Early this fall, when Jameis Winston threw seven interceptions in his first four games and the Buccaneers started 1-3, the rookie passer called his old coach to solicit advice and, honestly, to vent.
“Jameis was kind of amazed at the speed of the linebackers and how well they could cover,” says Jimbo Fisher, the Florida State coach who helped Winston win a Heisman trophy and a national championship in 2013. “With how much more athletic the linebackers are, the underneath windows become really condensed. Throwing the vertical inside seams, you’ve really got to drive it and be good with your eyes.