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Five Reasons the Buccaneers Have a Promising Future

By Bailey Adams

Jul 28, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers helmet during training camp at One Buc Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 28, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers helmet during training camp at One Buc Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) throws against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) throws against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Franchise Quarterback

When the Bucs selected former Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston with the first pick of the 2015 draft, they hoped he could be the franchise quarterback for the foreseeable future.  Although he’s only one season into his NFL career, he looks like he could be just that.

In 2015, Winston became just the third rookie in league history to throw for 4,000 yards, finishing the year with 4,042.  He completed 58.3 percent of his passes and threw for 22 touchdowns.  With six rushing touchdowns, he also broke the franchise record for single-season rushing touchdowns by a quarterback.

“Famous Jameis” made the Pro Bowl, albeit as a replacement, in his first season.  His value goes beyond his ability to throw the ball, as he flashed an ability to make big plays in big spots last season (everyone remembers his 20-yard scramble on 3rd & 19 in a win over Atlanta).

Winston’s leadership is another asset that makes him such a big part of Tampa Bay’s bright future.  Coming into last season, he was expected to take a backseat to the team’s veteran leaders, but by the time the year ended, his natural leadership abilities took over.  From his speeches in pregame huddles to the way he carries himself on the field, Winston has unquestionably proven himself as one of the team’s captains and there really can’t be any doubt that his teammates will vote him as one this fall.

As he suits up for his second NFL season and well into the future, Winston will be an exciting part of the franchise and its return to relevancy.

Next: Young Talent

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