Won Over By Jameis
August 13th, 2015
Convincing non-believers.
Joe thinks, at least in training camp practices, that “America’s Quarterback,” Bucs signal-caller Jameis Winston, has turned the corner.
Jameis had uneven practices early on. But the last three practices, even with two picks yesterday, have been stellar. That’s what happens with rookies. They learn and grow.
Speaking of growing, it seems Jameis has grown on the pride of Seminole High School, NFL Network’s Jeff Darlington. Having seen quite a few of his practices from rookie minicamp to OTAs to now twice in training camp, Darlington can see Jameis’ growth.
I have a confession to make: While watching Jameis Winston’s first several NFL practices (from rookie minicamp until now), I was extremely underwhelmed. Admittedly, I’m not a football scout — but Winston seemingly did nothing special. Nothing that popped. Nothing that made you say, “That’s why he went No. 1 overall.” And hearing all the glowing reports coming out of Tennessee about No. 2 pick Marcus Mariota, I was kind of left scratching my head. Suddenly, however, something seems to have clicked. This past weekend, Winston strung together two solid practices (notching five red-zone touchdowns in one day), leading up to the practice I watched on Wednesday. Winston certainly looks like he’s found his rhythm. He’s throwing with more authority, and as a result, more accuracy. He looks more poised — his passes have more zip. This all makes sense, no doubt, since it’s perfectly fair for a rookie to take his time understanding the NFL. That’s the reason I never criticized Winston upon those earlier observations. And I’m glad I didn’t. Winston just needs some time. I’m now more convinced that he’ll be just fine than I was only a few weeks ago.
Look, a much as Joe likes Jameis and believes he will be just fine — or better than fine — Jameis is a rookie. Rookie quarterbacks, generally, struggle in their first year because they play for lousy teams.
This is why Joe is still sticking with a six-win season for the Bucs. Rookies on the front line, rookie at quarterback, no edge rush on defense? Spells six wins, but a good improvement from last season.
August 13th, 2015 at 3:46 pm
I totally agree with you Joe. One only has to look as far as Manning and Luck to see it takes a year atleast before you start turning the corner. Also 6 wins is a fair assement. I’m gonna lean towards 7 wins due to schedule. Go Bucs!
August 13th, 2015 at 3:50 pm
Super Bowl!
OK, just kidding. But listen, Tampa, if you keep him vertical and healthy, good times are coming.
August 13th, 2015 at 3:57 pm
Did he insinuate mariota was also unimpressive. Even though he had glowing reports from the Titans? I mean, tossing check downs every play would leave me unimpressed also. I always find it funny when abs throw check downs all preseason. Stop being wuss’s. Man up and throw into coverage. Do it while the games don’t count. Take a risk now and learn from it. Anyone can throw a 5 yard uncovered check down.
August 13th, 2015 at 4:04 pm
Jameis will be just fine as long as the OLine does their job. He will make some rookie mistakes but will make a bunch of wow plays as well.
If OLine is still a significant problem – then 6 wins is probably about right. If the OLine can somehow play at a top 15 or better level – then this year’s team is going to surprise a lot of people and win a lot of games.
Even as a rookie you can’t discount Winston’s penchant for winning football games…
August 13th, 2015 at 4:11 pm
If RGIII can lead that roster to the playoffs in year one Famies most certainly can lead this one… In year one.
August 13th, 2015 at 4:14 pm
I’ll let you know in January, if he’s won me over or convinced me.
August 13th, 2015 at 4:19 pm
Luck, Matt Ryan also lead crappy teams to the playoffs in year one.
August 13th, 2015 at 4:27 pm
6 wins? We could of had that last year with Glennon. Every year you all settle for mediocre teams. We got a vet coach in his 2nd year and a QB who you all swear is so much better than what we had but you’d be ok with 6 wins? LoL.
Not me, it’s playoff or nothing. Mediocrity is not acceptable.
August 13th, 2015 at 4:52 pm
Maybe my expectations are too high but when has a rookie qb had two 1000 yard receivers and a former 1400 yard back to start their career? As well as a Offensive coordinator who has won playoff games? 6 wins with a weak schedule would be a let down with a qb who has been compared to Andrew Luck.
I may doubt the coaches but I believe in Jameis
August 13th, 2015 at 4:55 pm
Six wins is too low. 7-10 is a realistic expectation for this team. This team lost 8 games last year by one score and more. Half of those leading in the 4th quarter. Lots of those 8 loses were by 3 points or less. This with injuries to key positions and with both sides learning a new system with no real OC. not to mention the tank game(s) for Jameis. I do think MG would have won about five games if he started all 16. ‘Joe(s)’ thinks this team with all the improvements and a easier schedule is only 1 game better? So if push came to shove would the ‘Joes’ take the Bucs under in Vegas at 6 1/2 O/U win total? I know I’d take the over the Jameis at QB.
August 13th, 2015 at 4:57 pm
Why do people act like we don’t have any defensive ends? Like, they think we just take the field with 9 guys and lineup with no DE’s.
If Jac Smith had full time reps for a full season, he would have had around 13-14 sacks (mathematically). Now I know that isn’t how things work, but in the little time we have seen from the guy, he has sure impressed. What makes you think that with a full off-season as the starter and in the system that he cant be even better than last year?
George Johnson is pretty much in the same boat. He played around 35% of snaps last year with the Lions and had 6 sacks. Why can’t he double those numbers with double the reps?
Also, Fatinikun seems to be someone that the coaches are very high on as a backup.
