Koetter Won’t Name Jameis The Week 4 Starter
July 26th, 2018
With the three-game suspension of America’s Quarterback, Jameis Winston, in the rear view mirror, one giant question is what happens when Jameis returns?
Joe pressed Dirk Koetter on this subject this morning. Koetter met with media right the after the opening practice of training camp, which was pushed to the indoor facility after lightning strikes.
JoeBucsFan.com: Coach, if Jameis is healthy in Week 4, ready to play, is he 100 percent your guy?
Dirk Koetter: Week 4 is a long ways away. Week 4 is a long ways away. So, you know, let’s worry about Week 4 in Week 4. Right now, let’s worry about preseason and getting ready for the Saints.
Well, Koetter sure could have ended any potential cornerback controversy today, but he chose not to.
Who knows where this goes? If the Bucs are 2-1 when Jameis returns, or even 1-2 with Fitzpatrick playing well in the first three games, there’s no telling what Koetter will do for one game against the Bears before the Week 5 bye.
July 26th, 2018 at 12:21 pm
No reason too joe!!!!!! And from the plea deal jw3 made, It sounds like he has some obligations to accomplish to keep it to just 3 games!!!!!!!!!! Head coach Koetter answered it correctly and should even be coy leading up to week 4 of who will start!!!!!!!!!! I know joe wants to see everyone have jw3 back, But why would he, because the “real” fans remeber jw3 team allegedly leaking that there was a “rift” between QB and Head Coach last year, when Rumors of a coaching replacement started to surface!!!!!!!!!!!
July 26th, 2018 at 12:23 pm
I wouldn’t either, you are backing yourself in a corner on day 2 of training camp. What if Fitz goes 3-0 11 td’s 2 int. 70% comp?
July 26th, 2018 at 12:24 pm
Good call coach.
July 26th, 2018 at 12:25 pm
Glazers are hoping and praying Fitz goes 3-0, puts up MVP numbers, fans love him….and they can wash their hands of Winston forever.
July 26th, 2018 at 12:25 pm
How could he ?….
July 26th, 2018 at 12:25 pm
That’s the way it is supposed to be done, everyone needs to win their position regardless of the player. If Fitzpatrick its outpracticing and outplaying Jameis then he should be the starter.
July 26th, 2018 at 12:25 pm
Good reporting Joe. I think the bye may affect Koetter’s decision as you suggest perhaps in that final sentence.
Why not take the bye week and wipe away any rust Jameis might have. Obviously if Fitz stinks it up it changes everything. But if he’s adequate and the team is actually good…that could give Koetter the luxury of waiting until the bye to get Jameis ready.
We do not really know the underlying loyalty of Koetter to Jameis. He may love Jameis…he may not. Reports were that Jameis was not Koetter’s first pick…last year all the reports of friction…and the continuing rumors that somehow Jameis is upset with Koetter’s handling of his arm injury.
Lot’s of palace intrigue…we are going to be a soap opera for at least the first half of this season until things begin to sort themselves out and it becomes more obvious.
July 26th, 2018 at 12:31 pm
Fitz can go 3-0 with 10tds and 0 ints and I will sit him down so quick.
July 26th, 2018 at 12:31 pm
@Walter Seidel
There’s a better chance of a rocket falling from space, filled with trillions of dollars, and landing on the Glazers property so they don’t have to worry about the team, than Fitzgarbage putting MVP numbers in 3 games.
July 26th, 2018 at 12:31 pm
Probably a good idea. Who knows how much Jameis will booze and take Uber rides in his 3 weeks off.
July 26th, 2018 at 12:33 pm
What a dumb question.
July 26th, 2018 at 12:39 pm
After watching Lovie’s 42-14 opening day beatdown Koetter is correct to worry about the Saints and only the Saints. How do you have all offseason and not be prepared in week 1? Boggles the mind.
July 26th, 2018 at 12:42 pm
A good question would actually be…….is Fitz your absolute starter in game 1?
If he says yes, then ask him after 3 years why Ryan Griffin hasn’t been able to put himself in a position to be the primary backup?
July 26th, 2018 at 12:47 pm
@Tampabaybucfan
It was asked!!!! It sounded like T jones who asked it!!!! Highly recommend for all to go hear the who press conference!!!! Its post over on bucs do com website already!!!!!!
July 26th, 2018 at 12:55 pm
I’m sorry but I think we may be reading too much into his non-answer answer. He could honestly just be focusing on pre-season and game 1 and not being non-committal to JW. If not, we CANNOT afford a QB controversy at this stage of the team’s development but I don’t blame coach K, I blame Jameis for any QB controversy coming out of 1 Buc.
July 26th, 2018 at 1:00 pm
yeah, the guy who could very well cost him his job is his “GUY”
NOT!!!!
go Fitz!!!
July 26th, 2018 at 1:01 pm
Why would any coach name their qb the starter for a game that far off??
July 26th, 2018 at 1:04 pm
Tampabaybucfan Says
“A good question would actually be…….is Fitz your absolute starter in game 1?
