Dangerous Maybes
February 26th, 2020
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BY IRA KAUFMAN
Because he left the front door wide open, Jameis Winston may soon be looking for the exit.
There’s no other way to read the tenuous situation Winston finds himself in after five erratic pro seasons. The Bucs want him back … maybe.
That was the cryptic message delivered by Bruce Arians and Jason Licht Tuesday at the NFL combine in Indianapolis, where Winston’s future was left twisting in a brisk Midwestern wind.
At least a half-dozen times, Arians and Licht had an opportunity to declare their support for the first overall pick in the 2015 draft. Six times, they punted.
Arians referenced Door No. 2 so often, I thought he was auditioning as host for a new version of “Let’s Make a Deal.”
He wants Winston back … maybe.
There was no talk from Arians about Door No. 2 during a 4-game winning streak that lifted Tampa Bay even at 7-7, with two home games remaining.
Winston was on a roll in that glorious month, hitting 68 percent of his pass attempts while the Bucs averaged 35 points. No one knew it at the time, but the reckoning was dead ahead.
In narrow losses to Houston and Atlanta, the Bucs averaged 21 points.
Winston tossed six interceptions and completed only 53 percent of his throws.
Buc fans from Bradenton to Bartow were crushed. More importantly, Arians was stunned that the turnover machine under center had returned.
“I just like working with winners,” Arians said at one point Tuesday.
“That’s the biggest thing.”
A few minutes later, Arians acknowledged that “December wasn’t what I was hoping to see.”
He wasn’t lamenting his Christmas haul, either. He was talking about a pair of games Winston gift-wrapped for the opposition.
Dangerous Game
On and off the podium, Licht talked for almost 30 minutes Tuesday. I’m still waiting for him to make a point. He fudged, he dodged, he declined to answer.
GM Jason Licht
He sounded like a man who’d rather be getting a root canal.
While Licht was a reluctant speaker, Arians seemed to be in full throttle. He can’t wait to see which veteran quarterbacks might be available in a few weeks.
If the right guy springs loose, expect Winston to be available for 31 other teams in free agency.
This tepid public support for Winston could simply be a ploy by Bucs management, hoping to bring him back at a reduced salary. But that’s a dangerous game because Winston is now fully aware his coach’s confidence in him is waning.
There have been too many tumultuous stretches in franchise history to count, but the next few weeks are shaping up as a roller coaster for Buc fans longing for stability.
Can the Bucs retain their defensive leaders? Will Winston receive the franchise tag? Is Tom Brady truly in play?
Here’s a few observations from Tuesday’s chatter:
* Wish Breshad Perriman luck, he’s moving on.
* Arians has no interest in drafting a quarterback in the first round.
* Chris Godwin is likely to receive his contract extension before training camp.
* Winston really messed up in those final two games.
Yes, it always seems to come back to No. 3, the most polarizing player in Buc history. It’s easy to see why: lots of yards, not enough wins.
“Jameis has a problem seeing the scoreboard sometimes,” Arians said.
For the past five years, he hasn’t missed much.
Ira hanging out with his good friend Sean Sullivan, GM of Bill Currie Ford. Sean is giving all Bucs fans a special Ira/JoeBucsFan discount, and he personally will work with you to meet your vehicle needs (and talk Bucs).
February 26th, 2020 at 5:09 am
Nothing really new here other than Arians seems to show no interest in first round QB draft, but we can appreciate any angle from Ira. I’ve said it all off season so far that Winston’s performance over five years matters most, and he’s not been consistent. He’s not improved in his decision making skills. He had at times not taken coaching, if not ignored it altogether…since while in college. He’s an embarassment with his off field stunts, and threw a away any chance to be a beleoved face of the franchise. The Glazers handed him the keys to city, and hosed them. So these last two games. Here we are again. As I’ve said. In his last games of his very last year, he head a chance to hand the owners, the GM, and BA a winning record. Give them some hope he had turned the corner. But all he did was throw more pick sixes and lose the games. They just icing the cake Winston had been baking since 2012 at FSU.
February 26th, 2020 at 5:16 am
His last chance was last year…should be the end of this Bucs chapter
February 26th, 2020 at 5:46 am
Mr. 5,000 is his name …Gunslinger is his call to fame….BUCS 2020 !!!
