I think it’s safe to say that Tom Brady isn’t getting any younger. Although I do think he has plenty more years of football dominance left in him, I also believe the Bucs should go ahead and start planning who his successor is. Like the old saying goes, “Better to be safe than sorry”.
Last night, the NFL community erupted after Jameis Winston balled out against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Winston was absolutely lethal, going 9-10 through his playing time, as well as accumulating a total of 123 passing yards and two beautiful touchdown passes.
After watching him play, I’m not going to lie, I began to wonder “what if?”. What if Winston had stuck around and been mentored by Brady? What if the Bucs developed him further under the tutelage of Tom Brady? We could have been talking about a team with the G.O.A.T, as well as a solid starting QB with talent waiting in the wings.
After watching some of the preseason Tampa Bay games, one thing became clear to me; the QB’s (aside from Brady) just aren’t going to cut it in a starting role. And you know what, that’s okay – for the QBs. Some guys are just meant to play backup. However, when we are talking about a club, with a fan base as passionate as Tampa Bay, that is unacceptable.
Long story short, the Buccaneers need to figure out who will be taking the torch once Tom Brady passes it on. Do I think Trask has what it takes? He certainly has the arm and vision, but it is still way too early to tell.
If I am the Buccaneers I am taking a page out of the playbook of the New England Patriots and Green Bay Packers, who both had star QB’s mentoring future star QBs (Brett Favre – Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, Jimmy Garroppollo).
It’s too late to try and reclaim Winston, as he has seemingly found a starting role with the Saints. However, the Bucs should look around the league to try and scoop up a young QB who oozes potential, or, select a QB early in next year’s entry draft.
It’s great to be champs and savor the moment, but you also have to plan ahead, so as to make sure you can bring the Lombardi Trophy on more than one occasion. Cheers!