“It Became Draining & Deflating A Lot”

February 7th, 2020

A teammate opens up

As Bucs legendary sack artist Shaq Barrett bounced around Radio Row at the Super Bowl last week, he kept serving up candid talk about America’s Quarterback, Jameis Winston.

Do Shaq’s feelings reflect those of his teammates? Joe’s not sure. Few are as candid as Shaq.

Here’s what he told Chris “Mad Dog” Russo on the channel that bears his name, SiriusXM Mad Dog Radio.

“Jameis, he can probably like avoid a lot of [the interceptions] but we know he’s not trying to go out there and throw picks,” Barrett said. “We know he want to win the game. He don’t want to have 30 picks, his 30-30 [season]. He don’t want to have that. He don’t want to have that infamous notoriety. He want to be known for being great. So we know it’s not personal. It became draining and deflating a lot. But we always go out there, ‘Hey, he throw a pick, that’s another opportunity to for me to get on the field and go make another play and try to get us the ball back and get the momentum going back our way.’ That was my mindset 90 percent of the time. It was only the [interceptions] at the end of the games where you just (pauses).”

Shaq also shared his frustration specifically at how the Bucs season ended on a pick-6. And yes, Shaq called out the defense for mistakes, especially early in the season, and special teams errors, repeating the annual Bucs theme of needing to “avoid beating ourselves.”

The Bucs’ 19 1/2-sacks man also expressed a little concern for his head coache’s future. “B.A. is a great coach. That’s why we gotta win so we won’t change anything,” Shaq said.

73 Responses to ““It Became Draining & Deflating A Lot””

  1. NPRSageBoy. Says:

    JayMiss is NOT the answer.

    After 5 full seasons, he is who he is and that ain’t Patrick Mahomes or even Sherlock Holmes.

    Peace, out

  2. Pewter Power Says:

    Do Shaq’s feelings reflect those of his teammates? Joe’s not sure.

    Lies….as much as you have been in locker rooms you know enough to know there are factions or at least that the most productive defensive players we’ve had in a decade is not the only one feeling that way. 90% of the time he looked at it as an opportunity to make a play but come on human nature let’s you know they are more frustrated about picks than fans, only the blind Winston supporters stick there hands in the sand about these comments from Shaq

  3. BrianBucs Says:

    It just really shows the frustration the Bucs players have with Winston.
    Winston’s continuous turnovers were the main culprit for the Bucs defense leading the league in total defensive snaps on the field.
    Can’t win like that.

  4. Buczilla Says:

    I’m critical of Jameis too, but I’m not his teammate. I thought it was a “one off” when Shaq criticized Jameis the other day. It’s looking like a pattern now and it’s not cool. As much as I agree with Shaq, throwing your teammate under the bus is a d!ck move.

  5. H8JWLVEBUCS Says:

    THE TRUTH WILL SET U FREE !!!!!!!!!!

  6. 813bucboi Says:

    shaq is become the leader AND the voice of the locker room…..shaq is being candid as if he knows for a fact he’ll be here longer than JW….lol…

    and what shaq said aint wrong!!!!!!…..many fans feel the same way…..JW tosses a pick, its deflating but we’re like: ok defense, lets get a stop….

    imo, its becoming obvious that the locker room is just about feed up with JW…..shaq has talked about frustration….so has JPP….so has CG…so has ME13…..so has dotson….

    GO BUCS!!!!!!

  7. Loyaltotheend Section 312 Says:

    If you think losses and turnovers are a kick to the nuts to fans you gotta be real and know teammates and coaches are pissed at giving away games.

    The few players I know have expressed their feelings on this. That’s why I laugh when the media calls Jameis a leader.

  8. 813bucboi Says:

    now watch ndog and lamarcus come on here and say:

    STFU shaq….you were a bench warmer in denver….you had a fluke season….you’re a bum….it was the defenses fault…and o-line…and RB…and play calling….and kicker…and WRs….lol….

