There seems to be a consensus among the majority that Jameis is a forgone conclusion. If it is that obvious to everyone on the outside looking in, then certainly the person who has the most informed insight and in fact the one who will make the call must be even more certain of the outcome.
Put a different way; if Payton is any less certain than we are, then maybe some of us need to reevaluate how stubborn our convictions are.
So ...
Postulate #1 - The consensus is certain it is Jameis Winston
Postulate #2 - Payton's certainty how this will play out > than the consensus
Postulate #3 - In the limited time between now and opening day Payton needs to design a new or at least a heavily modified playbook for the next starter.
Postulate #4 - A Jameis playbook will be different than a Taysom Playbook. A lot different.
So the question is not "Who starts?", instead, we should be asking ...
- Why is Payton continuing this charade?
- Why pretend he will dilute his time crafting two divergent playbooks if he knows one is a wasted effort?
- Why make the Offense adjust and readjust to the cadence, timing, and plays of two QB's when Payton knows one won't be starting?
- Between all the new players on offense, a new playbook for the season, and a new QB isn't the best use of the preseason focusing on one uniform direction?
My conclusions
Payton really does not know what he has in Jameis or how much Taysom will improve with crafted plays and more experience.
At this point in time, the two are within a check-down pass of each other.
Payton's only recourse is to divide his time and the team's time between the two. Even at the risk of reducing the time the team and eventual winner will have to gel together.
I live by the maxim "The more you convince yourself something must be true the less likely it is."
See you all in Preseason. "Who dat? Who dat? Who dat say dey gonna beat dem Saints?"