Jameis Winston looks in mid-season form against Tennessee Titans

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 18: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throws a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons on December 18, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 18: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throws a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons on December 18, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Former FSU quarterback Jameis Winston is heading into a pivotal season according to some pundits.

Jameis Winston seems to either have folk that love him or hate him and it’s been that way since his days with FSU football.

He’s statistically on par or ahead of almost all the quarterbacks considered among the best in NFL history through his first three seasons.

However, likely due to off the field issues the general consensus is Winston isn’t a franchise quarterback.

That’s despite playing with a terrible offensive line, no running game and only one legit wide receiver his first three seasons.

He’ll miss the first regular season game due to suspension, but Winston looked great in the first half of the Buccaneers game against the Tennessee Titans.

He was (13-18) for 226 yards and two touchdowns at that point. Check out some of the highlights below:


That probably wasn’t a great decision to throw that pass, but maybe he knew they called defensive holding?

Thoughts

There’s no question Winston needs to make better decisions off the field. However, on the field he’s one of the best in the game despite the narrative some people try to push.

The crazy thing is Winston’s in the same ball park as Tom Brady through his first four games. He’s thrown 10 less touchdowns and just four more interceptions through his first three seasons.

However, he’s thrown for 1,409 more yards over the same time period and rushed for more yards and touchdowns.

I’m not saying he’ll be better than Tom Brady, I’m just saying he’s not a scrub like some folk try to make him out to be.

There’s no question he needs to win games in 2018 with the Buccaneers finishing (5-11) last season after back-to-back winning seasons his first two years.

Next. Can't Blame Jameis Winston For Tampa Bay Buccaneers Failures in 2017. dark

However, that could be a tall order with how competitive the NFC South is as of late. If Jameis Winston plays at the level he did Saturday night, the Buccaneers could be a hard out for anyone.