Lovie Explains Why Jameis Isn’t A Rookie
November 17th, 2015
Lovie Smith declared at his Monday news conference that America’s Quarterback, Jameis Winston, is not a rookie any longer.
The head coach explained himself during his evening radio show.
Speaking on the Buccaneers Radio Network, Lovie was adamant that the rookie Jameis is ancient history. Heck, Lovie wasn’t even asked why he considers Jameis an experienced player. He just wanted to tell the world.
“Let me jump in. Ok, he’s a rookie. How many games has Jameis played? This is 9-plus; throw in the preseason games. He’s been out there, you know, that’s a college season,” Lovie said. “Now, yeah, I guess they’re rookies because it’s their first year, but they’ve seen a lot and that label should kind of leave them a little bit.
“[I don’t treat them as rookies.] Not at all. And not any of them. Same thing with Kwon Alexander. We have a lot of players, so happens it’s their first year. But they have a lot of experience for first-year guys. Donovan Smith, Ali Marpet. [Being a rookie], that hasn’t crossed their mind in a long time.
This Bucs rookie class has been extraordinary to date. The first four picks, the guys Lovie referenced above, are solid starters at least. Marpet, Jameis and Alexander are legitimate Rookie of the Year candidates.
And where will these guys be today, on their day off? At a Pinellas County middle school greeting kids and presenting a donation to the school from the Buccaneers.
November 17th, 2015 at 11:45 am
I hope this up in coming draft will produce 4 more solid starters on the defensive side of the ball…if we can draft 2 de’s and 2 cb’s that turn into solid starters we will be a force for years to come…it also looks like we may need to find a dt,wr and te as well…but first things first, we have to get help on the edge and at corner…GO BUCS!!!
November 17th, 2015 at 12:03 pm
I concur. This draft we need 2 CBs and 2 DEs and hopefully 2 of those can be starters. We’re getting closer…
November 17th, 2015 at 12:19 pm
I don’t think we need 2 CBs. 1 should do the job, if he’s a good one.
We obviously need DEs and a safety though.
Banks will work out at CB, Verner at nickle. It’s the safety and other CB spot that are hurting us.
Then again…the backups did a pretty good job this week.
November 17th, 2015 at 12:44 pm
Bonzai – “Then again…the backups did a pretty good job this week.”
The “backups” aren’t backups. Backup for who?
Does anyone have time to run by Mike Jenkins house and put a For Sale sign in his yard?
November 17th, 2015 at 12:44 pm
I appreciate what Lovie says but I beg to disagree a bit.
I think too frequenty this is viewed as black and white…#3 is a rookie or he’s now an NFL quality vet. IMHO he’s actually somewhere in the middle on his way but not quite there yet. And since he’s soooo far ahead of schedule there is no shame in that at all.
Warren Moon and other repeatedly talk about the game slowing down as you gain experience. Moon stated that’s what hurt #3 in the first few games…they were just too fast for him…but Moon sees clear improvement and notices that the game is finally BEGINNING to slow down for him.
If you use Chucky’s old look at the season hunks of four games each..#3 looked like a rookie the first quarter…improved dramatically the second quarter..learned how to protect the ball and now we start the 3rd quarter with #3 looking like an NFL QB.
But here’s the thing and it’s pretty awesome when you think about it. #3 is going to be better than just an average NFL QB. And so while he may be average at the moment that’s good, he’s ahead of schedule for a rookie and that much closer to realizing his full potential.
#3 is on the way. He’ll use the offseason to improve his accuracy with no baseball motion to distract him. He’ll become like Drew Brees a workout fiend in the offseason and come into camp in awesome shape.
It’s all good Buc’s fans!
November 17th, 2015 at 1:45 pm
@bonzai..drafting 2 cbs would allow us to develop depth with 1 or both for depth if they aren’t ready to contribute early…I like our safeties this year..conte and McDougal have played well this year plus we have tandy, wright and sweanger for depth…once we get a pass rush and solid corner play this defense will take off…GO BUCS!!!