NFL notes: Marcus Mariota shines on center stage
Marcus Mariota looked comfortable on center stage.
He had the deliberate walk, the calm demeanor and the perfect answers. All the Oregon quarterback has to do now is prove he can thrive in the NFL.
The reigning Heisman Trophy winner spent roughly 15 minutes answering questions at the NFL’s annual scouting combine in Indianapolis, using a no-frills approach to show why he should be the No. 1 pick in the draft.
“As a competitor, any person would tell you that they’re the best,” Mariota said. “I truly believe that in myself. We’ll see whatever decision is made. I’ve got to go in with that mentality.”
Mariota threw for 4,454 yards with 42 touchdowns and had four interceptions in 2014, leading Oregon to the national championship game.
Add a nearly spotless background check and it appears Mariota is the right fit as a franchise quarterback.
But there are concerns about how well quarterbacks in spread offenses fare when they move to the NFL. When asked about reading more complex defenses and the perception that he can’t make NFL throws, Mariota responded by simply saying that’s somebody’s opinion.
Mariota intends to throw Saturday during quarterback workouts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Colts notified NFL about deflated balls
Colts general manager Ryan Grigson says Indianapolis notified NFL officials about New England’s footballs before the AFC championship game – and after Baltimore reportedly had issues with the Patriots’ kicking balls in a divisional-round game one week earlier.
Grigson did not elaborate or say how the Colts were tipped off, only that he wanted to make sure Indianapolis had the best chance of competing on a “level” playing field. The NFL has not provided an update on the investigation into why New England’s game balls were underinflated.
Elway, Broncos await Manning’s word
Speaking at the NFL scouting combine, Broncos executive John Elway said he wanted Peyton Manning back, making it clear he’s still waiting to hear whether the 38-year-old quarterback wants to return for a fourth season in Denver.
He was less clear about financial terms Manning might return under.
Around the league
Browns GM Ray Farmer said he alone is responsible for sending text messages to the sideline last season in violation of NFL rules. … Workers agreed to work around the clock without overtime if needed to build a 64,000-seat, outdoor NFL stadium on St. Louis’ blighted north riverfront. … A lawyer for Saints LB Junior Galette said his client has been cleared in a misdemeanor battery case in a domestic disturbance at his home last month. … The Oakland Raiders and San Diego Chargers are planning a shared stadium in the Los Angeles area if both teams fail to get new stadium deals in their current hometowns. The teams announced plans for the $1.7 billion stadium in Carson in a joint statement.