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NFL Grades: Report card for each QB after four games

By Erik Lambert

DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 01: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates a touchdown against the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on October 1, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 01: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates a touchdown against the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on October 1, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – SEPTEMBER 30: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers warms up prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on September 30, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – SEPTEMBER 30: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers warms up prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on September 30, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Jameis Winston (Tampa Bay Buccaneers): NA

Winston returned from a three-game suspension midway through last weeks game against Chicago, during which the Bucs were down by 35 at halftime. Tampa started Winston with a lot of short passes to get him in a rhythm and start the first significant drive by Tampa Bay. A tipped ball that resulted in a pick ended the drive prematurely. Overall Winston made a lot of short, yet smart, throws in his return to action. He’ll make his first start of the season for the 2-2 Bucs after the week five bye when they play in Atlanta. Four of Tampa Bay’s next six games are on the road.

Tampa Bay has already picked up Winston’s fifth-year option for 2019 worth nearly $21 million, almost as much as what he made over his first four years. Now is the time for Winston to prove he can be Tampa  Bay’s franchise quarterback on and off the field.

As for Ryan Fitzpatrick, we got about what we expected from the veteran. He put on his typical magic show in the first two games before falling apart and looking human once again. It was truly no surprise the wheels fell off for Fitzpatrick, though his ability to keep Tampa Bay’s season alive and in the playoff picture without Winston should be lauded.

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