Jameis Was No Surprise To Herm
February 12th, 2016
America’s Quarterback played like Herm Edwards thought he would.
Even as recently as last night, Joe surfed his Android and found a story, via Twitter, about how America’s Quarterback, Pro Bowler Jameis Winston, was supposed to be the next JaMarcus Russell this time last year.
Joe’s confident many Bucs fans have their favorite story of a so-called NFL expert expecting doom for the Bucs if they selected Jameis.
Herm Edwards was not one of those down on Jameis. The former Bucs defensive assistant and close friend of Lovie Smith knew all about Jameis before 90 percent of the population did. Also armed with intel from Lovie and the Bucs, Herm expected good things from Jameis.
“Nah,” Herm told Joe in San Francisco when Joe asked if Jameis’ success was a surprise.
“I watched Jameis in college. And I coached him in the UnderArmour Game (at the Fruitdome in St. Petersburg). He was an amazing high school athlete.
“[Jameis’ rookie season] wasn’t a surprise at all. There was a reason why he was picked [No. 1 overall]. There was a lot of pressure on him. I think he has a bright future.”
Part of the reason Jameis’ transition to the NFL was smoother than many quarterbacks’, Herm believed, was that the Bucs (and Lovie) set things up for Jameis to succeed. For example, having Jameis attend Mike Alstott’s charity function before the draft. There, Jameis bonded with Bucs of the past and they sort of became not only his second family, but offered their guidance (and cell phone numbers) to tap any time.
Herm also cited Jameis’ intense, round-the-clock work ethic and drive to improve.
“Pro football is not a hobby. It is a life. He’s learning. I think going forward, with the people he has around him, [the Bucs] have a unique situation because the Bucs have a young quarterback. They have some veterans around him at the wide receiver position and going forward, I think the guy is going to be terrific.”
February 12th, 2016 at 6:20 am
Present tense on High School, Herm? Smh….classic Herm.
February 12th, 2016 at 6:24 am
Off topic here but I read a story that claims Doug Martin wants to test free agency. Have you heard anythin about this Joe?
February 12th, 2016 at 6:41 am
I expect Jameis to do what he does, I’m just hoping the franchise turns the corner with him. Let’s get a first second contract for a QB and continue to surround him with talent, meaning as much as we need a pass rush, if one of the top tackles are available in the draft, won’t be mad if we got one of them. Two things the SB showed us, you gotta have a pass rush and be able to protect your QB, another thing, weapons, after Denver shut down Olsen, he had no where else to go, better have some good receivers too. Fix in draft, supplement with FA
February 12th, 2016 at 6:45 am
He’d be a great hs qb!
February 12th, 2016 at 6:46 am
I bet he’d be the best at little league baseball too!
February 12th, 2016 at 7:51 am
I Think some of you missed the most important part of the story!!! Joe is trying to tell us something!!!!
“having Jameis attend Mike Alstott’s charity function before the draft. There, Jameis bonded with Bucs of the past and they sort of became not only his second family, but offered their guidance!!!!
The Tampa2 mafia is real!!! They used the charity as cover to all be out in the open!! pay attention Buc fans!!!!
February 12th, 2016 at 8:20 am
This franchise will not turn the corner with Jameis alone. Yes, he will be a part of it. But if the Bucs do not find a much improved Defense, they will continue to be a marginally below or 500 ball club. You can win quite a few games with offense. But you cannot go deep into the playoffs without a good Defense. Sometimes I think Buc fans think an average Defense will suffice. But its got to be much above average. And good Defenses do not happen overnight. No matter who the coach is. Scoring mega points means nothing if you can’t stop anybody.
February 12th, 2016 at 9:26 am
@CanadianBucsfan
The story of Martin testing the market was part of Stroud’s column this morning.
Joe has a thread on that under the FA signing possibilities with a link to Stroud’s column.
It was clear that the Bucs want Martin and he wants to stay…I think “testing the market” means both sides want to know what true market value there is out there.
The only way we lose him is if somebody grossly overpays and even then we could still franchise him.
February 12th, 2016 at 9:51 am
Fear not Mike Johnson, the D will be vastly improved over the next couple seasons. There is still talent on that side of the ball even despite Lovie’s attempts to cut or trade some of it away during his two year reign. On top of that we have the best D coordinator on staff since Monte, I don’t think anyone can really dispute that can they (unless someone thinks Raheem Morris, Bill Sheriden, or Leslie Frazier were better or more successful than Mike Smith)? I can’t see how any Bucs fan wouldn’t be optimistic about seeing significant improvement out of this team in 2016, even with a far more challenging schedule?
February 12th, 2016 at 1:00 pm
WINSton rookie season didn’t surprise me at all. I honestly thought we would’ve made the playoffs too but he did a lot with the troops missing a lot of games (ASJ and Vjax). I see things being the way they was supposed to be this season happening next year. I don’t know about committing to Martin because hes having fumble issues now and a history of health issues. Licht should give Martin one more year to prove it though with a Franchise tag.
February 13th, 2016 at 1:40 am
“Jameis Winston, was supposed to be the next JaMarcus Russell this time last year.”
Drop it Joe…….. those days are over sunshine.
February 13th, 2016 at 1:45 am
Mike Johnson Says:
“But you cannot go deep into the playoffs without a good Defense. Sometimes I think Buc fans think an average Defense will suffice.”
Are you out of your buc’in mind?
Buc fans think an average defense will suffice? Stop it. For this alone is yet another reason that will make you a target on these pages. Don’t GO THERE!
Sorry Joe, been busy lately. I just read this now. OMGAWD!
February 13th, 2016 at 9:15 am
@1987: Gotta agree about this Mike Johnson character! He’s clearly a new Bucs fan, and that’s fine, but to say one stupid thing after another makes you wonder if he’s simply trolling.