Interceptions? “Who Cares?”

February 25th, 2015
Phil Simms doesn't give a damn about Jameis Winston's picks.

Phil Simms doesn’t give a damn about Jameis Winston’s picks.

Just about the only thing the anti-Jameis Winston crowd can hang their hat on when it comes to Winston’s on-field exploits is his picks this past season. No, 18 picks is not good.

Joe already detailed that this may be overblown. Not included in that link is Matt Ryan, playing in the ACC like Winston, had 19 picks his senior season.

Count Phil Simms as one who isn’t worried about Winston’s picks.

“Who cares?” the Super Bowl-winning signal-caller barked as he appeared with popular sports radio and television personality Adam Schein on “Schein on Sports,” on Mad Dog Sports Radio, part of the family of sports channels heard exclusively on SiriusXM Radio.

“What does it really mean?” Simms asked rhetorically of Winston’s picks. “It basically means nothing. Think about all the college quarterbacks who had unbelievable touchdown-to-interception ratios and they were careful with the football and can’t play at all in the NFL or who do come into the NFL and become turnover machines.

“I find all that talk – it drives me crazy. If you have common intelligence, you don’t have to be a brain surgeon. The NFL is going to teach you, ‘Hey son, that’s open, throw it to him and if he’s not look at the next one.’ It doesn’t take a lot. It really doesn’t.”

As far as Winston, Simms said he is the “best thrower” in the draft. On the list of issues with Winston, Simms said interceptions are “way down the list.”

To hear Sims talk more about Winston and Marcus Mariota, click the orange button below.

77 Responses to “Interceptions? “Who Cares?””

  1. Terry4505 Says:

    Far be it for me to disagree with Chris Simms’ dad, but this has been my #1 criticism of Jameis all year.

    I know Joe likes to throw out the Matt Ryan number, but I don’t know that I have personally ever seen a highly touted QB look as bad as Winston did in the first half against Louisville. If not for 4 drops, they would have picked him off 8 times in the first 30 minutes. 8!

  2. Tony Says:

    ….or the entire Florida game.

  3. Dick2111 Says:

    Doesn’t appear to be any magic formula to determine which QBs will transition successfully from college to the NFL. But I do think that one factor applies to all: those who receive good coaching at the NFL level appear to do better than those who don’t. Sounds obvious, but in the case of our beloved Bucs, maybe not so much looking at our history.

    Our new OC has a pretty good track record at getting the most out of the various QBs he’s worked with. See no reason to doubt that’ll hold true in his tenure with the Bucs, whether he ends up coaching Winston, Mariota or Glennon. All three, with good coaching and decent protection, will perform well at the NFL level I’m sure.

  4. Brandon Says:

    Terry4505 Says:
    February 25th, 2015 at 6:23 am
    Far be it for me to disagree with Chris Simms’ dad, but this has been my #1 criticism of Jameis all year.

    I know Joe likes to throw out the Matt Ryan number, but I don’t know that I have personally ever seen a highly touted QB look as bad as Winston did in the first half against Louisville. If not for 4 drops, they would have picked him off 8 times in the first 30 minutes. 8!

    ——————-

    Glennon also threw 17 INTs in his 5th year at NC St. Now he is known as a QB that rarely ever takes chances.

    As for 8 possible INTs… that’s just wrong. If the 1st INT hadn’t been dropped he wouldn’t have had an opportunity to nearly throw another, and another, and another. Many of those dropped INTs came on the same drives… thus ending those drives (if the INT hadn’t been dropped earlier in the drive).

    Anyway, Winston looks far better trying to lead his team and put it on his back than Matt Ryan ever did. The ACC Championship game, Ryan was spraying the ball all over the field against VTech. He looked like anything but “Matty Ice”. Players press.

