Bruce Arians says he is not mulling QB alternate for Bucs

TAMPA, Fla. — In the future after Jameis Winston threw 5 interceptions and grew to become the ball over six instances in opposition to the Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers trainer Bruce Arians mentioned he used to be now not bearing in mind a metamorphosis at quarterback, nor has his belief of Winston modified.

“No. I take a look at the the reason why. What took place?” mentioned Arians, now 2-Four because the Bucs’ head trainer. “If it occurs once more, yeah, it’s going to worry the hell out of me.”

Winston already has thrown 10 interceptions this season, in the back of handiest Cleveland’s Baker Mayfield. Winston’s 68 profession interceptions are probably the most of any quarterback since 2015, as are his 87 turnovers.

The Bucs input the bye week in 3rd position within the NFC South after losing back-to-back divisional video games to Carolina and the New Orleans Saints. Tampa Bay’s subsequent opponent after the bye, the Tennessee Titans, simply benched Marcus Mariota, who used to be decided on one spot in the back of Winston, 2nd total within the 2015 NFL draft.

Each quarterbacks are within the ultimate 12 months in their rookie contracts after having their fifth-year choices picked up via their respective golf equipment.

“I do know the historical past, sure,” mentioned Arians, who got here out of retirement, partly on account of the chance to train Winston. He feels Winston continues to be looking to do an excessive amount of, however he additionally feels coverage let him down, with the offensive line surrendering seven sacks.

“I feel while you get hit — I do not care in case you are Tom Brady — while you get hit early in video games, it is other,” Arians mentioned. “And we were given him hit early within the recreation, with the exception of the primary play. We were given him hit an excessive amount of early within the recreation.”

In opposition to the Panthers, Winston used to be stressed on over 40 p.c of his dropbacks — greater than all however 4 video games he has performed within the remaining 3 seasons.

Earlier than Sunday’s recreation, Winston threw 9 landing passes and two interceptions throughout a three-week stretch in opposition to the New York Giants, Los Angeles Rams and Saints.

When requested what makes him consider that Winston will likely be stable after years of erratic play, Arians mentioned, “I feel simply him taking part in higher, the fellows round him taking part in higher, training higher — the entire thing. I feel as we keep growing in combination, I feel it’s going to recuperate and those video games will likely be one in one million and now not one each 5.”

The Bucs won’t apply throughout the bye week, with the exception of out of doors linebacker Jason Pierre-Paul, who will apply Tuesday and Wednesday for the primary time since struggling his neck fracture. He will paintings with out of doors linebackers trainer Larry Foote, assistant Harold Goodwin and the athletic coaching group of workers. Pierre-Paul may not be eligible to play till Week eight.

“He will have pads on, cross one-on-one with a pair offensive linemen — apply squad guys,” Arians mentioned. “They’re going to apply day after today and Wednesday.”