Last night we watched Super Bowl 59 where the Philadelphia Eagles dominated the Kansas City Chiefs to win their second championship. This is a story that should sound familiar to fans of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who followed the same script in Super Bowl 55. However, that was then and this is now and the current version of the Bucs blew their chance to be in this game.
Last night made for a sour taste in the mouth. There were a lot of “should have” and “could have” thoughts running through my head. If you’re like me then your overwhelming feeling was being ready to get next year started so we can see the Bucs in that game.
Fortunately, there was an excellent blueprint right in front of our face on how the Buccaneers can do that. The Eagles were in the Bucs’ position last year after a disappointing first round playoff exit and having to replace coordinator. So what lessons can the Bucs learn from this Eagles team?
Here are the three things the Buccaneers should take away from the Eagles Super Bowl win.
1) Build the front four pass rush
This has been the talk of the offseason so far for Bucs fans. Adding a pass rusher to the defensive line so Todd Bowles can get more pressure with just the front four. We saw how effective that was last night with the Eagles pass rush, despite the fact that they didn’t blitz the entire game.
This would be very different for the Buccaneers. Despite being tied for 6th in sacks last year, Bowles consistently dials up more blitzes than anybody. And while this does create pressure, it also leaves holes in the coverages that a savvy quarterback can take advantage of.
Adding a pass rusher needs to be the Bucs top priority this offseason. Whether that be trading for a star such as Myles Garrett or investing a first round pick into a pass rusher; whatever the pathway the results have to be there. Getting pressure with just the front four is critical for getting back to the Super Bowl.
2) Invest big money in low value positions
The Eagles made one of the biggest splashes in the offseason when they spent big in free agency to acquire Saquan Barkley. While no one questioned the type of player they were getting, some questioned the philosophy of paying big money to running backs because it is considered a lower value position. Last night, those people had to eat their words.
The Bucs have a chance to make a similar move this offseason. Off ball linebacker is also considered a lower value position, but just happens to be one of the biggest weaknesses on the Buccaneers roster. Signing a top tier talent would go a long way in improving this defense.
Fortunately, there are some really good linebackers in this free agent class. The likes of Zack Baun, Dre Greenlaw and Nick Bolton are all about to hit the market as well as several other quality linebackers. Spending big at this position could land a pro bowl caliber player who comes relatively cheap when compared to comparable talents at other positions.
3) Take Flyers
Low risk, high reward is the name of the game. It’s something the Eagles did with great success in 2024, signing down on their luck players such as Zack Baun, Mekhi Becton and Devin White. And while not all of those risks paid off, those who did were a key part to winning the Super Bowl.
This has been something that General Manager Jason Licht has done a very good job at. Let us not remember the diamonds in the rough such as Shaq Barrett and Baker Mayfield who really emerged with the Buccaneers. This is a pathway that I would expect the Bucs to take again.
Perhaps an injured player such as Teven Jenkins to upgrade the left guard spot or an upland coming player such as Paulson Adebo to improve the secondary, there is talent to be had in this free agency class. Identifying the best values with the potential highest reward is what Licht will have to do next. If he is successful in that, then this Bucs team could very well be champions as soon as next season.
For more from J.T. click here, then make sure to follow him on Twitter.
Follow, Like and Subscribe to Bucs Report
BucsReport.com
For more on this and everything Buccaneers check back here hourly at BucsReport.com
