Game 1- Bennett & Mariota

[BLAZER PROPHET]

Hard to say. Bennett throws harder, but he was playing with 3rd stringers and scout team players and they don't play together so it was like a scrimmage.

Mariota looked good. Stands tall in the pocket and is accurate but doesn't have much zip on the ball. He runs pretty well and between he & Bennett it's a draw.

I can see why he's the starter but I think Bennett is closer than we think.

 

[Ghost Pepper]

The reason Bennett isn't starting is mental.... he's emotional to a fault where Marcus is one cool cat.


In the spring game Bennett looked destroyed everytime he made a mistake where Marcus looked totally in control..... The QB's are the leaders and in rough water they must button eveything down, thus in my eyes where Marcus won the job.

18-22... 200 yards and 2td's no picks.... unless Mariota gets hurt.... Bennett will be the backup....

This also goes a long way to me understanding why Chip didn't try harder to talk DT out of leaving for the pros..... Chip knew what he had waiting in the wings....

 

[BLAZER PROPHET]

The reason Bennett isn't starting is mental.... he's emotional to a fault where Marcus is one cool cat.


In the spring game Bennett looked destroyed everytime he made a mistake where Marcus looked totally in control..... The QB's are the leaders and in rough water they must button eveything down, thus in my eyes where Marcus won the job.

18-22... 200 yards and 2td's no picks.... unless Mariota gets hurt.... Bennett will be the backup....

This also goes a long way to me understanding why Chip didn't try harder to talk DT out of leaving for the pros..... Chip knew what he had waiting in the wings....

What a comfort to have QB 1 & 1A.

 

[Natebishop3]

Hard to say. Bennett throws harder, but he was playing with 3rd stringers and scout team players and they don't play together so it was like a scrimmage.

Mariota looked good. Stands tall in the pocket and is accurate but doesn't have much zip on the ball. He runs pretty well and between he & Bennett it's a draw.

I can see why he's the starter but I think Bennett is closer than we think.

I noticed that about Mariota's release as well, but the guy is just so accurate and I don't think he made a single bad pass in that game. He was solid. Hopefully his release improves as we move forward.

 

[Tortimer]

I don't know what game you guys are watching but I didn't see anything wrong with release or how hard Mariota throws. I was told and read Mariota has a very catchable ball and can throw farther then Bennett. I love the way Mariota throws. I have only seen him in the spring game and 1 1/2 qtr's of the opener but I couldn't be happier with his play.

I think it was with the Huff TD or DAT can't remember but I could see it perfectly from the angle where I was sitting. I thought it was one of the best passes I had seen in a few years and with Mariota already passing well I thought to myself we finally have the QB for CK offense. Mariota's passes are on the money almost every time. Even when a couple of the passes were a little off his passes were caught because of how he throws.

Bennett was throwing way to hard on a few of those passes last game. I do think it is very unfair to try to even compare them though. Bennett really didn't have as much to work with. I think CK should have left Mariota in the whole first half and have Bennett start the second half with at least a couple starters and taken them out after maybe 1/2 qtr or so.

I think both Bennett and Mariota are better runners and passers then D.Thomas. The thing Thomas had was his ability to not throw many interceptions and stay cool under pressure. From what I have seen so far Mariota has those ablilties with also being a more skilled passer/runner. We will have to see how he handles it in the big games coming up later in the year. I'm not sure if Bennett, Mariota or even D.Thomas could win the game at USC. I am a little more encouraged after seeing Mariota play.

It's early but I have a feeling we are watching the start of one of the best QB's in the history of Oregon or at least the best CK has had which includes 3 pretty good QB's. I was always disappointed in our WR play with Thomas. I think Mariota might make me change my mind with our receivers. They seem to be catching everything thrown to them Saturday night when Mariota was in. Usually there would be drops all over the place probably partially the way DT threw the ball. I do think Bennett might still transfer but hopefully he waits until next year if he does decide to transfer.

 

[Natebishop3]

I don't know what game you guys are watching but I didn't see anything wrong with release or how hard Mariota throws. I was told and read Mariota has a very catchable ball and can throw farther then Bennett. I love the way Mariota throws. I have only seen him in the spring game and 1 1/2 qtr's of the opener but I couldn't be happier with his play.

I think it was with the Huff TD or DAT can't remember but I could see it perfectly from the angle where I was sitting. I thought it was one of the best passes I had seen in a few years and with Mariota already passing well I thought to myself we finally have the QB for CK offense. Mariota's passes are on the money almost every time. Even when a couple of the passes were a little off his passes were caught because of how he throws.

Bennett was throwing way to hard on a few of those passes last game. I do think it is very unfair to try to even compare them though. Bennett really didn't have as much to work with. I think CK should have left Mariota in the whole first half and have Bennett start the second half with at least a couple starters and taken them out after maybe 1/2 qtr or so.

I think both Bennett and Mariota are better runners and passers then D.Thomas. The thing Thomas had was his ability to not throw many interceptions and stay cool under pressure. From what I have seen so far Mariota has those ablilties with also being a more skilled passer/runner. We will have to see how he handles it in the big games coming up later in the year. I'm not sure if Bennett, Mariota or even D.Thomas could win the game at USC. I am a little more encouraged after seeing Mariota play.