    GO BUCS!!!!!

  9. Bobby M. Says:

    I’ve said this for awhile….vets know when the QB is a #1 pick for the franchise, you tread lightly on criticism because if push comes to shove, the team is keeping the QB over other positions. Now that Winston sits at the mercy of the team with no extension and Shaq seems abundantly confident he’s about to be locked up for a few yrs, the vets can speak the truth to the public.

    IMO….I think the locker room is over Winston. I believe they genuinely like him as a person and competitor but it just seems the confidence in his ability to win games isn’t there. Look around the league, there’s teams that were at rock bottom no different then us….The Titans went to the playoffs 2x, this last time with Tannehill. 49ers were garbage….3 yrs later they are in the Super Bowl. Winston has had 5 yrs to show something…..his “best” season he goes 7-9 with 30 interceptions and 7 pick-6s. Its time for a change.

  10. 813bucboi Says:

    loyal says: The few players I know have expressed their feelings on this.

    BINGO!!!!!!

    just mentioned that….players are coming out the wood works expressing their frustration with the INTs…..

    and the funny part is, we havent even discussed the fumbles….lol….

    GO BUCS!!!!!!

  11. SB Says:

    don’t forget the wind 813

  12. 813bucboi Says:

    bobby says: IMO….I think the locker room is over Winston. I believe they genuinely like him as a person and competitor but it just seems the confidence in his ability to win games isn’t there.

    BINGO!!!!!

    couldnt have said it better!!!!!!

    MM is/was in the same boat with the titans….they like him, but he cant get it done….they were smart and moved on….

    GO BUCS!!!!!

  13. 813bucboi Says:

    SB

    damnit…..

    its the wind too!!!!!!….

    only JW has to play outside in windy conditions….when the opposing teams QB takes the field, owners close the roof in the stadium…lol….

    GO BUCS!!!!!!

  14. D-Rome Says:

    It sure seems Shaq Barrett is doing a lot of talking about Jay-Miss. Neither of those two want to get franchised.

  15. Jaywill Says:

    It was probably deflating for Winston to know he will have to take the blame for not his mistakes but the mistakes of others. Imagine if Winston told the truth and threw his defense under bus for not holding leads in the 4th.

  16. Bob in Valrico Says:

    I do think there has been body language from Evans after some of Jameis’s
    misfires.

  17. Syl Says:

    This dude has one good season, and he is running from the mouth like he is the 2nd coming of Lawrence Taylor. This shows how undisciplined the Bucs has been when you have these guys just running off at the mouth. I am so glad Jameis is not compounding it by responding to all this negativity.

  18. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    Shaq is competing with Winston for the biggest contract on the team. That’s worth keeping in mind.

  19. LaMarcus Says:

    813

    Naw I ain’t nothing say about it. I went comment yesterday because it sounds like excuses from the defense and deflection of blame. “30 ints it deflated us and we cant play right” jesus. Next: Matt gay why he miss his kicks because of the lingering effects of eating Ws?

    That is why no body respects no one in Tampa but The Great Jameis. Jameis blames himself There are only interested in him. Not Barrett

  20. LaMarcus Says:

    Bomzai

    Bingo. Its competition. Its Ethier JW or Barrett. Barrett with the first blow of many

  21. 813bucboi Says:

    at least shaq(an SB champ BTW) can say he had 1 good season…..lol….

    whats JWs 1 good season?….

    going 9-7?….5k passing yards?…..33TDs….30INts?….lol…

    JW cant respond because its all true….lol….he also cant respond because he doesnt even know if he’ll be here in 2020….

    SHAQ knows he’ll be here tho….lol…

    GO BUCS!!!!!

  22. LaMarcus Says:

    813

    Jw doesn’t need to respond. That’s for girly dramatic ppl to go back and forth. Jw is a leader. He doesn’t have throw ppl under the bus. Matter of fact he takes all the blame as to why the defense gets a pass every year. Just like this year

  23. BigHog Says:

    SHAQ A LOT!!

