Kirwan: Players Trust Fitzpatrick
August 11th, 2018
Insight from behind the scenes.
Former Bucs scout and Jets player personnel director Pat Kirwan has been hanging out at One Buc Palace today with his co-host Jim Miller as they broadcast their fantastic show, “Movin’ the Chains,” live from Bucs headquarters, heard exclusively on SiriusXM NFL Radio.
And Kirwan has sensed a vibe talking to offensive players.
They have faith in Ryan Fitzpatrick, Kirwan believes.
Of course, Fitz will start the first three games as America’s Quarterback, Pro Bowler Jameis Winston, has to serve his sentence issued by NFL strongman Roger Goodell.
It seems, from Kirwan’s interactions with the Bucs, offensive players are not panicking.
“I think the team trusts him,” Kirwan said. “They are not whispering, ‘Oh man, we are dead.’ They are not. This is not about getting a quarterback battle here.”
Kirwan was studying Bucs tape on his flight to Tampa last night and he caught something that alarmed him. He noticed how mobile Fitz is and how he has no issue pulling the ball down and taking off. Kirwan said if he was Bucs coach Dirk Koetter, he would put a halt to that immediately.
“I would not let him tuck the ball right now,” Kirwan said. “They need him to start for three games.”
Joe will have much more from the special Bucs-centric broadcast from One Buc Palace throughout the weekend and into next week. Stay tuned.
August 11th, 2018 at 2:23 pm
Hopefully …Jameis picks up on the vibe….
August 11th, 2018 at 2:24 pm
I think that is an accurate analysis.
The Bucs look like they are in a very good position considering their starter is out for the first three games.
August 11th, 2018 at 2:28 pm
Play like Brad Johnson….take what they give you…don’t wait for something better…the big plays will come to you…not you trying to make a big play…take the sack…
August 11th, 2018 at 2:29 pm
I’ve always thought Koetter stifled jw from running the ball which is amazing to me since jw can run and scramble.
I’ve always said jw is NOT Koetter qb just two totally different mindsets. Jw is a playmaker, will do what is needed to extend the drive. Koetter however likes statues that manage games. I’m pretty confident Koetter would love nothing more than to have Griffin as his starting QB, I mean he did draft Blane Gabbret for goodness sakes.
A couple years ago jw scrambled and broke Telvin Smith ankles, it was awesome. Mind you Telvin is a bad boy just as good as David imo. But wtfdik.
August 11th, 2018 at 2:39 pm
I think Fitz is smart enough to know when to run and how to slide. Also the team will rally around Winston when he comes back, players know this is a make or break season.
August 11th, 2018 at 2:56 pm
Fitz job is to manage the offense & put points on the board. He’s not a rookie QB … he knows what it takes to get the job done. If the opportunity to run opens up & that’s what it takes to move the ball … do it. Personally wish they’d let Winston run more too.
August 11th, 2018 at 3:11 pm
He should run if he chooses to. It’s about him moving the chains and winning games….if it takes a scramble now and then….so be it.
August 11th, 2018 at 3:18 pm
He needs to stop going down…head first…in pre-season game number one. Use that Harvard brain, Fitz.
August 11th, 2018 at 3:22 pm
Fitz is the man, It’s part of his game. I sure feel better about Ryan Griffen after Thurs night.
August 11th, 2018 at 3:27 pm
We have enough playmakers that all Fitz needs to do us manage the game, stay patient and the points will come. One missed tackle and DJax is gone.
Wether or not the defense will allow us to stay with our gameplan is a whole other story.
August 11th, 2018 at 3:30 pm
Why are my posts not appearing ?
August 11th, 2018 at 3:46 pm
FEAR THE BEARD!!!!!!
Here’s to Fitzy going 3-0 and keeping the job!
Take a seat Jameis..
August 11th, 2018 at 3:47 pm
Kirwan have any harsh words for Winston? I know he’s been critical of him in the past.
August 11th, 2018 at 4:22 pm
Fans trust Fitz too now, after seeing him ball out in PG1
August 11th, 2018 at 4:36 pm
JohnLynch, QBs are allowed to give themselves up Head first now. New rule
August 11th, 2018 at 4:40 pm
Marc, I’d feel better if one of the plays they ran wasn’t one of Winston’s favorites to Evans. Every time Winston quickly turns around, he throws to Evans on the left side. If I can see it, defensive coordinators can see it.
August 11th, 2018 at 5:29 pm
JOE………THERE ARE NO HOOTERS UP HERE. I HAVE ASKED SEVERAL TIMES ALREADY IF WE CAN PLAY IN THE TODD WRIGHT FF LEAGUE IF WE DON’T LIVE IN THE AREA. Am trying to participate but can’t get enough info.
August 11th, 2018 at 6:18 pm
Fitz is ultra calm.
August 11th, 2018 at 6:51 pm
News Flash: Fitzpatrick is now the starter and SHOULD remain so for the rest of the season.
August 11th, 2018 at 7:14 pm
I just do not get this protect the QB crap. I can understand perhaps the Panthers frustration with Cam because he doesn’t just run the ball…he enjoys trying to lay out defenders and would be tacklers with his 6-5 250lbs.
I’m not suggesting that Fitz or #3 go all Cam and begin power running the football…but running wisely seems no more dangerous to me than dropping back to pass the ball while defenders come rushing in to take your head off. At least when the QB is running his focus is shifted to protecting himself and preparing for a hit…passing he can get really blindsided as he focuses on his target.
I agree with DB55 that #3 is a deceptively talented runner. Because he so incredibly slow people write him off and he’s not going to beat anybody with his speed…but he is very shifty and slippery and just has an innate talent for running. Fitz is faster and perhaps a better pure runner. Both of these guys should be running it more.
We should be playing to win…not playing simply to avoid injury.
August 11th, 2018 at 7:26 pm
The first preseason game I actually saw some maturity I have never seen before from Winston. No joking around, no laughing it up, just straight up serious that this is MY JOB!
August 11th, 2018 at 8:30 pm
Of course the Bucs players trust Fitz. They know that he’s not going to do something stupid, disgusting and embarrassing and get himself suspended
August 11th, 2018 at 9:27 pm
@brianbucs: spot on. Harvard man compared to a Free Shoe University punk.
August 12th, 2018 at 8:35 pm
Like Jameis, Fitz knows when to tuck and run and when to slide.
August 12th, 2018 at 8:39 pm
They need to let Jameis do more tucking and running. He takes good angles and isn’t slow at gaining yardage down field.