Between now and the end of August, TGS will offer up a quick snapshot of every NFL team heading into the 2016 regular season. Today, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
2015 in a nutshell: The defense is actually the primary problem in Jameis Winston’s rookie year, although the offense experiences some growing pains as well. Still, they triple their win total from 2014 by putting together a respectable 6-10 season.
Why 2016 could be different: Year 2 for Winston, and last year’s offensive coordinator, Dirk Koetter, has taken over for Lovie Smith as head coach. They also fired Leslie Frazier and hired Mike Smith to run the talented by oft-maligned defense.
Major additions: Smith, promising No. 11 overall pick Vernon Hargreaves at cornerback and veteran defenders Robert Ayers, Brent Grimes and Daryl Smith.
Major losses: Lovie Smith, I suppose. And guard Logan Mankins retired.
Breakout watch: Third-year receiver Mike Evans will be counted on to become a star after experiencing some hiccups in 2015.
Position to watch: Left tackle Donovan Smith and center Joe Hawley were pretty terrible at times last year, but they remain in place. Same with 2015 second-round guard Ali Marpet, who looks to take a big step forward in 2016. And then there’s question mark Kevin Pamphile at left guard, and the veteran Demar Dotson with a new contract ahead of Gosder Cherilus at right tackle. Just a lot to deal with along that offensive line.
Prediction: They’re still at least a year away, but I do think they make a ton of progress in Winston’s second season. In fact, they might be the second-best team in the NFC South. I’ll give them nine wins.