It's early but I have a feeling we are watching the start of one of the best QB's in the history of Oregon or at least the best CK has had which includes 3 pretty good QB's. I was always disappointed in our WR play with Thomas. I think Mariota might make me change my mind with our receivers. They seem to be catching everything thrown to them Saturday night when Mariota was in. Usually there would be drops all over the place probably partially the way DT threw the ball. I do think Bennett might still transfer but hopefully he waits until next year if he does decide to transfer.

It just seemed like he floats the ball a bit. It's not a bullet. I don't think it will be a big problem in college, but it could prove to be problematic for him in the pros. A good CB should have enough time to pick it off.... but seriously, I'm not complaining. The guy is a star. I think he's going to be very very good for UO.

 

[BLAZER PROPHET]

It just seemed like he floats the ball a bit. It's not a bullet. I don't think it will be a big problem in college, but it could prove to be problematic for him in the pros. A good CB should have enough time to pick it off.... but seriously, I'm not complaining. The guy is a star. I think he's going to be very very good for UO.

He both floats and aims his passes. A decent PAC-12 defense would have picked a couple of his passes for sure.

 

[Tortimer]

I don't think he aims his passes at all. I thought he lead or passes the ball to the perfect spot. When he needed more power on his passes he did. Considering this was his first start as a redshirt freshman I couldn't be happier. Dixon wasn't this good until his senior year and Masoli and D.Thomas never played this well. Thomas did have games that were close and at a lot tougher opponent. We will see and he might struggle against tougher defenders. I also think your underestimating ASU. I think they are a lot better then we made them look. They play at Neb in a couple weeks and I'm guessing they will play them close.

I don't think we should compare Bennett to Mariota this first game but if you had any worries it should only be with Bennett.

 

[Tortimer]

I do think Mariota will have more interceptions then D.Thomas. I just think CK is going to change his offense to his players strength. I like Barner and love DAT but they just are not deep enough at RB or as good with as many carries as James. He has a great passer in Mariota and I can see us passing way more then we have in a long time which will probably mean more interceptions.

 

[Ghost Pepper]

I think it's Marcus's first game and his zip will increase with having more comfort running the offense. He didn't make mistakes, played smart and got the "FIRST" win under his belt.... I think you'll see this kid grow every single week!

 

[STOMP]

I don't know what game you guys are watching but I didn't see anything wrong with release or how hard Mariota throws. I was told and read Mariota has a very catchable ball and can throw farther then Bennett. I love the way Mariota throws. I have only seen him in the spring game and 1 1/2 qtr's of the opener but I couldn't be happier with his play.

yup... the way he throws with accuracy + touch and makes it look easy is why I compared him to Montana in another thread. Like Bennet he's got plenty of arm for the throws that demand it (deep balls etc), he's just got good feel for throwing shorter catchable passes too by being accurate while taking heat off his fastball. Thats something BB has shown problems with

And btw... of the few incompletions he had, at least three were drops.

STOMP

 

[Ghost Pepper]

I've been very high on this kid since we recruited him and baring injury Mariota will be the greatest DUCK qb we've had and in my opinion will win the Heisman in two years or by graduation.... Ducks will also win a national championship on his watch....

Poise and football IQ matters a ton, and this kid has it!

 

[BLAZER PROPHET]

I do think Mariota will have more interceptions then D.Thomas. I just think CK is going to change his offense to his players strength. I like Barner and love DAT but they just are not deep enough at RB or as good with as many carries as James. He has a great passer in Mariota and I can see us passing way more then we have in a long time which will probably mean more interceptions.

Maybe. If we lack a good inside running game he will have to pass more. But once he learns when to apply some mustard on the ball (if he can) and changes the path of the ball then he'll be the complete package.

I like his game a lot.

 

[Tortimer]

Maybe. If we lack a good inside running game he will have to pass more. But once he learns when to apply some mustard on the ball (if he can) and changes the path of the ball then he'll be the complete package.

I like his game a lot.

I agree about a lack of inside running. We might be able to run some inside but not like we have in the last 2-3 years. Like I posted earlier about Mariota. He does have the arm strength IMO from the few times I saw when he needed to make the hard pass. I'm sure he will have at least one or two games where he struggles a little but what freshman QB's don't at some point. IMO CK should let Mariota at least play the whole first half and I would even suggest the first drive of the 2nd half and then replace him with Bennett if we are up a lot. I would also like to see Bennett with the starters for at least one drive.

 

[BLAZER PROPHET]

I would also like to see Bennett with the starters for at least one drive.

Oh yes, agreed.

 

[STOMP]

Maybe. If we lack a good inside running game he will have to pass more. But once he learns when to apply some mustard on the ball (if he can)

haven't you seen MM throw the ball 70+ yards in HS highlights? He's only bigger/stronger now... I don't know how anyone can questioning his arm strength

be it Costa or BB, you seem to like the guy who has been passed over

STOMP

 

[Natebishop3]

haven't you seen MM throw the ball 70+ yards in HS highlights? He's only bigger/stronger now... I don't know how anyone can questioning his arm strength

be it Costa or BB, you seem to like the guy who has been passed over

STOMP

I said he was floating it. I don't know if I'd say that's about arm strength. I don't think anyone was saying he can't throw far, just noticing the speed at which his throws are getting there.

