Why The Double Standard?

July 10th, 2017

Unfair criticism.

It seems folks have one set of standards for NFL quarterbacks, and another for America’s Quarterback, Pro Bowler Jameis Winston.

Yes, we all know Jameis became the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for 4,000 yards in each of his first two seasons. Given the great quarterbacks that have played the game over the decades, you would think that feat would impress some people.

But no!

Surf around the interwebs or sift through social media, and you will find more than a few self-proclaimed and otherwise accredited NFL insiders say something along the lines of “Jameis needs to step up his game,” or something similar.

Huh? A guy who set NFL records apparently isn’t good enough? Good grief! The record Jameis set, did anyone say the same thing about Andrew Luck? Matty Ice? Peyton Manning? If so, Joe doesn’t recall it.

It sure seems like there is more at play here than just casual NFL observations. It almost seems like some want Jameis to fail, or they are just blinded by hate they cannot see his skillset. Or perhaps something worse?

Sure, Jameis has transformed from a deadly accurate college quarterback to a guy who hasn’t hit that many deep balls. Is that because his mechanics got screwed with or that he was playing with largely schlock receivers not named “Mike Evans,” or a combination?

Does Jameis have sometimes troubles with turnovers? Sure. But to Joe, a guy who set an NFL record for his first two years in the NFL, the deep balls and the turnovers is nitpicking. Since this franchise was born fans have screamed for a true franchise quarterback and now they have him and he sets an NFL record, but apparently that isn’t good enough to sell folks this guy is a legit NFL starting quarterback?

Sometimes Joe wants to know what the hell people are drinking?

69 Responses to “Why The Double Standard?”

  1. Broy34 Says:

    After the tom Jones article it made me not want to even read an article until training camp. He’s polarizing and if it was luck or Mariota W the same numbers this article wouldn’t Even exist

  2. Harry in Costa Rica Says:

    I guess this means the “Cup of Joe” is dead?! Please say it ain’t so Joe!

  3. tnew Says:

    I agree with Joe 100% on this one. Its not just nationally, its locally and from the fanbase too.

    Check out this joe..

    http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000818640/article/star-or-system-guy-judging-ezekiel-elliott-dak-prescott-more?campaign=Twitter_atn

    Bucky calls Jameis a “transcendent talent” after he watched the all 22 on him from the past season.. Bucky Brooks is a much better NFL evaluator than Wagner-McGough.

    The Bucs are so fortunate to have him. So many fans are unrealistic in believing that with the mess the Bucs where in in 2014, that he should’ve been in the playoffs then as a rookie. The fact in year 2, based on the roster that we had, made a legitimate playoff push is pretty special.

    I wasn’t shocked about the article that you linked too Joe. I was shocked at how many JoeBucFan posters were eager to …. on Jameis.

    Your title “Only Jameis can stop the Bucs” is spot on. But the premise from that was that the Bucs in some way are disappointed with his development. Thats just false.

  4. Maze Says:

    Haha and that good Sander from Bleacher Report is just that lmao

  5. Maze Says:

    *Goof

  6. tnew Says:

    I was referring to McGough’s article’s premise not yours Joe.. Sorry that was confusing.

  7. RayJameisStadium Says:

    The Stick Carriers know Koetter will hold the Lombardi next to the Glazer brothers at the Super Bowl next February!!!

    Courtesy of Winston and a BAD A$$$ Team!!!

  8. Tony from Los Angeles Says:

    Saying you can find something bad about someone famous on the internet is like complaining that you keep finding oxygen in the air. That’s the point of the internet.

    There is also so much praise and hype on the internet news cycle for Jameis that even I – a huge fan of his – feel like the good vibes should be toned down a bit.

    The detractors are pointing out the clear flaw in his game: turnovers. It’s not a “sometimes” problem. He’s been near the top of the league in turnovers in both of his seasons. That was the major knock on him coming out of college. This isn’t rocket science… if Jameis turns the ball over less, the Bucs will win more games.

    We should all hope he “steps it up” and doesn’t play EXACTLY like he played in years 1 and 2. He should get better.

  9. jwash8503 Says:

    This is pretty standard fair as far as racial bias is concerned. Black people are taught from a young age that you have to be twice as good to receive the same recognition as a white person. Obviously not true in all cases, and less true now than even a decade ago…but in a throwback, good ole boy run system like the NFL it’s not surprising to see some lingering racist sub-consciousness leaking it’s way to the forefront

  10. DB55 Says:

    or they are just blinded by hate they cannot see his skillset.
    ——————–
    Yesterday I saw a klansmen with dreadlocks. He doesn’t consider himself a racist either. Hahaha.

