The War On Jameis Advances

December 11th, 2017

Man, somebody or somebodies out there really is out to get America’s Quarterback, Jameis Winston.

That mysterious entity sought to make Jameis look like a petulant, spoiled child to the nation yesterday and largely succeeded.

Jameis’ attacker was whoever caught the ear of NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and sold him on the notion Jameis is upset with Dirk Koetter for his playcalling and an alleged weak public defense of how Jameis was dealing with his painful shoulder injury.

The story went national, of course, and Jameis came off to millions looking like a 23-year-old starting QB with a 17-25 record who has the audacity to whine about how he’s being treated by his head coach.

What a way to go after Jameis, to paint him as a young man stewing in bitterness because he’s offended/butthurt that his coach doesn’t do everything he likes. It’s a terrible look for Jameis.

And despite how after yesterday’s game Koetter said it was all wrong, and how Jameis offered a clumsy but passionate refute in his postgame news conference, it really doesn’t matter. The national media doesn’t give two hoots about an after-the-fact news conference in Tampa. The damage was done.

Jameis emerged looking like a coach-killer, a guy who’s the opposite of a strong team leader, a sour face of a failing franchise.

Joe hereby gives a sarcastic bravo to the slime who went after Jameis. Well played. And boo to the many Buccaneers officials who didn’t break out the cannons to defend the Jameis and Koetter bond on a national scale.

Joe has written previously about the many media attacks on Jameis, most of which were undeserved. They started before he landed on the Buccaneers. Of course, Jameis has brought negative attention to himself. See the fresh Uber/crotch-grabbing allegation.

Yesterday’s, though, was especially ugly.

When Jameis was attacked by the Tampa Bay Times in February, Jameis’ mother hopped on WDAE-AM 620 to defend her son’s honor. And Jameis’ father has been publicly outspoken previously.

So far, it’s crickets from the Winston family on this latest smear. Joe sure hopes they speak up soon.

57 Responses to “The War On Jameis Advances”

  1. Phil Says:

    Can’t wait for Gruden to get here.

  2. NFLNut Says:

    **************

    In 7 healthy games, Jameis’ stats extrapolate to 4,885 yards, 32 TDs and 14 picks with a 90+ rating … Jameis, when healthy, has been fantastic … and I don’t think he has a problem with Dirk Koetter at all.

    However, the TEAM is 4-9 wit its only wins against the horrible Giants, Jets, Phins and Bears … which means Koetter has been HORRIBLE and deserves to be fired.

    To me, Jameis isn’t behind the report, nor is Licht or Gruden … it’s either a media-fueled report with no real basis or it’s a GLAZER-FAMILY fueled report to see how the public reacts to the news … my money is on the former but
    you never know.

    **************

  3. Bucsfanman Says:

    Boy, when it goes bad, it goes REALLY, REALLY BAD!

    Is there a point where the owners step in? Where’s the leadership? Or, is this not mere hyperbole?

    Ah, to be a Bucs fan!

  4. HowToSpellRhonde Says:

    Unless Jameis is guilty of Access Hollywooding the Uber driver, only an idiot would want to see Jameis leave the Buccaneers with 2 years remaining under contact.

  5. C eh N eh D eh Says:

    New plan needed…Koetter and Winston can talk about it somewhere else…and the overrated defnsive tackle too…Take it from there Bucs, start over, not gonna win this division for years and years anyway…

  6. NFLNut Says:

    ********

    JOE, I doubt Jameis’ mom or dad say a word … this is a silly non-story that no one outside of Tampa really cares about.

    Basically 100% of non-Bucs fans believe Koetter is a loser who should certainly be fired if Gruden, or even a guy like Josh McDaniels, Jim Harbaugh or Bruce Arians, could be hired … they could care the less of Jameis orchestrates such a coup.

    Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and other star atletehes were at one time or another viewed as “coach killers” … no one cares. Nice analogy, but those are some of the greatest of all time. And they were great in a hurry. Jameis isn’t in that league.–Joe

    Professional QBs have been viewed as divas forever, not to the extent of star WR’s, but try telling most fans that John Elway, Peyton Manning, Ben Roethlisberger, Aaron Rodgers and other QBs aren’t divas and they will laugh you out of the house. And then we have the current Golden Boy, Tom Brady, who is praised for acting like a petulant child all the time, cursing out coaches and teammates, etc … no one cares. Again, you are playing the Hall of Famer analogy card. –Joe

    Jameis is simply the new 2Pac … people either love or hate him and NOTHING he does on or off the field will change many of those people’s minds … and Jameis knows that and has the personal maturity and ability to play at a high-level anyway, to be a leader in the community anyway, to be dedicated to the next generation anyway … Jameis was created by God to be a star QB1 and is just fine whether anyone comes to his defense or not.

