It’s official. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have settled on a starting quarterback for Week Four. Who is it going to be?
UPDATE: According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, all signs are pointing towards Ryan Fitzpatrick remaining the starter for the Buccaneers Week 4 matchup with the Bears.
On Tuesday, Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter said that he knows which quarterback is going to get the nod for Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears.
“We know what we’re going to do,” Koetter said. “Both guys know what we’re going to do.”
Koetter didn’t reveal who the starter was, explaining that he doesn’t want to tip his hand too early in the week.
Both quarterbacks are aware of the plan and when both Jameis Winston and Ryan Fitzpatrick field questions during the week, there will be a better idea of which quarterback is going to start.
For now, it’s anyone’s guess.
The favorite at this point has to be Fitzpatrick. He’s led the Bucs to a 2-1 record and has put up historic numbers. He’s already racked up 1,230 yards, 11 touchdowns, and four interceptions.
Although Winston has suited up as the Buccaneers starter since 2015, he faces a short week of preparation and a formidable Chicago Bears front seven featuring Khalil Mack.
Fitzpatrick has proven he can put Tampa Bay in a position to win, and rushing Winston back could be too risky in Koetter’s eyes.
Still, Winston was the number one overall pick. He found a groove at the end of the 2017 season and was lights out in the preseason. With the way the offense has been humming, it’s conceivable Koetter could slide him in with no problems.
It’s all speculation at this point, but it seems like the coaching staff and the quarterbacks are on board with the plan for Sunday’s contest.
Regardless of the decision, the Buccaneers face a difficult long-term decision at quarterback. Does Winston return after the bye as the starter? Or does Fitzpatrick get to ride the wave until it comes crashing down?
“I have an idea of how it’s going to go, but this is an ever-changing game,” Koetter said.