The PR Bucs Monday Mailbag is where PewterReport.com’s Mark Cook answers your questions from our Twitter account. You can submit your question each week via Twitter using the hashtag #PRMailbag.
Below are the questions we chose for this week’s edition of the PR Bucs Monday Mailbag.
Question: When should the coaching staff say, “We know what Jameis Winston is and it doesn’t look like we will change his turnover habit, so we should soon see Ryan Griffin get some snaps?”
Answer: I am not sure if this is a legitimate question or not. This one makes more sense had it come last week after a four-interception game. While quarterback Jameis Winston did have two bad interceptions in the first quarter on Sunday, he ended up leading Tampa Bay’s offense to four touchdown drives, threw for over 300 yards for the sixth straight game, which was a team record, and scrambled for a couple key first downs to extend drives. Was his performance perfect? No. Was it good enough to win? Look at the scoreboard – Tampa Bay prevailed 35-22 in Atlanta. Obviously the answer is, yes.
Bucs WR Chris Godwin – Photo by: Getty Images
I get the Bucs fans’ frustration. Winston tosses a bad interception on his first pass, then on the next drive he throws a laser to Chris Godwin that goes 71-yards for a score. Later in the first quarter, he throws an off-balance, ill-advised jump pass to Dare Ogunbowale and it’s another pick. Then Winston settles down and winds up completing 18-of-28 passes for 313 yards and three scores. I actually tweeted during the game, that this type of performance is the carrot that Winston dangles that is frustrating to everyone. He’s got 22 touchdowns, which is among the league’s leaders, and he has an NFL-high 20 interceptions.
Sunday’s win over the Falcons showed what Winston and this team can accomplish with a solid performance from the offensive line and the defense. This same Falcons team got to New Orleans’ Drew Brees six times two weeks ago, and sacked Carolina’s Kyle Allen five times last week. On Sunday against Tampa Bay, Atlanta had zero sacks and just one quarterback hit.
We often talk about the Jekyll and Hyde performances from Winston, but what about the Bucs offensive line? It’s the same with the secondary. Who were these five guys swatting away 16 balls and creating turnovers?
Winston is going to throw interceptions. That’s in his gunslinger D.N.A. and unfortunately won’t change much. But guess who else throws interceptions? Other top QBs. Philadelphia’s Carson Wentz had two on Sunday in a loss. Even Seattle’s Russell Wilson, who rarely throws them, had one on Sunday. And while it’s known that Winston will throw interceptions, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin don’t throw the ball to themselves. And as much as I like Ryan Griffin personally, do you think he completes that 71-yard TD pass to Godwin? Does he even attempt it?
Bucs QBs Ryan Griffin and Jameis Winston – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
If the Bucs aren’t sold on Winston completely then they should go draft one in the first round, but I would keep Winston for at least one more year. Tampa Bay has a team full of offensive weapons in its prime and I am not starting over with a completely unknown commodity – at least not without having a player like Winston on the roster in case the next supposed “franchise” quarterback is overwhelmed as a rookie and plays even worse.
Question: With the season coming to an end, and a top 10 pick likely, what position do you imagine the Bucs will target in the early rounds?
Answer: It depends on who the Bucs manage to keep in free agency, which is up first in March, and what players the team might add. While I was encouraged with the play of the much maligned secondary and the offensive line, the previous 10 games are still fresh in my mind.
At the very least Tampa Bay needs to find Demar Dotson’s replacement. But I would add more offensive linemen and let them battle it out and start the best five, regardless if they are rookies, veterans or new free agents.
Bucs RT Demar Dotson – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
And maybe this teams goes quarterback early. That doesn’t mean the Bucs don’t hit Winston with the franchise tag for one more season as the younger QB develops, and if by chance Winston figures it out, then Tampa Bay has some trade capital for 2021 or 2022 with the younger quarterback – and an insurance policy in case Winston doesn’t pan out in 2020.
I also think the Bucs address the pass rush as well. Who knows how many of the potential free agents on the roster are back next March. And even if they can re-sign outside linebackers Carl Nassib, Jason Pierre-Paul and/or Shaq Barrett, Tampa Bay can never have enough defensive line and pass rushing depth.
Question: Of the Bucs’ main free agents, who do you see them re-signing: Ndamukong Suh, Shaq Barrett, Jason Pierre-Paul or Carl Nassib? How likely do you see them re-signing all four? All four had great games against Falcons, and are all finally healthy at the same time!
