A few weeks ago, I wrote about how difficult the upcoming season could be for the Buccaneers. They’re counting on significant contributions from new players while also hoping for improved health and better performances from several veterans.
Now it’s time to look at the optimistic side of the story.
It’s not as if the Bucs are devoid of talent. Just two years ago, with a relatively new offensive coordinator in Liam Coen, Baker Mayfield enjoyed a career season, while the Buccaneers’ running game experienced a remarkable resurgence.
The McVay Tree
Zac Robinson worked alongside Coen while both were learning under Sean McVay in Los Angeles. That familiarity with a successful offensive system should put Baker in an excellent position to succeed once again.
Trench Excellence
The Buccaneers also boast one of the better offensive lines in the NFL, and they’ve improved their depth. At running back, wide receiver, and tight end, they have more than enough talent to consistently score in the mid-to-high 20s.
Nasty Boys
Defensively, they’ve retooled both the defensive line and linebacker positions. New faces often bring renewed focus and greater attention to detail, which should help eliminate some of the lapses and inconsistent effort that occasionally surfaced last season. On paper, this group appears hungrier, more physical, and nastier than we’ve seen in recent years.
Mr. Smith
The area I’m most excited about, however, is special teams. Danny Smith is one of the league’s most experienced special teams coaches, and he won’t allow complacency to creep in. The Bucs already have a proven, clutch field goal kicker, and I have a feeling we’ll see either a punt or kickoff returned for a touchdown this season.
Training camp is only days away, and there are plenty of reasons for optimism. Expectations are high, competition will be fierce, and every player will have something to prove.
Let the games begin!
Greg has been nominated for “Best Columnist” in Creative Loafing’s Best of the Bay. If you would like to vote for me here is the link.
For more from Greg 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.