If he says yes, then ask him after 3 years why Ryan Griffin hasn’t been able to put himself in a position to be the primary backup?”
He actually did talk about that. You should watch his press conference.
July 26th, 2018 at 1:06 pm
I think there’s some trust broken with Koetter and Winston…..Koetter is on record that he was initially a Mariota guy. Winston isn’t even the guy he wanted, now Koetter’s first gig as HC has been blind sided by Winston’s nonsense off the field and handicapped on the field by Winston’s penchant for turning the ball over at alarming rates. So if you’re Koetter and you know its pretty much do or die, i think the strategy is self preservation. If Fitz is working, dont screw with it until its absolutely required. Koetter and his entire staff could likely all have to relocate because your “franchise” Qb cant function like a normal human in any capacity. They owe Winston nothing.
As a fan, i’m paying to watch us win…..could careless if Griffin is back there, if the dude is guiding us to wins in some capacity, i’m good with that.
July 26th, 2018 at 1:06 pm
Joe, just wondering…did Dirk Koetter discuss any games besides game one?
Nope.
So not a big deal. But you could tell by his expression that Jameis is the starter, barring any major changes.
July 26th, 2018 at 1:10 pm
This is coach speak when week 4 rolls around JW will be the starter regardless of what fitz does. Dirk and Jason job tied to JW.
July 26th, 2018 at 1:10 pm
Fitz is a backup for a reason. JW is the #1 overall draft pick for a reason. We will see that starting Week 4.
July 26th, 2018 at 1:13 pm
You people really need to watch the press conferences before commenting.
As Jameis said, he should not have put himself in the position…
…to do what? Get drunk (not against the rules)? Agree to a female Uber driver (she might have been all that was available, should he have driven drunk?)? Be out late (not against the rules)?
And, as he also said, he has been working within the community, proving himself in the years since this supposedly happened. He’s already proven he is a different man now.
People around here are acting like he is the same now that he was two and a half years ago. He’s not.
Nothing has been proven. For that reason, he should be ‘disappointed’ in the NFLs decision…but he certainly cannot say he is, for fear of being suspended more games.
Again, can anyone explain why the NFL felt the need to negotiate with him regarding the suspension? Anyone?
July 26th, 2018 at 1:17 pm
Week 4 starter will be Fitz regardless of his performance because Winston can’t even practice until after our Monday night game week 3. That would be 2 1/2 days with the team before Chicago. Winston MAY start after week 5 bye…
July 26th, 2018 at 1:18 pm
JW’s press conference did him no favors.
DK’s press conference was standard stuff.
July 26th, 2018 at 1:19 pm
Was thinking the same thing Cobraboy. Why would anyone expect Koetter to commit himself to that (starting Jameis in Game 4) when the Glazer Boyz & GM Licht won’t even commit themselves to Jameis’ future with the Bucs at this point? Plus, soooo much can happen between now & September 30th when we play the Bears. Personally hoping that the Bucs (and Fitz) light it up by going 3-0 at that point. Can’t understand why any Bucs fan would want anything less. No single player is bigger than the TEAM.
July 26th, 2018 at 1:24 pm
Winston being suspended is a blessing!! Best thing to happen for the bucs in a long time. Go bucs!!
July 26th, 2018 at 1:34 pm
If I were Koetter I’d bring him back week 6 and tell the “real fans” that we suspended him an additional game. You know give them some red meat to chew on. In reality I’m just giving Winston time to practice and the bye week to get ready.
July 26th, 2018 at 1:39 pm
Casey- You may have a point there. Secondly, why would Koetter need to announce a week 4 starter when we’re in day 1 of training camp? A lot can happen between now and then.
I think Casey’s contention is probably more realistic from a logistics standpoint.
July 26th, 2018 at 1:39 pm
Jameis will start week 4, even if Fitzpatrick goes 3-0.
If the Bucs start losing after Jameis starts, then Fitzpatrick may be re inserted as starter, but this is Jameis’ team until it isn’t
July 26th, 2018 at 1:46 pm
correct answer by Koetter and what a shock Joel the troll is back with an asinine comment
July 26th, 2018 at 1:47 pm
Jamies is obviously going to start week 4.
I understand the question. If I was a reporter I would have asked it, but let’s be real Jamies is going to start week 4.
July 26th, 2018 at 1:56 pm
“Well, Koetter sure could have ended any potential cornerback controversy today, but he chose not to.” — “Cornerback”??? I’m confused… Hahaha!
July 26th, 2018 at 1:57 pm
Fitz will be under Center the entire season.
July 26th, 2018 at 2:03 pm
Best thing Koetter has ever done! He’s NOT..done many. If Fitz gets in there and delivers the goods. I say play him until he drops!! Let Jameis see how a real pro gets her done!! Unlike many of you, I kinda think Fitz is gonna turn some heads and ball out. Might give Jameis some nuch needed incentive to improve.
July 26th, 2018 at 2:07 pm
Sad so many think Koetter is the problem with the offense and not Aimless….