 

[BLAZER PROPHET]

haven't you seen MM throw the ball 70+ yards in HS highlights? He's only bigger/stronger now... I don't know how anyone can questioning his arm strength

be it Costa or BB, you seem to like the guy who has been passed over

STOMP

No I haven't seen it. But I'll take your word for it. If I can't trust the STOMP, who can I trust?

 

[Tortimer]

I heard he can throw it farther and more accurate with more touch(catchable) then Bennett from more then one person. Mariota HS highlight video's is what got me excited about him. It looked like he was the perfect QB for CK's system. I was talking to some friends last year to watch his highlights and they said no need to even if he is good Bennett will win the starting QB. They are now his biggest fan but I still sort of mention it to them each time they say how good he is.

 

[Zalsa]

Why do I think that Mariota is going to outright beat Price and Barkley when they come to blows? I mean, seriously, this kid has IT.

 

[STOMP]

No I haven't seen it. But I'll take your word for it. If I can't trust the STOMP, who can I trust?

his highlight reel has been posted here many times... because it's awesome. I'll put it up one more time for you BP. The pass I'm referring to leads off the highlights appearing just after the 2 minute mark

[video=youtube;tXFHH1DkfS8]

STOMP

 

[BLAZER PROPHET]

Well, thanks for the repost.

 

[Natebishop3]

Seriously though, wouldn't there be a difference between velocity and how far you can throw? I'd assume both have to do with arm strength, but I would guess that velocity could be improved by mechanics. Am I wrong?

 

[BLAZER PROPHET]

Seriously though, wouldn't there be a difference between velocity and how far you can throw? I'd assume both have to do with arm strength, but I would guess that velocity could be improved by mechanics. Am I wrong?

True. For example, all pitchers use throwing drills and most can throw a baseball pretty much as far as the others. However, some of those same pitchers throw 96mph fastballs and others 86mph. So how far one can throw is not indicative of how fast one can throw. And that is the obvious point and brings us back to Mariota's softer passes. Now, maybe he can throw harder and will throw harder when he needs to throw harder. I suspect that will be the case- or at least I hope so.

Bennett clearly seems to have a livelier arm. But he lacks poise to me that Mariota brings. I think that will probably mean Mariota will be prone to make better decisions.

I now think, after one game, Chip made the right decision.

 

[Tortimer]

I do think arm strength is part distance and part velocity. I have seen QB's that can't throw that far but has a good velocity. I think you need both to be a outstanding QB. You don't need to throw more the 50-60 yards but any thing less then that and you just are not going to be a top NFL QB. I still like a QB that doesn't always throw bullets. Unless you have a outstanding WR group which Oregon doesn't have. I love the way so far from what I have seen on the highlights and Spring game and ASU game how Mariota delivers the ball right at the WR's sweet spot. I believe he is going to make our WR's look really good. I guess we will have to see when he plays against some top defenders if he can still make those passes but I have a feeling he can.

 

[Tortimer]

I still can't believe how good Mariota looked as a redshirt freshman. I have seen many QB's at Oregon and even in their sophomore and sometime junior years(D.Dixon) didn't look that good on their best day. I think if Mariota is going to improve more this year and a lot between each of his next couple years he is going to be something we haven't ever seen.

 

[ppilot]

Wow....I can't believe people are complaining that Mariota actually puts touch on the football rather than gunning it in every time. Also, why are we comparing the two? There is a reason that pretty much everyone close to the team was not shocked by Marcus's performance as he was declared the starter for a reason.

 

[Natebishop3]

Wow....I can't believe people are complaining that Mariota actually puts touch on the football rather than gunning it in every time. Also, why are we comparing the two? There is a reason that pretty much everyone close to the team was not shocked by Marcus's performance as he was declared the starter for a reason.

I don't think people are complaining. It's just something that a few of us noticed in his first game and we were wondering if it could play a problem against better defenses. That's all.

 

[BLAZER PROPHET]

I still can't believe how good Mariota looked as a redshirt freshman. I have seen many QB's at Oregon and even in their sophomore and sometime junior years(D.Dixon) didn't look that good on their best day. I think if Mariota is going to improve more this year and a lot between each of his next couple years he is going to be something we haven't ever seen.

He did look good for a freshman.

 

[BLAZER PROPHET]

Wow....I can't believe people are complaining that Mariota actually puts touch on the football rather than gunning it in every time. Also, why are we comparing the two? There is a reason that pretty much everyone close to the team was not shocked by Marcus's performance as he was declared the starter for a reason.

I played QB in high school, so let me give you a little lesson, rookie. There's a substantial difference between "touch" and throwing soft and/or aiming a pass. There is also the trajectory of the ball in certain passes. Moriota threw some soft aimed passes and some on poor trajectories. That's just a fact you have to accept- or go and learn something about throwing a football. But he'll get better.