A QB controversy is certainly beginning to brew around the Advent Health Training Center, formerly One Buc Place. The way Ryan Fitzpatrick is currently playing, you have to call into question Jameis Winston’s position as the starting QB in the Buccaneers depth chart. Fitzpatrick currently leads the NFL in passing yards through the first two games, with 819 passing yards.
Starting out 2-0, in games, we were not supposed to win, especially without Jameis Winston, has many questioning whether or not Winston should return as the starter this season. Personally, I understand both sides.
In one sense, there is no way you can pull FitzMagic at this point in the season. With the success of the team as a whole, and the offense in particular, as well as taking into account how the team seems to have rallied behind Fitzy, I don’t think it would be wise to mess with what’s working.
On the other hand, many say this is football, and Winston was selected as the number 1 overall pick, to be the face of the franchise, so, it’s ‘his’ team.
Now, my question for them is a simple one: Has Winston lived up to the label of a franchise QB? Maybe you feel he has ‘on the field’, but a face of the franchise also has to have the maturity to be a role model off the field, and Winston has fallen short on that, over and over.
Many fans, most of whom were screaming “we’re doomed” just a few weeks ago are now riding the FitzMagic carpet, and for good reason.
Finally, an argument could be had regarding who is the biggest reason for the early season success, FitzMagic or is it the play-calling of Todd Monken? I would have to say it is a little of both. The coaches are putting the players in a position to succeed, and the players are doing what’s required to attain that success.
If you want more of an assurance, just listen to league-leading wide receiver DeSean Jackson’s response on NFL Total Access last night that Fitz is playing ‘on fire’ right now. He went on to say that he is not sure what the coaches and the GM will decide come week 4, but he is pretty sure that they will keep the ‘fire going until it burns out’.
Undoubtedly, there is a decision to be made from the Buccaneers front office next Tues, the day after the Bucs play the Pittsburgh Steelers on MNF.
Personally, I think it’s a no-brainer, stick with what’s working. The way this team has rallied behind Fitzpatrick playing lights out football, you have to keep it going as long as possible.
Side note: If you would like to watch the whole interview, which is pretty funny, you can check it out by clicking here: NFL Total Access: DeSean Jackson
Edited & Co-Authored by Harmeet Kapur
