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Jameis Winston versus Marcus Mariota

Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota are just the fourth quarterback combination to have been selected with the first and second overall picks in the NFL draft since 1998. So it’s only befitting that they get to square off against each other in their professional debuts.

Winston, heralded as the most pro-ready quarterback this draft class had to offer after playing in a pro-style system at Florida State, was selected first overall by the Buccaneers. Mariota’s college production came out of Oregon’s spread offense which utilized Mariota’s talents as a dual threat quarterback, allowing him to get out of the pocket and extend plays with his legs.

Winston’s first preseason in the NFL was decidedly inconsistent, going 23-for-47 with 1 touchdown run and 2 interceptions. But growing pains for any rookie quarterback are to be expected, and it sure doesn’t hurt that he has certified giants in Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson to throw to.

Mariota is having to make a more difficult transition in Tennessee, where he’ll be required to operate as primarily a pocket passer, using his legs as a last resort. But Mariota looked pretty dang good in the preseason. going 21-for-29 with 326 passing yards and 2 touchdown passes.

The great debate about which of these two will pan out to be the best quarterback over their (hopefully) long careers will get more fuel on Sunday. While it might be ugly, it should still be must-watch-television for diehard football fans.