Jameis Winston has to get better, quickly

If you are a fan of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, you probably are reaching for your bottle of Jack Daniels right about now.

Last night, after a 31-7 drubbing at the hands of a hapless Cleveland Browns team, the Buccaneers faced an ugly truth.

Jameis Winston is not ready yet.

I am not saying that he will never grow into an elite quarterback. It takes time for some quarterbacks to mature and grow in their position. Look how long Aaron Rodgers got to learn under Brett Favre, Sometimes, it's best to have your future ride the bench, take notes and then put them into key situations a few years down the line.

Mike Glennon is not Brett Favre.

It's not his fault. The blame falls on past and current Bucs management for not drafting/signing/trading wisely. Glennon is a solid NFL quarterback, but he also has the disadvantage of having to learn on the fly, without having much help from his teammates.

It's way too early to say if Jameis Winston is a flop. Heck, he's only played three games. But he's not playing college competition now. He's playing the best of the best, and if he is to ever be one of the great quarterbacks in the NFL, he's got to change his style.

Quickly.

Saturday, Winston completed 6 of 15 for 90 yards, with 4 sacks and 1 interception. Cleveland's defense is not bad, but it was more of an indication that Jameis Winston isn't quite ready for prime time.

"Win or lose, you always can find a way to get better," Winston said. "This game, I got another thing to learn from. From the blitz protection standpoint. I've got to see things and get us in the right protection. This is definitely a learning experience."

Jameis Winston should be afraid.

Very afraid.