“It’s An Absolute Circus In This League”
July 27th, 2018
Add Ryan Fitzpatrick to the list of Buccaneers passing on a timely chance to say America’s Quarterback, Jameis Winston, is the Week 4 starter.
Dirk Koetter went there yesterday and said Week 4 is too far away to discuss whether Jameis will play if healthy after his three-game suspension.
After practice this morning, Joe asked Fitzpatrick whether he is thinking/hoping to be the starter when Jameis returns. The Week 1 starter said he can’t look beyond opening day but knows the NFL has a way of surprising players.
JoeBucsFan.com: Does the competitor and the dreamer in you kind of feel like, ‘Hey, I can take this past Week 3 all the way?’
Ryan Fitzpatrick: Again, I have been thrown in so many different situations and, you know, thought things were great one week and then thrown six interceptions the next week and then got benched one week, and then thrown six touchdowns the next week. So, it’s an absolute circus in this league and you have to look at it one week at a time.
Man, Joe is rooting for a QB controversy. Why? Because that means Fitzpatrick played well and the Bucs could be sitting at 2-1. What a buzz would be pulsing through town if the Bucs had a winning record after facing the Saints, Eagles and Steelers.
Now this should be uplifting for Buccaneers fans: Fitzpatrick is 21-21 in his last 42 starts, his total since 2014.
So Fitzpatrick has proven he can win (and lose), and that sets up what could be a very intriguing call by Koetter in Week 4.
July 27th, 2018 at 11:56 am
No intrigue at all. Even if Fitz is 3-0 as the starter he sits. Winston is the future of the franchise.
July 27th, 2018 at 11:57 am
Would the Eagles bench Wentz if he is unable to start the first three games of the season? In favor of Foles? Did the Hall of Fame vote Warren Sapp first ballot because he was a great guy off the field? How about Ray Lewis??
July 27th, 2018 at 12:05 pm
Positive Joe finally showed up – LOL
Winston will be the week 4 starter so I believe your attempts at stirring up some type of QB controversy hype will turn out to be ill fated at best Joe.
July 27th, 2018 at 12:06 pm
Why in the world would you want a QB controversy? Jameis is the starter and the future. Everyone knows this. I want Fitz to play well for 3 games. Just until Jameis gets back. Otherwise him and the coaches are most likely gone, Bucs are back in rebuilding mode and any chance of success anytime soon is also gone. Sometimes Joe says the craziest things.
Guys, you might want to look up the word “controversy.” There are controversial decisions on teams every year, even good ones. This one would mean the Bucs are winning, and Joe’s all for that.–Joe
July 27th, 2018 at 12:07 pm
If we have a winning record after 3 games its due to our defense and running game allowing Fitz to be a game manager. I’ll take it but we need to know if JW is our future or not…Saying that, my job is not on the line, so I wouldn’t blame the team for waiting to start him after the bye week.(week 5 – start week 6)
Go Bucs!
July 27th, 2018 at 12:09 pm
Very good answer from Fitzpatrick.
Refreshing.
I’m so used to hearing: “I just have to get better” and “like I said God is good”.
Boy, I sure miss those responses.
Go Fitz!
Go Bucs!!
July 27th, 2018 at 12:19 pm
Gotta side with Joe in that THIS controversy would be a “good” one to have. Only in that we’ve won more games than lost, something very, very few people can even envision. Which is a sad statement of those “Buc” fans in general.
Tear ’em up Ryan “Beard” Fitzpatrick!!!
July 27th, 2018 at 12:21 pm
Just because we win 3 games doesnt mean there should be a controversy. Plenty of Back ups have won 3 games. Who in their right mind is going to trust an old Fitzpatrick for a whole season? C’mon Joe. A QB controversy is the very last thing this team needs.
July 27th, 2018 at 12:22 pm
Winning these first games will be more about how the defense plays than who is at QB.
July 27th, 2018 at 12:26 pm
Couch,
Trust?
Fitzpatrick?
I think you have your QBs mixed up.
