an elite level.