We are now 4 games into this Buccaneer season, and they sit at 2-2. That’s not a terrible situation to be in as there are still 12 games to be played. Here is my report card through 4 games.
Offense
QB: Grade B-
Fitzpatrick dominated the first two games of the season, but since then, the Fitzmagic has faded. Now with Jameis Winston as the starter for the rest of the season, the QB play should increase drastically.
RB: Grade F
Peyton Barber has been a great disappointment, averaging just 3 yards per carry, and second round pick Ronald Jones has only played one game. The Bucs must remedy this, or the offense will continue to be one-dimensional.
O Line: Grade C+
The Bucs have quality players on the line, such as LT Donovan Smith and G Ali Marpet. New addition C Ryan Jensen has been okay, but it seems like the line is having a problem with their chemistry. If this unit can’t start playing more consistently, the Bucs won’t go far.
TE: Grade: B+
OJ Howard and Cameron Brate are the best TE duo in the league. Brate has not had many targets so far this season, but that’s due to the emergence of Howard, who has played at Pro Bowl level so far.
WR: B+
The Bucs have 4 outstanding WRs. Mike Evans and DeSean have balled out so far, with Evans grabbing 29 catches with 426 yds and Jackson with 17 catches for 424 yards. The only reason this unit didn’t receive an A is because of the 2 TD catch drops by Chris Godwin.
Defense
D-line: B-
This group has flashes of greatness. DE Jason Pierre Paul has been an excellent addition with 4 sacks in 4 games so far. Gerald McCoy is still Gerald McCoy, always wreaking havoc in the opposing team’s back field. Vinny Curry has been mediocre, but with Vita Vea back from an injury, this group should show major improvements.
LB: B
LB Kwon Alexander and Lavonte David are possibly one of the best LB teams in the NFC. Having Kendell Beckwith out with an injury has hurt. Beckwith is excellent against the run, something the Bucs sorely need.
DBs: F
The veteran Brent Grimes is beginning to look his age, as he has been picked on a lot this year. Speaking of being picked on, rookies MJ Stewart and Carlton Davis have been bullied all year. The only good thing one can say about the defensive backfield is Justin Evans looks like he could become a very good FS. MJ Stewart is also second on the team in tackles, a sign that he may be improving.
Overall Grade: C