    When Jameis bolts for a bigger market say New York or Atl ya be sure to remember how the media has treated him in Tampa. Bunch of suckas.

    At least Lee gets it, Preach Lee Preach.

  11. Nole on Sat- Bucc on Sun Says:

    Salute@Joe for this one. Thanks BIG homie.

  12. Mike Johnson Says:

    there is nio double standard. Jameis has been in the league for a..minute. He has lots to learn and improve on. Yes, he is good but not even close to being great yet. Put together 3 or 4 sucessful seasons and cut down on the turnover. Then we will see what we got. Bucs and Joe want to pull out the red carpet when we have done..absolutely nothing yet. Get to the playoffs, Win some playoff games, Win a divisional championship, Get to the superbowl and..WIn it! Then you can flex your wings. Until then, we are just in the barrel with the other crabs..trying to climb to the top. Please Cut it out..and knock it off.

  13. D-Rome Says:

    The criticism of Jameis’s turnovers are fair. I think he will be an excellent QB but we can’t gloss over the fact that he had more INTs last year than every other starting QB except for one.

  14. BigMacAttack Says:

    Yeah whatever. In February they’ll be referring to Jameis as Super Bowl Champion.

  15. Jason Says:

    You’re dead on, Joes. There are always going to be people who want to tear others down, and I have no doubt that some of that is racial, while some of it is just fan bias.
    I. Do. Not. Care. What they think. Jameis is my Buccaneers’ QB now and for the future. Jameis is MY quarterback of MY Buccaneers, and I love and support him, period.
    Go Jameis, and go Bucs!

  16. BigMacAttack Says:

    And NFL League MVP.

  17. BradentonBuc Says:

    THANK YOU J

  18. BradentonBuc Says:

    THANK YOU Joe!

  19. DB55 Says:

    Fun fact: Kobe Bryant NBA HOF and 5x champion set the record for most FG missed, Jordan came in at #6.

    And this: “There is a third record he broke that year that most people don’t know about. In 1923, Babe Ruthstruck out more times than any other player in Major League Baseball. Babe Ruth was not afraid to strike out. And it was this fearlessness that contributed to his remarkable career.”

    Let’s not talk about Brett Farve either. Or the fact that in the top ten most INTs ever thrown are names like Johnny Unitas, Peyton Manning and Dan Marino.

  20. Lamarcus Says:

    Young qb. Yes I don’t care if he improves or not. We have a leader of a football player. Ok he doesn’t have “great qb stats” but he is a legit football player. This kid is a winner.

  21. Nole on Sat- Bucc on Sun Says:

    Funny thing people wanting to see you fail tho. It can be turned into the most powerful driving force. I’m sure that’s how my guy is using it.

  22. Nole on Sat- Bucc on Sun Says:

    Nahh, lets not talk about that 55.

  23. Lunchbox Says:

    Please…don’t give me this racism garbage. You know why most people love to hate Winston? Two words that idiot fans will attach to him for the the rest of his life: Crab legs.

    Sure, for a few out there, they hate him because he’s black. But most of the people who hate him think he’s an idiot for the juvenile crap he did in college.

    If mariota had set those records, he would get MUCH more love nationally than Jameis. If Kaepernik had set those records, he would’ve garnered more praise. People that hate Jameis don’t hate him cuz he’s black, it’s because they think hes an idiot.

  24. Dave Says:

    I don’t think it’s racism.
    I just think his transgressions have done in the national media wearing blinders and not doing their research.
    They will have to soon enough, because he is going to take this team to Super Bowls, Plural.

    His stats are right in line with Andrew luck, Matt Ryan, Peyton Manning and Favre their first 2 years.

  25. Lunchbox Says:

    DB & Nole, ever since he was in college, I’ve thought Jameis’s style more closely resembled Favre’s than any other QB. Classic gunslinger, classic leader, both love playing and you can see it.

  26. Nole on Sat- Bucc on Sun Says:

    Lunchbox how long did it take for those folks in Indy to get over Peyton dipping his cajones in that girl’s face in the weight room at Tenn??? I’ll tell you, not long at all because its was kept under the rug bro.

  27. DB55 Says:

    Lunchbox

    My dream is to someday live in a bubble like you. Allah Akbar and Assalamualaikum to you my brother.

