Mariota vs. Winston: Who is more in danger of a sophomore slump?

Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota both proved during their first season in the NFL that they're worthy of the franchise-quarterback label.

However, despite the success of their rookie campaigns - and likely success they'll find over their respective careers - Mariota and Winston are now tasked with building upon their performances and taking the next step of their development in their second season.

The problem is, that isn't always the case, with many quarterbacks who enjoy a solid rookie campaign going on to suffer a sophomore slump.

For every Russell Wilson, Andrew Luck, Joe Flacco, or Blake Bortles, who kept their level of play at or above that of their rookie seasons, there are players who struggle.

Matt Ryan, Sam Bradford, and Robert Griffin III all saw their statistics decline in their second season, and even some players who didn't - like Cam Newton or Teddy Bridgewater - are still thought to have had lesser seasons than their rookie year.

While this doesn't mean one of Mariota or Winston will fall into the sophomore trap, it raises the question: Who is more in danger of struggling in his second campaign?

Coaching

Neither Winston nor Mariota will enter the 2016 season with the same head coach they had at the start of their rookie year. Lovie Smith was ousted by the Bucs after the season ended, and Ken Whisenhunt wasn't even afforded that, as he was fired midseason by the Titans.

Winston, however, has the slight edge in that he'll continue to work with Dirk Koetter. The 57-year-old was the architect of Winston's impressive rookie campaign as the Bucs' offensive coordinator, and he confirmed he'll continue to call the offensive plays despite his promotion to head coach. This continuity will be a massive advantage for Winston.

Mike Mularkey was the Titans' head coach for most of the 2015 season after Whisenhunt was fired, and the team removed his interim tag this offseason. While Koetter is inexperienced, Mularkey has the type of experience you don't want. He has a 18-39 record as a head coach and his failings could stifle the offense and Mariota's potential in 2016. The underwhelming addition of Terry Robiskie as the team's offensive coordinator also does little to inspire confidence in the notion that the Titans will put Mariota in the best situation to succeed.

Advantage: Winston

Supporting cast

Last season, it was the Bucs' defense that failed the team. In terms of yards per games, Tampa Bay's offense was ranked fifth in the league. So naturally, the club made big moves this offseason to address the weaker unit.

The Bucs did however retain running back Doug Martin, which should ensure that not too much of the offensive workload is placed on Winston. The wide receiver combination of Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson - despite Evans' own sophomore struggles - is the type of top-notch arsenal you want your young passer to have.

Meanwhile, the Titans sorely needed to improve the supporting cast around their franchise quarterback. With the additions of DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry, the ground game should be much improved. Tennessee's porous offensive line from last season, which was responsible for the pounding Mariota took, has been upgraded. Newly drafted right tackle Jack Conklin may struggle early, but he and center Ben Jones should solidify the unit.

Mariota's receiving weapons, however, aren't anywhere near the level of Winston's. Only tight end Delanie Walker is a reliable target, and while Dorial Green-Beckham has immense upside, he's still raw. Mariota's other options are a collection of veterans who will scare few defenses.

Advantage: Winston

Style of play/scheme

At this point in their careers, Winston is a more refined passer than Mariota. Because of this, the Bucs will likely ask Winston to throw the ball a lot more during his second season. Winston's a gunslinger, and that type of risk-reward approach could lead him into some problems. He finished 2015 with 15 interceptions. That number isn't too high for a rookie, but he was more careless with the ball than it suggests. He was often reckless, forcing the ball in situations when it wasn't necessary. This mentality means he could put up spectacular numbers, but if defenses adapt and realize they can force him into mistakes, Winston could struggle.

Mariota is a more cautious passer. That isn't to say he's a game-manager type of player, fair from it, but the Titans will likely keep his training wheels on for longer than the Bucs do with Winston, which could work in Mariota's favor. His accuracy, quick release, and ability to scramble (which we'll see more of next season with Mularkey in charge) all lend itself to a system that doesn't throw the ball 35 or 40 times a game. Tennessee will rely on its running game early and often, and while Mariota's special talent means the team would be crazy to sideline him too much, he'll be tasked with a role that emphasizes efficiency over volume. Just like in his rookie year, injuries are the biggest roadblock to success for Mariota.

Advantage: Mariota

Conclusion

Winston and Mariota are on the road to NFL superstardom, and in comparison to some of the quarterbacks in recent memory, they appear well equipped to continue on their upward trajectory.

However, issues outside of his control means Mariota is more in danger of regression. His subpar supporting cast is dwarfed by the talent around Winston, and the Titans' decision to stick with Mularkey, rather than invest in a head coach who can better develop Mariota, means he's more in danger of taking a step back.