July 26th, 2018 at 2:12 pm
That was the right response. If the team is winning and the offense is contributing in those victories why change what’s working? Koetter’s job depends on winning and it doesn’t matter who he wins, just win.
July 26th, 2018 at 2:14 pm
Agree with @Alan completely.
No way in hell are the Bucs hoping Fitz goes 3-0 so they can wash their hands of Jameis. That’s just dumb!!
Wash your hands of Jameis and you are still a year or 2 TOPS from needing someone to start.
There is a 95% chance Winston starts game 4. If not we are 3-0 and the 1st sign of Fitz being Fitz, Jameis goes back in.
He is still the Franchise QB like it or not.
Without Jameis, there is no future for the BUCS as we speak!!
July 26th, 2018 at 2:28 pm
Personally, I believe this is the ownership’s and coaching staff’s way of saying that some of the trust they had in Jameis has eroded with his actions, and if he wants to regain that trust he will have to earn it.
July 26th, 2018 at 2:32 pm
Of course hes not going to name Jameis the starter. He wants him to earn it back. Which he will. Jameis without a doubt will be starting QB in week 4. Ive said it before and Ill say it one more time. If he isnt, Its just 1 more bad decision on top of a lot of other bad decisions Dirk and his staff have made and will be rightly fired after another bad season.
July 26th, 2018 at 3:00 pm
Koetter the coach doesn’t know who is going to start in week 4 BUT………….wait for it………….Godeep66 knows who is going to start the whole season. Every week from week 1 through week 17. Damn, you sir are a genius. A real (you know what) genius!
July 26th, 2018 at 3:14 pm
Jameis has two seasons to prove himself….simple as that. He is surrounded with excellent offensive talent and the overall team is upgraded from last year,with one more offseason FA signing class and draft to play with in 2019…. there should be no ifs or excuses by then
July 26th, 2018 at 3:30 pm
lol c’mon Joe, you’re better than this article.
July 26th, 2018 at 3:30 pm
If Jameis isn’t starting Week 4 he might be unemployed come Wild Card weekend.
July 26th, 2018 at 3:42 pm
Watched the press conference…..Koetter did a very good job answering some difficult questions….he wasn’t evasive….gave believable answers. Hopefully, his coaching on the field can measure up to his PC skills.
July 26th, 2018 at 4:05 pm
Bonzai,
Jameis has stated He’s disappointed with the NFL…….How did you miss that?
Why negotiate……jeez …..is the answer that difficult to understand!
I’m amazed at the conclusions you and others invent because you can’t see the big picture.
But I understand because Your perspective of the league and JW is all together wrong and because of this, your ideas are not based on reality. Simply, you’re starting with a false premise. Adding to that, The lack of details from the NFL has certainly left room for conjecture and speculation for those looking for doubt.
July 26th, 2018 at 4:21 pm
I don’t think it would be a “cornerback” controversy, Joe (lol)
But why would Koetter name who it was at this point? He’s right, that’s a while away and so much could change between now and then. If he says a definite yes now, then that pigeonholes him into that decision down the line, and creates a potential mess if certain factors lead him to change his mind.
This is like coachspeak / media relations 101.
July 26th, 2018 at 4:29 pm
Gotta make him earn it otherwise you get exactly what you got last year when Doug Martin returned from suspension. Thank you at least Dirk learned something from last year. Way to step up coach, that helps earn my trust in his ability to run a team
July 26th, 2018 at 4:39 pm
quarterback controversy Joe
July 26th, 2018 at 4:56 pm
Man you can ask the dumbest questions. And then wonder what a controversy it could be. Winston is the best QB on the roster. Bet your ass he will be starting week 4.
July 26th, 2018 at 5:24 pm
Now if JW3 was silly, bone headed, stupid, inconceivable , moronic, ther are a few more that he’s been called lately,,,,then this is just childish
July 26th, 2018 at 5:52 pm
DB55 For the first time in a while I agree with you.
July 26th, 2018 at 6:59 pm
When you’re the Cleveland Browns of the south, there’s no such thing as a QB. Controversy.
July 26th, 2018 at 7:06 pm
Csi
My mama said eyes smart but wtfdsk lol
July 26th, 2018 at 8:49 pm
There just trying to let time pass an let these wild fans calm down support MYQB#3 GoBUCS
July 26th, 2018 at 8:52 pm
i’m just hoping we have a better year than last season, and with the talent acquired it should not matter who is under center, as long as they have experience, but honestly how much experience did a 6th round draft pick have when he replaced drew bledsoe, and we know how that turned out, in case ya’ll forgot that 6th rounder was tom brady, and he was replacing a tried and true quote experienced playoff caliber QB, SO RELAX, enjoy the drama, and finally are you ready for some buccaneer football, because i can not wait!!!!!!!!!
July 27th, 2018 at 3:10 pm
why would he?…what a ridiculous statement
July 27th, 2018 at 3:11 pm
Maybe he will become America’s Backup….