    ********

  7. unbelievable Says:

    Of course, Jameis has brought negative attention to himself. See the fresh Uber/crotch-grabbing allegation.

    Yesterday’s, though was especially ugly.

    It would appear your priorities over which is the worst allegation are a little backwards J0e.

    These reports are either coming from the local media (who LOVE to run coaches out of town), or from the Glazers themselves. Seems pretty simple.

    And for the 1 millionth time, Gruden ain’t coming back.

  8. OAR Says:

    ……dear raisin cookies that look like chocolate chip cookies, your the reason I have trust issues.

  9. Lakeland Says:

    When will the Bucs be selling playoff tickets this time of year. Instead of dealing with rumors,petty gossip, mocking the upcoming draft, debating who will be the new Head Coach/GM?

  10. Joe Says:

    this is a silly non-story that no one outside of Tampa really cares about.

    So why is it getting national run the way it is? There’s a reason Joe slapped the moniker of “America’s Quarterback” on Jameis. Joe understands not everyone gets, will or wants to understand but Joe fully is aware.

    If “no one outside of Tampa” cares, the NFL Network wouldn’t spend 30 seconds with it.

  11. SOEbuc Says:

    @Joe

    “Man, somebody or somebodies out there really is out to get America’s Quarterback, Jameis Winston.”

    Yeah Joe. It’s called your classic duechb@g Buc fan. Continues bandwagon riders that try to say they’re diehard.

  12. T"CHALLA Says:

    We should all pause for a moment and asses this team @ season end each week brings its own drama as to the status of this team . However we do know today what our lads record is , we do know there have been injuries , and the losses have been numerous . The question for thoughtful reflection is what are the seasons failures attributable to ; poor coaching , poor player performance or lack of talent. Once those questions are answered after season over we can lay blame and offer solutions .

  13. AlteredEgo Says:

    Yawn…..it was not even a real story yesterday …gossip

  14. lightningbuc Says:

    Continues bandwagon riders that try to say they’re diehard.

    _______________

    LMAO! Bandwagon? What bandwagon? The wheels on that thing came off like 8 years ago. Anyone still associated with this crap sandwich is a diehard.

  15. Since '76 Says:

    [Once again, claiming any Bucs player committed a felony can and will get you run. — Joe]

  16. Lamarcus Says:

    Fake news.

    Media getting the hype out for black Monday. That’s it and that’s all.

    The only question that matters is when the owners ask ” What happen to my Qb and my team?”

  17. DB55 Says:

    Brent Grimes still killing it at 34. #OptimusGrimes

    Hope he stays but got a bad feeling he going out west. 😖

  18. Getaclue Says:

    Starting to think it’s coming from that sleeze ball lawyer that has it out for him

  19. BrianBucs Says:

    @ Joe

    Hey Joe, how about you put up a Jameis Winston Confidence Poll like the ones you put up for Dirk Koetter? You can see the real pulse of your readers

  20. America's Groper Says:

    Have a feeling that if he had kept his nose clean in the past (BB gun, crab legs, rape, uber) this would be a non-issue, but that’s not the case, regardless of his average QB at best performance’s

  21. Cobraboy Says:

    I suspect the negativity toward Winston is less to do with Winston’s ability and potential than it has to do with his failure to be coached ball protection, sacrificing a down when there is nothing there and throwing into double/triple coverages.

    Those are ALL coaching issues.

    But Uber looms and that is not a good thing.

  22. Doctor Stroud Says:

    If Gruden coaches for the Bucs again, he will want to win right away and spend all of that cap money. He might not start Jameis Winston and look for a veteran to QB the team, like Kirk Cousins (30 years old by next year) or Alex Smith (34 years old by next year). Then, Jameis can either be a backup learning a new system until his time or be Canada’s Quarterback. The challenge will be to rebuild the defense.

  23. BigMacAttack Says:

    Ian Rapoport is usually pretty reliable and doesn’t often report stories without some confirmation. I would hope Jameis is upset with Koetter’s play calling, as many of us fans are. Ed Hochuley rewrote the rule book allowing a penalty to be challenged yesterday. He totally blew the call. Jameis didn’t lose the game with mistakes. The offensive line was terrible. The defensive line was worse. I’d be surprised if Koetter gets another season and if he does, they will be worse than Cleveland. I’d bet money the Browns could beat the Bucs now. This team is the laughing stock of the NFL right now and it’s well deserved. I fell for it. I thought they’d be good. I wasted more money on season tickets and if Koetter is back, I won’t be. Fool me once but not twice, Dirky.