February 26th, 2020 at 5:50 am
There’s no question Ira that Jameis ‘really messed up in those final two games’. But I can’t understand why folks focus on just those 2 games, when he’d thrown a league-high 24 INTs PRIOR to those 2 games. Plus a few other turnovers to boot.
Bucs were 7-7 going into those games … no playoffs in sight. In SIX of those 14 games the Bucs offense had committed 3 or more giveaways (26 TOs in 6 games). And the vast majority of those TOs were on Jameis. That’s NOT how you get to the playoffs. And even if you did get there, that’s surely NOT the path to the Super Bowl. Giveaways in the playoffs are deadly as we saw this year.
For parts of last year, the Bucs had the most expensive offense in the NFL. Folks need to stop pretending like 5,000 yards & 33 TDs was a great feat of overachieving. Au contraire; the most expensive offense SHOULD produce a LOT of yardage & points, especially when operating under this offensive attack philosophy.
I can see bringing Jameis back for a 2nd year in BA’s offense … at the right price AND providing that he has competition this year. Like BA said in the previous interview, this defense has Top-5 POTENTIAL. Upgrade the OLine a little, improve the RB stable & add a viable 3rd WR and our offense could also be something special. But not in the hands of a Santa Claus QB.
February 26th, 2020 at 6:04 am
Keep defense together, Change QB’s!
February 26th, 2020 at 6:11 am
“Arians has no interest in drafting a quarterback in the first round.”
I sincerely hope that Arians is partaking in some of that infamous pre-draft smoke-screening. If the right QB fell to #14, I’d be on board with drafting an insurance policy. Arians would be crazy not to be on board, too.
February 26th, 2020 at 6:12 am
So….how much did we really learn from BA & Licht yesterday?……absolutely nothing……
They are shopping for a QB….if they don’t find one, Winston is back.
Not interested in a QB in round 1….(until they are)
Perriman unaffordable
Priority on resigning defensive FAs
OJ has potential
Would love to afford Brate but maybe can’t
Wow….I really am now so much better informed.
February 26th, 2020 at 6:18 am
No one ever mentions the fact that Jameis was playing with a broken thumb on his throwing hand, a knee (MCL) injury and without his top two WRs those last two games. Not to mention both Houston and Atlanta were playing their best ball all year. I still think it wouldn’t have been made such a big deal if Gay just made one of his three kicks and the overtime interception didn’t happen. And that ball was tipped cause Dotson got blown back into Winston’s lap as he threw it. He could have just taken the sack I suppose. But the media harping on 30/30 (33/30) is blowing this up bigger than it should be. Jameis gives the Bucs the best chance at winning next season. Sign or tag the man.
February 26th, 2020 at 6:25 am
It’s funny how every year at this time everyone thinks their team owns them an explanation on what they’re doing in FA and the draft. If your at a table playing hold em’, would you show everyone your cards? Calm down people you get nothing until the tag period begins, then you get a little more during free agency and then you get the rest at the draft.
I’m really surprised Licht and Arians didn’t show us their big board prior to the combine…..
February 26th, 2020 at 6:36 am
For the last three years we have a total of 15 wins when Jameis is under center.
Sure that is not all on Jameis, but you would like to see him rise up and produce some memorable victories against quality opponents.
February 26th, 2020 at 6:46 am
Most polarizing player in Buccaneer history indeed. And it’s not just because of his ridiculous turnovers. It’s ok Ira…you can say it…..his off the field crap.
February 26th, 2020 at 6:52 am
Two games MINUS two starting wide receivers.
Wentz wouldve been re-signed BEFORE the last two games with backups EVERYWHERE, aside from Jameis, on offense and defense.
Bruce just sounds like hes jealous of Andy Reid. You are NOWHERE near the offensive mind Andy Reid is. Andy knows it starts in the trenches..and hes learned from his mistakes as a pass-happy coach. Bruce hasnt. Spare us the sanctimonious tirade over “winning”…from a perennial LOOOOSER. Bruce will be FOREVER known as the buc coach that flushed the franchise before fading away. THAT will be his pro sports legacy, if he doesnt get his head out of his arse.