  24. Sport Says:

    Can’t please everyone while your being honest. Its also not the point, being honest can hurt. Be angry if you want, but I’d prefer you learn from it and channel that energy into doing something different and better.

    JW has shown who he is.

    Could the Int’s go down? Maybe. But at $30M+? Pass.

    Could the Int’s go up? Definitely not, because his ass will be benched if he’s on track to eclipse his dubious honor of all time Interception Champion.

    In BA I Trust!

  25. adam from ny Says:

    what if:

    shaq already knows they’ve agreed to roll with jameis, but are keeping it “mums the word”…

    and he wants his loot and would play for the bucs, but is more willing to sign elsewhere because he doesn’t see a title in the future with jaboo…

    is he causing division with all this talk?

    what if?

  26. 813bucboi Says:

    lamarcus

    lol….

    so no one respects ME13?….lol….

    no one respects JW and his 30INTs and his 4 losing seasons….lol…

    GO BUCS!!!!!

  27. 813bucboi Says:

    bonzai and lamarcus

    there is NO COMPETITION!!!!….lol….

    BA has already said SHAQ aint going anywhere!!!!….lol….

    the uncertainty surrounds JW not SHAQ….lol….

    JW cant respond because its all true…..shaq hasnt said 1 thing that was false about JW….

    Shaq aint throwing JW under the bus…..lol…Shaq is stating facts!!!!!

    that aint being “girly”….thats being a MAN!!!!….shaq is holding JW accountable…thats accountability……

    maybe you should try it….

    GO BUCS!!!!!!

  28. Fire the fans Says:

    Oh 813.. I can’t wait to see you and the rest of the idiots crying when jameis is back

  29. AlteredEgo Says: Your comment is awaiting moderation. Says:

    The waiting is draining….

  30. 813bucboi Says:

    fire

    lol…..

    why do you think i’ll cry?….lol….

    ive been saying bring him back on a 2year 50mil deal(1year 25mil guaranteed) since the beginning of DEC….

    ive been saying consistency is key…..

    i want everyone to return on defense, we sign j.conklin, melvin gordon and a FA FS…..

    draft trenches first 3 rounds, draft a RB and FA….

    that way folks like you, ndog and lamarcus wont have an(more) excuses….

    GO BUCS!!!!!

  31. Adrnagy Says:

    Who cares what the one year wonder say…. he was nobody with the broncos and now he has a big mouth ?
    Stay in your lane shaq you’re not that great. I’ll sign jpp and suh in a heartbeat before shaq.

    Bucs need to sign Winston like this week coming so 813 can shut up. He doesn’t listen ! He’s like a middle schooler learning Life and football at the same time.

  32. Defense Rules Says:

    Shaq’s interview is the perfect example of why most players & coaches are so coy about answering media questions. Shaq has praised Jameis, said that he’s a competitor, that Jameis doesn’t mean to throw INTs. But he’s also admitted that it’s ‘deflating’ and especially those picks at the end of the game.

    Duh! If the media needs Shaq Barrett to tell them turnovers are devastating in multiple ways, then they don’t know much about sports. Of course it’s deflating. Kinda like the guy who does a fantastic job for his company by then gets told by his boss “We really appreciate all of your hard work but we’ve decided to go in a different direction & we no longer need YOU’. Deflating? Of course. But reality nonetheless.

  33. LaMarcus Says:

    813

    Your a fraud homie. Your only saying bring JW back so u won’t be wrong. Tell it how u really feel.

    Why do u want him back if he sucks……. dude stay off the ice boi

  34. SteveK Says:

    Adrnagy Says:
    February 7th, 2020 at 10:41 am
    Who cares what the one year wonder say…. he was nobody with the broncos and now he has a big mouth ?
    Stay in your lane shaq you’re not that great. I’ll sign jpp and suh in a heartbeat before shaq.