  5. Bucco bruce Says:

    A slow windup delivery wouldn’t be the cause of those picks would it? Hmmmm

  6. Mariota Joe Says:

    “Who Cares?” and ‘Hey son, that’s open, throw it to him and if he’s not look at the next one.’ It doesn’t take a lot. It really doesn’t.” Joe, just re-read those sentences, and realize just how stupid they are. Apply those sentences to say, ummm, Mike Glennon? Or Josh McCown? I think Jimbo Fisher cared. And I think Jimbo probably told him (without a successful outcome) ‘Hey son, that’s open, throw it to him and if he’s not look at the next one.’ It doesn’t take a lot. It really doesn’t.”

  7. Cody Says:

    @ Terry

    1 thing people dont mention when talking about Winstons int’s are the freshman WR’s Winston had last season…3 freshman receivers got a lot of playing time….the Noles had issues running the ball all season…so when teams took away Green and O’Leary Winston was at the mercy of these freshman receivers who ran wrong routes, cut their routes short, dropped passes, batting balls in the air that resulted in picks, etc…Even the coaching staff is on record saying that over half of Winstons picks were acually on the receivers…Of course QB’s will still get most of the blame…thought I’d point that out…just my 2 cents…

  8. JSmalls Says:

    Wintons TD/INT ratio is in line with some of the greatest QB’s in the NFL. Mariota’s is in line with Tebow, Bradford, RG3 and Leinarts!

  9. Pickgrin Says:

    Correct Cody – Coach Jimbo Fisher said only 8 interceptions last year were the fault of the QB. The coach is the only one really qualified to say that because he knew which plays were called and who had what responsibility. Anyone who has a problem with that statement – take it up with Jimbo

    The real bottom line with Winston’s 18 Interceptions – NOT ONE caused his team to lose a game!!

  10. JoeJoes Fungi Nails Says:

    Joe…I can accept is on field issues…no problem at all
    It is his off field ISSUES that scares the hell out of me

  11. DallasBuc Says:

    In addition to all the wins Winston will bring to Tampa is a level of excitement and personality from the position that we have never seen. As this kid matures and his game improves you will notice that all this pre-draft nonsense will be forgotten, especially by his most vocal critics. Winning is the magic elixir and Lovie is going to want to be part of the Winston gravy train if he is smart.

  12. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    40 Time Doesn’t Matter
    Interceptions Don’t Matter

    Waiting for tomorrow’s article.

    Actually, the interceptions don’t bother me….I am quite convinced that Winston is a good choice based on his on-field skills….It’s when he steps off field that concerns me.
    Also, I think there has been a considerable effort to downplay Mariota skills….he is much better on-field…..for example….it’s pretty hard to have come from behind victories when you are leading by 30 points…..and….what’s wrong with wide open recievers…..how did they get that way?….perhaps Mariota’s threat to run helped.

  13. RustyRhinos Says:

    Joe and Phil took my thought right out of my head.
    “Who cares?”
    Totally agree with you both. This Winston this Winston that is getting very old and stale. Do we only have 1 draft pick this year. Or do we not need or care about anyone and anything not named Winston

  14. ndog Says:

    Joe Joe when is the last time he did anything that cause him problems in the NFL off the field?

  15. bucs4lyfe Says:

    this article was written but doesn’t seem some people actually read what simms said. talent is talent which is why chris simms sucked even though he had a superbowl winning father in the household. Interceptions only really matter to those comparing college to the pros. how many quarterbacks won a Heisman and went on to do nothing in the nfl. he is basically saying if your smart and you can read defenses you can learn and figure out the rest. stop comparing college to the pros because it’s apples and oranges. Winston AND mariotta have the ability to process information very quickly and they both have a great arm, if he had a slow wind up he wouldn’t have only lost one college game in his entire career. theres only one person I ever heard talking about that as a scouting report and he is on jbf….your out on that limb all by yourself

  16. RustyRhinos Says:

    Hey Dallas how many wins and excitement did Joes constant interest articles last year about another QB bring to his team last season? We do not know how good of a professional QB Mr Winston will be. How Is it that everyone knows he will be a successful QB on our team with a very weak oline?