February 26th, 2020 at 6:54 am
I think Uncle Ira really isn’t reading between the lines. All I’ve heard is he’s our guy and he’s coming back, unless Brady wants to come here. Rivers is free and he isn’t pushing for that old man. If you think Tannenhill, Prescott and Brees aren’t going to stay with their current teams, then I gots a bridge for sale. A New Orleans Brittle Back up over Jaboo? Nah. It’s just coming down to the contract. But it will happen. Great Interview by Chris Sims:
February 26th, 2020 at 6:58 am
Forgot to add, Ira wrote
I personally don’t care. And you may be wrong on this front too. This draft pool has the biggest pool of wide receivers available. Whatever you’re looking for is available in almost every round. We already have the two 1,000 yard beasts. Once Godwin is locked up, we good. We can pick a speedy receiver to “take the top off”. Not worried about Perriman.
February 26th, 2020 at 6:59 am
I really think Brady stays in NE, therefore Carr stays a Raider and we are left with Winston or Tannehill. Possibly, a trade for Stafford/Dalton but I don’t see that happening. I really think this whole QB carousel is going to be anti-climatic.
February 26th, 2020 at 7:20 am
If the fans run Jameis out of town it will be a big mistake. I won’t be excited for the season due to I think we just lost our best chance of winning the whole thing. Go Bucs! Go Jameis!
February 26th, 2020 at 7:27 am
Stanglassman, Take away the last 2 games and Winston STILL lead the league in int’s with 24. no broken thumb, all his WR’s at his disposal, this is why no one talks about it.
February 26th, 2020 at 7:37 am
Yeah 87 the anti Jameis crowd is blinded by their bias. Outside of Brady, there is no option out there that gives the Bucs a chance at winning, and Brady is a one year fix. The 4th or 5th best QB in the first round of the draft would be insane for a guy that will eventually be a back up. All the rest are either washed up (Rivers) or check down game managers like Bridgewater. I want to see the Bucs back in the playoffs and Winston is the guy that can get this team there. All they talk about is the picks. His average is way less that 30, get they act like he is going to throw 30 again next year. Even with those picks they know damn well the Bucs should have finished 9-7 last year.
February 26th, 2020 at 7:45 am
TDTB … “Even with those picks they know damn well the Bucs should have finished 9-7 last year.” And we also would’ve finished 9-7 if Jameis hadn’t thrown 6 picks in the last 2 games. You know as well as I do TDTB that it’s a TEAM game. Everybody contributes to the wins, and everybody contributes to the losses. To ONLY blame ONE player for a loss is almost always ridiculous.
And BTW, I still consider Derek Carr to be a viable option for this year … and for the future. Nobody knows what Chucky is gonna do. Probably not even Chucky.
February 26th, 2020 at 7:59 am
BA and his BS is Lovie 2.0 he will end up setting this franchise back a decade and then sail into retirement laughing all the way….
No organizational leadership is once again front and center…. BA has 1 possibly 2 years left he is the last one who should be involved with long term decsions… the cycle tge glazers have put this team will necer change until they stop hiring washed up has beens
February 26th, 2020 at 8:02 am
Nope, I want concede on this Defense. He drove the ball three times during regulation to get 9 points on the board but the kicker missed all three times. Jameis does not kick the ball. All he can do is put the team in position to score points. Watching the playoffs I was seeing kickers make most if not all of their kicks. At the end of the day in both the Giants and the Falcons game Jameis personally did enough to win those games but the kicker failed at his job. There are times when you can basically blame one person for losing a game and in those two Gay was the reason. God knows the anti Jameis crowd blames him for every loss there is. That is not accurate, but he certainly lost some games due to his turnovers. The Giants game was a chip shot, and the Falcons game never should have gone to overtime. To act like Jameis was the reason for the Falcons loss is absurd. The posters are basically saying it was on Jameis to get them into scoring position a fourth time and maybe Gay wouldn’t miss his fourth kick in the game.
February 26th, 2020 at 8:06 am
It’s the NFL, when you leave 9 points off the scoreboard you are almost always going to lose. I was at that game with my son and when Gay missed his third kick I said we are going to lose.
