Amid a disappointing season, the relationship between Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dick Koetter and starting quarterback Jameis Winston is, reportedly, “not in a good place.” According to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, there is an ongoing rift between Koetter and Winston, who felt he was not supported by the team when he suffered an injury early this season. Also, Rapoport disclosed that Winston is frustrated with the way the Buccaneers’ offense is being ran, with the quarterback saying that Koetter’s offensive plays became so predictable to opponents.
The Buccaneers were expected to succeed this season, but instead they are languishing with a 4-8 mark heading into their showdown with the Detroit Lions.
Buccaneers’ offense struggling
This season, the Buccaneers’ offense is averaging 20.3 points per game while their depleted defense has given up 24.0 points per outing. Part of the team’s offensive struggles is the inconsistent play of Winston, who has completed just 61.9 percent of his passes for 21st in the NFL. Winston has thrown 12 touchdowns with six interceptions, for a passer rating of 90.1, good for 17th in the league. The Buccaneers were expected to excel on offense with Mike Evans, DeSean Jackson, Cameron Brate, and O.J. Howard helping Winston.
However, the Buccaneers have failed to pile up points on the board, leading to their disappointing campaign this season.
Concussion could end TE’s career
Houston Texans tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz’s NFL career is in jeopardy after he suffered his fourth concussion in the last two years Sunday against the Tennessee Titans. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the 26-year-old Fiedorowicz could call it a career after he was placed on injured reserve last week when he suffered his third concussion this season.
The Texans placed Fiedorowicz on IR in September due to a concussion. He returned in Week 10 but he suffered another concussion. Sources told Schefter that Fiedorowicz might not be able to play again, whether by his choice or the decision by Texans’ team doctors. Before he can return to action, Fiedorowicz must be able to pass a team physical.
Last summer, the Texans signed Fiedorowicz to a three-year deal worth $21.5 million, but it contains an option where his base salary will go down to $2.8 million if he is cut due to a pre-existing condition like a concussion. A third-round pick by the Texans out of Iowa, Fiedorowicz has caught 89 passes for 881 yards and six touchdowns in his fourth season with the Texans.
