Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Can Blaine Gabbert push Jameis Winston?

Jameis Winston heads into Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp as the starting quarterback but can Blaine Gabbert push him to improve?

The starting quarterback job for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers belongs to Jameis Winston. Actually, it is Winston’s position to lose. Is there any chance that Blaine Gabbert could surpass Winston and becoming the starting quarterback?

Training camp opens on July 26. There are four quarterbacks on the current Buccaneers roster. Expect the competition between Winston and Gabbert to be the main focus throughout the preseason.

Winston begins his fifth season under center for the Buccaneers. So far, he has been underwhelming as the face of the franchise. He has a losing record of 22-33 in a Tampa Bay uniform.

Winston must have a career season to earn big money on his next contract. He is in the final year of his rookie contract. Expect him to fully immerse himself in the brand new Bruce Arians offense. Arians may have bought an insurance policy with Gabbert. He played for Arians in Arizona. In 2017, Gabbert completed 95 passes for 1,086 yards with six touchdowns and six interceptions.

Most of all, he has an understanding of the Arians offensive scheme. Gabbert has a slim advantage over Winston in that area. However, Winston has a much better career completion percentage of 61.6 to Gabbert’s 56.2. Gabbert has thrown 11 fewer career interceptions (58 to 47) while playing four more seasons.

Interceptions might be the determining factor between becoming the starting quarterback and being the back up. Arians has gone on record to say that Winston needs to throw fewer picks.

Tampa Bay has not had a winning season since 2016. Their last playoff appearance was in 2007. Remember, they play in the tough NFC South Division. Their divisional opponents have solid quarterback play.

Gabbert could become the bridge starting quarterback until they find their franchise guy in the draft. It will be very interesting to see how this training camp plays out. As of now, Winston wins the job. Gabbert might surprise everyone.