  28. Lunchbox Says:

    As I said, I’m not trying to say that racism doesn’t exist. Of course it does, and it always will, I’m sure. What I was saying was that IMO most people that hate him, hate him because of his college shenanigans, not because he was black. But while we’re on the topic, there were alot of allegations thrown around when Jameis was at Florida State about coverups from local law enforcement to sweep things under the rug. It seems like this happens at many colleges, and not just for the white guys.

  29. Maze Says:

    Of course some of it is racism. Wake the hell up. Don’t be so simple

  30. Dewey Selmon Says:

    Don’t be so simple? Stop psychoanalyzing everything.

  31. Nole on Sat- Bucc on Sun Says:

    Lunchbox my point was not the seeping under the rug of information. It was that one individuals exploits were kept quiet the individuals exploits made national headlines. I wonder why.

  32. biff barker Says:

    More race card BS.

    Ironic that a number of credible NFL scouts felt OJ Howard was the cleanest, safest pick in the draft.

    Young people make mistakes and people perceived Winston as a punk. Rape charges have a way of doing that.

  33. Nole on Sat- Bucc on Sun Says:

    And for the record I could care less about the opinion of national pundits and members of other fanbases. My beef is wit Bucs fans.

  34. Maze Says:

    You’ll be okay Dewey

  35. Buc1987 Says:

    [Accusing a member of the Bucs of commiting a felony when he was never charged can and will her you banned from this site as Joe is responsible for everything on here. Only reason Joe didn’t pull the trigger on you for good is that you are a long-time commenter. Had to ban you once for repeated slams at Duemig. Don’t go there again. — Joe]

  36. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    Tom Jones will be unemployed withing a year.

  37. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    @Buc1987

    You make a great point.

    But let’s be honest too…if Jameis had kept himself clean, it would not be popping up. Setting aside the ‘rape’ because it was never proven, he still had other issues.

    And he knows it.

    I wasn’t sure about him at first, but he’s earned my respect on the field and off. He won’t have the opportunity to do that nationally until the Bucs are a playoff team.

  38. Buc Fan in NC Says:

    Black dude in Florida not even charged but he done it? The same zealous DA that prosecutes FSU players without hesitation. And they still think he done it? Thats all you need to know about them Buc1987

  39. BucsFan90 Says:

    Well color me not surprised. Wasnt Jameis the most hated player in the NFL behind Kaepernick last year? What’s comical is guys like Roethlisberger have been accused of rape twice only got half as many votes lol

  40. Stud Says:

    Turnovers that lead to points for the other teams, field position for the other offense and potentially take points off the board is NOT nitpicking.

  41. ndog Says:

    DB55 and NosBos if it was racial then why does Russell Wilson, Cam Newton and Dak Prescott get as much love as they do?

  42. Wausa Says:

    Buc Fan in NC

    I agree. You add in what many would suggest as yellow journalism of Baker and Auman that pushed their personal agenda against a teenage black kid and you can see why he is held to a different standard.

  43. mike n Says:

    I love Jameis but he needs to be more accurate to be great. His year 2 numbers are pretty close to Blake Bortles year 2 numbers. Its really tough to end drives with TDs in the redzone if the qbs isnt accurate. Last year evryone said, well look who he is throwing too … yes he was throwing to Freddie Martino who happened to be wide ope and the ball was way over his head. All the weapons this year so we will see. He will get love after everyone sees how hard he works and what kind of leader he is on hardknock and if he follows that up with a great year he will be one of the most popular qbs in the nfl.
    Hey joe, I hope you trademarked “americas quarterback”.

  44. DBS Says:

    Just maybe it’s the Lone Wolf crap people like you keep putting out. Other than Mike everyone else is a “schlock”. You did the Same with Mike and his first three years and the “schlock QB’s. But now comes the Lone Wolf. Does everything on his own except Mike. 4000 yards? I got news for you. This is a TEAM. He came here at 22? Not our fault! “But all we need is a franchise QB”. Well here he is. He fell apart 2 years in a row. The pressure crap people talk about. He was under pressure in the playoffs and Championship. Not an excuse. All his people helped him get 4000 yards.
    Just about 1200 articles of the Lone Wolf.

    And for you people and your race crap. Look in the mirror. YOUR the people keeping it going!!

  45. Bucsfanman Says:

    No matter what he does, there will always be detractors. You can’t fix stupid! If people hate him because he’s black, how’s winning going to change that?! You can’t fix stupid!
    If you’re a fan, even the least bit, the antidote is simple: WIN A MEANINGFUL GAME! The records are nice but I’m sure even Jameis will tell you they don’t mean squat. And, they don’t. In ten years when the Bucs have 3 or 4 Lombardis, will anyone give a rat’s a$$ about breaking individual records?!
    Let the kid grow. Right now we haven’t even seen what he’s capable of. He still has to mature as a player and at his position.

