“I Should Get Away From ‘For A Rookie'”
October 24th, 2015
Words are important, not as telling as wins and losses, but messages matter.
And Lovie Smith says he needs to change his tune.
During his pregame chat with Buccaneers.com, Lovie talked about how Jameis Winston, America’s Quarterback, exhibited “total command of the offense” against the Jaguars and “made great decisions.”
Lovie went on to say “for a rookie,” but then cut himself off and explained that characterization for Jameis was misleading. “I should get away from ‘for a rookie.'” The head coach’s point was Jameis played great for a starter of any experience against the Jags.
And Joe thinks Lovie’s greater point was that Jameis is ready to be looked at just a little bit differently now that he’s made five starts and had a bye week to further evaluate and develop.
After all, he is now the man leading the locker room.
October 24th, 2015 at 9:19 am
No sir…..he is a rookie & it would be a mistake to treat him differently…..we have already made the decision to start him as a rookie…..but he should be handled that way also, at least for a few more games. I think we have the right gameplan for him in place.
October 24th, 2015 at 9:36 am
Agree with Tampabaybucfan. Jameis is improving rapidly, but the Jags game was just one game. Dirk Koetter is doing a great job of putting together game plans which allow Jameis to play within the capabilities he’s developed to this point. And Dirk’s gameplans will most likely get more sophisticated as Jameis’ skills continue to grow. I personally think that Jameis understands that much better than the media does.
We all need to be patient with him as he grows, recognizing that like all rookie QBs some games will be much better than others. Unrealistically high expectations from coaches, media and fans has ruined more than one QB in the NFL over the years.
October 24th, 2015 at 10:00 am
If Winston can string along 3-4 games without turning the ball over. The rookie talk will stop. But right now rookie and turn over are always brought up with Winston.
October 24th, 2015 at 10:05 am
You know what… being a rookie is a good excuse for poor performances…. So I like this direction of Lovie to move away from him being referee to as a rookie… Of course we all know he is and what comes with being one… But removing the built in excuse for poor play is a heck of a good idea… Seeing howJamies has been officially anointed King Jamies… Young or not… If your good at what you do your good at what you do… No more Mr Rookie… Just ball out sir!!!!
October 24th, 2015 at 10:35 am
He’s a rookie. Period.
It’s a growth period built into the system, and I get Lovie’s point, but that doesn’t change anything but language used.
October 24th, 2015 at 11:19 am
@Tampabaybucfan
Agree with that statement. Let him be a rookie and don’t try to put too much on his shoulders just yet. I think that was the biggest difference that I saw in the Jacksonville game. That was the first time they finally leaned heavily on the running game and only asked him to make plays when necessary. Same approach that Tennessee has taken with Mariota all season.
October 24th, 2015 at 1:32 pm
Lovie is right.
No reason to preface it.
He is a rookie and will make mistakes but when he does things it doesn’t need to be pointed out he’s a rookie all the time. That kind of builds in a mentality of excuses.
October 24th, 2015 at 2:06 pm
I rhink there should be a talk with Winston from Lovie saying this. “Look, I need u to continue to progress and not act like a rookie. Because to us ur the staring QB and we don’t see u as a rookie. But, in the media I’m oing to continue to refer to u as a rookie just to temper fans and media expectations. But be clear, in this locker room we expect wins, and that starts with you. Just continue to be yourself do what u do. Alright son.” Lol.
October 24th, 2015 at 3:27 pm
When Winston has another bad game I guarantee you everyone will go back to using the rookie label, including Lovie.
October 24th, 2015 at 4:44 pm
I agree with Dave and Jab…for once I agree with Lovely.
October 24th, 2015 at 5:16 pm
HE is a rookie. And it’s good thing that everyone acknowledge it
October 24th, 2015 at 10:30 pm
He should get away from ‘For A Rookie’ but it looks foolish when all the team ‘For A Rookie’ records are held by the 3rd year pro who is on the roster as a back up. Especially with a top overall pick rookie is the starter.
October 24th, 2015 at 10:59 pm
The rookie labels get dropped when the playoffs begin.
October 25th, 2015 at 1:07 am
In only 5 games Winston already has over half the passing yards Glennon had his rookie year