Maybe these names aren’t flashy, but I think they are very capable of producing some pretty decent number. Michael Johnson was a complete waste of space, and I’m glad the young guys are getting to show what they got.
August 13th, 2015 at 5:15 pm
OAR Says: “I’ll let you know in January, if he’s won me over or convinced me.”
Wow! Most people on this site are calling for winning right now and that’s a bit premature. But you are going to be safge and call it after all of the games have been played. That’s pretty courageous.
August 13th, 2015 at 5:15 pm
I totally agree Adown88. I do think depth maybe a concern though. I can see them bringing in a cap casualty or a good young waiver to groom like they did with Jac last season.
August 13th, 2015 at 5:33 pm
@TampaTony
Maybe my expectations are too high but when has a rookie qb had two 1000 yard receivers and a former 1400 yard back to start their career? As well as a Offensive coordinator who has won playoff games? 6 wins with a weak schedule would be a let down with a qb who has been compared to Andrew Luck.
Agree completely. In addition I think at least one of the two if not both rookie OL pan out which is an immediate upgrade to our OL, along with the fact that Mankins seems to be on a mission.
Add in as mentioned how many games we lost in the 4th quarter…the defense showed marked improvement the second half of last year..and this year the D should be even better.
Joe is hiding under a security blanket. The improvement in defense alone should get us to six wins…a little offense and it’s 10-6 baby!!!
August 13th, 2015 at 5:51 pm
11-5
August 13th, 2015 at 6:00 pm
It’s easier to guess under and then be happy with more wins than it is to guess over and be unhappy with less wins.
August 13th, 2015 at 6:04 pm
6 losses is more likely than 6 wins. Glendon could get 8 wins with these coaches and this team. Winston is good for 3 or 4 more than that IMO. Things are coming together for this franchise. We’ve never had a great offense AND a great defense. The perfect storm is brewing, again JMO. I say 10 wins minimum, and a division title. 7 and 9 won’t get it this year. The Bucs will be the most improved team in the division, maybe even in the conference or league. We’re long overdue for an injury free year. It’s time.
August 13th, 2015 at 6:16 pm
I believe.
August 13th, 2015 at 6:47 pm
No edge rush?! Why so pessimistic, Joe? We simply don’t know…yet. I believe that our edge rush will be a pleasant surprise in ’15.
August 13th, 2015 at 7:48 pm
I would be a bit underwhelmed with only 6 wins, particularly with how many close games they lost last year. It all depends on if they win a few early, I really believe in the synergy (both good and bad) that happens in the first 5 or 6 weeks. Win a few games during this stretch, even by the skin of your teeth and end up close to 500 and the team gains needed confidence to battle for the season. If you end up with 1 or 2 wins in the first 6 weeks, the team starts to doubt itself and its a up hill battle from there. I think 7 to 9 wins for the Bucs this year.
August 13th, 2015 at 8:12 pm
TampaTony- well said and I expect that with Jameis healthy we compete in every game. Preseason will be very telling as it was last year.
August 13th, 2015 at 8:16 pm
I’m pretty much sick of everyone just saying oh 6 win will be an improvement and good enough for this year. I’ll call bullspit and I’m sick of everyone settling for mediocre. It’s amazing just last year many had us going to the playoffs and some even saying Super Bowl. Now everyone is trying to act like they’re smarter than everyone and saying 6 wins will be good enough. Did Lovie become a bad coach, do we not think the D is going to much improved, do we not think Koeter is a good OC, or that Evans and Jackson are no longer great receivers, do we not think the o-line is going to be much better not only with more experience, better talent and better coaching? What a defeatist attitude this town has grown into. I’m expecting no worse than 10-6 and so should everyone else. I don’t care how smart some think they are. History has shown over and over how teams can easily have winning records after a terrible record the year before. Look no further than the Colts. There are many many more examples. I think we have more talent, better depth and will have the experience to expect nothing less than a winning season.
August 13th, 2015 at 9:13 pm
Bucmania folks tune will be changing real soon… I see Couch,and I respect your words bro.
August 13th, 2015 at 9:34 pm
Lol I love the optimism of fans but you guys are delusional too. Joe just gave you all the reasons the Bucs will struggle and he is dead on. He didn’t even mention the scrubs will be putting out their as safeties. Rookie offensive linemen will struggle at the defensive ends we have could not start on any other team. Way too many holes too ignore, which many of you are doing. Predicting six wins isn’t what any fan wants, but realistic fans know this team has a ways to go.
August 13th, 2015 at 11:41 pm
Jameis will be a good QB in this league, it may take a few years for him to totally grasp the offense. But in order for Jameis to be successful this season, we will need a strong running game, good special teams and a top 10 defense. We can win the division this season, but everyone has to do their job, not just Jameis. We don’t need to rely on a rookie QB,it’s a must that we play good defense this season.
August 14th, 2015 at 2:56 am
Not “America’s qb” Joe. No matter how many times you scribble it down. Buc qb only lol! Go Bucs!
August 14th, 2015 at 8:31 am
Couch, I am with you on the playoff or bust scenario. The only goal they should have for this season is a ring. Without that motivation, they’re going to be chasing Bosa.
August 14th, 2015 at 9:04 am
Why is everybody convinced that we won’t have a 8 and 8 record or better. People rather be negative than positive, I saw this with Freeman. JOE said all these bad things about Josh, then you had to eat your words. Anyway I am going on record this team will be 8 and 8 or better this year. Please save this, so when it happnens I don’t want all these so called Buc fans saying they knew it would happen.