Getting Physical
May 19th, 2016
Better shape = better fundamentals.
Don’t be surprised to see a new America’s Quarterback, Pro Bowler Jameis Winston, when the regular season kicks off this September (roughly four months away). And it isn’t just his slimmed down physique.
Today, Bucs’ offensive assistant coaches spoke to the Tampa Bay pen and mic club including quarterbacks coach Mike Bajakian.
Bajakian noted that last year the Bucs crammed Jameis so much on learning the playbook and learning the offense, that improving his physical tools became secondary.
Not so much this year, Bajakian said. Now, the Bucs are determined to hone Jameis’ skillset to make him a more complete quarterback.
“I think with experience and a more firm grasp of the offense comes more responsibilities,” Bajakian said. “I don’t think there is anything earth-shattering about that. It’s not like we are letting [Jameis] call plays or anything like that. He is just at a point now he can handle more on his plate from the mental side of the game.”
Then, Bajakian spoke about how much having Jameis for the full offseason will help the offense a great deal this fall.
“That is the beauty of having him here for a full year,” Bajakian said. “We got him last year and for much of the early process [the coaches and Jameis] dedicated so much of our time to learning the offense and learning the procedure and managing the offense.
“We are at a point where he is proficient enough in the offense that we can focus even more on the details. Everything from his football to his release to, again, accuracy.”
Of course, with Jameis being in the shape he is, Bajakian said that will help Jameis from developing sloppy technique late in games when he is about zapped of fuel. By being in shape, Bajakian feels, Jameis will have more stamina, avoiding bad fundamentals that can crop up from fatigue.
May 19th, 2016 at 1:58 pm
“again, accuracy.”
Jameis has always gotten skronger as the game goes on. Build Jameis a wall!!! And everything will be amazing!
May 19th, 2016 at 2:10 pm
Speaking for Pablo
“Pablo would love to invite Hamus to join Pablo at Lake Como where Pablo & Hamus can show of their physics….especially their elongated arcs. If Hamus is too shy for Lake Como, Pablo suggests poolside at Hason’s…..the Hoes could cover that with video.”
May 19th, 2016 at 2:11 pm
We are so lucky Jameis is a buc. It’s refreshing to see a high draft pick / star with so much hunger and desire. He is a great example those high draft picks that are content with losing.
It will be a fun offense to watch this year. It also helps that Jameis now has a couch who is not deathly afraid of scoring points.
May 19th, 2016 at 2:12 pm
physiques……Pablo don’t spell too good!…..Fisicos!!!
May 19th, 2016 at 2:17 pm
Good article Joe. I agree with Bajakian’s take that fatigue can negatively effect fundamentals at the time of the game when they are needed most. (4th quarter).
Lack of performance at the end of a game has never been a problem for Winston but being in tip top shape seems to me a minimum requirement of a professional athlete who earns millions per year to perform their skillset.
I’m glad Jameis took his responsibilities in that regard so seriously this off season – and hopefully all those “details” he and Mike are now working on will facilitate the emergence of the Superstar QB I expect to see on the field at RJS this season.
May 19th, 2016 at 3:24 pm
Just stop with trying to block downfield! Someone is going to roll up on him from behind or attempt to clean his clock. Whichever domes first.
May 19th, 2016 at 4:26 pm
I agree Dewey….unless it’s 4th quarter in the Super Bowl for the win….he needs to stay away from blocking!!! Love his will to help the team win though, something many still scoff at when mentioned. I feel bad for the people not wiling to come around to James and the fact they were wrong about him. They are going to miss out on better days after all those years of misery for nothing.
May 19th, 2016 at 5:47 pm
He been blocking that sweep since hs. Not sure he can help himself. He’s about as tough as they come.
Remember last year when he scrambled and got crushed by a Jacksonville linebacker as he attempted to spin move. He gets absolutely crushed, gets up and gives the linebacker a pound. # nice hit