This win was impressive and one that made a statement. It proved to all of the critics counting them out, that their week 1 performance was not a fluke. That this offense and defense are starting to brew something special after the first two weeks of the season. Something else also seems to be brewing in Tampa Bay as well, a quarterback controversy.
No one outside of One Buc Place expected the Bucs to be where they are now or in the fashion in which they got here. Nonetheless Tampa Bay is flying high atop the division after Fitzpatrick ignited the charge by sprinkling a little “Fitzmagic”, recording 819 yards, 9 total TD’s with just 1 INT in just TWO games. That performance folks is the very definition of a hot hand in the NFL, and he looks to continue his hot streak into week 3 on Monday Night Football against a struggling Steelers team.
After the 3 game suspension of Jameis Winston was announced over the summer, most thought the chances were slim to none, that the journeyman Fitzpatrick would be able to carry this team well enough to get them just one win. A few analysts remarked that they could very easily start 0-3 before Winston’s week 4 return. It wasn’t hard to see why either, all three games were against very good playoff teams, one of which won the Super Bowl just this past year. Fast forward to today, and the narrative has changed. Not only have the Bucs proved they can compete at a high level, but that they may have a difficult choice to make before their week 4 match up against the Bears.
As much as I have stated previously that I believe Winston should and will return as the starter for week 4, Fitzpatrick’s eye catching performance will make that a tough decision for the team. Especially if his production continues next Monday against the Steelers.
Without a doubt, Jameis Winston is the future of this franchise, and will be the franchise QB for some time. Depsite that Koetter will have a tough decision to make by week 4. Start the hot hand journeyman to keep the streak alive, or hand the reins to your franchise QB with the hope that he will start off where Fitzpatrick left off.
Who would YOU choose to start week 4? Let us know in the comments below!
