Written by Michael Sedoris
Opinion Editorial
Starting quarterback in the NFL has to be one of, if not the most scrutinized occupations on the planet. When you are a first overall pick, with a history of off field issues and a propensity to turn the ball over, well that my friend is the jackpot for said scrutiny.
Two-Sided Comparisons
As a fan base we, those clad in pewter and red sit on one side of the fence when it comes to #3. You’re either pro-Winston or your pro anyone but Winston and his play leaves little room for a gray area. All you hear or see is fans posting stats to fit their narrative on the 26-year-old captain of the Buccaneers.
You will read comments and articles that compare Winston to Jeff Blake. To highlight how he will fall short of expectations and untapped potential. On the flip side of that argument, you’ll see the Peyton Manning comparison. You will read how Winston has a Favre like mentality. You will read how he has a touch of Ryan Leaf in him.
Follow The Leader
Many have compared him to Ben Roethlisberger in Arians’ offense. To all this, I argue WATCH THE GAME! Watch the game inside the game. Winston leads this team. More importantly, this team follows. Watch as he goes out and throws a pick, sits down with the guru coach Tom Moore. See how he leads the team down the field. Watch how the defense reacts to his energy. I’m not saying Winston is responsible for the defense playing better however both sides of the ball feed off one another.
This team seems to have confidence in Winston. Like it or not he, at least for now, is the starting quarterback and face of this franchise. Yes! Winston is both the Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde of our beloved franchise and, yes, everyone has their own take on him. But for the love of Lombardi can we all just get behind this team and stop arguing when the team is on a three-game winning streak?!
Photo credit: buccaneers.com