    Bucs need to sign Winston like this week coming so 813 can shut up. He doesn’t listen ! He’s like a middle schooler learning Life and football at the same time.

    ——————-
    This is why I post factual information about the historical data in the NFL with turnovers correlating to winning. Win the turnover margin, and you win %!of the time.

    I have a problem with some fans letting their emotional support of s losing QB to prefer not to sign our franchise record holder in sacks? How could you not want Shaq Back? He plays hard and deserves to speak his mind. Turnovers kill your chances to win.

    It’s sickening to see the #turnoverblind and hate for other players they merely
    Offer their take. Kudos to Shaq for being real. I would feel the same way.

    You don’t have a chance to fight back after an INT if it ends in a pick.

  35. SteveK Says:

    70%*

  36. Jmarkbuc Says:

    Maybe he’s an honest guy. Nothing he said has been untrue. JW wants to win, be great etc.

    And his picks suck and are deflating.

    I’ve had this same conversation around the water cooler (and here) a million times. I am not alone. People stick a mic in his face and ask him, and he tells them. Pretty simple.

  37. Tye Says:

    Even the worst of QBs throughout history wanted to be great…
    People in general want to be great at what they do..
    It’s finding what you are great at and accepting what you aren’t great at…

    Starting NFL QB is not what he is great at… No shame in that unless you keep striving for it after 70 games of proving you’re not that guy!
    It’s like someone who may be tone deaf continually showing up for singing auditions…
    Look, you may be great at dancing or acting but singing the results are in and you don’t have it..

  38. This Guy Says:

    Only in Tampa do we have “fans” with so little understanding of football.
    JW by himself had 30 ints and 5 fumbles for a total of 35 turnovers (alone, yes not all of them are his fault (way to hold people accountable))

    That is more than ANY OTHER TEAM total turnovers.
    The closest TEAM to him was the Chargers with 31 turnovers.
    So one player had more 4 more turnovers alone, than the next entire TEAM had in turnovers.

    This is a team sport and if one player is keeping back the entire team, something has to give.

  39. 813bucboi Says:

    lamarcus

    you’re the fraud baby girl….

    you only care about JW….not the TEAM…just JW…..

    the reason why i want him back is because consistency is key…..

    but i would have NO PROBLEM letting JW walk if BA thinks he can win with another QB, as he has already stated….

    GO BUCS!!!!!

  40. Robert Says:

    lol shaq love jw getting him on the field to get paid.

    get Brady!, drop crabman

  41. 813bucboi Says:

    adrnagy

    thats the problem with dumb@$$es like yourself, ndog and lamarcus….

    him coming back wont shut folks up!!!!

    him having less than 14 INTs in 2020 will!!!!!!

    until then, why dont you STFU!!!!!

    GO BUCS!!!!!!

  42. ChanEpic Says:

    JW may be on his way out. And, considering the market for FAs I don’t think the coaching staff can put all their eggs in the “Consistency” basket and still get all of the team to buy in. If they go with JW and he starts off the way he finished (pick 6 to end the game) there will be a revolt in that locker room. And it will be deserved.

  43. '79 Defense Says:

    I still can’t believe that pick-6 to end the season. And of course that’s the one that brought the total to 30. However, I can’t think of a more fitting way to end that disastrous, no fun whatsoever f-ing decade of Buccaneer football.

  44. 813bucboi Says:

    chan

    well said….

    and i think you’re right…..

    JW has a game like he did vs the 9ers in week1(3INTs), he wont make it to week6(5INTs in london)

    GO BUCS!!!!!

  45. Adrnagy Says:

    813 is bandwagon.

  46. Adrnagy Says:

    SteveK

    Why pay Winston 30m if we won’t be able to afford the dline right ?
    So, why sign a one year wonder 18-20m ? We can sign suh and nassib with that money …
    fact is shaq didn’t carry the defense. It was suh. Vea. And Bowles scheme.
    Fact jameis did carry the #1 passing offense and 2 pro bowlers.