February 26th, 2020 at 8:23 am
Every GM and HC there is playing some kind of communication game. Ours is no different. The next three weeks will be very interesting. I hope #3 stays and develops more.
February 26th, 2020 at 8:33 am
Yes, as if he was going to say he wanted to draft a QB in round 1.
What we learned is that we don’t know anything.
February 26th, 2020 at 9:05 am
D R
You do realize that the defense over jameis 5 years set worst in nfl history records 3 times…. based your advanced age I’ll give you a free pass on your selective memory that being said cancer93 and his little wingman the mentally weak lvd blew more leads and gave up 30 by halftime in over half jameis games but like the rest of the blind haters your tunnel vision doesn’t not allow for the complete picture. Your ridiculous and narrow minded defense rants are laughable. Your loyalty to defenders with bad character and quitters exposes you as the hypocrite you are. Very similar to that ignorant one dimensional clown failure as a coach and man dungy who you blindly worship
February 26th, 2020 at 9:11 am
If the Bucs don’t improve the Oline and running game, it doesn’t matter who is QB. Opposing defenses knew the Bucs can’t run the ball and are 1 dimensional. Fix the O-line and run game ffs. Then the QB doesn’t have to win games by himself no matter who the QB is. F*cking common sense.
February 26th, 2020 at 9:11 am
So if it’s not Winston’s fault Matt Gay missed 3 FGs vs ATL (Which it’s not his fault), is it Matt Gays Fault that Winston led a offense that punted 4 times, threw 1 INT, and kicked one FG in the second half of the Giants game? I know the play calling was suspect in the 2nd half of that game but Winston had his chances and he failed on 5 out 6 drives in the second half. So is that Gays fault his QB couldn’t generate more points in the 2nd half against a sh@t team? The answer is no, Matt gay lost the Giants game when he had a chance to win it and Jameis Winston lost the Falcons game when he had a chance to win it
February 26th, 2020 at 9:15 am
Tval Says:
“(Bruce Arians:) – Spare us the sanctimonious tirade over “winning”…from a perennial LOOOOSER.”
—
56-39 NFL Career Record. (only 1 previous losing season, 7-8-1, before TB)
Calm down there, Sparky.
February 26th, 2020 at 9:20 am
Why is nobody talking about the Carolina game
One of the worst performances in NFL history
5 picks and a fumble lost
How many other just awful games over the years
Just dont see how people think he can win the big game /superbowl
Winning seasons would be a good start
February 26th, 2020 at 9:21 am
For me personally, I tell people that Winston joined the 40/30 club. Those 7 pick 6’s he threw means something, too!
Come on people!!! Last year, 121 points were scored off of Winston turnovers. That’s 7.5 points a game!!! How many ints were on the first drive or even first throw of the game?
I just don’t get the Winston defenders. They see 5k passing yards and 33 (40) tds and get all hot in the pants. I see that as well but I also see 35 Winston turnovers leading to 121 points scored by the opponents. That’s unacceptable and they WILL NEVER go to the playoffs with those types of stats.
And please don’t give me the excuse of lack of run game, o line, injuries and such. I’ve heard it a million times already.
February 26th, 2020 at 9:21 am
I was all in on jameis until those last 2 games. He fell completely apart. He’s back though for another yr I’m sure. Do or Die. Pressure’s really on now. We will see if he can truly cut the mustard this season. Good Luck Jameis.
February 26th, 2020 at 9:31 am
TVAL says: “Andy knows it starts in the trenches..and hes learned from his mistakes as a pass-happy coach.”
You do realize the Bucs ran the ball on 37.7% of their plays while KC ran the b-ball on 38.4% of their plays.
Also you said “ Spare us the sanctimonious tirade over “winning”…from a perennial LOOOOSER.”
Again, numbers show Reid has a winning percentage of .618 while Arians has a winning percentage of .612.
Before spewing your “facts”, you might want to do some fact checking beforehand.
February 26th, 2020 at 9:33 am
How quickly some forget…:
1. Niners game. Lost 31-17. Points off Winston t/o: 15
2. Panthers game. Lost 37-26. points off of Winston t/o: 16
3. Titans game. Lost 27-23. Points off of Winston t/o: 14
4. Saints game. Lost 34-17. Points off of Winston t/o: 14. Also had an int at the saints 1 yard line. Should’ve scored td. That’s actually 21 points lost.
