The Tampa Bay Buccaneers like what they’re seeing from their number one pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, as Jameis Winston looked great in a 25-11 win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
It was the first time the Buccaneers have won at home, regular season or preseason, since 2013. Winston led the team on a scoring drive capped off by himself, rushing one yard to complete the 80-yard drive. He left the game after getting sacked and hurting his ankle (nothing too serious), finishing with 8-of-13 for 90 yards and the rushing touchdown.
He looked a lot better than on his preseason debut, which was also his NFL debut. He completed the first passes a lot quicker and decisively than a week ago, showing that there’s a positive learning curve in his process.
Part of the reason Winston looked better is the offensive line coming together. The Buccaneers had two rookies in the offensive line (Donovan Smith and Ali Marpet) while veteran Gosder Cherilus made his debut for the Bucs.
Besides Winston, we saw Doug Martin put on the kind of performance that makes everyone hopeful he can regain his pro bowl form from his rookie season. He ran for 59 yards on six carries and overall the Buccaneers looked very good running the ball, gaining 145 yards on the ground. Mike Glennon threw a touchdown pass and completed 10-of-15 passes for 121 yards.