Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Breaking down depth at quarterback

TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 25: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers waves to a fan during warmups before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Raymond James Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Will Vragovic/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 25: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers waves to a fan during warmups before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Raymond James Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Will Vragovic/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 23: Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at AT&T Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 23: Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at AT&T Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

The pressure is off Jameis Winston

Finally, Winston can breathe easy and go out to the field and just play football. Over the past two seasons the Buccaneers’ starting quarterback has been under immense pressure; some self-inflicted, and some due to the performance of the team in his absence.

More from The Pewter Plank

Here in 2019, however, Winston has no competition, he has no off-the-field issues to this point, and he has a coach who firmly believes in him. This also means that Winston has no excuses in this make-or-break contract year in the pewter and red; he plays well he gets a massive payday, if he fails, he may be out of town.

Thus far in his career in Tampa Bay, Winston has tallied nearly 15,000 yards and 88 touchdowns, completing about 61 percent of his passes. His issue is, however, his ability to protect the football as he has also thrown 58 interceptions in his career as well.

While Winston could benefit from an improved run game, he must do a better job of maintaining possession for his team. There is no question that Winston can sling the football, and now with Arians at the helm, have the stars finally aligned for him to break out in 2019?

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