July 27th, 2018 at 12:26 pm
Jameis Winston will be the Bucs starting QB in week 4….on one week’s practice. 3-0 or 0-3 and it will be….”refreshing.”
July 27th, 2018 at 12:28 pm
Even if Fitz was 3-0 after the first three games, why wouldn’t we switch back to JW3 in game 4? After all, Jameis and all of the “weapons for Winston did win 3 games last year………….out of 13………….. and scored 18.96 points per game.
tickrdr
July 27th, 2018 at 12:28 pm
Btw a controversy is a disagreement, in this case a disagreement on who should be starting. Another distraction, which our Bucs never seem to be able to handle, is the last thing this team needs even if we go 3-0.
July 27th, 2018 at 12:28 pm
feelthepewterpower Says:
July 27th, 2018 at 11:56 am
No intrigue at all. Even if Fitz is 3-0 as the starter he sits. Winston is the future of the franchise.
Me thinks he very well may NOT be the future of the franchise. Have you been living in a cave the last few weeks?
Joe is absolutely right on this one.
July 27th, 2018 at 12:30 pm
@Joe … “that sets up what could be a very intriguing call by Koetter in Week 4.” IF the Bucs win 2 of the first 3 (or heaven forbid, 3 of the first 3) AND Fitz plays well, I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see Koetter start Fitz in Game 4. Koetter’s job is on the line (as well as a lot of others’ jobs) and I fully expect Dirk to put the players on the field who’ll give the Bucs the best chance of winning. With Jameis having just sat for 3 weeks (no practicing with the team) Koetter may very well decide Fitz gives us the best chance of winning. That’s not a controversy … that’s smart football.
Besides that, Jameis put himself AND the TEAM in this position. He may very well be our QB of the future, but it’ll take a LOT more than one game (Chicago) to convince everyone of that. Question to all JBFers supporting Jameis starting Game 4: What IF he LOST Game 4 (because he was rusty or whatever?) after the Bucs (hopefully) start 3-0 or 2-1 under Fitz? I’ve got a feeling you all would be screaming at Koetter for NOT staying with Fitz in that Game 4 (but would probably make excuse after excuse for poor Jameis).
July 27th, 2018 at 12:31 pm
87 you also said he was taking us the to superbowl last year…
July 27th, 2018 at 12:34 pm
Defense….me supporting JW starting week 4 has no bearing on what I think will happen in week 4. I think Koetter starts him. I have no say so.
July 27th, 2018 at 12:37 pm
I think Fitz plays the first 4,up to the bye week, unless he absolutely bombs.
July 27th, 2018 at 12:38 pm
I agree with Joe I hope Citz goes 2-1 or 3-0 it would the bucs they can win without JABoob
July 27th, 2018 at 12:38 pm
I find it funny someone with the name “Defense Rules” is putting wins/losses all on the QB….
But to answer your question. I’d be ok with losing our 1st game back with Jameis. Do you really expect us to go undefeated with or without Jameis? What I do know is that Jameis gives us a much better chance to win period. You are right though, it will take more than 1 game.
You are also right that Dirk’s job is on the line which would make it insane for him to play the lesser of the two QBs(Fitz).
July 27th, 2018 at 12:39 pm
87
Great to see you back…..how was rehab?……I’ve missed you along with many others…..it was lonely in the cooler without you.
As far as controversy……controversy sells…..and it would be a good thing for everyone……Fitz, Jameis, Bucs, Buc Fans…..& especially JBF…….
July 27th, 2018 at 12:40 pm
The Bucs can’t win without JW but the bigger issue is they can’t win with him either.
July 27th, 2018 at 12:40 pm
jdubya is done yall
get over it. best we can hope for is he doesn’t steal anything, doesn’t assault anyone, doesn’t beat a coach, doesn’t jump on a podium, doesn’t get arrested……
we get a decent trade and jdub doesn’t play another snap as a buc
July 27th, 2018 at 12:41 pm
Yes I did say that…and….
