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Buccaneers vs. 49ers: what to watch for in week one matchup

By Cory Kinnan

TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 02: Ryan Jensen #66 hikes the ball to Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on December 02, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 02: Ryan Jensen #66 hikes the ball to Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on December 02, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/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) /

Limit the turnovers Jameis… please.

The final and most important element of this game to watch today is how well quarterback Jameis Winston takes care of the football against the 49ers. Coming off the worst year of his career that started with a suspension, then multiple benchings to Ryan Fitzpatrick, and then he threw a whopping 14 interceptions in eleven total games and nine starts.

However this preseason, Winston did not throw a single interception in his limited playing time, and the marriage between him and Arians looks to be off on the right foot. How well Winston protects the ball has implications for, not only the result of today’s game, but also for his future with the Buccaneers.

Winston is entering the last year of his contract, and the Buccaneers have not yet felt comfortable extending him past this season. If Winston fails to protect the ball and continuously puts the Buccaneers’ defense in terrible positions, it could be his last year in the pewter in red. However if he excels and shows improvements in the ball security department, then he could become a very rich man.

Next. Buccaneers vs. 49ers: What does Madden think?. dark

Will Winston live up to the hype that he had coming out of Florida State, or will he lead the path to another 5-11 season in 2019? Watch out for team captain Winston as he leads the Bucs’ offense against the 49ers today.

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