NFC South Power Rankings: Preseason Week 4 standings

Aug 24, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) drops back to throw during the first quarter of a preseason NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

It’s not been an easy start to the NFL for Jameis Winston, but the experience he’s got this preseason is invaluable. Over three games, he’s completed 23 of 47 passes for zero touchdowns and two interceptions. Thankfully for the Buccaneers, these games don’t matter to the standings and he will have learnt a lot in three weeks.

Winston has tons of potential and just needs some time to adjust to the NFL. He seems to be a natural leader of the offense and has all the tools to succeed at this level. He’s a rookie though, so expectations need to be capped for this season. A man he lined up opposite in the first preseason game, Teddy Bridgewater, is a good example. Bridgewater made an up-and-down start last term but came into his own by season’s end and is poised to improve in a big way in 2015.

Mike Evans’ hamstring injury is a concern, although there is a possibility he returns for the Week 1 game with Tennessee. Winston will need to lean on the second-year man this season so any time on the sidelines will be a blow. The Buccaneers are wisely sitting him out for the remainder of preseason to give him a chance to heal for the regular season opener.

Next: No. 3