Guess we’ll have to wait a little longer….get rid of him and maybe wait another decade. Who cares? Me. I have a lot of apparel that I still wear every day. I’m the fan that’s waited 30 years for a franchise QB and I still see one. So I care. Not too many fans left that do care.
Hey what’s another 10 MORE years of sucking anyways?
July 27th, 2018 at 12:41 pm
Controversy with Winston around is just the way it is. Unavoidable.
July 27th, 2018 at 12:44 pm
Exactly 87. Good to see you back btw.
July 27th, 2018 at 12:48 pm
That would be stupid. If the Patriots went with Drew Bledsoe as the starter when he came back from injury in 2001 we would have never heard of Tom Brady nor the Patriots would have been a dynasty.
If the Buccaneers are winning with a 3-0 record and responding positively to Ryan Fitzpatrick you stay with the winner.
July 27th, 2018 at 12:50 pm
JBF is like the guy selling cut sardines at the Carnival Midway….”Feed Live Sharks !”
July 27th, 2018 at 12:53 pm
The Real Malloy Says:
July 27th, 2018 at 12:28 pm
feelthepewterpower Says:
July 27th, 2018 at 11:56 am
No intrigue at all. Even if Fitz is 3-0 as the starter he sits. Winston is the future of the franchise.
Me thinks he very well may NOT be the future of the franchise. Have you been living in a cave the last few weeks?
Joe is absolutely right on this one.
—————————–
The Buccs go 9-7 under Winston in 2016. Then Buccs start 2-1, nearly go 3-1 vs. the Patriots if not for the kicker, and then Winston gets hurt and the team struggles. Winston returns for the final stretch and is arguably one of the best quarterbacks in the entire league during that stretch. Yet, you don’t think he’s the future of our franchise? Speaking of caves, I am glad you’re not the owner, general manager, coach, etc. of this team.
July 27th, 2018 at 12:56 pm
87’s back!!!!
July 27th, 2018 at 12:56 pm
If they get rid of Jameis Winston today.
I’ll be a Bucs fan tomorrow.
Bury me in pewter & red draped in a creamsicle Bucs flag. (shrugs)
I still think he’s the right QB. IMO. Pete, Walter and the rest of the girls can have their opinions. I’ve never really cared much about anyone elses though.
Go Bucs!
July 27th, 2018 at 12:59 pm
Couch Fan, it was a HYPOTHETICAL question, that’s all. But I’m glad you found it amusing. BTW, IF Koetter starts Fitz in Game 4 and the Bucs lose, the wolves would howl just as loud. The only time a HC doesn’t get second-guessed is if he WINS.
July 27th, 2018 at 1:07 pm
D-Rome Says:
July 27th, 2018 at 12:48 pm
No intrigue at all. Even if Fitz is 3-0 as the starter he sits.
That would be stupid. If the Patriots went with Drew Bledsoe as the starter when he came back from injury in 2001 we would have never heard of Tom Brady nor the Patriots would have been a dynasty.
If the Buccaneers are winning with a 3-
0 record and responding positively to Ryan Fitzpatrick you stay with the winner.
——————-
Drew Bledsoe was going into his ninth season back then with the Patriots. Winston is entering his fourth season. Drew Bledsoe was regressing going into that season and lost an opening week to the lowly Bengals in which he went 0’fer on a potential game-winning drive. Then he got severely hurt with internal bleeding. Remember how Chris Sims wasn’t the same QB after damaging his spleen vs. Carolina. Winston is progressing going into his fourth season. See the metrics football outsiders ran on him this offseason. This was also Bill Bellichick’s second year with the team, so he was looking for a future QB. Bledsoe was not his future….and his play warranted the decision to bench Bledsoe.
July 27th, 2018 at 1:14 pm
D-Rome Says:
July 27th, 2018 at 12:48 pm
No intrigue at all. Even if Fitz is 3-0 as the starter he sits.
That would be stupid. If the Patriots went with Drew Bledsoe as the starter when he came back from injury in 2001 we would have never heard of Tom Brady nor the Patriots would have been a dynasty.
