All indications leading up to the Buccaneers' Week 4 matchup with the Panthers pointed toward Jameis Winston being one of, if not the hardest-working person at the Buccaneers' facility. It's no secret that he's one of the first players to arrive at team headquarters everyday. But following a 37-23 loss, the third of the Bucs' season, Winston said that he needed to work even harder in order to get his team where it needed to be.
"Confidence will never be an issue," Winston said following the game. "I've just got to work harder. That was a wakeup call to my work ethic. I have to work harder."
Photos from Buccaneers vs. Panthers at Raymond James Stadium.
The Bucs turned the ball over five times, four of which were interceptions by Winston. Tampa Bay led Carolina in total yards and plays ran, among several other offensive categories, but were unable to overcome the turnover differential. Winston shouldered much of the blame.
"The letdown was just five turnovers," Winston said. "You know, you can't win football games with five turnovers. So many parts to the game where it can be he said, she said, but you can't win a football game with five turnovers."
Offensive Coordinator Dirk Koetter has spoken highly of Winston's ability to self-scout and realize his mistakes. Immediately following the game, Winston acknowledged his progression when it came to ball security, but said that there's still plenty of improvement to be made.
"I just have to take care of the football – that's the main thing," he said. "If you look at our offense, we have guys that can make plays. The quarterback just has to take care of the football.
"That's what I'm getting better at every week – taking care of the football, third downs, converting. We did better on third downs. Doug [Martin] played an amazing game. Like I said, five turnovers – can't win football games with five turnovers."
Those who have followed Winston's career with the Buccaneers thus far, and even back through college, shouldn't be surprised to find out that his glass was half-full following the loss. So how does he plan to rebound?
"You bounce back," Winston said, "you don't think bad about yourself, you don't get down. This is what God made me to do. I'm blessed to have the opportunity to be out there on that field. But one thing you have to do is you have to take the heat and keep going. You've got to move forward."
Winston and the Buccaneers have one more game before their bye week - a home matchup with Jacksonville on Sunday.