Answer: In a perfect, salary cap-free world, Tampa Bay would sign all four defenders back – no question. This team has been very pleased with those four players, and on Sunday we saw them all taking turns impacting the game in the Bucs’ 35-22 win in Atlanta.
Bucs linebackers Shaq Barrett and Devin White – Photo by: Getty Images
I have no definitive knowledge of what the front office is thinking right now with five games left, but we have heard that Shaq Barrett and Jason Pierre-Paul will be targeted to return, and if the money is right, so would Nassib and Suh. The Bucs drafted Anthony Nelson last April with the hopes of him being a younger Nassib, but the rookie has struggled to stay healthy. Had he been able to play in all 10 games this season, and put up comparable numbers to Nassib, then they might be more comfortable moving on from its defensive captain.
Just guessing, I would say the Bucs’ priority order to keep would be: Barrett, Pierre-Paul, Nassib and then Suh.
Question: Long time Pewter Report follower and poster, macabee just passed away. He could go toe-to-toe with you guys and was smarter than any of us. He predicted Bruce Arians coming before PR even had him on the radar. Do you have any words on him and what fans mean to the site?
Answer: Macabee, whose real name was MacArthur Boykins, was one of my favorite PewterReport.com readers and posters. He kept me on my toes, messaged me if we had any errors and even hit me up if he saw some breaking news to make sure we were on it. He was also one of the more level-headed posters we had. Rarely did he let emotion rule his thoughts and while he was a huge Bucs fans, it was quite apparent he knew that it was just a game, and there were bigger things in life to get upset about. Scott Reynolds took the time to acknowledge Boykins in last Friday’s SR’s Fab 5.
MacArthur Boykins
He was as intelligent as any one I knew when it came to Bucs football, and like myself, he remembered the early days of this franchise, the 0-26 start, the Doug Williams and Bo Jackson debacles, and then the rise to respectability under Tony Dungy that was culminated with a Super Bowl win under Jon Gruden. I am so happy he was able to see that.
And without Bucs fans like Boykins – and you! – coming to PewterReport.com multiple times a day, we wouldn’t be here. It’s that simple. We appreciate ALL of our readers and posters. Some might drive us a little more crazier than others, but everyone is greatly appreciated. PewterReport.com has set web traffic records the last three years – including 2019 already – despite the football team not cooperating very often with wins. But that just shows the type of loyalty and dedication that Bucs fans have.
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About the Author: Mark Cook
It appeared to me that Evans “rounding out ” his route on the first pick allowed the Dback to cut in front of Evans for the pick.A sharpe cut by Evans would have prevented that pick from happening.
RIP Macabee,
Always enjoyed his level headed and intelligent comments
Another good win on the road. Tackle has to be the 1st round pick unless it is a QB. Then it has to be the 2nd round pick.
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD CAN WE PLEASE STOP CONSIDERING A QB IN THE 1ST ROUND?? Sorry for yelling… But all we need first and foremost is the best LT prospect on the board, then move D. Smith to RT. OLine solved. Winston successful career for the future. No more chaos.
Agree, O-line much higher priority than QB. Also, anyone else think that Burrows is the only guaranteed QB prospect this year? Hell, the Ravens won a Super Bowl with Trent Dilfer, who couldn’t even make it here ( no, he was NOT Steve Young). Franchise Winston, build the trenches, mid-round QB to develop and re-assess.
I do not think a mid-round qb would be any better than Ryan Griffin. No need to waste a pick. Use that for a developmental Center or DLine
Amen brother!
Easier to say after a Win. I have watched the Winston Roller Coaster and have been excited and have also turned off the TV disgusted. But its not all on the line YES, Winston also turns the ball over with good protection. I really want Winston to succeed at Tampa. The guy does a lot for the community, really has a great work ethic, and above all wants to Win. But to argue your point if we had Kirk Cousins, Phillip Rivers, or even throw Case Keenum in the mix over the last few years would are record be better???… Read more »
Macabee will be missed. The wrong Poster died, that’s for sure… (Not wishing death on anyone, just a Walk Hard reference) In a world where there were no egos or standards I would Love to see them Franchise Winston and Draft a QB all while Drafting a LT and moving Smith to RT. There are RTs in the League making around his money and it would either be for a Season until his guarantee runs out or we Draft his replacement the next 2 years. I think Barrett is a must to bring back next year and Pierre-Paul is too… Read more »
I am very sad to hear of Macabee’s passing. I really enjoyed his posts. He was well thought out and very genuine.
