Some how some way, Jameis Winston continues to find himself as a starter, seemingly against all odds. This time the former New Orleans Saints quarterback finds himself in line to start for the New York Giants this week. It's only temporary until Jaxson Dart is able to return from concussion protocol.
Winston started the season as the third string quarterback, but new interim head coach Mike Kafka put a strong end to the Russell Wilson experiment by placing Winston over him on the depth chart. Winston could have pushed for a deal somewhere he could have been the backup, but this is what patience gets you.
Dart's injury is much less severe than Deshaun Watson's was last year, but this is the same way Winston entered the starting lineup in Cleveland. This will likely be one game instead of seven, but Winston always finds a way to get on the field.
Jameis Winston has become the epitome of a great backup quarterback since leaving the Saints
You won't see Winston on any Progressive commercials as a backup drive thru orderer or backup listener. It's a missed opportunity with how naturally entertaining Winston is, but what do I know. Despite not being on those commercials, he has firmly settled into his role as a backup quarterback. And quite frankly, he's the type of quarterback you'd want to backup your starter.
Winston is a great leader, but he also understands his place on the pecking order. He doesn't let those two things conflict either. That makes him a great locker room guy, as well as a mentor for any young quarterback.
You won't catch Winston trying to steal the shine from the starter. In both Cleveland and now New York, Winston has shown the ability to lead and motivate without stepping on any toes. We've instead saw him pouring into Watson and Jaxson Dart.
The transition truly began in Winston's last season in New Orleans. He came to New Orleans as a backup for a year to Drew Brees, but the plan was always for him sit for a year to become the successor. Once the Saints signed Derek Carr, though, that was the true end of Winston's days as a starter.
Injuries has forced Winston to start at least one game in each of the last two seasons. You're ok with Winston being there for a game or two, and that's genuinely all you can ask for from your backup quarterback in most situations anyway.