    There’s no emotion homie. All you jameis haters look at 1 thing ( Int). You don’t look at bad coaching. Most penalized team the last 5 yrs. no defense. No running game. 1st year no oline. Etc etc. these are not excuses these are facts.

    And this year Big head Bruce came out saying our defense is FIXEd. Our running game will be great. AND look how we ended … worst on everything. Kicker. Defense. Running game. Blocking. Turnovers. Penalties. Etc etc.

  47. Adrnagy Says:

    The story continues …..

    So why not bring back the 1 player that has shed light to our team good or bad.

  48. Bucsfanman Says:

    Can’t believe people are still vilifying Shaq for telling the truth. And I have no idea how one can make the leap from what he said to “throwing his QB under the bus.”

  49. SmoothBayRider Says:

    Nagy , NDog and Lamarcus care more about Jameis than they do the team . Would they even be on this website if the Bucs never drafted Jameis ?

  50. Anonymous Says:

    JayMiss is NOT the answer….. stop apologizing for his bad decisions……..

  51. LaMarcus Says:

    Up next: matt gay comes out and says yes I cant make fgs because of the ints

    Vh3 comes and say I cant cover because of the ints

    Devin white says I cant stay healthy because of ints

    Jjp says I wrecked my car because of ints

    Mike Evan’s says I drop passes because of ints

    Godwin says I cant finish a whole season because of ints

    Leftwich goes turtle because of ints

    Ronald Jones cant hit holes because of ints

  52. 813bucboi Says:

    no bandwagon….

    shaq and I both speak the truth regarding JW!!!!

    simple as that!!!!

    GO BUCS!!!!!

  53. Tampa Bay Demon Says:

    Syl Says:
    “This dude has one good season, and he is running from the mouth like he is the 2nd coming of Lawrence Taylor.”

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    I kind of like it, for some reason. I am and have been a Jameis fan, but maybe we need MORE of this around here, in general. Guys holding each other accountable, or at least in this case, being very honest about how JW’s picks have truly affected that D, at times. — Maybe it is good for HIM to hear it.

  54. BucEmUp Says:

    Sounds like he knows he is staying that good news….JPP is just as important of a signing as Shaq is though we need BOTH of those guys starting day 1

  55. Stevebobucsfan Says:

    Speaking of frustration, I am sure the offense was frustrated with the defense the first 6 or 7 games of the season when they would score 38 points and the defense would give up 42. Remember, when you point the finger at someone it’s always a finger pointing back at you

  56. Jeagan1999 Says:

    The way this will unfold is pretty clear…a vet QB signed on a 2-3 year deal, and target either Herbert or Eason in the draft. That’s the scenario that has the most upside and allows the Bucs to allocate their resources to bringing the defense back in tact…and paying a few guys like Godwin to lock them up long term!

    The only scenario busters would be if the Raiders want to deal Carr or if Jameis tests free agency and doesn’t find any takers, and comes back on a 1-yr prove it deal while the Bucs draft another QB in April. I just don’t see any other viable options.

  57. Couch Fan Says:

    Winston fan boys hate it when someone holds their man accountable. They’re allowed to hold everyone else accountable but not jabooobooo. LMAO. I like Shaq even more now. Im honestly not even sure why the fan boys are even upset this is just common sense and some of us have been saying it for a while now. Consistent and repeated ridiculous turnovers will deflate any team. Only fan boys like Lamarcus and Ndog will deny this and pretend it shouldnt have any effect on the team. Idiots.

  58. Stanglassman Says:

    I guess the drives for TDs after Jameis has given the team the lead at the end of the game aren’t defeating? The 2nd Atlanta game was a perfect example. The defense was so busy celebrating Shaw’s sack record they couldn’t stop the game tying touchdown at the end.

    I sure hope this guy’s got someone to help hold on to all the money he’s about to make.

  59. mark2001 Says:

    I told you guys how deflating these Ints are…and the lovers just ignored it.