Safe passage to a great Bucs Fan!
RIP Macabee
Jameis will always be an enigma for the Bucs! He will make u cuss the TV with a pick six and then throw a 70 yard dart to Godwin! So goes life as a Buc’s fan. Jameis WILL be franchised for 27 million next year! It’s a done deal. 6 straight 300 yard games! He leads the NFL in turnovers but he’s also among the leaders at every major category that matters for QBs except wins! Lastly, while the O-Line could use upgraded talent at two positions on the line, they r not terrible as everyone often states. An NFL… Read more »
The only problems with Winston are turnovers and maturity off the field, everyone knows it. We won’t get better by playing a rookie QB next year. That being said, his contract would be enough to resign Barrett, JPP, and Suh. It’s easy to say he played well enough to win this week, but his turnovers have consistently put our defense in vulnerable positions and gotten us thrashed by playoff contenders. If we keep Winston, an OLine investment (1st pick, FA) is absolutely necessary, but where is this money going to come from if we resign our DLine??
The Bucs would be foolish to dump Winston and start over, 2nd in yards and TD’s. Winston’s TD’s to Int’s are similar to Brett Favres with a 3.3 int percentage, Favre spent 16 seasons in GreenBay. The Bucs can win with Winston If the defense plays better as it did on Sunday along with adequate offensive line protection.
I never understand the comparison’s to Farve interception rate. The interception rate in the NFL has been going down year after year. That means something. He is not playing in the same physical corners and defenses holding receivers like QB’s were. In 2000 the average passer had 20 TD’s and 17 Int’s. In 2010 that number is 23.5 TD’s and 16 Int’s. In 2018 that number was 26.5 TD’s and 13.5 Int’s. He needs to be compared to players of this generation. Yes he is 2nd in TD’s and yards. He is again last in turnovers. Both good and bad.… Read more »
Anyone that thinks it’s time for Griffin to play has rocks for brains. They are going to evaluate a Winston all year like they said! Deal with it you morons. After this year they will likely use franchise tag on him unless he 1.)melts down (don’t see it) or 2.) plays stellar int. Free rest of season (don’t see that happening either) I also Agree on fixing o line first and foremost! Taking a QB in first rd would be foolish and don’t see it happening. I doubt they draft another CB either but maybe if one in free agency… Read more »
It seems to me that the O line was ok earlier in the year. Horrible in London. Horrible against the Saints last week and superior this week. If you look around the league and go to other teams stadium’s, they almost all complain about their offensive line and secondary. They are the positions that get exposed along with the QB during the game that us fans easily see the breakdowns. Let’s give the Offensive line every bit as much chance to gel as Winston. After all coming into this year, we probably had the 15th to 22nd best offensive line… Read more »
If Ryan Griffin is not worth putting on the field, why is he on the team?
Mark, I agree with your assessment on Jameis. For all of the frustration of Bucs’ fans… He is not the weakest part of the team. I think he must be resigned and I have no problem with them drafting someone to push him (Fromm?). I have a feeling that the young guys are starting to get it on defense and this is only going to make Jameis look better down the stretch. I think the Bucs will be looking hard at the top OTs in the upcoming draft. Finally, I’m glad that you & Scott have acknowledged Macabee’s contribution to… Read more »
I am extremely sorry to read of macabees passing and like you, share many of the same feelings and thoughts about him as you.
If you know his family, please pass along my heart felt condolences. He will be missed.
Yeper..you are correct here Mark. Jameis is gonna throw interceptions his whole career. its who he is. A..Hit and miss gunslinger. He will throw 2 interceptions in a row. Then throw a spiral on a rope for a touchdown. I see us keeping Jameis. Just make sure our Defense is solid and can get off the field. Because we will lose many shootouts against good teams.
“I am not sure if this is a legitimate question or not.” Mark you’re dumber than you look. We have nearly 5 years of games, if you aren’t sure one way or another about that question you are clueless. I don’t care if your pro Winston or anti Winston the question is legitimate. I’m anti Winston, no secret there, send him packing draft a QB with the money saved get the best free agent corner money can buy. That move is financial wash and chances are pretty high we have better team. Even a inexperience rookie that has track record… Read more »
This whole conversation about “franchise quarterbacks” needs to be reframed. As far as I’m concerned, there are only four legitimate franchise quarterbacks active right now: Brady/Wilson/Rodgers/Brees. They’ve all won a Super Bowl and have played at a very high level year-in-and year out and have been durable. In the next category, I have Watson and Mahomes and perhaps Prescott, though he doesn’t have the “it” look and has been blessed with a superior offensive line.. They have superior stats and “look like” franchise QBs. But neither has done it yet. Against premier defenses, Watson has looked ordinary. All three need… Read more »
I generally agree with the thrust of your article but would take exception with Carr – he is so much more accurate than Winston it’s not even funny. No comparison, beyond the turnovers Winston’s ball placement is his Achilles Heel. We’d be a completely different, winning team with Carr.
