Changing The Narrative
December 18th, 2019
Mea culpa by columnist.
It wasn’t long ago that a national columnist said it was time.
It was time for the Bucs to wave goodbye to Mr. Entertainment, America’s Quarterback, Pro Bowler Jameis Winston, because of — you guessed it — turnovers.
Oh, and also because Andy Dalton would likely be available in the spring.
But now, heavy metal-headbanging Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports has seen the big picture and he thinks the Bucs would be downright dumb to let Jameis walk away.
And the gunslinger does still turn the ball over – he will do so more than anyone else in the NFL this season and he has thrown the most picks in the league over the past four seasons – but he also has yet to turn 26, is a great threat in the offense Bruce Arians has constructed and the Bucs will be hard pressed to upgrade on him in 2020. At this stage of his life and career, Arians isn’t in it for a rebuild, the Bucs will win too many games to nab one of the top QBs in the draft and it’s not like the crop of free agent or trade options will look better than what they already have (Eli Manning, Joe Flacco, Andy Dalton, Cam Newton recovering from foot surgery, etc.).
No, with each passing week, filled with huge plays by Winston, he looks more and more like a part of their future. General manager Jason Licht, the man who drafted him to build the franchise around him, badly wants this to work. And the recent play by the quarterback will give him, I believe, sufficient ammunition to make the case to ownership. Heck, they’re already paying him $20M this season, and with a full year under Arians’ offense, it’s not difficult to project him growing more next year.
La Canfora also pointed out the Bucs — far from a perfect team — fit Jameis’ mentality just right. Arians already has the mentality of no risk it, no biscuit and Jameis is absolutely fearless in wanting to wing the ball.
Joe mentioned in an upcoming Ira Kaufman Podcast that Jameis has the right amount of “audacity” to carry out Arians’ throw now; worry later philosophy.
As Jameis said recently, when he throws a pick, Arians will tell him on the sideline, “keep firing.”
Jameis just may be the perfect quarterback for Arians.
December 18th, 2019 at 5:12 am
I, too, was wrong. Jameis is Lazarus of Bethany.
December 18th, 2019 at 5:36 am
As with any QB, the playcaller can play to his strengths. If the rumors that the Jameis camp has made unrealistic contract demands are true, might he be put in situations where he struggles this weekend?
December 18th, 2019 at 5:43 am
I’m for letting him go, always have been. If he stays, it must be financially friendly to the Bucs. He does not, by any means, deserve some crazy, huge contract. Barrett needs the franchise tag. More value in keeping the D together.
December 18th, 2019 at 5:49 am
Can the Bucs win a SB with Jameis? Yes, absolutely
Will Bucs win a SB with a QB that throws 25 interceptions per year? Not Likely.
And that is the conundrum that fans and Bucs management are faced with.
The future with Jameis will certainly be Entertaining and could be Great or Exasperating
December 18th, 2019 at 6:09 am
KEEP FAMOUS LET trump go!!
December 18th, 2019 at 6:10 am
Arians loves to throw the ball as much as Fameis why do you think he doesn’t care about a bell cow rb? 50 yds rushing 450 yds passing 4 tds 1 or less t/o he’d be happy with that every game. Dang tho could he at least incorporate some screens and passes to the rbs so they appear as a threat???
December 18th, 2019 at 6:23 am
If you read into it, La Canfora’s rationale is not “sign him at all costs.” It’s actually what a lot of posters have been saying. We will not be drafting one of the top QB prospects in the draft. Draft picks are a crap-shoot anyway. The Bucs KNOW what they have in Jameis. There are far too many other issues to address. See if the guy can play some consistent football with a better TEAM around him by finding a run-game, building the trenches, and playing better defense.
It’s foolish to think that any rookie will come in here and light it up. Draft picks are, and ALWAYS have been, a 50/50 proposition.
Franchise him, see if you can sign him to a short-term contract. Make him prove it’s worth breaking the bank. In his five-year career, the only thing he has shown has been consistent inconsistency. Again, make him prove he can lead this team.
Keeping Jameis short-term at this point is just a better BUSINESS decision.
December 18th, 2019 at 6:24 am
Jameis & his agent can’t overprice his services…..like any negotiation, you expect the starting price to be high. I’m not concerned.
Sure, some other teams would want Jameis….but they would be concerned with the terms also.
