MINNEAPOLIS – Jameis Winston’s first preseason completion was a 40-yard strike to veteran Vincent Jackson, leading to a Tampa Bay Buccaneers field goal.
He completed five passes in a no-huddle drive late in the first half against the Minnesota Vikings’ reserves and capped it with a dive into the end zone.
Those were the highlights in an uneven exhibition debut for Winston, the No. 1 overall draft pick who at halftime was 9-of-19 passing for 131 yards with an interception, couldn’t handle two snaps that led to losses and was sacked twice.
In all, Winston was on the field for eight drives in the first half – longer than usual in a first preseason game, even for a rookie who needs all the game reps he can get.