  24. Tony from Los Angeles Says:

    Joe – tread carefully…
    This is starting to reek like what happened with Shaq and Orlando in the mid 90’s. I know you guys need hits and I know salacious titles gets hits. but you have more power than maybe you realize when it comes to this type of thing. I watched football all day yesterday in a room with guys connected to the NFL and every game on (part of what I do for a living). It was barely mentioned on any telecast and certainly not on the radar as a big deal to anyone on the national level. Your using terms like “war” is blowing this way out of proportion – and the main reason this story will have legs is if you continue to exaggerate it.
    LOL. This is ludicrous. Man, you take stuff too seriously. Regardless, this was featured Sunday morning report on NFL Network and Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com wrote it up. When hits PFT, it means it’s on every radar of the players and power brokers in the NFL. That’s the cold reality. Joe typing about it isn’t changing that. –Joe

  25. AlteredEgo Says:

    Winston’s mechanics are horrible at times, which puzzles me, instead of stepping into the throw he feet are 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock open hips pass is all arm…this usually happens when he has time….sloppy mechanics because he always had god given natural talent and never was coached properly as a youngster…of course he has many other flaws …but this IMO leads to poorly placed balls….this team has horrible YAC per completion and poorly delivered balls is a huge part of the problem

  26. 911bucs Says:

    Where’s Licht in all this mess.

  27. Son of Kobe Faker Says:

    Jameis wants to win and winston camp (antoine/agent) wants max contract (25 milly)

    They dont think koetter can make it happen

    They see goff/mcshay. They want hc/playcaller to take jameis to that level because only that level equals 25 mill/playoffs

    Son of Kobe Faker

  28. StPeteBucsFan Says:

    @Joe

    Arizona? Rappaport? Won Loss record and Koetter’s job security.

    It’s all now pointing in the same direction! THE GLAZERS!!!!

    As long as they dawdle behind the scenes and leave everybody dangling the franchise is rudderless. That’s NOT good.

    What is the future of our team at QB? Does Jameis have the talent? Of course!

    Does he have the decision making ability…still a question.

    We are drifting right now and the Glazers are the ONLY ones who can tighten this up. Either give Koetter another year or can his butt.

    Will the next coach have total control over Jameis? Will he have to agree to letting Jameis have franchise power. Coach/QB is a very delicate dynamic. How’s that going to work? Coach/GM is another tough relationship…if Koetter is gone is Licht gone as well?

  29. Son of Kobe Faker Says:

    Another year with koetter?

    If jameis looks bad again with questionable coaching….

    Does winston camp want to stay?

    Glazers are not stupid. They see what goff/wentz and philly/rams were last year

    2018 grudog

  30. Mike Johnson Says:

    I betcha the Glazers are thinkin Gruden can work Wonders with Jameis. Koetter needs to win a couple games badly to keep his job. And I don;t see any more Wins on our remaining schedule. And If there is one blowout? He’s gone for sure.And its almost certain Pressbox Smitty is gone as well.

  31. SKBucsfan Says:

    You are right St Pete, it’s up to the Glazers now. They need to find a new GM -STAT! Licht has to go before the next draft. Maybe that’s where Chucky plays into this?

    They can keep Koetter but have the new GM hire an offensive coordinator. One that can call plays based on the strengths (and weaknesses ) of your offense.

    Finally, as much as I ma not a fan of Winston, I do believe he is our best option. Keep him for at least another year and see if he can improve. he is only 23, maybe he will mature.

  32. GhostofSchiano Says:

    @JOE,

    This may shock you but I have discovered the culprit. I have a friend at CNN who is deep in undercover journalism. He stated that it was none other than Gerald McCoy who leaked the story. Apparently it was done to garner the attention of Tmaxcon and others here on JBF that routinely attack GMC. It was an effort to turn the criticism towards Jameis and away from himself. So far it appear successful. Look for another story next week that Koetter is thinking of trading ME13 for draft picks as Martino appears ready to succeed him as the starter. Write it down JOE, you heard it here first.

  33. playerunknown Says:

    My opinion is that whoever the next coach is has to be a QB whisperer. Bring in the best guy that can play to Winstons strengths(hurry up, roll outs,and intermediate routes) IF Winston is healthy and the still doing the dumb mistakes then it’s time to move on. I am a fan of Winston and wish him the best.