  17. MTM Says:

    Simms sounds like the the majority of the FSU homers. Just overlook or down play every knock against this kid. Interceptions are a huge red flag because it correlates to decision making. Winston’s delivery is too long and if its not corrected he will be ate up in the NFL. But on the bright side he can run the huddle.

  18. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    Mariota is so fast we would have an extra reciever on every play because he could throw it to himself.

    I just thought I’d throw a rediculous statement out because I’m getting bored with the repititon…..at least this is something new to debate.

  19. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    Speaking for Pablo

    “Pablo thinks interceptions are very important. Pablo has been intercepted at the border many times. Pablo was detained and had to eat bad food off of a metal tray.”

  20. Chef Paul Says:

    TBBF,

    Ya, but how does he know what route to run if he’s not in the huddle telling himself what the play is?

    Just wanted to join the fun

  21. Pickgrin Says:

    JoeJoes Fungi Nails Says:
    February 25th, 2015 at 7:47 am
    Joe…I can accept is on field issues…no problem at all
    It is his off field ISSUES that scares the hell out of me
    ——————————————————————-
    JJFN – you have been pretty outspoken against Winston. So let’s really break it down and you tell me exactly should keep the Bucs from drafting him.

    You see that the kid has obvious talent throwing the ball. He is a proven winner and leader on the field. And you are willing to “accept his on field issues” (by that I guess you mean Ints, throwing motion?, slow 40 time?) – he doesn’t have many on field issues.

    So if you are good with him as a player – then what’s the problem??

    The rape accusation is off the table. The known facts were looked at 3 times by authorities and there was no evidence that Jameis Winston forced himself on his accuser. The majority of facts and all witnesses accounts (his friends and hers) mostly support Jameis’ version of what happened that night.
    So if you want to judge a 19 y.o.young man for hooking up with a semi hot blond that he met at the bar for a 1 night stand – then you are as prudish as they come – LOL

    So what else has he done?
    – involved in BB gun and airsoft gun war with other football players that caused some damage. It was not malicious – they were playing around and all the participants paid their share to have the damages repaired.

    – He drank a few ketchup cups full of soda from the soda fountain at Burger King without actually buying a soda.

    – He walked out of Publix with $32 worth of crab legs (which aint much because King Crab legs are expensive per lb) and didn’t pay. This was his worst offense IMO but the word is it was a “hook up” gone bad and I think that’s pretty well known. So in that light – Jameis actually did the honorable thing – kept his mouth shut – didn’t get anyone else in trouble and took the whole blame and the consequences.

    – He shouted out a vulgar but popular internet phrase in public on school campus.

    So out of those 4 incidents that occurred over a 2 year period while in College – which one is the deal breaker? Which one says to you – this is evidence that he is a bad person and my instinct is to be “scared as hell” of him being the Bucs QB. I think we’d all be willing to say that he has made some immature decisions – but what exactly about Winston “scares the hell out of (you)”?

    That he might make more immature decisions at some point? Well guess what – he probably will. We all make mistakes and use bad judgement from time to time – especially when we are in our early 20s. So What??

    Is there any thing that Winston has done to date that would have caused him to miss an NFL game?? That he would have been suspended for? The answer is NO.

  22. DallasBuc Says:

    RustyRhino- in this context my previous statement should be read as an opinion. Not sure why that really had to be explained but there you go. All better now?

  23. Pickgrin Says:

    Tampabaybucfan Says:
    February 25th, 2015 at 8:02 am
    I am quite convinced that Winston is a good choice based on his on-field skills….It’s when he steps off field that concerns me.
    ———————————————————————————–

    Same question to you as above TBBF. What exactly is it about Winston that is so concerning?

  24. Tony Says:

    Phil mentions how much he is concerned about his weight.

  25. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    @Pickgrin

    Simply a matter of trust…..can he be trusted to do the right thing, say the right things….especially after the big contract. To completely ignore that is unrealistic.
    Now….if all the psychological tests, interviews and background checks come back positive and the Bucs choose him….that will satisfy me.