If the Buccaneers are winning with a 3-0 record and responding positively to Ryan Fitzpatrick you stay with the winner.
—————————-
Let’s look at that Patriots team, shall we? Bledsoe was entering his ninth season and was regressing. The team was 5-11 in 2000, and he was 19th in passer rating that season. He also failed to move the ball (zero completions) on a potential game-winning drive vs. lowly the Bengals that season. Winston is going into his fourth season. Football Outsiders has shown data this offseason to show that Winston is progressing, and explains the losing record with solid data. You also had Bellichick in his second and year, and he was looking towards the future. Bledsoe’s play meant he was not the answer, and thus, it was an an easy decision to make and there was no controversy as far the Patriots were concerned. Winston is our future.
July 27th, 2018 at 1:15 pm
I agree! Which is why you go with the QB who gives you the best chance to win. And that is without a doubt, Jameis. Even with his off field issues, he is still the better QB on the field.
July 27th, 2018 at 1:16 pm
I forgot to mention above…after losing to the lowly Bengals in week one, he then suffered a serious injury with internal bleeding. Recall that Chris Sims was never the same QB after rupturing his spleen. Between the injury, age, and decline in play….there was no intrigue behind the benching.
Fitzpatrick is only here for one year. Winston is far more likely to be here much longer.
July 27th, 2018 at 1:18 pm
I forgot to mention above…after losing to the lowly Bengals in week one, he then suffered a serious injury with internal bleeding. Recall that Chris Sims was never the same QB after rupturing his spleen. Between the injury, age, and decline in play….there was no intrigue behind the benching.
Just as there will be no mystery as to who the starter will be in week four.
July 27th, 2018 at 1:18 pm
Expect Fitz to start game 4. Game 3 is Monday Night and there’s no way Winston, with no practice for the first three weeks, can be football ready with three day to practice. Probably he starts again after the bye week.
July 27th, 2018 at 1:19 pm
I forgot to mention above…after losing to the lowly Bengals in week one, he then suffered a serious injury with internal bleeding. Recall that Chris Sims was never the same QB after rupturing his spleen. Between the injury, age, and decline in play….there was no intrigue behind the benching.
Just as there will be no mystery as to who the starter will be in week four. …
July 27th, 2018 at 1:23 pm
feelthepewterpower,
The Buccs go 9-7 under Winston in 2016. Then Buccs start 2-1, nearly go 3-1 vs. the Patriots if not for the kicker, and then Winston gets hurt and the team struggles. Winston returns for the final stretch and is arguably one of the best quarterbacks in the entire league during that stretch. Yet, you don’t think he’s the future of our franchise? Speaking of caves, I am glad you’re not the owner, general manager, coach, etc. of this team.
What are you smoking? We went 2-1 when Winston got hurt. Then he came back and was “arguably one of the best qb’s in the league”?????
Ok, first off, no he wasn’t. Secondly, The Glazers have made it ABUNDANTLY CLEAR this week that he is no longer the face of the franchise. He lied to the organization, he lied to the fans, he lied to the coaching staff. He is no longer dependable and Dirk and Licht have to win NOW to keep their jobs. If Fitz goes, 3-0 or 2-1, I guarantee you they stay with the hot hand. They are not going to risk their careers on a guy who hasn’t won and has lost the trust of the community and the organization. If Fitz wins, its his team. End of story.
July 27th, 2018 at 1:24 pm
If Fitz is
3-0 I could see him starting game 4 easily unless he’s really bad
2-1 maybe starting
1-2 could start if he beats Pittsburgh week 3 other wise probably bench
0-3 Winston, you’re up.
#Get after it!
We can clammer all we want but Koetter will have the final say. They knew last year that a suspension was coming down and after Winston missed 3 games with injury guess what, he was back in the starting lineup after Fitz went 2-1.
Gut says Winston will start week 4 unless Fitz plays out of his mind and Bucs are
3-0.
July 27th, 2018 at 1:54 pm
Buc1987- I’m just now realizing that I miss your takes! Welcome back!
