It’s time for a new chapter in Bucs, Winston’s history 
Rookie quarterback Jameis Winston continues to make progress in practice, but it’s time to see him perform during a game. CHRIS URSO/STAFF By Martin Fennelly | Tribune Staff Published: August 12, 2015 TAMPA — We have no idea if it was an omen, but one of the final Jameis Winston media scrums before his first NFL game, an exhibition Saturday night in Minnesota, was ended by lightning.What we do know is that Winston needs to play against people in other uniforms.That he will do this weekend, perhaps for as long as a quarter.He’s made progress in practice, cutting down on interceptions while pushed by the Bucs defense, or as much as the Bucs defense can push, anyway. Lovie Smith hasn’t eased Winston in. Blitz periods every day. Deep end of the pool. It will get deeper Saturday.“The goal is to get better every day,” Winston said. “Now that we’re going to be playing against another team, we’re going to see what’s happening.”Yes, we are.He has thrown scores of passes, signed hundreds of autographs, flashed as many smiles.He has played rock star at Bucs camp, people in No. 3 jerseys calling his name as he approaches.He has made no waves.He has not been spotted talking to the equipment guys with a football and air pump in his hand.Best of all, he hasn’t had his jaw broken by a teammate.Quiet camp.Onward.He still needs to get out there in a game.This organization needs it, too. The Bucs introduced “Siege the Day,” then RED. The summer hits just keep on coming. By the way, should a 2-14 team be trying to explain football to anyone?The Bucs need games, even if they’re preseason ones.NOW.So does Jameis.I’m tired of overanalyzing practice.Let’s overanalyze exhibition football.Still ...“It’s his first NFL snap in a game situation,” Bucs quarterback coach Mike Bajakian said.“Even though they say you’re getting live reps at practice, you’re not, because no one can touch you,” said NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock, who was at Bucs camp Tuesday. “The first preseason game, it’s the first time the other guys are coming at you for real. I get that he has all the tools. But at the end of the day, you’ve got to do it with 11 guys trying to stop you. And this is the start of that.”Jameis went from three interceptions in a practice to two to one to none to one to none. He likes where he’s at.“Definitely the rhythm in my drops,” he said. “Getting back, making quick reads.”Bajakian talked about improvements in Winston’s drop technique, anticipation, command in the huddle and communication at the line of scrimmage.Fine.It’s time to play a game.The fans in those Jameis jerseys are ready.Marnie Pfirrman of Tampa was wearing one at practice last week.“Give him a chance,” Marnie said. “Leave the past alone. Let him prove himself.”She pointed to her Jameis shirt.“I will burn this thing if he does anything wrong. If he screws up off the field, shame on him. I’ll burn this shirt.”And away we go!What to look for Saturday night?“It’s the pocket awareness more than anything,” Mayock said. “It’s the ability to move and slide in the pocket. Who knows how many snaps and throws he’ll get. But what you’re looking for in any young quarterback ... Do his eyes stay up under pressure? Can he slide and move innately in the pocket without letting the pressure bother him?”Back to Jameis.“It’s just the beginning,” Winston said.“I’ve been living the dream so far, man, but now get to play against another team. And it’s exciting.”The lightning horn was sounding.