  26. DallasBuc Says:

    Pickgrin- all well stated. The over-reaction to Winston’s off the field shenanigans is so self-righteous. 20 year olds can be immature at times. I think it is a mistake to dismiss the better talent for behaving in an age appropriate manner. He is not a bad kid by all accounts sans one girl that went home with him one night.

  27. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    @Couch

    Forgot about Mariota’s inability to call plays….

    How about this, then……..his 8″ verticle leap advantage over Winston could come in handy if we keep EDS at center….

  28. gotbbucs Says:

    It’s so hard to see the forest through all these trees.

    If the pick isn’t Winston it won’t be Mariota, it’ll be a pass rusher. Nobody is using the #1 pick on a spread-option QB.

  29. BuccaneerBonzai Says:

    Phil Simms is an idiot. I’m sorry, but the man is one of the biggest media guys with an axe to grind against the Buccaneers organization, and frankly, if he wants us to take Winston, everyone should insist on Mariota.

    The man has blatantly showed a dislike for the team, and he does not want us to win.

  30. BuccaneerBonzai Says:

    Pickgrin Says
    “Correct Cody – Coach Jimbo Fisher said only 8 interceptions last year were the fault of the QB.”

    And how many near interceptions were dropped by the defense? It was recently pointed out that his 7 picks in two games would have been 14 picks if the defense had not dropped the ball.

    Fisher is wrong too, and probably biased.

  31. David Says:

    Tampa Bay Buccaneers could decide to draft Winston first overall in the NFL Draft at the end of April, but unsurprisingly and worryingly for Winston, the Bucs general manager Jason Licht says that Winston’s off-the-field issues certainly affect his draft stock.

    “I’d be lying if I said I don’t spend a lot of time thinking about the off-field stuff,” Licht told The MMQB this week, NFL.com reported. “This decision is going to affect so many people and their families. We’ve got to get it right.”

    Mariota!

  32. Bucfan4life Says:

    Bucco Bruce you didn’t watch the combine I guess. Maybe you need to look it up on YouTube! Even the Big Dog who is still a believer in Mariota conceded that Winston’s offseason work has paid off and he has shortened his delivery considerable and now has a nice tight throwing motion. I suggest you do a little homework before you get on here and spout off.

  33. BuccaneerBonzai Says:

    It is clear to me…people that have less moral character call those that have it “self Righteous”.

    Compromise your values…take Winston. There’s no getting around that.

  34. DallasBuc Says:

    Bonzai- your paranoid assessment of Simms’ motives as yet another reason draft Mariota is so laughable. Adding some real credibility to your position!

  35. BuccaneerBonzai Says:

    @gotbbucs

    I disagree.

  36. Pickgrin Says:

    Tampabaybucfan Says:
    February 25th, 2015 at 9:00 am
    @Pickgrin
    “Simply a matter of trust…..can he be trusted to do the right thing, say the right things….especially after the big contract. To completely ignore that is unrealistic.”

    As long as his football skills help the Bucs win games – who cares if he always says or does the “right things”. Did Jim McMahon always say and do the right thing? No – but he won a Super Bowl. How about Joe Namath? Brett Favre?
    —————————————————————–
    Tampabaybucfan Says
    “Now….if all the psychological tests, interviews and background checks come back positive and the Bucs choose him….that will satisfy me.”

    If the Bucs choose Winston #1 overall – you can be pretty sure they covered those bases thoroughly.

  37. DallasBuc Says:

    Bonzai- I have less moral character than you because I call out the self-righteous blowhards? The scent of irony is getting thick around here!

  38. BuccaneerBonzai Says:

    BTW, we also saw what kind of loser Winston is. While you want a quarterback with the drive to win, it is nearly impossible to win all the games in the NFL. So you DO NOT want a guy leading the team that blames his own mistakes on every other member of the team.

    If we draft Winston, there is a danger that he’ll be benched or suspended for his behavior.

    And Goodell has not said whether he will suspend Winston for the accusations made against him regarding the rape. Yes, it happened outside of football, and no, Goodell should not be able to. However, that has not stopped Goodell before.

