Buccaneers HC Dirk Koetter happy with the progress of all three quarterbacks

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have only one preseason game left and the team is beginning to look forward to week one against New Orleans. For the most part, the team has performed well during the first three games. Of course, at times the games get sloppy and it is noticeable that the second and third string players are on the field, but we only have to deal with one more of those games.

One thing that has been consistent all preseason for Tampa Bay has been the play of their quarterbacks. Head coach Dirk Koetter commented on his quarterbacks today and is extremely pleased with all three guys.

“Yeah, very well. I mean, it would be hard not to be the way all three of those guys are really doing a good job,” Koetter said. “I think a lot of that has to do with the fact that Fitz [Ryan Fitzpatrick] now has been through a whole cycle with us, Griff’s [Ryan Griffin] been here for three and of course, Jameis [Winston],” Koetter said. “And then [Quarterbacks Coach] Mike Bajakian does a really good job with them in the meeting room so that’s where your OTAs pay off, your classroom stuff pays off and those three guys have done a really nice job of carrying it to the field.”

It is well documented that Winston will miss the first three games of the regular season and that Fitzpatrick will be the starting quarterback. However, based on his performance through three games, Buccaneer fans should be much more confident in Fitzpatrick then they were when the suspension was announced.

Fitzpatrick has looked in-sync with his receivers and seems to have a very good understanding of the offense. It is his second year with the team so that is to be expected, but he does look much more comfortable this season then he did last. One of the biggest story lines through the first few weeks of the regular season will be if Ryan Fitzpatrick can keep the Buccaneers afloat until Winston returns.

If the team can escape that three game stretch with at least one win, Fitz will have done his job.