Bucs announce Ryan Fitzpatrick will start over Jameis Winston in Week 9

Jameis Winston played so poorly in Sunday’s loss to the Cincinnati Bengals that head coach Dirk Koetter sent him to the bench, and that is where the quarterback will remain when his team takes on the Carolina Panthers next weekend.

On Monday, Koetter announced that he has decided to stick with Ryan Fitzpatrick in Week 9.

#Bucs coach Dirk Koetter announces his QB decision: Ryan Fitzpatrick will start on Sunday. So Jameis Winston to the bench.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 29, 2018

Winston was benched on Sunday after throwing his fourth interception of the day. That brought his total to 10 picks on the season in less than four games. Fitzpatrick immediately provided the Bucs with a burst of energy when he took over, and he completed 11-of-15 passes for 194 yards and two touchdowns while nearing leading the team to a massive comeback victory.

The Buccaneers have simply looked better this season with Fitzpatrick under center. He was on pace to set records through the first three games while Winston was suspended, and even Winston did not seem surprised on Sunday when he lost his job. We may not see the former first-round pick start again in 2018.