Jameis Winston
Last time the Bucs squared off with the Falcons, Jameis Winston was on the sideline with a shoulder injury. He has since recovered and returned to action, which means the Atlanta defense will see a different offense this time around. Winston and the offense have had a disappointing season, and with three games left, they’re running out of time to display the potential they have for the future. If Winston is on his game this Monday, the Bucs could pull off an upset.
In week fourteen, Winston turned the ball over three times. He wasn’t necessarily at fault for either of his two interceptions, and even his fumble was tough to avoid. Without the three turnovers, the third-year quarterback had a pretty nice day. The offense woke up under his direction in the fourth quarter, using two touchdown passes to get the game to 21-21. The Bucs have yet to have a complete game on offense this season. What better time to have one than on Monday Night Football against a division rival?
Winston’s detractors are out in full force each and every week, saying that the Florida State product isn’t the answer to Tampa Bay’s quarterback situation. The Bucs have never had a franchise quarterback and in the eyes of many, they do now in Winston. He turns the ball over far too often, but the reality is, he makes the team’s quarterback situation better than that of at least fifteen other teams. Monday would be a great time for Winston to have a clean, efficient game. If he can do so, Tampa Bay’s chances for an upset are going to be much higher.