Through their first five games of the 2015 season, the Buccaneers have yet to score a touchdown in the first quarter. Although getting off to a fast start is important for the Bucs' in their upcoming game against Washington, it isn't as important as how the team finishes, Jameis Winston said.
"A fast start is always a big thing for us but the main thing is how you finish," Winston said during a press conference at One Buccaneer Place on Wednesday. "As long as we end up with a victory, I'm pretty sure that everybody will be happy. It goes back to trying to get better every single week. Maybe this week we take the initiative and say, 'Hey, let's get a touchdown in the first quarter.' But it's just getting better every single week and we get it done how we can get it done."
Winston will be combatting a Washington defense that's established themselves as one of the best in the league defending the pass. The Redskins allow 222.5 yards per game, making them the NFL's eighth-best, while sacking opposing quarterbacks 12 times.
Photos of the projected starters for the Redskins as listed on team depth chart.
"You've got to take what they give you," Winston said. "I guess that's the same thing every week but the main thing is take care of the football and just play the best that we can play."
Since arriving in Tampa Bay, Winston has been adamant – his job is to play his role as best he can, no more and no less. If the Bucs walk away with a victory in Week 7, Winston said that it will be the result of a cumulative effort from the entire team.
"I have great teammates that do a great job and we have a great team," he said. "That's why I think the biggest thing about this league is – you have complete team wins. You can't have a game where your offense plays really good and your defense and special teams don't do well and win the game. You can't have a game where your defense plays outstanding and your offense and special teams don't do good. You're setting yourself up for failure. This game is just a complete team game, whereas in college one person can take over the game."
So far, the Bucs have supported Winston well. The team's defense is ranked No. 5 in the league in yards allowed per game and Doug Martin has been one of the league's top-producing running backs. When establishing an even balance between run and pass, the Bucs have fared well; Winston is 2-0 with no interceptions when being asked to throw the ball 30 times or less.
The Bucs and Redskins are set to square off at 1 p.m. on Sunday at FedEx Field in Maryland.
