The Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost the first 26 games of the team’s existence. It’s hard to believe 41 years later, the franchise has a Super Bowl win on its resume and a team of youthful exuberance looking to make the push once again toward an NFL title.
Dirk Koetter runs the show on the sidelines. Jameis Winston runs the show on the field. The two could be the difference in a playoff season and a Super Bowl ring. Rooting for the Buccaneers has become the chic thing to do in the NFL. Everything this team accomplishes will fall at the feet of its quarterback. Look for the former first pick in the 2015 NFL Draft to have his best season and Koetter to be a serious Coach of the Year candidate.
Here are three questions this team has to answer going into training camp.
Will Jameis Winston Become An Elite Quarterback?
He is close enough to the threshold. Winston has done everything asked of him since taking the reins of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense.
This season, after two consecutive 4,000-yard season, should be the one we all remember. Winston is in command in the huddle and behind center. Having Doug Martin back to aid the running game and wide receivers Mike Evans and DeSean Jackson to throw to makes him even more dangerous.
Now, the Buccaneers have added tight end OJ Howard to the mix and this offense could be dead scary in 2017. It all could lead to an MVP year for Winston.
How Good Will Doug Martin Be?
As good as he wants to be? The Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back was suspended for drug use and will miss the first three games of the 2017 season. But in completing a rehab program, Martin spoke about the strength he gained while dealing with his demons.
This should only make him better at running the football and concentrating on winning in the NFL.
Per pewterplank.com, On the field, Martin has to prove it. He will hang onto his roster spot if he looks like the old Martin. If they don’t think they are going to get the good Martin, he will be gone. Coach Dirk Koetter understands that expectations have to be tempered so early.
How Far Will This Team Go?
After a 9-7 season and signs pointing in the right direction, maybe it’s time to talk about the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as contenders.
The defensive side of the ball figures to get better. The youth and speed of this team is impressive and Koetter is one of those head coaches who will get as much as possible out of all his players.
Once again, it is hip to root for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
This franchise will only go as far as its offense will take it. Much like the Atlanta Falcons last year, the puzzle pieces fit perfectly. There is still room to grow with this team, but like teams in similar situations in year’s past, but overlook them.
I am not a Winston fan per say, but I appreciate the hard work he has put in with his first two seasons in the league. He and Tennessee’s Marcus Mariota have proven to be the class of the 2015 Draft class. With better weapons at his disposal, this is a playoff team – possibly a team to dethrone the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC South.