“I’m the fan that’s waited 30 years for a franchise QB and I still see one. So I care. Not too many fans left that do care.”
30 years and counting! Cheers to my masochistic brother!!!
July 27th, 2018 at 2:07 pm
Obviously Fitz continues to start if he goes 3-0 or very even possibly 2-1. To say otherwise is foolish
July 27th, 2018 at 2:10 pm
Fitz has the worst winning percentage of any veteran QB with at least 75 starts in the NFL. By a wide margin.
He has never been to the playoffs. Ever.
He has lost every important game in his career due to implosion. Look it up.
None of the above is false. So, ask yourself this…
What is most likely to happen?
1. Fitz plays as he always has and leads the Bucs to mediocrity at best.
Or…
2. Fitz defies everything he has shown before and plays the best season of his life.
Smart, successful people would obviously choose #1
Hopeless optimists who end up constantly disappointed would wish for #2.
Unfortunately, even with guys like Teddy B available for peanuts, this regime is clearly falling in line with camp #2.
#2 = unemployment in the near future
July 27th, 2018 at 3:31 pm
Tony,
I have to agree that JL should be making a serious run at Bridgewater.
I don’t know what kinda of performance we will get with Fitzpatrick, but I believe it will be better than you are predicting. As far as winning % , He beats Winston.
And yeah He’s played on some really bad teams.
He has also put up a better season than JW has done. I would feel much better w a Bridgewater in the mix, no doubt.
As far as a wise man picking JW……..not if money is involved
July 27th, 2018 at 3:54 pm
I’d rather Matt Moore than TB. TB plays scared imo, not a fan.
July 27th, 2018 at 4:03 pm
Fitzpatrick has never had this kind of talent to work with before. Between the WR’s, TE’s, and RB’s the Bucs have arguably the best receiving group in the NFL.
July 27th, 2018 at 4:40 pm
The Real Malloy Says:
What are you smoking? We went 2-1 when Winston got hurt. Then he came back and was “arguably one of the best qb’s in the league”?????
Ok, first off, no he wasn’t. Secondly, The Glazers have made it ABUNDANTLY CLEAR this week that he is no longer the face of the franchise. He lied to the organization, he lied to the fans, he lied to the coaching staff. He is no longer dependable and Dirk and Licht have to win NOW to keep their jobs. If Fitz goes, 3-0 or 2-1, I guarantee you they stay with the hot hand. They are not going to risk their careers on a guy who hasn’t won and has lost the trust of the community and the organization. If Fitz wins, its his team. End of story.
———————————
Huh? Have the Glazers spoke publically since the ruling was handed? I think not. You speak for the Glazers, eh? Oh, because they took down advertising? Do you not think the Glazers are shrewd businessmen? And you’ve never told a lie to hide from embarrassment or shame? Oh, stop. Dirk risked his career last year prior to the allegations…..and the team could have caved (pardon the pun) down the stretch, yet Winston was out there fighting for his coach and his team. And no, even if Fitzpatrick has a perfect passer rating, he’s going to the bench because he’s not the team’s future with a huge contract at stake. And yes, I am rooting for Fitz to go 3-0.
And yes Winston was one of the best in the fourth quarter of the season according to Pro Football focus.
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/pro-best-pff-grades-by-quarter-nfl-qbs?utm_content=buffer20033&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=nfl
You also might want to look at the deeper picture regarding the metrics at football perspective before saying that I am smoking something.
http://www.footballperspective.com/jameis-winston-had-an-unusual-2017-season/
July 27th, 2018 at 5:34 pm
D1-
What season do you think Fitz played better than Jameis? Can’t be the 12 games he played for the Texans. I go out to a Texan game once a year to visit my brother and follow them closely. Fitz was ask to do very little a pure game manager advantaged 200 yards a game and let the defense win the game. The Exact opposite what Bucs have done with Jameis
July 27th, 2018 at 7:14 pm
If we are winning I don’t think Winston starts till after the bye week.
