NFL1000: Is Jameis Winston Ready to Lead the Buccaneers Back to the Playoffs?

December 6, 2016   ·   Doug Farrar   ·   Jump to comments

If the Tampa Bay Buccaneers miss the playoffs in the 2016 season, it will have been a full decade since they made the postseason. The last time it happened—2007—Jon Gruden was still the head coach, Jeff Garcia—now 46—was the starting quarterback, Joey Galloway—currently 45—was the top receiver, and the delightfully named Stylez G. White was the primary pass-rusher.
The Bucs have had four coaches since Gruden was let go following the 2008 season, most recently replacing Lovie Smith with former offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter in part because Koetter developed a positive working relationship with quarterback Jameis Winston in 2015. Given Koetter’s lack of head coaching experience at the NFL level (the last time Koetter was a head coach anywhere was at Arizona State in 2006), this was a clear signal from management: As goes Jameis Winston, so goes the rest of the team.
Not an uncommon practice, especially for a quarterback selected fir...

Read Complete Article at Bleacher Report - NFL
Article is property of BleacherReport.com