  34. Eric Says:

    Karma is a B!tch and she is tired of all the crap this fool has done! Eventually people stop believing in potential and look at the results. The results are sub-par at best. He was sold as the most pro ready qb to come out of the draft… ready to destroy a franchise that is. The honeymoon is over and so is Winston’s career. He has embarrassed this franchise in so many ways. Even other players mock him at their press conferences… has anyone else ever seen that before because I sure haven’t. This is an absolute mess and Jameis is responsible for most of it.

  35. Eric Says:

    His name will be remembered the same as the following NFL legends…
    Ryan Leaf
    Jamarcus Russell
    Blain Gabbert
    Tim Couch
    Josh Freeman
    RG3

  36. Roy T. Buford Says:

    The Glazers wanted Jameis to sell tickets, and gear, and to win football games as the face of the franchise. They made sure he was vetted carefully. Jameis has not won football games, all his fault or not, and the latest cloud for Jameis is the Uber groping accusation that alllegedly occured in his first offseason. Charged or not, guilty or not, Jameis could face suspension next year for 2, 4, maybe 6 or more games. It’s not clear to the public how many people really were in the cab, and when/if Jaemeis has come clean with his team, and if they believe him.

    A few rhetorical questions: What GM and/or HC worth a darn wants to come to team where the QB may be out six games next year? What NFL owner wants to be wed to a QB who is shaky on the field after three seasons and who is not (unsure if true right now) truthful with them? What percentage of the fan base still believes in Jameis enough to keep buying tickets? What sponsors want Jameis to sell their product? Do the Glazers still believe Jameis is effective as the face of their franchise?

    The potential to sell tickets, and gear and win games brought Jameis here. Not selling tickets, and gear, and winning games will get him gone. Scaring off a potential GM and/or HC may do that also.

  37. SB Says:

    Well said Roy.

  38. DB55 Says:

    Roy

    There were two former hc that were qoute jealous of Jameis. One of those coaches was Jon Gruden for whatever that’s worth.

  39. BrianBucs Says:

    @ Eric
    You forgot Byron Leftwich

    @ Roy
    Exactly

  40. mark2001 Says:

    This next year is critical for Jameis…no doubt. He will either grow into a franchise QB in the next couple years or start to stagnate into a mediocre QB. We need to know before we start having to think about his next contract….because if he is going to be the franchise guy, he will need that huge contract. And if not, we will have to look at another guy. And if Koetter isn’t the guy to make sure all his mechanics are corrected and such, time to get the guy that can… immediately. Next season… no later.

  41. Broy34WantsGruden Says:

    Has anyone but me thought about the leaps he and the team take with Gruden. Or how Gruden will bring in the best coaching staff in bucs history. Coaches will line up. The bet with my brother has been doubled twice. Gruden is coming. Telling you right now

  42. The Anomaly Says:

    JW is nothing but drama. Damn. He just threw an other pick.

    WHo wants to pay this W eating whack job $20+ mill per year. Hell no.

    Oh, he just fumbled again.

    Just say no to JW.

  43. LifeOfABucFan Says:

    There goes Roy again!! Making some darn good points!

  44. StPeteBucsFan Says:

    Roy

    I agree with the others…excellent post. You’re right…ultimately it’s about the dollars…can Jameis still generate the ticket sales…

    And so ask yourself this. Forget which coach is better…which coach can sell more tickets next year? Chucky or Koetter? Pretty clear choice eh. And I’m no Chucky fan..I like Koetter…but if the Glazers look at this as dollars and they can persuade Chucky to come back for a second term…it really could make economic sense and from the Glazers perspective is there any other sense than economic sense?

  45. Cobraboy Says:

    Failing franchises have a lot of sour faces.

    This is nothing new.

    Just more evidence this team is a complete hot mess.

    Oh, and Winston and 51 other guys—and the coaches—all have a role in the hot mess.

    Why should anyone be surprised at all of the back-stabbing, unhealthy ass-covering?

    I suspect right now the Glazers are most concerned about season ticket renewals that go in the mail in just a few months.

    5pm New Years Eve will be a moment that goes down in Buc infamy.

  46. Cobraboy Says:

    Winston’s demise occurred somewhere between the eating of a W and the Uber grope revelation.

    It’s all downhill from there.

  47. NFLNut Says:

    **********************

    JOE, you dismissed my point far too quickly and were not exactly correct about your assessment either.

