Buccaneers: Bruce Arians wants wins from QB’s, not stats
Many continue to wonder what is holding up the situation tying Jameis Winston to the Buccaneers in 2020. You might find the answer in his win column.
As NFL coaches and scouts gather in frosty Indianapolis, IN this week for the annual NFL Draft Combine, the media had a chance to gather nuggets about the upcoming season for their respective teams.
For Tampa Bay, that meant that Bruce Arians was front-loaded with questions surrounding current starter, Jameis Winston, and his impending free agency situation.
As expected, not much was given that wasnt already known about Jameis.
More from The Pewter Plank
- Devin White posts cryptic message to Lavonte David on Twitter
- ESPN predicts surprising outcome to Devin White trade saga
- Updated Buccaneers depth chart after signing two players from rookie minicamp
- Todd Bowles sends clear message about Baker Mayfield’s role with Bucs
- The Athletic is wrong about Bucs one ‘must-watch’ game in 2023
What was interesting to note, however, might give a bit of insight as to why a deal for Winston has taken this long to come to fruition. When asked the type of quarterback he prefers to work with, Arians had this to say:
"“I had Andrew Luck as a rookie, I had Carson Palmer later in his career…and I just like working with winners, you know, so that’s the biggest thing….just trying to evaluate can they do it for you?”"
This is easily the quote of the day the way I see it. Arians has been on record acknowledging the raw talent that Winston encompasses.
Jameis possesses raw gun-slinging power as evident of his league-leading 5,109 passing yards last season. Winston’s ability to put the ball in the endzone is evident by his 33 passing touchdowns (good enough for second in the NFL). And, of course, the leadership qualities are undeniable. But, take a look back to the quote and realize what Arians emphasized.
“I just like working with winners”.
There’s the missing component to the all-around game of Jameis Winston. Raw ascending talent. Unquestionable leadership skills. Yet, unfortunately never getting it done in terms of wins.
As much as Jameis has conquered in the NFL, from shattering franchise passing records to becoming an NFL passing leader, he has also only orchestrated one winning season. His most recent, and best statistical one, only ending with Tampa Bay having a 7-9 record and the Buccaneers once against watching January football from home.
Next. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Anthony Harris the answer at safety. dark
Which leads most to asking this, “Is Jameis Winston being put on hold for a quarterback who will be available in free agency?” And if so, does this mean that Tampa Bay would actually be settling by bringing back the five-year pro? The way Arians glamours over the like of a potential chance at Tom Brady or Philip Rivers, that just might be the case.