We can talk about how important every other position is for the Bucs during preseason, and how it shapes up for regular season, but let’s face it, the Bucs’ chances for success revolve around Jameis Winston. And his progress looked just fine in Thursday night’s 12-8 win in Jacksonville. In fact, if the phrase “as Jameis goes, so go the Bucs” rings true, this looks like a playoff team. Just ask Head Coach Dirk Koetter.
“Jameis was extremely sharp, except for that one play.”
Hey, Coach, thanks for pouring some cold water on your QB. He’s right, though, that one play was a panic move by Jameis, and it probably should have been an interception. Otherwise, just look at the stats...21-29 passing, for 196 yards.
He directed three scoring drives in the first half, and yes it would have been better if two of those drives had ended in 6 points instead of three. But Jameis converted third downs and made a lot of run checks.
“He did things quarterbacks like him are supposed to do, except for that one play.”
Yea, Coach, we saw that one. But what he’s doing is pushing the Bucs’ franchise quarterback, to be the best. Koetter can see that Jameis can be among the best QBs in the game. That’s what good coaches do, push their players to be better than they think they can be. Coaches can see that; players can’t always see that.
The rest of the first team offense looked sharp as well. Mike Evans, five catches on six targets; Adam Humphries, a perfect 5 for 5; Doug Martin, 30 yards, and a touchdown; OL opened holes and protected Jameis.
On defense, the ones shut out the Jaguars in the first half and helped ignite a QB controversy in Jacksonville. Blake Bortles lost his grip on the starting job, and Chad Henne is moving up.
“I’m looking for someone who is going to lead this offense,” moaned Jaguars’ Head Coach Doug Marrone after the loss. “I’m not going to sit here and BS anyone… I’m still trying to evaluate who the best person is at that position.”
That’s exactly the opposite of the Bucs’ situation, with a clear-cut young starter at QB who figures to be there for at least another ten years.
Lavonte David had a sack, and second-team LB Adarius Glanton was all over the field with a sack and a team-leading six tackles. The 26-year-old free agent from Bartow and Florida Atlantic has a good chance to make the team as a backup.
But, finally, is there reason to worry about the kicking? Another pair of missed kicks, an extra point (blocked) and a 47-yard field goal (how about Koetter’s reaction on TV), and Roberto Aguayo isn’t even here anymore. It was Nick Folk who missed. Ugghh!
The Bucs are back on the practice field Saturday 9:45 am in full pads, and it’s open to the public. Preseason home opener is next Saturday 7:30 pm against Cleveland.
Register on 813area to stay connected to sports writer Dave Wirth and articles like Winston Shines in the Bucs First Preseason Win. Find articles on local sports on our Sports Page, locate the best restaurants in Tampa, events in Tampa, things to do in Tampa and much more. Subscribe, it's free!
