Jameis Winston doing what a No. 1 overall should

Dec 6, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) runs out of the pocket against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay defeated Atlanta 23-19. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted quarterback Jameis Winston No. 1 overall this year to eventually get them out of the NFL’s cellar. They knew there would be some growing pains but bet him to make it happen. And in the beginning, Winston went through some of those growing pains the Buccaneers knew he would go through.

He lost three out of his first four starts, throwing nearly as many interceptions as touchdowns. In his eight games since then, Winston is 5-3 and has thrown 11 touchdowns to four interceptions. Then Sunday, in the biggest game of his young NFL career, his team really needed him with their playoff hopes hanging in the balance.

And Winston came through for them, creating big plays with his feet and his arm. Trailing by 3 points to the division rival Atlanta Falcons with less than three minutes remaining, Winston used his feet. From the Falcon 43, he dropped back to pass on 3rd-and-19 then took off running with his receivers covered and pocket collapsing.

Appearing to be down about nine yards down the field, he quickly popped up, spun around to his right and ran for another 10 yards and a first down. A few plays later, Winston threw a 6-yard touchdown pass in the corner of the end zone to Mike Evans for a 4-point lead. And soon after, the Buccaneers sealed a 23-19 victory when Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan threw an interception.

Now, the Buccaneers are in better shape to make the playoffs with 6-6, the same record as the Falcons. By virtue of winning both matchups, the Buccaneers own the tiebreaker against the Falcons. They still need some help but have a favorable schedule outside of Carolina Panthers to close the season but they might rest their starters for the playoffs.

Either way, the Buccaneers have already tripled their win total from last year and the fact that their even talking about playoffs right now says a lot.

Winston has truly lifted this Buccaneers franchise like a No. 1 overall should do.