  46. Mike Johnson Says:

    There may be racism at the executive levels. probably is..Its everywhere..Except on the playing field. Thats one of the best things about anuy type of balling. The best players are on the field. The best get to play. And the best..Shine. No spining, no excuses. The proof is right there in front of our eyes. cannot and will not agree with anybody who says race plays a part in on field success. If Jameis is destined to be one of the best. He will get there thru hard work. He is on his way. But not even close yet,

  47. Stud Says:

    Opponents scored 48 points off Jameis Interceptions last year, if anyone think’s it’s nitpicky to want your QB to be better at protecting the football they might need to go back and re watch all the one score games this team lost because of turnovers.

    If Jameis doesn’t throw a INT in the Rams game, the Bucs are probably in the playoffs.

    If Jameis doesn’t throw a INT on the Bucs final drive in the Dallas game down by 6 they might’ve pulled off

    If Jameis is better at protecting the ball maybe the Bucs aren’t blown out by the Broncos and Cardinals and have a chance to win those games

    If jameis protects the ball better Seattle has no hope of coming back in that game, thanks to the defense the Bucs won, but Jameis didn’t do them any favors with a red zone TO.

    I’m glad he’s a Buc and he’s fun to watch but you can’t honestly believe turnovers are being “nitpicky”

  48. Bucsfanman Says:

    @stud- Even Jameis would agree. Bottom line, if he throws 11 picks instead of 18 picks, and maybe doesn’t lose a fumble or two, the Bucs are 10-6 at least and in the playoffs.
    However, IT IS A TEAM GAME! No aspect of this team played perfectly in 16 games. Each and every one needs to work on their craft. It’s a team game and Jameis can’t do it alone.

  49. Stud Says:

    @Bucsfanman-

    I 1,000% agree with you, it’s a team game and none of the 3 units on this team played well for 16 games. Offense was erratic as injuries and turnovers stopped them from being consistently good. Defense played 5 great games and was basically the definition of awful the rest of the time. Special teams was average and they only get that label because our Punter was spectacular.

    I know Winston is young, and he has a lot to learn but if fans and the media are going to anoint him as a Franchise QB he’s gotta stop with averaging at least 1 turnover per game. Franchise QB’s give you a chance to win every week, no matter the opponent, can’t do that with turnovers.

    10 of Jameis’s 18 turnovers set up the opponent’s offense in Buc territory making it harder on the Bucs defense. Just like you said better ball security and this team is in the playoffs and who knows what happens, good QB’s and good teams don’t beat themselves. Lot of promising players on this team and I am excited to see it all come together.

  50. Cobraboy Says:

    They refer to his high INT numbers. That he needs to clear up or the rest doesn’t matter…

  51. SOEbuc Says:

    He does need to step his game up Joe. He throws picks and needs to work on footwork and decision making. Until Jameis becomes what he says he wants to be in “the best QB in the history of football”, he’ll have to continue to step his game up.

  52. bucs_365 Says:

    Jameis DOES need to make the improvements on turnovers and accuracy, especially early in games, if he wants to get into the top tier of QBs. But continued improvement is expected, since he’s just entering his 3rd year. It’s reasonable to expect he will continue to get better.

  53. mark2011 Says:

    DB55 I think Jameis will be a long time…as long as we continue to make the commitment to him. He can make his situation here whatever he wants, with time and effort. And I think playoff appearances will be the cure for skepticism. Frankly, I think entering his third season, he has been top notch. And he seems to have the skills and attitude to take it to the next level of greatness. For most of us it has nothing to do with race…it is about winning. The others that feel differently? Forget them…with those playoff victories, they will crawl back into the woodwork.

  54. Buc1987 Says:

    Run me off. I won’t cry or lose any sleep.

    [Request granted.
    — Joe]

  55. Buc1987 Says:

    Just read what I wrote…the whole damn thing. Then tell me. Yah I had to ban it.

  56. Buc1987 Says:

    Not one time did I accuse Winston of anything in my post. NOT ONE TIME.

  57. carry that mofostick Says:

    they treat jameis just like the left wing media treats trump, with contempt and hatred no matter his accomplishments, talent, record, and leadership skills, go bucs, go jameis make tampa great again, oooooohhhhhhrahhhhh

  58. DB55 Says:

    Mark

    The article asks why the double standard? His “off-field” issues are just that, issues. No crimes, no arrests but he’ll be forever associated with this lie.