    Kobe Bryant was a nobody his first 3 years in the league … a bench-warmer year one, a 6th man year two and a decent starter year 3 … he “turned into a star” in his 4th year … Jameis is well ahead of Kobe’s pace.

    Jameis is also well aheaed of Ben Roethlisberger and Aaron Rodgers pace, as at Jameis current age, they were both far less accomplished and basically nobodys … especially Rodgers.

    Even Michael Jordan never won a ring until his SEVENTH year in the league and before then was considered a selfish, shot-chucking punk who would never “win like Magic and Bird”.

    The simple fact is that Jameis is the most accomplished 23 year old to ever play the game of football … by the end of the year he will likely be the only QB in the history of the NFL to throw for 11,000+ yards and to throw for at least 69 TDs before his 24th birthday … sorry but Kobe’s first 3 years in the NBA certainly don’t stack up to that, not even close.

    **********************

  48. Duke Says:

    NFL NUT,

    Hold up there big fella! Kobe Bryant was 18 yrs old when he was drafted.
    18! Btw, yr 2 He was named to the all-star team. 21 He was on his way to a chip.. JW is/never will be more accomplished than Kobe. (There is one area that JW could surpass KB)

  49. notonline4 Says:

    F**K Gruden we got rid of that gaebage years ago and it needs to stay gone not rehash the same old sh*t.

  50. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    Source: “Man, Jameis hates not playing. He was peeved that the team made him take the time to heal up.”

    Ian: “Sources inform me the Jameis Winston is at odds with Koetter…”

  51. volbuc1 Says:

    Sounds like a lot of whining about JOE! I am a huge Bucs fan and Love Winston. However, you are what your record says you are and right now he isn’t good. Critics come always come out when you stink.

  52. Roy T. Buford Says:

    DB55…I know Gruden always talks about guys he loves, etc etc. He definitely gushed over Jameis in Hard Knocks, prime time, etc. But I don’t know what Gruden would think if asked about Jameis now. Probably still gush as long as he is broadcasting. Doubt he’d put his money where his mouth is and jump at the chance to be team Prez, GM, or HC, or all the above if he came to Tampa with Jameis in the seat now.

    I’d love for the NFL to finish this up now, determine it was a ruse, and the only problem we have is fixing Jameis on the field. I just doubt it more as time goes on.

  53. Roy T. Buford Says:

    StPeteBucsFan. Very good question. I do think Gruden would sell more tix than Koetter. Gruden with Jameis up in the air probably a wash. I’m not going anywhere regardless…I just hate the fact we’ve got so many unpleasant issues to listen to the national (and worse, TBT Tom Jones types) media snipe about it. Here’s a question. Gruden comes in and says he wants to draft or bring his own FA QB in. That’s a good way for the Glazers distance themselves from Jameis. Not saying cut Jameis…keep him into the season. What Bucs fan would complain about Cousins or Alex Smith on the roster competing with Jameis? But…I don’t fall for the hype that Gruden is going to be back. Just don’t think you can ever go back. I mean, look at what’s happened with Coughlin going back to the Jags….look where they are now. Hey, wait a second…

  54. Bucko40 Says:

    If any Bucs fan truly thinks Gruden is returned to Tampa then they are misguided fools. Gruden couldn’t get along with prima dona Keyshawn and jettisoned him. Chunky would absolutely lose his mind with the way Winston performs on the field. If Chucky returns then your better invest in a fallout shelter. The nuclear explosion around 1 Buccaneers Place will be ugly yet comical to watch.

  55. America's Commenter Says:

    You know the Bucs coach and GM are in hot water when somebody mentions Bill Parcells coming to save the franchise. I haven’t seen that yet, so Koetter and Licht should be back for another season. (Unless Gruden is the new Parcells.)

  56. NFLNut Says:

    Duke,

    Kobe is my fave NBA player ever … but 18 in the NBA is the equivalent of 21 in the NFL … both Kobe and Jameis were true phenoms, but Kobe did NOT become a legit starter until his 3rd year. Yes he made the ALL-Star team in his 2nd year even though he was a bench player but that was due to him playing for the Lakers and being a highlight-reel waiting to happen and not due to him being anywhere near one of the 12 best players in the Western Conference.

  57. Nate Says:

    anybody saying F gruden is a sorry Raider fan

    go to las vegas and pout…..LOL

    I’m not saying he was the best coach ever but most winning that we had….*sorry dungys issue was no offense to win as many games

    and the fact he couldn’t get along with our greatest OC les steckel

    I get if you don’t want him back or want someone else …but saying he is garbage should be banished from supporting this team……