https://thedraftnetwork.com/articles/mac-jones-vs-tua-tagovailoa-alabama-offense "In Tua Tagovailoa’s 2020 Contextualized Quarterbacking profile, I wrote this of his data profile as a whole: “The data on Tua bears out what many scouting eyes see: he’s a doggone good quarterback, but he was helped tremendously by context. His numbers outside of the pocket, beyond his first read, and when pressured all show a steep drop-off… Tua's overall numbers are still that of an early Round 1 pick and bonafide franchise player, but make no mistake: there is risk involved in his projection, even beyond the health concerns. He’s never gonna have the competitive advantage of such a supporting cast again.” And before the 2020 draft, I compared Tagovailoa’s numbers to those of previously busted pocket passers, like Josh Rosen and Dwayne Haskins, who succeeded under ideal circumstances in college but faltered within messy pockets, into tight windows, under pressure, and beyond the first read. Let’s add Mac Jones to that equation, shall we?" Rest of the article via link above.
For me, I don't see any reason to compare Tua to Jones UNLESS we plan on drafting a QB this year. Otherwise the comparison just doesn't matter. But for the sake of argument, let's say Jones looks like a better prospect. Who cares? It really makes no difference whatsoever since being a prospect doesn't translate to being an NFL player. Tua has already produced an average NFL season, which makes that his true baseline to measure against next season. For Jones, there is no baseline...he's a prospect. Maybe he's the next Manning....or maybe he's another JaMarcus Russell. There's no way to tell pre-draft where a QB's ceiling is at coming out of college, much less Alabama. I haven't watched any film on Jones because I simply don't care- hopefully he's not on our draft boards for obvious reasons.
Not to get into a gigantic argument, but how could you claim Tua has produced an average NFL season? What did he start, 10 games? And he averaged 180 yards PPG, just over 1 TD per game, with an 87 rating on the season.
You're right- I forgot his season rating took a big drop in the final few games. He was just a hair above average for the year in QB Rating until then. My point stands though; we have a baseline to measure Tua with next season. Folks want to compare him to Burrow & Herbert, which is somewhat fair, but in my opinion that's where the comparisons should stop. We're not drafting Mac Jones so it's a senseless argument.
Oh yeah, for sure, I'm by no means advocating for Mac Jones. I just, personally, don't think 10 games tells us anything...or doesn't tell us enough, imo, to be comfortable with him. I'm really REALLY hoping Tua looks world's different this season.
