Ryan Fitzpatrick Will Start At Quarterback Against Carolina

Well, there you have it.

Just a day after nearly leading the Bucs into overtime after an 18-point comeback, Ryan Fitzpatrick has officially been named the starter for the Week 9 matchup against the Carolina Panthers.

Fitzpatrick came into the game after Jameis Winston’s fourth interception against the Bengals and went 11-of-15 for 194 yards and two touchdowns. He also was responsible for the two-point conversion to tie the game.

This will be Fitzpatrick’s fifth start of the season. So far, he has completed 68% of his passes for 1,550 yards to go along with 13 touchdowns and five interceptions on the season. He’s responsible for two of the three victories in correspondence with the Bucs’ 3-4 record.

The move could signal the end of the Jameis Winston era in Tampa Bay, but it’s also a move by a coaching staff that needs to win now and Winston’s feelings certainly aren’t at the top of the list of priorities.