As far as the stats are concerned, Sunday was the best game of Jameis Winston's career. The rookie quarterback threw five touchdown passes without an interception, accumulating 246 yards along the way. Each of Winston's touchdowns was caught by a different receiver and three pass-catchers finished the day with four receptions.
Winston finished the game with a passer rating of 131.6, the highest of his career. For his efforts, he's been nominated for the NFL's Rookie of the Week and Air Player of the Week awards.
Following his performance, Pro Football Focus rated Winston as the best quarterback in the NFL during Week 11. Winston received a grade of +5.2 and was trailed by Russell Wilson (+4.3), Marcus Mariota (+2.5), Cam Newton (+2.5) and Matthew Stafford (+2.4).
"It's not like he's surprising us a lot though because every step along the way, we've liked what we've seen from him," Head Coach Lovie Smith said. "Playing through adversity, handling success, being a leader, being a great teammate, vocal leader. He's growing, but after this many games, that rookie part has kind of vanished a little bit."
Winston's five touchdowns were tied for an NFL rookie record, as well as a Buccaneer record. Just three rookie quarterbacks in NFL history have thrown five touchdowns in a single game. Winston has also finished five of his last six games without an interception.
"He's playing good ball, making all the right decisions, no one works harder than him," Smith said. "Whatever you're looking for, for the guy that's out in front he's doing and he's doing it well."
Behind-the-scenes photos of the Buccaneers vs. Eagles game at Lincoln Financial Field on November 22nd.
