Titans vs. Bucs: 7 Players to watch

Feb 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston (right) and Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota do an interview on the NFL Network after finishing their workout during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

QBs Marcus Mariota & Jameis Winston

This one is obvious but it has to be addressed. Marcus Mariota and Jameis  Winston were both drafted to be the saviors of their respective franchises and it all starts on Sunday.

This will be the second time the two have faced each other in 2015 (Oregon vs Florida State in January’s Rose Bowl), but they may not meet again for another four years unless they see each other in the Super Bowl first (yeah, probably not going to happen).

It was no secret that the Bucs were going to draft Winston 1st overall, but not everyone around the NFL agreed that he was the better QB than Mariota. Sunday is obviously just one game but no matter the outcome some people will certainly be saying “I told you so” if their guy wins.

Both rookie QBs have shown promise and signs of immaturity on the field during the preseason. The NFL game is so much faster than the college game and these two players will learn on Sunday that the regular season is a lot faster than the preseason.

There’s no doubt Winston and Mariota will have a lot of growing to do this season, but this is a great chance to get the season started with a win. Both may be tempted to try and to do much, but each one knows they have to take what they can get.

Whichever rookie QB plays better on Sunday could definitely determine the outcome of the game. Don’t expect too many heroics from either, but one or both could definitely make a mistake or two that could potentially cost his team the win.