Who would of thought that 35 year-old bearded wonder, would literally place his name into the history books with the first two games of the 2018 NFL season?
Prior to the start of the season, and after news of Jameis Winston’s suspension, many fans were not pleased that Fitzpatrick was to be at the helm against the Saints and the Eagles. An 0-3 start many cried. The tune has changed and now there may in fact, be a QB controversy brewing in the Bay.
I will not write about a QB controversy, I will leave that to my fellow Bucs Report writers, however, I will discuss Fitzpatrick’s amazing milestone achievements.
Milestone#1: Ryan Fitzpatrick is now one of three QB’s in NFL History to throw for 400-yards in each of the first two games of the season. He joins Cam Newton and Tom Brady.
Milestone #2: Ryan Fitzpatrick is now one of three QB’s in NFL history to record 4 TDs passes in each of the first two games of the season. He joins Drew Bledsloe and Patrick Mahomes.
Milestone #3: Ryan Fitzpatrick is the 10th player since 1950 to throw for 8 TD passes through the first two games of the season and joins a long list, consisting of Drew Brees twice, Patrick Mahomes, Peyton Manning, Charley Johnson, Lynn Dickey, Drew Bledsoe, Carson Palmer, and Dave Kreig.
Milestone #4: Ryan Fitzpatrick is the 3rd payer since the NFL/AFL merger, (1970), to have consecutive 400-yard passing and 4 TDs. He joins Dan Marino and Bill Volek. Fitz is the first to have done this in the first two games of the season, since the merger.
Milestone #5: Ryan Fitzpatrick is the only QB in Tampa Bay Buccaneers franchise history to throw for over 400-yards twice.
Milestone #6: Ryan Fitzpatrick has recorded 4 TD passes of 50+ yards through the first two games and ties Joe Namath for the most 50+ yards TD passes in NFL history thrown in the first two games of the season.
Milestone #7: Ryan Fitzpatrick is now the eighth player since the 1950 to throw for 800-yards, or more through the first two games of the season. He joins Aaron Rodgers, Drew Blesdoe, Eli Manning, Kurt Warner, Frank Tripucka, Cam Newton, and Tom Brady.
(source: Joebucsfan)
Now, whether you believe in magic or not, and I hope you do, one thing is absolutely certain about Ryan Fitzpatrick, and that is the fact that he is making a name for himself and putting Tampa in an uncomfortable position when it comes to week 4.
Do we keep Fitzpatrick in or do we give Jameis back his team?
I believe these feats are being obtained due to the offensive play calling of Todd Monken and that we should surely give Jameis his shot. Worst case scenario: It doesn’t work out and they go back to Fitzpatrick.
As for now, the Pittsburgh Steelers better fear the beard.
