Jameis Winston getting the hang of the NFL

Nov 22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) drops back to pass against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston to fire from the media after hist first game of the season. He began his NFL career the same way he ended his college career, taking a loss to Tennessee Titans Marcus Mariota. But it wasn’t Mariota that beat him, it was the defense led by defensive assistant Dick LeBeau.

LeBeau doesn’t lose to rookie quarterbacks so Winston’s loss on opening day should have surprised on one. Winston would struggle through the first four games, going 1-4, completing 55 percent of his passes for six TDs and seven INTs. His issues with turning the ball over in his last year in college came back to bite him early on.

From there, Winston learned, not throwing another interception until throwing two in Week 10-win against the Dallas Cowboys. In Week 11, Winston showed the NFL world that he’s turning the corner in a 45-17 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. On the day, Winston went 19-29 for 246 yards five TDs and no INTs.

And the win brings the Buccaneers’ record to 5-5 on the season, 4-1 over his last five games. Over that 6-game span, Winston completed 61 percent of his passes for nine TDs and just two INTs. The kid is turning the corner here and the Buccaneers are already one game away from tripling their win total for last year.

Give the kid some props!