    And BTW..scoring TD’s isn’t the only measure of a QB…nor are ints. Another measure is how many third down checks and open guys are missed, which gives the other team the ball and kills drives. And managing the drives so that the other team doesn’t have plenty of time to respond to your score at the end of the half or game. I don’t think you really want to go there…

  60. 99.97.92.55.47.40.28.20.7 Says:

    1) bizarre again Shaq trashing his QB
    2) maybe his agent putting him up to it to free up $$?
    3) Shaq is not wrong
    4) you better believe the whole defense feels the same way. Anyone else ever play football??

  61. martinii Says:

    Love Shaq, had 1 great season out of 5 although I believe he fell into the right place, with the right teammates and coach, at the right time. However I don’t think that makes him an expert about all things Buc’s. He will get paid well this year but he needs to concentrate on duplicating 2019 and proving to us skeptics that he is not a one hit wonder.

  62. BucHead588 Says:

    5 seasons 3 HC i don’t even know how many asst coaches that have been in Jameis Ear like seriously let him have a 2nd season with BA someone he trust an has his back

  63. Morgus the Magnificent Says:

    OUCH !!!!!!!!!!!!!! ….wow…..just wow. How on Earth can the Bucs stick with Jameis, now that the true feelings from his team mates are exposed?

  64. Craig Says:

    I was past the point of rescue before that last pass of Jameis’ ruined the off season for the whole team. I was to the point of laughing into my whiskey by then, so it didn’t sting like it did for so many.

    I have been on teams that got beaten, but nothing like that pick-6. It must have really hurt, but Shaq has gone a bit far, especially during contract talks.

    I wish Jameis well, I just want it to be elsewhere.

  65. Troy Says:

    Love reading a guy like @LaMarcus who thinks that Winston shouldn’t be blamed for a thing and the team is using him as a cop-out. It’s just not true. If you don’t think that his mistakes have an effect on this team, you’re naive. That’s not to say Gay didn’t as well. But for crying out loud, other teams know there never out of a game because Winston mistakes will lead to quick scores. No lead is safe. They’ve said it.

  66. EEK Says:

    Winston is gone.
    It makes no sense for teammates to be so forthcoming with negative comments otherwise.
    The pick 6 to end the season was so contemptible.

  67. SB Says:

    @Adernagy
    “And this year Big head Bruce came out saying our defense is FIXEd. Our running game will be great. AND look how we ended … worst on everything. Kicker. Defense. Running game. Blocking. Turnovers. Penalties. Etc etc.”

    ………………………

    Lol I love laughing at most of your comments
    We were 6th in kicking no matter how much you love to bash Gay
    We weren’t worst in ANY , repeat ANY of those fields you posted EXCEPT Turnovers!!!!!!!!!
    Stop with the BS and get a life, And a football perspective or go watch professional Chess

  68. Tampa Bay Demon Says:

    SB Says:
    “go watch professional Chess”

    ~~~~~~

    Proof that we will never cease finding new ways of getting after one another.
    LMAO. — That one cracked me up!

  69. Im tired and 87 is right Says:

    Yup and what Shaq doesn’t realize is Winston had to put up with and atrocious defense since he has been a Buc yet he never talked about what they should do only what he can do better. Go Bucs! Go Winston!

  70. TexBuc Says:

    I believe the deciding vote on Winston will come from the Glazers and number 3 will be under center next year.

  71. Dapostman Says:

    @SB,

    Matt Gay finished 24th in FG% and 27 in PAT%. He finished 5th in points scored because the QB led the team into the red zone constantly. Matt Gay had plenty of chances and he was below average in both percentages.

    You need to learn how to use google search. It ain’t rocket science.

  72. Losing hope Says:

    With each article about jaymiss these Joe’s lose more respect and credibility. Of course the team feels the same way. F#?!*@$ idiot! The team resents him just like we do

  73. BucsFIRE Says:

    ^^ lol, at least they HAVE “respect and credibility”, unlike you.