Jameis Winston Says Self-Focus, No Hard Knocks Worry, Among Early Keys
June 16th, 2018
In case you missed it earlier this week, Joe and Ira Kaufman had a private sit-down with America’s Quarterback, Jameis Winston.
So many topics were on the table, and some of those exchanges made their way to the Ira Kaufman Podcast.
One was regarding the change in team practices and focus you’ve read about so often over the past two weeks. Jameis weighed in on what’s different at One Buc Palace in 2018. Here’s the verbatim exchange:
JoeBucsFan.com: Gerald McCoy says the practices already have been different compared to last year’s OTAs. How can you, Jameis, explain to fans what’s been different in OTAs, what’s been different in the building?
Jameis Winston: Well, I think it’s just been pretty clear that we were aware that we didn’t succeed to the expectations [of] us last year. But this year it’s more about us. We’re not worried about Hard Knocks. We’re not worried about anything outside. We’re worried about our individual craft and our individual improvement. So once everybody focuses on themselves first, that’s how you make sure that you’re doing everything you need to do to add to the betterment of the team.
Joe: So that’s the difference. Sort of coming in with that attitude versus maybe learning it a quarter through the season or picking it up.
Winston: Absolutely.
Very interesting to hear Jameis reference Hard Knocks like that.
So many wanted to dismiss the notion of a potential Hard Knocks distraction, but what else would one expect when you put 90 young men and all their bosses on a reality show through all of training camp? A percentage will lose focus on the job at times.
That’s not why the Bucs opened the season 2-6 or lost four consecutive one-score games in December, but little things do add up and matter.
June 16th, 2018 at 4:04 pm
So many dismissed the notion of it being a potential distraction? Really???
Because I think most of us said it would be a distraction / curse / whatever you want to call it… because it always is!
Look at the record of the teams featured on Hard Knocks each year… When was the last time one of those teams had a winning season?
Of course it was a distraction.
And don’t worry, your boy rhealist will be here soon to post 27 reposts, followed with 200 exclamation points, and more tales about his farm of sheep.
June 16th, 2018 at 4:10 pm
If the league cared about the product on the field half as much as they care about the $$$$$$$$ they would do away with Hard Knocks. There isn’t a single team out there that wants to be on it.
It puts added stress on teams that are trying to build a roster that can compete for a playoff spot.
I’m proud to say that I have never watched a single episode.
June 16th, 2018 at 4:31 pm
If you cant handle the pressure or distraction of a pre season tv show how can you expect this team to handle the pressure of a playoff game. You cant. Distractions and hard knocks crying is just more excuses for a soft team
June 16th, 2018 at 4:43 pm
I loved watching Hard Knocks but it showed the reality of the situation. I remember Koetter saying how he was cracking down and he wouldn’t have anyone playing to the camera, and what do we see? GMC coming to camp in a Kimono. Ali Marpet playing a ukulele on the beach, Winston talking about cockroaches, Baker having his way on a palm tree, just to name a few from memory. I don’t think many truly realized this was training camp first.
June 16th, 2018 at 5:25 pm
Really!!! worried about hard knocks, worried about the outside? Of it’s one thing Gerald McCoy has taught is to read their own press clippings and ignore win loss record…..I’ve watched focusbe themain thing this team talks about not having for far too long and it’s getting depressing. If they can’t win with this roster they never will….I don’t know if I can stomach another regime change
June 16th, 2018 at 5:44 pm
So he’s admitting Hard Knocks was a distraction?
June 16th, 2018 at 5:59 pm
Small market and international exposure. Nope it wasn’t a distraction it was a..fiasco complete with tree humpin and kicker anxiety. Yet and still, Nobody is buying the hype this year. Its actually kinda simple. Finish at least 8-8 or Koetter and Smitty become the main bait on TV”s Shark Week. NO EXCUSES.
June 16th, 2018 at 6:00 pm
Subterfuge. Excuses, and Incompetence IMO. BS!!! Just be a professional and everyone do your JOBS!
June 16th, 2018 at 6:04 pm
Leave the pregame speeches to someone else and relax, stop coming in over amped and settle down. In his defense how manyt imes has he started a game down 7-0 before your first snap?
June 16th, 2018 at 6:32 pm
People just love to read between the lines and take things out of context
Where did he say it was a distraction? Does anyone see the word distraction?
He was specifically asked what was different. Last year was hard knocks and this year it isn’t there. That’s the DIFFERENCE not “distraction”.
I agree with, (gulp), tmax. If you can’t handle the cameras then you’re in the wrong business.
June 16th, 2018 at 7:08 pm
The fact dirk wanted to practice less and soft had far more of a difference than hard knocks cameras. Theres always cameras around. Also they seem to say theres a different feeling/mindset every year. We need a coaching staff who is on point and consistent from the get go. Dirks comments already have me lowering my expectations. Just dont think he’s the guy. Hope I’m wrong.
June 17th, 2018 at 1:43 am
It’s a new season and it all starts at zero. No distractions like Hard Knocks, the hurricane, the lost bye, and the injured shoulder.
We could witness, if everything goes well and we are on the winning side of all those one point games, a Jameis Winston “Resurrection” and a post season bid.
Bucs vs. ..the NFL We Got This! GO Bucs!
June 17th, 2018 at 8:33 am
Not sure why this clown is described as America QB. Morals and Ethics are 100% developer by the age of 13/14. His track record beyond this age is quite extensive and will only be built upon.
June 18th, 2018 at 6:24 am
Blaming Hard Knocks is dumb.
June 18th, 2018 at 10:17 pm
Americas qb??? Come on man, hes not even Floridas qb. Stop getting in trouble, stop licking your fingers with fake pregame speeches, learn to throw the ball deep, stop fumbling the ball. Then maybe you will can take the team to the playoffs and win like Mariota did…