December 18th, 2019 at 6:41 am
Winston’s agent can definitely over price his services….for the sole purpose of getting the franchise tag. He can do it again next year as well…..and then in yr 3 they’ll hit the jackpot as legit free agents. More and more players are seeing the value in “sacrificing” in the short term for the max annual payout while losing the leverage of the franchise tag.
December 18th, 2019 at 6:48 am
Therefore, we are apparently willing to accept improvement, with zero chance for a Super Bowl championship, because there is ZERO chance this turnover machine could ever survive playoff football.
December 18th, 2019 at 6:51 am
Well said Alanbucfan, But if it’s true the Bucs don’t have better options than Jameis, Jameis who is growing and familiar with this system holds the power position right now in terms of negotiating going into next year and can negotiate to a better deal maybe not a crazy one but a pretty lucrative one IMO. Bucs Likely will realize they can’t get better next year without him, well…. right now anyways.
December 18th, 2019 at 6:57 am
Got Better with COACHING!!!!!!!!!!
wHERE IS tHE rEALIST?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LoL
December 18th, 2019 at 6:59 am
wHAT LONG BALLS ISSUE?????
COACHING BABY!!!!!!!
The Realist is back in Spain!
December 18th, 2019 at 7:01 am
Bucs will never win a super bowl with jameis
December 18th, 2019 at 7:01 am
If we played in a playoff game his turnovers will eliminate us quickly
December 18th, 2019 at 7:43 am
I don’t think another team would break the bank to sign Jameis. All his old baggage that we’ve gotten over, would be brought up again with his new team. Plus a GM would have a hard sell to owners, and fans saying the QB that leads the league in turnovers, and has since he’s been in the league is the QB we got to pay 30 million plus to. It’s kind of how we’d feel if we turned to Dalton instead of Jameis. Would we be happy? Jameis’s best bet is to stay with us, and us with him. Something will be worked out, or he’ll be tagged next year, end of story.
December 18th, 2019 at 7:52 am
Agreed. He will not win the big game. Most likely be the reason for losing a playoff game…
December 18th, 2019 at 7:52 am
Short term signing and draft his replacement
December 18th, 2019 at 8:24 am
BigHog, and replace Trump with who?
December 18th, 2019 at 8:30 am
Lock him up for five years. He’s blowing the doors off of every offensive franchise record there is, in his first year in a new system. Protect him better and give him even a a mediocre ground game, and will win the division. Give him a mediocre defense and he will win playoff games. Give him a really good defense and he will win SBs. Lock him up. With the possible exception of Steve Young, he is far and away the most prolific QB to ever wear a Buccaneer uniform. I’m tired of rooting for exBuc QBs in the SB, and I appreciate everything Brad Johnson did for the Bucs, but before I die I want to see our own homegrown QB win a league championship. Stop dragging up an accusation from four years ago. Stop whining about the turnovers. He moves the chains and he scores points with pisspoor protection and a feeble ground attack. Lock him up. He’s clearly our best option. No rookie or free agent is going to outperform him in the next year or two, or ever. We’ve waited four decades for a QB who could perform like this. I don’t have another four decades left. I might not even have one. Lock him up, and Trump too while you’re at it. Just imagine what Jameis will do with a second year in this system and these weapons healthy. Lock him up. We have NEVER had an offense like this. GO BUCS
December 18th, 2019 at 8:38 am
>>> BigHog, and replace Trump with who? <<< Pence baby!!! Couple years of Pence and sorry snots like Big Hog will be crying for Trump to run again. LOL
December 18th, 2019 at 8:39 am
This offseason is going to be the biggest off season in the last 20 years. Licht/Arians need to hit a grand slam
December 18th, 2019 at 8:39 am
Arians offense is more risky by nature…slow developing, longer routes leading to more QB hits and unfortunately turnovers. Jamies has played his way to a much better pay day. It’ll be either the franchise tag or a long term deal. Those thinking it’ll be a short term, lower priced “bridge” contract are dreaming. Licht goes all in here as it’s now or never for him, Arians and JW ( as a Buc at least ).
December 18th, 2019 at 8:48 am
I hope 2020 we don’t here all the BS about the Bucs. No BS just go out and win with probably a tougher schedule.