    And if Winston goes off on Dirk or Lovie like he did in the Rose Bowl, he’s be benched or suspended in a heart beat.

    And if he blames his teammates for everything, the entire team will turn on him in heart beat.

    And, likely, most of the female fans have already turned on him, along with fathers.

  39. BuccaneerBonzai Says:

    @DallasBuc

    If you didn’t think it were true, you would have not felt it applied to you. And, yes, you do have less moral character than I do. Your words have proven it time and again. Or are you going to lie now and say you are not sacrificing moral judgement because you THINK Winston is the better quarterback? That there isn’t a small part of you that acknowledges a behavior issue?

    If you say there isn’t, then you are lying and therefore proving my point, because you’ve pointed out that he needs a good mentor (like Brooks) to keep him under control.

  40. Bucfan4life Says:

    Bonzai you really need to get on some mgdicstion or stop with the herbal remedy because it’s making you paranoid! Your comment about Sims is absurd. As for Goodell not saying if he will suspend Winston! All I can say is wow! Maybe you haven’t heard yet but after three times now Winston has been cleared and not even charged!

  41. DallasBuc Says:

    Bonzai- when exactly did Winston blame his mistakes on others? Why is there a danger he will be benched or suspended? Do you speak for all females and their fathers?…oh please do explain how you were so solemnly entrusted by such a large swath of the population?

  42. BuccaneerBonzai Says:

    And, since when is winning a Super Bowl the end goal here?

    We should want multiple Super Bowls, not one.

    Frankly, if I could look into the future and see us win one super bowl within 5 years under Winston (followed by the same sort of results as the last 10 years), or 3 Super Bowls within 5-10 years with Mariota, I would take Mariota.

    The Seahawks got lucky with Wilson because he developed quickly. Who is to say that Mariota cannot do the same? EVERYTHING being said of Mariota was said of Wilson before he was drafted.

  43. BuccaneerBonzai Says:

    @DallasBuc

    There you go, ignoring the Rose Bowl. In that game alone, he blamed his teammates, screamed at his coach (who threatened to bench him…and eventually DID pull him out of the game).

    And as far as the women…don’t be stupid. Very few women would want a quarterback accused of rape and who stood on a table yelling obscenities at women to be the quarterback of the team they root for.

    The fact that you have trouble grasping that shows your moral status.

  44. Pickgrin Says:

    Bonzai – what part of – “Anyone who has a problem with that statement – take it up with Jimbo” was unclear? LOL

    I’ve got a question for you Bonzai.

    Obviously you want Mariota and have made that clear. But why do you feel the need to dump on Winston constantly just because you want the other guy?

    I strongly prefer Winston because of his skillset – but you won’t catch me badmouthing Mariota. I acknowledge that he is a skilled QB prospect and would be thrilled to have his talent at OBP if Winston’s superior talent was not available. Why can’t you take the same position? Acknowledge that Winston is a hell of a QB but you think Mariota is better. What you are constantly trying to do (unsuccessfully) is make the QB you prefer look better by putting down the other QB. I don’t get that.

    Both QBs are talented and good prospects – that’s a fact. Which one is better for the Bucs is up to L&L and Koetter and the Glazers to decide.

  45. BuccaneerBonzai Says:

    @Bucfan4life

    And you need memory enhancement. Simms has spoken against this team on COUNTLESS occasions. He dislikes the organization because of his son’s experience here. He feels the Bucs destroyed his son’s career.

    It’s not paranoia. It’s simple truth.

    Boomer, a close friend of Simms, is the same way.

  46. bucco brice Says:

    @Bucfan4life…I watched it, looks like he’s trying to throw a baseball….and if he needs to change his delivery at this point, add that to the many red flags >> character, interest in playing baseball, etc. STAY AWAY FROM THIS TRAIN WRECK BUCS!!! Mariota or L.Williams is the pick…

  47. Chef Paul Says:

    Bonzai cannot be taken seriously. The absolute blatant hypocrisy that exudes from you is unreal. You have GOT to be doing some kind of internet sociological experiment on trolling.

