Jameis Changed The Culture
November 29th, 2015
Leader of men. Another veteran speaks out.
Joe noted a few weeks ago that there was a culture change in the Tampa Bay locker room led by the young turks, notably rookies.
Kwon Alexander’s heart and selfless play endeared him to his defensive teammates. Ali Marpet’s hint of a nasty streak rubbed off on the rest of the offensive line. And, of course, there is America’s Quarterback, Bucs signal-caller Jameis Winston.
Many men on the Bucs have noted Jameis is now the team leader. Vincent Jackson, Logan Mankins, Joe Hawley and Gerald McCoy have already said so, but now you can add no less than the Muscle Hamster himself, stud running back Doug Martin.
In a recent spot with the NFL Network, Martin was asked identify the reason for change with the Bucs since last year, and if Jameis was/is the catalyst.
“Definitely. It is the mentality around this organization that we haven’t had recently,” Martin said. “We believe that we are a good team and believe that we can win and do things. It has changed the culture around here. Jameis is very charismatic and energetic and passionate and that is very contagious. That is the type of guy you want leading your team. We are glad to have him.”
What more is there to say? This is like the sixth respected Bucs player to say Jameis has taken over the locker room.
However, Joe must wonder, if a 21-year old rookie has the locker room in the palm of his hands, what does it say about the blind leading the blind last year?
Not only were most of the 2014 free agents Lovie Smith brought in rotten on the field, it sure seems like they must have been ill-received in the locker room. There really must have really some sort of nonsense going on last year.
November 29th, 2015 at 8:58 am
Keep in mind that many Buc fans were calling for the Bucs to grab any “name” player in free agency. One of those guys was OL Todd Herremans. The Colts signed him. He was benched in Week 3 and hasn’t played since. It’s another good reason to work the young guys instead of the re-treads.
November 29th, 2015 at 9:31 am
This is why you don’t draft Mariotta and this was the problem with Freeman. There’s nothing in either of those guy’s personality that inspires or rallys the troops. They’re both Type B personalities. Jameis isn’t like that.
November 29th, 2015 at 9:46 am
The non sense last year was a case of “Let’s nose dive for Jameis”
November 29th, 2015 at 10:14 am
I agree with BucTrooper. Tampa needed a guy that was not only a good player but one that could inspire, motivate and help lift the level of play of the guys around him and I think Jameis is better suited for that role.
November 29th, 2015 at 10:31 am
This is why I wanted Jameis all along. Great players make those around them better, while Winston isn’t great yet he’s making those around him better
November 29th, 2015 at 10:32 am
Don’t you mean, The Dougernaut?!
November 29th, 2015 at 10:48 am
What Cory said.
November 29th, 2015 at 11:03 am
The Bucs did not tank last year, at least not until late in the season.
November 29th, 2015 at 11:13 am
WalkdaPlank Lovie tanked the whole season when he didn’t go out and get an experience oc when Tedford bailed in us but instead went with Arroyo who had absolutely no experience at calling plays. He saw the writing on the wall during training camp and knew he had to get Jameis he gad to change the culture of losing . The Bucs needed an outspoken leader to counterbalance the quietness of Lovie LVD & GMC. The Saints game was the nail in the coffin!
November 29th, 2015 at 11:24 am
I agree with the article and with the folks who are pointing out #3’s leadership skills. Yes #3 is a natural leader and most of all he has a POSITIVE attitude and it never wavers even in the face of the early ints and losses. Ya gotta believe and #3 certainly believes!!!!
But to lead the team another ingredient is required. TALENT! Obviously #3 is LOADED with talent. You gotta be able to back up all the talk with your play and #3 does it.
Along with talent you need heart and courage…while the coaches wince the players are fired up when they see a Heisman trophy winning…#1 draft choice throwing blocks to help his teammates gain more yards. At least once that I recall…maybe more…some of you have better memories…#3’s block has lead to a first down.
#3 is a great leader because he’s all in!!!
November 29th, 2015 at 11:47 am
Leaders lead.
November 29th, 2015 at 11:58 am
@David
I disagree. Lovie just made genuine boneheaded mistakes by bulldozing an O-line and replacing it with scrubs like Anthony Collins and Oneil Cousins, or deciding to try McClown out at starting QB, or getting rid of Revis for Verner, who he doesn’t even like anymore, or thinking Michael Johnson is a competent starting DE. The tank was on near the end, but not from the beginning.