Tampa Bay Buccaneers Preview and Prediction

Team Preview

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are on the rise. Following a 2-14 finish in the 2014-15 NFL season, the Buccaneers improved to 6-10 in the 15-16 season before a 9-7 finish last year, good for second-best in the division. A big reason behind the steady improvement is better play on both sides of the ball. After allowing 410 and 417 points between the 14-15/15-16 seasons, the Buccaneers allowed 369 points last year. In their 2-14 season, the Bucs' offense managed just 277 points; two years ago the offense scored 342 points; last year, the offense put up 354 points.

The emergence of 2015 first-round pick Jameis Winston at quarterback has been a big key to the offense's success. A year ago, Winston passed for 4,090 yards and 28 touchdowns while completing almost 61 percent of his passes. Winston's accuracy could improve, while the team hopes he can cut down on the 18 interceptions he threw.

The Buccaneers added some playmakers on offense to give Winston more to work with. Wide receiver Mike Evans returns after recording 96 receptions for 1,321 yards and 12 touchdowns a year ago. Evans should again be the team's top target, while the free agent signing of DeSean Jackson gives the team two No. 1 wideouts. Jackson managed 56 receptions, 1,005 receiving yards and four touchdowns with the Washington Redskins last year. The team still lacks a third solid target, but Adam Humphries (55 receptions, 622 yards, 2 TD) and 2017 third-round pick Chris Godwin should combine to put up respectable numbers. Look for Godwin to serve as the team's No. 3 WR in the coming years.

Also, keep an eye out for tight ends Cameron Brate (57 catches, 660 yards, 8 TD) and 2017 first round pick OJ Howard. Both should see plenty of action in the passing game, especially if Godwin cannot make an immediate impact as a rookie.

Doug Martin figures to again lead the Buccaneers' running backs in attempts. Martin had a rough go of it last season, registering just 2.9 yards per carry (144 attempts, 421 yards, 3 TD). Jacquizz Rodgers (560 yards, 2 TD) and Charles Sims (149 yards, 1 TD) will try and carve out complimentary roles at RB while fifth-round pick Jeremy McNichols could also see some attempts if he makes the final roster. Martin and Rodgers could split carries to open the 2017-18 season, as they compliment each other well. The team is still searching for a lead back they can count on.

Kwon Alexander leads the Bucs on the defensive side of the ball after a 145-total tackle season last year; Alexander added three sacks. Lavonte David (87 total tackles, 5 sacks) and 2016 sixth-rounder Devante Bond fill out the other two LB starting slots while 2017 third-round pick Kendall Beckwith, Adarius Glanton and Cameron Lynch provide depth.

The defensive line is led by William Gholsten (49 tackles 3 sacks) Gerald McCoy, (34 tackles, 7 sacks), former Washington Redskin Chris Baker (47 tackles, 3 ½ sacks) and Robert Ayers (29 tackles, 6 ½ sacks). 2016 second-rounder Noah Spence (5 ½ sacks) and Clinton McDonald (3 ½ sacks) will also see plenty of time on the field. As a unit last year, the Bucs recorded 38 sacks. While Tampa Bay did not have a guy in double digits for sacks, the group effort works just as well and will be needed again this season if the defense wants to improve.

In the secondary, 2016 first-rounder Vernon Hargreaves (76 tackles, and Brent Grimes (57 tackles, 4 INT), both cornerbacks, will do their best to slow down opposing team's best wide receivers. 2016 fourth-rounder Ryan Smith and Robert McClain figure to take on more prominent roles this season and will need to perform above expectations in a lacking CB unit. Chris Conte (69 tackles) and Keith Tandy (57 tackles) will hold down the safety positions while former Dallas Cowboy JJ Wilcox and 2017 second-rounder Justin Evans should also see the field plenty. A constant pass-rush on the opposing QB would really help out a secondary that Pro Football Focus ranks in the middle of the league.

2017-18 Schedule/Predictions 1 - at Miami Dolphins (W) 2 - vs Chicago Bears (W) 3 - at Minnesota Vikings (W) 4 - vs New York Giants (L) 5 - vs New England Patriots (L) 6 - at Arizona Cardinals (L) 7 - at Buffalo Bills (W) 8 - vs Carolina Panthers (W) 9 - at New Orleans Saints (L) 10 - vs New York Jets (W) 11 - BYE 12 - at Atlanta Falcons (L) 13 - at Green Bay Packers (L)

14 - vs Detroit Lions (W) 15 - vs Atlanta Falcons (W) 16 - at Carolina Panthers (W) 17 - vs New Orleans Saints (W) Season Record: 10-6, 4-2 NFC South

As I look at the Buccaneers' schedule, this could really be an up-and-down campaign for them. The Bucs open the season with three games they should win against mediocre passing games, but then face three straight good-to-great passing games (only one of which are on the road). By the end of week 13, I have Tampa Bay sitting at 6-6, putting them in the playoff hunt. I like the Buccaneers to finish strong and go 10-6, which leaves them in a tie record-wise but short of the playoffs after tiebreakers. The NFC is going to be strong, in my opinion, and I see the Bucs a year away from a playoff spot, that is if they address areas of need.

Next NFC Team Up - Playoff teams!

Sources not listed in article: ESPN - stats; Ourlads - depth chart; Playoff Predictors - schedule/record projections.

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