And how the Saints found their rightful successor
The New Orleans Saints have entered their name into the list of the greatest QB rooms of all time, joining the likes of the 2018 Eagles, the late 80s Niners, and the 2008 Packers. The Saints are the only team in NFL history to have 2 quarterbacks who’ve thrown for over 5,000 yards in a season on the same roster.
Off the field, Winston has had his fair share of controversy. Between two sexual assault allegations, shoplifting crab legs from a Publix in Tallahassee, and a couple of silly mistakes at bars at Florida State, Winston’s name is often mentioned in a negative light.
That being said, he’s shown serious signs of maturity and a drive to improve as a player and as a person. He’s previously volunteered at youth football camps and has been active in the community in Tampa. Now, after being replaced by Tom Brady as the leader of the Buccaneers, Winston is humbled and faces a reality check of sorts.
“I know I’ve grown and matured.” He said. “Being a father to a 1-year-old that looks just like you and you’re having to make an imprint on his life, teaching him and showing him how to have high character and how to act when no one is looking.” Winston also mentioned how much of a mentor and idol Drew Brees is to him, and that he’s proud to be in such a talented QB room with a lot to learn from.
The 2019 passing yards leader had a historic season, and not in a good way. He had 33 touchdowns and 30 interceptions, becoming the first player in NFL history to have a 30-30 season. 7 of those interceptions resulted in a pick 6, also a record high. His mistakes run deeper than football, and Winston has been heavily disrespected by the media and by fans. But he deserves a shot at redemption, and some of those pitfalls aren’t entirely on him.
Earlier this year, former Pro Bowl quarterback Carson Palmer was a guest on the Rich Eisen show. Palmer went into detail about how difficult it is to play under Bruce Arians in the first year. This isn’t a knock to Arians at all – he’s a cerebral coach but is extremely aggressive. Arians can be impatient at times, wanting to get down the field on 3-4 plays with a lot of deep shots. His playbook is wildly extensive, with Palmer stating, “… possibility of three to four hundred plays”, and that it can take years to learn. Palmer’s first season under Arians in 2013 showed proof of this, tossing a career-high 22 interceptions. In his next full season, Palmer cut down to just 11. Palmer also explained that Arians makes use of a lot of option routes, leading to miscommunication between the receivers and the quarterback. “Multiple opportunities where receivers have the option to run one of two routes…they don’t make that decision and make that cut until they get the top of the route.” Those who know football understand that miscommunication or the wrong route by a receiver causes quite a few interceptions, but unfortunately that metric falls back on the QB.
Separately, on Jameis’ end, he underwent LASIK eye surgery in the offseason. This should prove to be astronomically helpful to his game, considering he was playing almost half-blind. Winston stated that he could finally read street signs after the surgery.
This last season for Winston wasn’t all bad. He joins an elite group of 8 signal-callers to throw for 5,000+ yards in a season and was behind only MVP Lamar Jackson in passing touchdowns.
For most NFL teams, his inconsistency and number of interceptions are issues that are impossible to overlook. But this wasn’t the case for New Orleans.
Drew Brees isn’t getting any younger at the ripe old age of 41. Brees is under contract for the next two seasons, but Jameis signed his name to be a member of the Saints on a one year, 1.1 million dollar contract. Although swiss army knife Taysom Hill inked a 2-year extension with the team, he will likely be using his talents from the TE spot or on special teams.
Hill has been pretty vocal about his talent as a QB and views himself as the heir to the throne in NOLA. He’s even stated that if the Saints don’t view him as a starting-caliber quarterback, that he would leave the team.
It’s hard for me to believe that a guy with 11 career passing attempts at 29 years old is the right guy for them. Sean Payton is a smart guy, and the signing of Jameis Winston isn’t a mistake.
There are two ways to look at it; they either coach up Jameis to help him get back on his feet and contend for a starting job elsewhere, or they groom out his mistakes and position him to succeed Drew Brees once he retires. In my opinion, the latter is the better option.
I have faith in Jameis’ ability to adapt and become a better person on and off the field. Assuming he shows his talent in the preseason or steps in Bridgewater-esque should Brees get injured, Winston should have plenty of time to learn the playbook and get tips from one of the best to ever do it.
Jameis Winston is still only 26 years old. His stats from the first 5 years are comparable to NFL legend Peyton Manning.
Peyton had 20,618 passing yards with 138 TDs, 100 INTs, a 62.1% completion percentage, and a QBR of 85.9.
Jameis has put up 19,737 passing yards, 121 TDs, 88 INTs, 61.3% completion percentage, and 86.9 QBR in 10 fewer games.
This isn’t at all to say that Winston is on the same level that Manning was, but more that he can right the ship and find success later in his career. Manning did end up going on to win 5 MVPs and a pair of Super Bowls.
Taysom Hill isn’t a reliable option at quarterback. He’s on 6/13 for 119 yards and an interception for his career, and is 29 years old.
For me at least, Winston is an all-around better option at QB for New Orleans. Although this past season was lamentable, many of his mistakes were due to things out of his control. Another season in Tampa Bay would’ve done him well, giving him time to learn the playbook better and regain chemistry with his teammates. The offense in New Orleans is even better than what he had in Tampa. A stronger run game will help open up the passing game more. The Saints’ defense is also much better, not leaving the offense on the field all the time. He’s shown serious signs of maturity and a deep determination to better himself. The sky’s the limit for Jameis Winston, and he’s in good hands with the Saints.