If he stumbles at all after getting back in I think Fitzpatrick will get the nod again. Wins are going to be the most important thing. I believe Dirk and Jason will be more concerned about their future’s than the future of Jameis.
July 27th, 2018 at 7:29 pm
21 and 21 in his last 42 starts.
That is better than what JW is in his last 42
July 27th, 2018 at 8:05 pm
If you think Fitz is a better Qb than Jameis that tells me all I need to know.
July 27th, 2018 at 8:50 pm
Look guys, really, Fitz has both a better career winning percentage and a last season better winning percentage than Winston. Is he a great QB? No. Is he the Bucs future? No. BUT NEITHER IS WINSTON. Winston is one more screw up or one more lapse from the NFL’s fix you protocol from additional suspensions, AND Winston has been lying to the Glazers for the last seven months. So wake up…
July 27th, 2018 at 10:06 pm
Stanglassman,
First, let me be clear about this. I am not stating or suggesting Fitzpatrick is better, more talented etc etc than Winston. I am merely pointing to facts that are counter to the prevailing opinion which basically concedes the first 3 games because of the perception that Winston is uber superior to the pedestrian error prone play of Fitzpatrick. The facts should be reason for optimism at best. In the least , possibly temper the we’re all going to die , until Winston arrives, defeatist mind set.
You asked about a season ….2015 Jets. 10-6 record as a starter.3900yds 37tds-15ints. Passer rating 92.5. Point blank period Winston hasn’t achieved a season to match this…..let alone surpass it.
Fitz is a guy who is asked to keep the team in the game and give the team a chance to win for 3 games . His work suggests that He is capable. Facts prove that this is possible. The fan support for Winston is based upon his potential to be the better player not his actual history of being that guy.
Fitz gives the team a better chance to win than many people choose to believe.
Why they choose doom and gloom….beats me
July 27th, 2018 at 10:15 pm
Listen, in the end if Fitz has the “HOT HAND”, well you DON’T Switch that out. That would truly be a BAD decision!
I am a fan of Winston on the field and in Most of his life (now) off the field. That’s just how I feel about it.
HOWEVER YOU “NEVER” Remove the HOT HAND!!!
And I don’t mean Winston 2 1/2 years ago 😜
“RIDE OR DIE” GO BUCS!!!!!
July 27th, 2018 at 10:18 pm
Future felon lmao best 4th quarterback because of the prevent defense he was up against down 30 points because of 3ints and two fumbles what a f@cking joke! How blind …….
July 28th, 2018 at 3:19 am
DB55 Says:
I’d rather Matt Moore than TB. TB plays scared imo, not a fan.
yes sir !
July 28th, 2018 at 6:33 am
The “hot hand” means nothing in football. Each game is different, and it doesn’t usually translate to the next game. As Firz said, one week he is throwing six int’s, the next six touchdowns. He is a backup because he has shown over a large sample size to be inconsistent. Three games is not enough to prove he is the long term future of the team (at age 35). Everyone loves the backup qb apparently.
July 28th, 2018 at 6:43 am
D1 writes:
You asked about a season ….2015 Jets. 10-6 record as a starter.3900yds 37tds-15ints. Passer rating 92.5. Point blank period Winston hasn’t achieved a season to match this…..let alone surpass it.
——————-
AFC East is a terrible divison. Put the Buccs in that divison and they very well could have a winner bg record. New England has the easiest path to a super bowl because the division is typically so weak. I also recall the Jets needing to beat the Bills,
i think it might have even been 2015, and Fitz wet the bed.
While I am not high on Fitz, I am no defeatist. I believe the team
Can still find ways to win with him as our talent and
Depth this season is the best it has been in a while. Talent alone doesnt win us games and the team will have the mentality that it is goibg t go out and dominate whoever is in front of them that day.
July 28th, 2018 at 6:48 am
Btw, D1, the stats in the second half of last season showed Winston to be progressing. Pff had him as the third highest grades qb in the fourth quarter alone with the likes of Brady, Bress, etc. Winston has the ability to become an elite qb (top five) in this league for many years.