Arians has set the bar high for Winston’s return in 2020
TAMPA — Quarterback play in the NFL is all about decision making. Call the right protection, make the right read and live with the results. The scrutiny is instant.
But deciding on whether to move on from a quarterback like Jameis Winston, the No. 1 overall pick in 2015, is more complicated. Bucs coach Bruce Arians on Tuesday made it clear he has not made a decision on Winston’s future but set the bar high for his return in 2020.
“For me, it’s just play it all out and let’s see,” Arians said. “Can we correct mistakes? Can we get better? Can we play like we did in Los Angeles six weeks in a row? Or in Carolina? And not have that game (in London) at the end of the day. Then again, that’s a lot of guys around him. Part of being disappointed is sometimes guys around him are making mistakes that are affecting him.”
Winston had his best game Sept. 29 in Los Angeles, passing for 385 yards with four touchdowns and one interception while setting a franchise record for points in a 55-40 win over the Rams.
But Winston had six turnovers, including five interceptions, in the 37-26 loss to the Panthers Oct. 13 at Tottenham Stadium.
Arians said he will have no trouble speaking truth when he presents his evaluation of Winston to the Bucs ownership.
“I will not lie, that’s for sure,” Arians said. “They’ll get my honest evaluation. That’s just who I am. I don’t think they have to worry about that.”
Last week, the Tennessee Titans benched Marcus Mariota, who was taken one pick after Winston. They started Ryan Tannehill and on Sunday beat the Chargers 23-20.
With the Bucs at 2-4, Winston coming off a six turnover game in a loss to the Panthers and the trade deadline looming, Sunday’s game at Tennessee is a crucial one.
Mariota was benched last week in favor of Ryan Tannehill, who played well enough to beat the Chargers 23-20.
Mariota has thrown seven touchdown passes and two interceptions but may have played his last game for the Titans. He owns a 29-32 record as a starter with one playoff appearance. Winston is 29-32, one winning season and has never made the playoffs.
Winston said he’s not focused on what’s happening to his draft twin.
“My main goal every game is to give our team a chance to win every game,” Winston said. “When I do that, we win. That’s my main goal.
“I got to focus on me. I’ve got to make sure I’m doing the things I need to do for this side. So we’re focused on getting a win against Tennessee.”
Arians has been impressed with Winston’s focus in practice this week.
“He’s come out just like water off his back,” Arians said. “I like that about him. It’s not like he’s sitting around sulking or hesitant in any way. He’s been really good for two practices. I think he will play really well.”
Both Winston and Mariota have survived three head coaches. The change in offensive schemes can slow the growth of a quarterback. “A lot of times that is the case,” Arians said. “Too many systems. This one is only two, so you can’t use that as an excuse.”
Winston admits he has not kept very close tabs on Mariota.
“I keep track of all quarterbacks in this league and the main person I keep track of is myself,” Winston said. “I have to focus on how I can get better. Everyone has something they can get better at. Every single quarterback has something they can get better at. But I’m pretty sure that they do more self-scout than scout other people.”