Bucs QB Winston grows from Week 4 loss
“Jameis Winston was put on Earth to throw something,’’ says CBS analyst Phil Simms of the Bucs' rookie quarterback.ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE By Ira Kaufman | Tribune Staff Published: November 13, 2015 at 08:15 PMTAMPA — Bucs coach Lovie Smith likes to break down a football season into quarters, and his rookie quarterback thinks that’s a swell idea.After a rocky start, capped by an abysmal performance against Carolina in a Week 4 setback, Jameis Winston is generating national attention for his startling growth curve.“Jameis Winston was put on Earth to throw something,’’ said CBS analyst Phil Simms, who won Super Bowl MVP honors as the quarterback of the 1986 Giants, “He’s just a cool customer. He’s big, he plays big, he’s not afraid of getting hit and he’s not afraid of pressure.’’In splitting their past four games, the Bucs averaged 27 points while converting 24 of 49 on third down. That’s a marked contrast to the opening month, when Tampa Bay went 1-3, averaged 18 points per game and struggled mightily on third down at 17 of 56.The difference? Start with the 21-year-old kid under center.The first overall pick in the 2015 draft is on a roll heading into Sunday’s home matchup against the reeling Cowboys, who have dropped six consecutive games following a 2-0 start.Winston hasn’t thrown an interception since being intercepted four times in a 37-23 loss to the Panthers at Raymond James Stadium, including one returned for a touchdown by cornerback Josh Norman that put Carolina ahead 10-0 before the five-minute mark.The former Florida State standout also contributed to a lost fumble on the game’s second snap as Winston and the Bucs fell, despite outgaining Carolina 411-244.After the game, Winston blamed himself for not giving his team a legitimate opportunity to beat a division rival. But as far as losing his confidence ... not a chance.““Never. That’s what I did, I bounced back,’’ Winston said. “You put the game behind you and you bounce back stronger. One of my favorite artists (Lil’ Boosie) always says, ‘Minor setback for a major comeback.’ We had a little setback there — I turned the ball over way more than I expected to — and I just focused on that, taking care of the football.’’The Cowboys have only four takeaways all season and Winston plans on maintaining his impressive streak of ball security.“It’s our number one thing —- protect the ball,’’ Bucs offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter said. “The way we opened the season against Tennessee, the way we played against Carolina, that’s night and day. There are times when a slap in the face like that can do that to a player. You can talk to a thousand people that have watched us and have noticed that. He’s doing a fantastic job.’’Besides making better decisions, Winston is delivering the ball with more authority and better timing. He is also displaying surprising mobility, scoring three of Tampa Bay’s six rushing touchdowns.“I think he’s done a good job and they’ve done a good job with him,’’ Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said. “They’re a balanced offensive attack and he looks comfortable playing in their system. He’s made a number of plays for them and done some things, both with his feet and throwing the football, that have helped them compete and win some games. We’ve certainly been impressed by him.”Winston’s numbers would look even better if top target Mike Evans hadn’t dropped 10 catchable passes. Tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins, who caught two touchdowns in the season opener, has missed the past six games with a shoulder injury. And veteran wide receiver Vincent Jackson will be sidelined for the third consecutive week with a knee injury.Still, Winston keeps firing away with poise and purpose.“Jameis is in part of the process of becoming a veteran in the league,’’ Smith said. “You have to go through some growing pains. He’s done that. I just know when some of those things happened he acknowledged them and said, ‘I’m going to do something about it.’ I’m very impressed with what he has done, fighting through that and playing consistent football throughout and he’s trending (up). We haven’t seen the best Jameis Winston yet.’’After the Carolina game, Winston’s teammates rallied around a young leader, offering support.“He’s being disciplined in his reads and his decisions and it’s paying off,’’ veteran tight end Luke Stocker said. “It starts in practice. Every week, he’s making the right reads in practice, taking the right coaching. Everyone in this locker room let him know you can’t point the finger at just one person.“There’s guys across this room who all made mistakes. He’s the quarterback, so he’s the focal point. He’s got every talent you could want and the most encouraging thing is the improvement he’s showing week to week. The intangibles he has are exactly what you want from a quarterback in this league. The sky’s the limit for this kid.’’[email protected]Twitter: @IKaufmanTBO