  48. DallasBuc Says:

    Bonzai- please remind me when I said Winson “needs” Brooks as his mentor in the NFL? Check your facts tough guy.
    No, I think it applies to me because I am the one that aptly used that turn of phrase “self-righteous”. People that go around bragging they possess a moral high ground are typically the biggest hypocrites in the room and certainly the biggest Aholes.
    To be very clear, I sacrifice zero moral judgement in thinking Winston is the better QB and to call me a liar for that is unwise. I suppose you know all truth now too?

  49. BuccaneerBonzai Says:

    @Pickgrin

    The problem I have is this: People who want Winston insist we ignore the off field issues as though they are not an example of the character of the man.

    He has avoided accountability on everything he has done wrong.

    In 5 years, if he ends up being a Ryan Leaf or Jamarcus Russell, EVERYONE HERE will talk about how there were plenty of warning signs and Lovie still got it wrong.

    But right now, you are all ignoring those warning signs. Why? Because, as fans, you want to win and you think…THINK…you can do it faster with Winston, so accountability doesn’t matter.

    His off field behavior has to be a consideration. As much as his talent, his skills and on field behavior does. Because, in 5 years, it will be a consideration as we look back.

    You feel I’m judging him unfairly? Holding him accountable is not judging unfairly, it’s expecting him to be a man and a role model.

    By the same token, all of you are judging Mariota, saying he is a “project” quarterback, as though project quarterbacks cannot produce right away. Wilson sure has. Colin in San Fran did. Others have. Even the spread option QBs.

    “Every youngster wants to be grownup, but the difference between a child and an adult is not years. Rather, it’s a willingness to accept responsibility, to be responsible for one’s own actions.” – Louis L’Amour

  50. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    @ Pickgrin

    Yes……”if”….the big “if”…..if he is drafted it will mean he satisfied the Bucs if & mine.

    Is that OK by you?

    Of course the same if applies to Mariota….”if” his skillset can translate to the NFL….so “if” Mariota is drafted…then that if would have also been answered.

    So, we are coming down to which “if” is easier to answer.

  51. BuccaneerBonzai Says:

    @DallasBuc

    Hmmn…”biggest hypocrites in the room” huh?

    If you only knew. The fact that you cannot accept that people of high moral character cannot practice what they preach is yet another example. It seems to be an alien concept to you.

    Do you believe people exist that do not lie? You probably don’t, but they do. When you see a homeless family, do you offer them food AND shelter, going as far as to take them into your home and helping them get their lives together? Probably not. Do you treat dozens or orphans to sporting events every year, because otherwise they would have no other way to experience such things? Probably not. Have you raised children with good judgement, who do not drink, do drugs, get high grades in school and are filled with compassion toward others? Does the simple idea of taking something that does not belong to you turn your stomach, no matter how small? Does the idea that a man was accused of rape not make an impact…even if it were your daughter he wanted to date?

    If none of those things, apply to you, I feel badly to you, because nearly all apply to me, and more. I have served my country, my god, my community and many individuals throughout my life. I have always been blunt, but honest…and yes, opinionated. But I can take as good as I get.

  52. BuccaneerBonzai Says:

    DallasBuc Says
    “To be very clear, I sacrifice zero moral judgement in thinking Winston is the better QB…”

    Because you use NO moral judgement in thinking of Winston, right?

  53. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    All things being anywhere near equal…..I’ll go with the one without character issues.

    Winston’s issues may not be bad character…..perhaps a desire to be liked….I’m not a psychologist but observing him….that is sure what it looks like. In his desire to attract attention, he has done some pretty dumb & immature things. This does not necessarily brand him for life.

    It is also very reasonable to question his character….as you would with anyone you were considering hiring…..if it were to be a daycare worker…the bar on that would be higher than that of a football player.

    It is also perfectly reasonable for NFL owners to want their “Face of the Franchise” to have high moral character and to say the right things in public. After all, it is their business.

  54. BuccaneerBonzai Says:

    https://www.joebucsfan.com/?p=132516

    Read that.