December 18th, 2019 at 8:55 am
Hey Blahak – do you not comprehend the alternatives, or do you make decisions irrationally without thinking. I would absolutely love for you to propose your solution. Are you privy to any available young quarterbacks that has the talent/ability to lead the NFL in Yards? Are you suggesting there will be other quarterbacks available that can lead an offense that is SECOND in the NFL in scoring? Did you know the Bucs are next to last in NFL in points given up? But sure, the quarterback of the most explosive offense in the league is the god damn problem
December 18th, 2019 at 8:58 am
I’m worried, much like with our defense, that once we face a decent team again he’ll come back down to earth and throw 3 or 4 picks. These last few weeks aren’t much of a good indicator of anything.
December 18th, 2019 at 8:58 am
He often lights it up against poor competition and really struggles against better team
December 18th, 2019 at 8:59 am
This fan base is hilarious. Winston is literally the best QB that the team has ever had (with the interceptions and all) and we are clamoring to push him out the door.
Most TDs in a season and game (can’t say it was due to longevity ala Testeverde)
Most Yards in a season and game (can’t say it was due to longevity ala Testeverde)
Most Points in a season and game
Most Yards per throw (Monster stat)
Most First Downs per throw (Monster stat)
Has set multiple NFL records! (Records mean decent player at the least)
IS ONLY 25 YEARS OLD! <– With FIVE YEARS of EXP!
So what do we want to do? Get rid of him of course!!!!
Let's not keep working on the surrounding talent base, let's just get rid of the hardest position to play and scout for. How many LBs, DBs, RBs, WRs, TEs, OL are on a team and how many QBs are there?
Hardest position to settle on the team and although we have a record setting QB, we want to replace him with an unknown.
It's a Bucs Life!
December 18th, 2019 at 9:25 am
It’s just business. How much is JW worth.
I think the majority here are OK with another ONE year investment. If that means using the franchise tag or the cheaper transition tag so be it.
Any GAMBLE on a long term deal should involve tremendous discounts for additional years in return for taking what is STILL clearly a chance with JW. He has the talent…can BA and JW combine to harness that? Perhaps? A half dozen games is a little thin resume for me to feel good about investing the farm on a long term contract.
Risk versus return. If we do a longer term deal as posters point out there would be some savings…perhaps…but there most CERTAINLY would be increased risk as well. How do we balance that? It’s just business!
December 18th, 2019 at 9:26 am
You people that think they can over price his services are wrong. And your the same people that fell for the “But all we need is” 5 years ago.Other players need to be paid and resources filled on this team.This 1 player did not and will not get us to the playoffs or a Super Bowl. So hold the roll on backing up the Brinks truck. Remember it doesn’t even have a full load.
December 18th, 2019 at 9:35 am
@gofortheface peolple like balahk dont have a plan. They just want to get rid of Jameis, throw darts at a wall and hope a qb sticks. The trolls never have a plan. Even the resident experts like above have come around to signing jameis. But hey our expert joe Bucs fan posters know best. Theyre “brilliant” enough to think someone like jalen hurts would work in this offense.
December 18th, 2019 at 9:59 am
I have been very critical of JW over the past year or so (he has deserved criticism for his play), but given the growth in the second half of this seasons (and assuming he doesn’t have another game where he throws up on himself) I think you have to bring him back.
The franchise tag or some sort of 2 year deal makes the most sense.
I’m actually very curious to see how he performs without his top receivers the next couple week. If you have a highly paid QB you can’t afford the weapons we have on offense (if you want a serviceable defense). Just not enough money.
Elite QBs need to make average WRs great. Otherwise the QB contract screws up your ability to build a team
December 18th, 2019 at 9:59 am
Unfortunately if he isn’t your guy you do have to somewhat thow darts at draft picks or other guys you think you can turn around. There’s a reason teams spend so long trying to find the one. It’s not easy. Many would like jameis to be th one and he’s been on a streak but can he ever win the superbowl? If your answer is no then it doesn’t matter if you sont have a guaranteed guy to replace hin you go back to the drawing board and hope you do better next time. No guarantees. Having a guy keep you competitive very yesr isn’t enough if it doesn’t mean winning playoff games
December 18th, 2019 at 10:00 am
BigHog:
Like Jameis, Trump ain’t going anywhere. You want him out, vote him out.
December 18th, 2019 at 10:10 am
If Jameis can learn to win, despite his interception prone style of play, he will be a star. He doesn’t need to stop throwing int’s, he just needs to keep throwing and win games. If we get better on defense we will be a scary team.
December 18th, 2019 at 10:18 am
Jameis + Arians/ Leftwich is showing to be a winning match.
