The Pewter Plank
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Buccaneers What Would You Do? – Quarterback edition

By David Harrison

TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 29: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers greets fans in the tunnel before heading out to the field to take on the Carolina Panthers at an NFL football game on October 29, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 29: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers greets fans in the tunnel before heading out to the field to take on the Carolina Panthers at an NFL football game on October 29, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – AUGUST 15: Demar Dotson #69 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is looked at by trainers after an injury during the second quarter of the preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings on August 15, 2015 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – AUGUST 15: Demar Dotson #69 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is looked at by trainers after an injury during the second quarter of the preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings on August 15, 2015 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Michael Horan

The Buccaneers are in the midst of another losing season, and they’re faced with a difficult decision at quarterback.

Jameis Winston is set to return from a shoulder injury after missing the last three games. However, the situation he’s returning to is much different than the one he last played in.

The only two quality offensive linemen on the team, center Ali Marpet and offensive tackle Demar Dotson, are now on injured reserve, and suddenly the Bucs will field arguably the worst line in the entire league.

Must Read: Bucs Talk: Coaching crisis and Jameis Winston returns

Dirk Koetter’s offense leaves the quarterback vulnerable to hits because of long developing routes, and he hasn’t shown he’s capable of much adjustment week to week.

This is a recipe for disaster with a quarterback nursing an injured shoulder. The Bucs need to be thinking long term here, and should shut Winston down for the remainder of the year to get him completely healthy – both physically and mentally for next season.

Ryan Fitzpatrick, who started the last three games, should become the second quarterback, behind Ryan Griffin. It’s time for the Bucs to see what they have in Griffin, a player they’ve storedfor years as the third quarterback.

As Winston likely faces a suspension next season, Griffin will need to be ready for action.

In the final leg of this lost season, let Griffin get acclimated with Mike Evans, DeSean Jackson, O.J. Howard, Cameron Brate, and the rest of the talented Buccaneer pass catchers.

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