  55. gotbbucs Says:

    @bonzia

    Take a deep breathe fella. Everybody knows your stance. You don’t need to put 50 comments on each post Joe puts up.

    How about on the next story Joe puts up on Winston vs. Mariota you list off all the spread-option QB’s that have gone on to have great NFL careers. You’ve got some research to do now.

  56. Jeagan1999 Says:

    I find it extremely ironic that Winston sporters say that Marcus Mariota cant learn to “huddle” or take a direct snap, but that Winston will learn not to throw INTs in the NFL! Hilarious!

  57. 87ForWinstonNOMariota Says:

    gotbbucs Says:
    February 25th, 2015 at 9:09 am

    “It’s so hard to see the forest through all these trees.

    If the pick isn’t Winston it won’t be Mariota, it’ll be a pass rusher. Nobody is using the #1 pick on a spread-option QB.”

    I think you’re right!

  58. Bucfan4life Says:

    Hey Bucco Bruce please call Duemig today and say that. Even though he likes Mariota more he would go off on you like he did another caller on Monday. I would enjoy hearing him rant! So all the experts and talking heads were praising Winston’s new and improved throwing motion but you missed it. Lol. You Mariota guys seem kind of clueless. You just make sht up and never want to give JW credit. I think both QBs have tons of potential I just think JW is option 1A and MM is 1B.

  59. DallasBuc Says:

    Bonzai- “Because you use NO moral judgement in thinking of Winston, right?”
    Wrong you classic fool. My judgment is that from all I have seen he is guilty of he is not a bad kid. From what is known he is a good teammate, good student, and a good citizen that is guilty of making a few juvenile mistakes. Nothing that says that the young man has poor character, just made a few age-appropriate mistakes. Making more out of it says more about you than him.

  60. DallasBuc Says:

    Bonzai- “The fact that you cannot accept that people of high moral character cannot practice what they preach is yet another example. It seems to be an alien concept to you.” 1) I never said or implied any of that nonsense. Great way to put up a straw man so you have something to argue against. 2) Practicing and talking are two very different things. One is much harder to do and I for one tend to dismiss those that talk a big game of it.
    Save your tales of personal greatness delusions of personal perfection for your flock of minions and spare the rest of us sports fans of lower “moral character”
    Do you even hear yourself?

  61. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    87ForWinstonNOMariota Says:
    February 25th, 2015 at 10:18 am
    gotbbucs Says:
    February 25th, 2015 at 9:09 am

    “It’s so hard to see the forest through all these trees.

    If the pick isn’t Winston it won’t be Mariota, it’ll be a pass rusher. Nobody is using the #1 pick on a spread-option QB.”

    I think you’re right!

    Lovie has stated publicly that he likes the SF & Seattle Offense……Bucs hired a QB coach that just came from a spread offense…..Bucs interviewed two late round QBs that run the spread.

    You can continue to ignore facts that don’t support your opinions…but it won’t go unchecked….

  62. Buccfan37 Says:

    I still dislike Phil Simms since he quarterbacked the Giants over the undefeated 4-0 Bucs up in New York years back, 17-14. It may have been his first start.

  63. WS99 Says:

    Love the passion fellas. Keep it up, only 63 more days to go.

  64. 87ForWinstonNOMariota Says:

    TBBF…..do you REALLY see Lovie Smith running an up tempo spread offense?

    Apparently so.

    I don’t, thee end.

  65. MariotaOrWinstonOrWalkdaPlank Says:

    87

    Lovie will run anything that works. The NFL is a copycat league. When teams like Seattle, San Fran, hell the Eagles have a seemingly QB-proof offense, have success, a defensive minded coach like Lovie who knows next to nothing about running a successful offense will use that. Not saying Mariota WILL BE the pick, but he certainly COULD BE.

    “Nobody is using the #1 pick on a spread-option QB.”

    One of the most ignorant statements made on this site recently. Maybe the Bucs won’t, but a lot of teams sure as hell would. Teams like the Eagles, Seattle, San Fran, etc. would take Mariota over Winston any day of the week.