If Jameis is signed long term, then Leftwich needs to be considered long term as well unless Arians is planning on coaching into his 70’s…
December 18th, 2019 at 10:19 am
Jameis needs to start running more and a little but sooner. If no ones open take off and get some yards. He averages as good or if not better than the rbs
December 18th, 2019 at 10:37 am
He will never be elite but he will always tease us enough to give us hope
Just have to cross our fingers one year he gets hot like Eli did and we get a super bowl or even a deep playoff run
December 18th, 2019 at 10:52 am
PLEASE Lets leave politics out of football.
December 18th, 2019 at 11:07 am
I must admit I’m conflicted. Famous Jameis is a turnover machine- -period. However, he has broken records the last two games. His passes (other than the obviously stupid first throw and interception) were as good as I have seen on long balls. What impressed me most was his ability to move past that first F.U. and threw for ~450 yards. I really felt strongly that he needed to go. Let’s see how he does against a decent team (Houston?).
I’m conflicted.
December 18th, 2019 at 11:19 am
I don’t see him winning a championship type game with a last minute t.d. drive, nor would I trust him to. My worry is he’ll always only be a decent/good q.b. and we’ll have wasted more years. Similar to a Mcnabb or Dalton. It’s about winning a super bowl not just being a good team.
December 18th, 2019 at 11:25 am
He is never going to win a Stupor Bowl because he starts seasons too slow. He is never going to do anything but put his team behind the eight ball from the get-go.
Look at the San Fran game. Jimmy G was supposed to be super rusty because he was off for a whole year getting his knee back in shape. He was rusty, but Jameis was rustier. Jameis gave the game away because his momentous off-season made him forget how to play QB.
Give him a big contract and he might even forget where he works.
December 18th, 2019 at 11:51 am
Because black people always forget where they work once they get money. You nailed it again Craig now back to the daily stormer.
December 18th, 2019 at 2:04 pm
I can’t believe Jameis has 24 TD’s to 26 INT’s. That’s not good.
December 18th, 2019 at 2:06 pm
BigHog
how many names do you go by?
December 18th, 2019 at 5:54 pm
Fans have waited this long so waiting for a winner might never come. Those Buc uniforms in todays Times sure are ugly. It looks like somebody retarded drew them up.
December 18th, 2019 at 6:17 pm
I’ve criticized Jameis plenty even though I want him to succeed and I just want to see this team built into a winner again. Right now (2 games left), Jameis deserves another year but not a massive contract. Hopefully, the front office keeps it’s wallet tight and makes Jameis prove he deserves franchise qb money. I don’t ever see it happening, but I have been wrong (see Devin White) before. 😨
December 18th, 2019 at 7:18 pm
Asdf Says:
December 18th, 2019 at 9:59 am
I have been very critical of JW over the past year or so (he has deserved criticism for his play), but given the growth in the second half of this seasons (and assuming he doesn’t have another game where he throws up on himself) I think you have to bring him back.
The franchise tag or some sort of 2 year deal makes the most sense.
I’m actually very curious to see how he performs without his top receivers the next couple week. If you have a highly paid QB you can’t afford the weapons we have on offense (if you want a serviceable defense). Just not enough money.
Elite QBs need to make average WRs great. Otherwise the QB contract screws up your ability to build a team
So I guess it’s a mirage that the Saints can pay Brees, Thomas, Karma, Jordan, Ginn, Rankin’s and Latimore right?
December 18th, 2019 at 7:55 pm
NDOG,
Excellent point!
It’s about being creative as a GM to get the guys who are considered core players signed.
Then its about signing the players labeled contributors. Players who have a positive impact on the team, who may be overlooked because of stats . These players are the ones who week in , week out create opportunity for their teammates. These are the 2 types of players that teams like new Orleans have been successful in , not only signing but retaining. Which proves your point. It’s not about cap restrictions as much as it a GM being able to make the numbers work.
Draft picks and free agents round out the picture as they represent a separate category. Players unproven with the team. There’s a lot of probability involved in this area and it’s an area where , as of late, the saints have improved. They’ve been able to add free agents before and during the season and they’ve drafted well. Point is, you don’t hear the same type of talk about cap restrictions with the saints as we do with the bucs.
Last, props to you on calling your shot about Barrett. If I’m not mistaken, I believe that you were the first to jump on board the Shaq express. Hats off.
December 18th, 2019 at 9:14 pm
Uh, Lafite, that’s 30 td’s.