What Winston’s start in opener means for Bears backup QB battle

Jameis Winston’s reported role as the guy with all the answers in the Saints quarterback room is about to get tested, not with questions but by an opposing defense rather than one of the coaches.

It’s Winston who gets the first Saints preseason start, and coach Dennis Allen plans to let him go until halftime, depending on the play count.

The first depth chart had Winston in his familiar role right behind starter Derek Carr, who won’t play against the Texans. It's better to be there when you're in a battle with Jake Haener for the second QB spot because there is no guarantee they'd keep a third on the roster.

“He’s been phenomenal," Allen said of Winston. "He’s smart as a whip. I appreciate the seriousness and intent that he brings every time he walks into a meeting room, walkthrough, it doesn’t matter. He’s locked in, he’s focused. I think his teammates feel that from him."

Offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael seized upon this locked-in focus.

“Jameis is no-nonsense," Carmichael said. "He's businesslike. Football's really important to him. He's excellent in the position room and out on the field.

"He’s constantly communicating what he sees and where he needs to go with the football. Coming back (to the coaches), knowing what the problems might be. He sees the game pretty clearly and I think that’s because he takes it really seriously and he studies.”

For Winston, the game represents a chance to do something he really hasn't had since preseason 2024. He got onto the field for only 13 offensive plays last year compared to 305 as a rookie with Tampa Bay, when he had to start four times and play half a game in relief of injured quarterbacks.

Derek Carr had that rare 17-start season from a Saints QB in 2024.

No one likes inactivity, even if it can be part of a backup's job. When he got the chance to play last preseason, he posted a passer rating of 119.9 with 17 completions in 25 attempts for 207 yards and two TDs.

“It was an adjustment," Winston said. "It was definitely different, but the process, the main thing, stays the main thing.

"I know that it's a backup job in this league, it's different than a lot of other jobs, sports jobs especially, in the world. So, for me, nothing really changes. You have to stay ready and stay on top of it, keep leaning forward, leaning into the guys and stay ready when your number is called.”

Winston definitely hasn't struggled to keep up in his battle with Haener. He gets the ball out in practice on time, and the offense looks fluid.

Carmichael hasn’t been really specific about how they're going to determine who wins backup duties.

The offense itself probably doesn't dictate they need Winston over Haener or vice versa.

"To your point, both players are really good operators," Carmichael said. "They can operate our scheme. We're trying to build it right now with Derek in mind. That’s first and foremost of what we’re trying to get done.

"As far as the skill sets of either of those guys, we’re comfortable with both of them handling what we’re going to ask of them in training camp.”

Translated: It’s going to matter who produces when they get the reps, so this game Sunday becomes important for Saints passers even if it doesn’t matter for Derek Carr as he watches from the sidelines.