  66. Couch Fan Says:

    Interceptions dont matter when you have the talent and skills to overcome them. We have never had a QB like him before. Not even close.

  67. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    @87

    Nobody would have predicted his first Buc draft would be 100% offense either… he hired Jeff “Spreadford”…..we will see!!!

  68. gotbbucs Says:

    @ WalkdaPlank

    Foles regressed in the second year, Kaepernik has been on a bottomless decent since his first year and it cost his coach his job, and Seattle is a horrible example if you’re trying to support a spread offense QB.

    Nice try though.

  69. MariotaOrWinstonOrWalkdaPlank Says:

    Not Foles, the offense. The fact that Chip Kelly made Sanchez look like a decent QB even for a few weeks is amazing. Exactly how many NFC Championships did SF get to with their offense? Kapernick or Smith? I’d like to know how Seattle is a bad example? Serious question. If these 3 teams had the No. 1 overall pick, I’d be willing to bet they would take the “spread-option QB” before the classic pocket passer. Not because the pocket passer isn’t a damn good QB, but because the other guy fits their offense, and their offense works, and is not a pro-style offense.

  70. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    Simms doesn’t care about interceptions but Licht does:

    Quote from 2/21/15

    “Usually you find when a guy throws interceptions in college that doesn’t go away in the pros.”

  71. ManzielMadness Says:

    Also like to add the woman that accused Winston was also part of a club on campus who’s mission was to sleep with all male fsu athletes

  72. Bucfan4life Says:

    I have heard the cleat chasers thing numerous times, but it is always from FSU homers. I am A Winston supporter because I think he’s the better prospect and I think he didn’t attack this girl. However, I think the whole cleat chasers thing may simply be a smear campaign by Noles Nation. Does anyone have any clear proof that she was really a part of this group. All I have heard is accusations. Does anyone have proof of this? It shouldn’t be that hard to confirm assuming this was online. If there is proof that she was a cleat chaser great lets get it put in the open. If there is no proof than I would suggest everyone leaves that alone because nobody other than Winston and this girl truly know what happened and there is no need to make stuff up about this girl.

  73. loggedontosay Says:

    Bucfan4life Says:
    February 25th, 2015 at 2:45 pm
    I have heard the cleat chasers thing numerous times, but it is always from FSU homers. I am A Winston supporter because I think he’s the better prospect and I think he didn’t attack this girl. However, I think the whole cleat chasers thing may simply be a smear campaign by Noles Nation. Does anyone have any clear proof that she was really a part of this group. All I have heard is accusations. Does anyone have proof of this? It shouldn’t be that hard to confirm assuming this was online. If there is proof that she was a cleat chaser great lets get it put in the open. If there is no proof than I would suggest everyone leaves that alone because nobody other than Winston and this girl truly know what happened and there is no need to make stuff up about this girl.

    Do you randomly look at a high rise building and say, “I think it is going to fall?” You can do basic research on the internet. No one is asking you to search LexisNexis.

  74. loggedontosay Says:

    gotbbucs Says:
    February 25th, 2015 at 12:29 pm
    @ WalkdaPlank

    Foles regressed in the second year, Kaepernik has been on a bottomless decent since his first year and it cost his coach his job, and Seattle is a horrible example if you’re trying to support a spread offense QB.

    Nice try though.

    What is a person to think of you knowing that your accusations are false?

  75. Warthog Says:

    Fans worry too much about ints. Sure, they are bad but I’ll take a guy with a 32td/22int stat line each year over a guy who throws 18td/6ints. The first guy is actually slinging it and putting points on the board regularly enough to win games. The second guy is game-managing checkdown guy who achieves nothing without a shutout defense.

  76. Bucfan4life Says:

    I’m not going to research because I know it’s just a smear campaign. For those that throw that sht out there like its a fact need to prove it. I know they can’t because nobody has ever stated where or how they know this. They just throw say it.

  77. Bucs for,Yoda is Says:

    Hear that from a Quarterback, smile do I. Hear that from a coach, never have I.