Former FSU Quarterback Expected To Step In For New Orleans Saints Against Former Team

The former Seminole will have an opportunity to make a statement against the team that drafted him No. 1 overall in 2015.

Dustin Lewis | Sep 26, 2023

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Florida State Seminoles

Six previously undefeated teams across the NFL came up short over the weekend. That included the New Orleans Saints, who lost to the Green Bay Packers 18-17 after leading 17-0 entering the fourth quarter. To make matters worse, the Saints will be without starting quarterback Derek Carr for at least one week after he suffered a sprained AC joint in his throwing shoulder.

Carr was replaced by backup quarterback and NFL veteran Jameis Winston in the defeat. Winston finished 10/16 for 101 yards in less than a half of action. He guided New Orleans into field goal range with just over a minute to play. The 46-yard kick would've salvaged the day for the Saints but the attempt went wide right.

It was a brutal finish for New Orleans but the team will have a quick turnaround in an NFC South game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Winston is expected to take the reins as the starting quarterback while matched up with the team that selected him No. 1 overall in the 2015 NFL Draft out of Florida State.

The nine-year pro will have an opportunity to make a statement against the Buccaneers. Winston faced off with the Buccaneers last year during one of his three starts and struggled in the loss, completing 25/40 passes for 236 yards with one touchdown to three interceptions.

With that being said, Winston has had success with this franchise before. The players around the quarterback believe in his ability to guide the Saints to a victory.

“Jameis has been in this offense before. We trust Jameis," tight end Juwan Johnson said. "He knows what he’s doing. He’s a great leader, great quarterback. There’s no falloff. That’s the biggest thing. Everybody trusts Jameis.”

Winston spent his first five years with the Buccaneers prior to his current stint with the Saints. During his career, he's completed 1748/2851 passes for 21,941 yards with 139 touchdowns to 96 interceptions. Winston has also rushed for 1,220 yards with 11 scores on the ground.

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Published Sep 26, 2023

DUSTIN LEWIS

Lewis joined NoleGameday in 2016 and is currently in the role of Editor-In-Chief. A graduate of Florida State, Lewis contributes to football, recruiting, and basketball coverage. Connect with Dustin on Twitter at @DustinLewisNG.