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NFL 2016: Top 5 MVP candidates after Week 1

By Adam Jacobs

Sep 12, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) does a celebration dance in the end zone after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Redskins in the third quarter at FedEx Field. The Steelers won 38-16. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) does a celebration dance in the end zone after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Redskins in the third quarter at FedEx Field. The Steelers won 38-16. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 11, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) throws the ball against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) throws the ball against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

3) Jameis Winston

The former No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft looked the part as his Tampa Bay Buccaneers put up 31 points on Sunday. His day started off rocky with an early interception but Jameis Winston looked amazing, finishing 23-of-33 for 281 yards and four TDs. The second-year player looked like a seasoned vet as he orchestrated four TD drives to beat their division rivals, the Atlanta Falcons.

Winston showed his maturity and class by presenting the game ball to new Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter, a former Falcons assistant coach. Jameis’ college career was filled with immaturity and scandal but this new and improved Winston seems ready to lead his team.

Winston was placing balls perfectly on deep passes and showing accuracy and zip on the shorter throws. Tampa’s run game was stifled early but that didn’t stop Jameis from moving the ball. The Falcons failed to sack Winston and the quarterback looked like a MVP candidate for sure.

With a slimmed down Mike Evans as his WR1 and TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins finally showing his true potential, Jameis Winston should continue to play at an All-Star level. Winston showed excellent command of his offense and was a true leader out on the field.

Next: Drew Brees

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