5. Colts game. Won 38-35. Points off of Winston turnovers: 14
6. Texans game. Lost 23-20. Points off of Winston turnovers: 10 points. Also int on a game winning drive with 1:31 to go.
7. Falcons game. Lost 28-22. Points off of Winston turnovers: 13 points. Pick 6 to end that game and perhaps his Buccaneers career.
10 games with multiple ints. Yes, I’ll be the first to admit the defense isn’t perfect or fixed but if you think the above isn’t a problem, then I feel bad for ya.
REMEMBER PPL, 121 POINTS SCORED BY THE OPPONENTS OFF OF WINSTON TURNOVERS!!!!
45 TOTAL INTS BY 4 OTHER QBS WHO THREW OVER 600 PASSES EACH LAST SEASON. 45 INTS COMBINED BETWEEN THE 4 OF THEM!!!!
WINSTON: 626 THROWS, 30 INTS
4 OTHER QBS: OVER 2400 PASSES, 45 INTS
DONT FAKE THE FUNK!!!!
February 26th, 2020 at 9:38 am
You see, when a team wants you they will make an effort to get a deal done.
Jay-Miss is not the future.
February 26th, 2020 at 10:00 am
BucsFan – and yet if the refs don’t blow a call on a fumble and Gay makes two kicks the Bucs finish 10-6. Winston avg through first four years is 16 picks. That is his norm. Chances are that is more the range he will finish at next year. If the Bucs should have won 10 games this year, if he cuts the picks on half in year 2 of this offense how many wins does that equate to? 11? 12? I am a Bucs fan only. The reason I want. Winston back is that he gives us the best chance to make it to the playoffs next year. You are kidding yourself if you think there is a better option out there.
February 26th, 2020 at 10:00 am
D-Rome Says:
February 26th, 2020 at 9:38 am
Chris Godwin is likely to receive his contract extension before training camp.
You see, when a team wants you they will make an effort to get a deal done.
Jay-Miss is not the future.
d
the bucs as a franchise have never had a future or never will the on field resutlst prove that. always pretenders never contenders
February 26th, 2020 at 10:19 am
Morgus the Magnificent Says:
“Most polarizing player in Buccaneer history indeed.”
—
About the same when Vinny Testaverde was here.
There just was not social media or blogs then.
February 26th, 2020 at 10:33 am
Bucsfan951 Says:
“T-val said” Also you said “ Spare us the sanctimonious tirade over “winning”…from a perennial LOOOOSER.”
Again, numbers show Reid has a winning percentage of .618 while Arians has a winning percentage of .612.
Before spewing your “facts”, you might want to do some fact checking beforehand.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WELL SAID.
February 26th, 2020 at 11:42 am
Ask yourself “if the Bucs are moving on from Winston what is stopping them from announcing that we have moved on?”
Easy we have not moved on.
February 26th, 2020 at 12:27 pm
Here is the point, that some seem to ignore!! If they settle and bring back jay-miss, they should all be fired within the same hour that the bucs are mathematically eliminated from the playoffs!!!!!!!!!!!!! The amateur gm and ole stale biscuit, can leave together on ole stale biscuit golf cart!!!!!!!!!!!! No after game press conference, no interview, no ride home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
go bucs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
February 26th, 2020 at 1:10 pm
Tmaxcon … “based your advanced age I’ll give you a free pass on your selective memory”. Wow tmax, it’s been a long time since I was called ‘advanced’. Thank you.
Oh and I don’t have a ‘selective memory’. I remember exactly what I want to remember.
February 26th, 2020 at 1:23 pm
TexBuc Says:
“Ask yourself “if the Bucs are moving on from Winston what is stopping them from announcing that we have moved on?”
Easy we have not moved on.”
~~~~~~~~~~
AGREED.
February 26th, 2020 at 1:51 pm
DR
Oh and I don’t have a ‘selective memory’. I remember exactly what I want to remember.
At least you own it my man. i can respect that!
February 26th, 2020 at 2:09 pm
Blah! Blah! Blah!