Again, I agree with the general idea though after five years and giving up possession of the ball 127 times and the ball placement issue I’d rather pay Bridgewater or a have cap friendly rookie while filling in our many roster holes.
Everyone here has an opinion, so let me state mine. Yes the franchise tag is 27 million this year. No one in the NFL, let me say that again no one in the NFL will pay Winston 27 million to play QB for them. So I think our GM or the ownership has to sit down with Winston and say we want you to be a Buc next year but our offer is around 15 mil. That is the best we can do for you. I truly believe that is about all he is worth. If he takes it we… Read more »
This is exactly what i was thinking. Get him on a 3 contract around 15 to 20 mill with escalators. I think hed take it and bet on himself. But thats hard to tell.
That’s my problem too Bob… I’m willing to give Jameis one more year…Wow! I can’t believe I just said that…it’s the 27 million Franchise number that bothers me. Way to much for him. What does this do to our salary cap and the ability to resign our own free agents and maybe a couple of new free agents? It just seems an exorbitant price to pay For a QB who hasn’t even taken his team to a playoff. I’m just saying…
Rest in Paradise MacArthur Boykins. Loved your posts. Level headed and intelligent. Best to his family
Signing Winston’s extension should be the easiest thing in the world. You give him a decent amount of guaranteed money based on his familiarity with the team, work ethic and grit. Then you incentivize the hell out of it. Make a tiered contract where is he throws X INTs then he gets X bonus money. If he throws more than that it’s less so he literally feels it in his wallet when he throws excessive INTs. A starting QB should be throwing about 10-15 INTS a year, if he starts throwing 20+ his pay goes down dramatically. Then incentivize him… Read more »
This is exactly how it should be handeled by both sides. Good response sapp.
If you could get Bridgewater instead would he be worth the extra $5 mill a year? We have enough overpaid players to afford that
It looks like Gruden may be frustrated with Derek Carr. If he is willing to part ways with his star QB, like he did with Mack and Cooper, would it be worth it to make a deal? Winston for Carr swap? throw in a 4th round pick.
I agree with those above, you do not take a qb in the first. The more i see of these college qbs, the less inpressed I am, outside of Burrow, who were not getting.
Herbert looked awful against a bad arizona st team this last week. Tua is made of glass, and sone are wondering if Easom and Fromm should come back for another year.
Draft trenches all draft day. Both sides as it is needed to get younger there.
I agree that Barrett and Suh are priorities but I’d hate to see Suh go. He’s been a solid player who does more than stats indicate
No defense for the second pick, but I’m with Scott that Evans ran a bad route on the first int
“Winston tosses a bad interception on his first pass,…” Mark, you must have read about the game in the paper because everybody else knows that interception was on Evans as he ran a pathetic route. Even the stupid jump pass hit the receivers hands.
It was way behind the receiver and yet another very bad decision by the human turnover machine. Even BA said it was a dumb play. Go take another look.
Don’t need to look again. It was a dumb play. I just said it hit his hands, which it did. Back in the days of yore they told us if it hits your hands you should catch it. However, it was a jackass, sandlot play.
Rest in peace Mr. Mac. When I found pewterreport a long time ago to read bucs news and thoughts about how we as bucs fans felt towards the team I personally enjoyed reading his comments the most. Truly a gentlemen, and it showed in his comments. Will be dearly missed. God bless.
Go Bucs!
I’m not a Winston fan, but my goodness we’ve had so much worse here. He’s very frustrating to say the least. We won a Super Bowl with Brad Johnson of all people. Saw Trent Dilfer win a Super Bowl with Baltimore. I don’t think we need to pay Jameis 25+ million a season to play QB however. I like Jones, and Barber is serviceable for now. We absolutely need to focus at least 2 of the first three picks, if not 3 of the first 4 on the OL in the draft. An above average QB with the ability to… Read more »