    For who ever asked why Cam, Russell and Dak are so highly regarded I say, HA! Cam Newton is no fave of the NFL. The dude can’t get a late hit or roughing call to save his life. Same with Winston and Kap. As for the other two I encourage you to look at their smiles. Smiles are incredibly important to the “shot-callers”.

  59. Oxycondoms Says:

    Lot of it is gator fans still butt hurt over tebow. I can’t comprehend the criticism a 22 year old qb gets . People act like he has maxed his potential .

  60. First Down Tampa Bay Says:

    People do not see Jameis as elite or a superstar simply because he plays in Tampa. If Jameis played for Dallas, Philly, New York, or any other big market, he would be heralded as a star. However, since he plays in a small market (one of the smallest, in front of the likes of Jacksonville) people won’t take him or the Bucs for that matter seriously until they are hoisting the Lombardi. (Which I’m sure we’ll see plenty of in the future)

    The future is now and the future is bright

  61. Nole on Sat- Bucc on Sun Says:

    Been working ndog, just getting a free moment to respond. But what I’ll say is this you might wanna browse a cowboys board here and there. Dak dealing with the same nonesince in lil d. They can’t wait to see him fail. If you recall a few months ago one of they’re quarternators making the comment about if were to get hurt early in the season Romo could possibly make a return. The same Romo who has never put in paperwork officially retiring from the nfl bro. I read some of they’re fans comments last season, the hate the fact Dak is under center over bro.

  62. Nole on Sat- Bucc on Sun Says:

    Its funny isn’t it Oxy they say dumb s@$! like Jameis needs to improve. I’m usually like who the h3ll said he already arrived??? 22 years young smart guys, whole lot of time to improve with more and more experience.

  63. Dave Says:

    It’s ignorance.
    He never committed a felony. He was upfront about that incident from the beginning. The other little items, screaming something in the cafeteria, grabbing some crab legs, or just dumb immature college kid things.

    After two years leading the buccaneers, the haters need to see what Chyna special later and individual he is

  64. Dave Says:

    That should have said….
    What kind of special leader and individual he is

  65. DBS Says:

    @ Dave
    If you missed or are talking about what 87 wrote it was not what you think. He just wrote in big letters what he thought a lot of haters may be thinking and will never forget or let him for get. God knows 87 was a bigger supporter of Jameis than anyone and would never make that statement. Guess he just kind of started it off wrong.

  66. tnew Says:

    One of the major reasons that Winston has a negative impression is the way he handled ESPN when he was drafted. Like it or not, ESPN still is able to craft images of players. ESPN was butt hurt that Jameis granted the first interview to NFL, which he did reportedly because he didn’t like the way ESPN treated the Kinsman situation. I can’t verify it as there have only been purely speculative reports to my knowledge. I haven’t seen Winston ever say thats the reason why he chose NFL over ESPN.

    I would wager that there are still ESPN employees that hold a grudge from draft night and will do anything within their power to suppress the good that he does and inflate the negatives. I just don’t understand how it infiltrates local media and the fanbase.

  67. LongSeason Says:

    It can be a good thing to be on the wrong end of a double standard. This can help keep one real and it can make one try even harder to succeed. Jameis is the one and he will do that. I think he is about to exceed all expectations.

  68. NFLNut Says:

    Most “legends” are hated at some point … and Jameis is already a legend. He’s one of the greatest QBs in NCAA history as well as the most accomplished 22 year old QB (his age when last season ended) in the history of the NFL … that is the stuff of legend.

    Brady, Roethlisberger, Manning, Ray Lewis, Deion Sanders, LT, Moss, Irvin … all “hated” to a large extent by a large number of people … but all “legends”.

    It’s the same in other sports as well.

    Just wait until Jameis wins an MVP or SB … the hate could ramp up at that time!

  69. Chucklehead Says:

    Lol. Look at this turd roast.

    Bucs fans…. wake up.

    We just aint used to this type of crap in Tampa. We are a small market team with a larger than life QB. Eli gets it in NY. Favre got it in GB, Brady gets it all across the NFL. Some fans love them, some fans hate them. This will even spill over to the media. You dont actually think they are truely bias when it comes to who they tout and who they tear down, do you?

    While there are some pretty good examples of racism in all sports, I think its pretty short sighted to pull the race card every time your black QB gets criticised or forgotten when praise should be delt out.

    Hes young, hes talented, hes got (hopefully) a long career ahead of him. Lets see what else he can accomplish before we hoist him up on our shoulders for throwing 4000 yards in his first 2 seasons.