Last Sunday the Bucs lost to the Bears and now sit at 2-2. The season that started with so much hope is slowly fading away. Bucs fans find themselves asking—can this team make the playoffs?
Offensively, the Bucs have the potential to be a juggernaut. They have 4 receivers and 2 TEs who could start for any team in this league, and getting starting QB Jameis Winston back doesn’t hurt. Although they are stacked at receiver, the Bucs have zero running game, with Peyton Barber averaging just 3 yard per carry. This makes the offense completely one-dimensional.
Defensively, the Bucs have a decent front 4, particularly at LB, where Kwon Alexander and Lavonte David are two of the best in the NFC. At DB is where the problem lies. With Vernon Hargreaves out for the season, the Bucs are left with one true veteran at DB, Brent Grimes. During the last two games, the opposing teams have exploited that weakness by lining up in 4 and 5 receiver sets.
If the Bucs are going to be playoff contenders, GM Jason Licht must solve two problems. First, find somebody who can average more than 3 yards per carry at RB. Second, he has to find some veteran leadership in the defensive backfield. These two things must be remedied through free agency or trade. If not, I’m afraid the Bucs will not be going to the playoffs this year.
