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Andrew Astleford 9y

Bucs like rookie Jameis Winston's progress from Week 1 to Week 2

NFL, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, Fla. -- To hear Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Vincent Jackson describe the situation, rookie Jameis Winston already owns a key component to succeed as an NFL quarterback.

"Just that composure," Jackson said Thursday. "You know what I mean? A lot of times guys can get rattled, things get loud, you're backed up in your own end zone and things like that. That stuff doesn't affect Jameis. I haven't seen him show any signs of 'hot feet' or whatever you want to call it, getting in the pocket and starting to get antsy or anything like that. He sits in there. He's a confident guy. He's a big, strong kid that wants to win. And I couldn't be happier to have him calling our plays."

Jackson's perspective speaks to Winston's growth from Week 1 to Week 2, which included the Florida State product earning his first professional victory after he completed 14 of 21 passes for 207 yards with two touchdowns -- one passing and one rushing -- in the win at New Orleans. Winston also posted a 114.6 passer rating in Week 2 compared to his 64.0 from Week 1.

For the season, Winston has completed 30 of 54 passes for 417 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions.

Jackson wasn't the lone Bucs wide receiver praising Winston this week. On Wednesday, Mike Evans said, "In the huddle with him, I feel so calm. In the huddle, he's so calm. He takes control of the huddle. He's fun to play with."

That early chemistry between Winston and his top two wide receivers could prove beneficial as his career progresses. Still, the young quarterback remains motivated to mature.

"The goal is still to eliminate the negatives and add on the positives," Winston said. "We have to get better every single week."

He did so last Sunday. Winston's improvement from Week 1 to Week 2 was a positive sign for Tampa Bay, especially after he struggled as Marcus Mariota excelled in the Tennessee Titans' Week 1 rout at Raymond James Stadium.

Jackson said the Bucs' offense did a better job against the New Orleans Saints of allowing Winston to establish an early rhythm. That development, Jackson said, placed Winston in situations where he could make quick reads and smart decisions.

"I think that, as an offense, as long as we do things right and everybody else is doing things a little bit better around him, he's going to be just fine," said Jackson, who has seven catches for 105 yards and one touchdown this season. "But he, again, has been super consistent. He comes in that huddle with a great attitude, a great energy, no matter what has happened. And that's what you want from your leader."

Andrew Astleford covers the Buccaneers for ESPN.com.

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