It would probably be better if the Tampa Bay Bucs had more than a virtual offensive line, but you have to start somewhere.
The Bucs announced a deal with EON Sports VR to use its Sidekiq software, saying it would use the virtual reality program to assist in the development of quarterback Jameis Winston “as a supplement to on-field work.”
It’s unclear just how much help can come from imaginary pass rushes and coverages, but at this point, why not try everything? The Bucs drafted two offensive linemen for Winston, and they have a new offensive coordinator in Dirk Koetter and a new quarterback coach in Mike Bajakian.
“We are excited to be coming in on the front end of this new wave of technology that is designed to supplement the on-field and classroom work that our quarterbacks are already doing,” Buccaneers General Manager Jason Licht said. “Obviously, there is no real substitute for being on the field when it comes to getting our players ready for game action. However, this virtual reality technology allows us to enhance the learning experience for our quarterbacks without requiring them to put in additional time on the practice fields.”
Would such a program have helped Vinny Testaverde? Trent Dilfer? Josh Freeman? From the looks of it, those guys spent too much time playing video games as it was.
But why not try? If Winston doesn’t succeed, no one is going to blame virtual reality.
Just harsh reality.
