This is akin to the "way too early 2027 draft" thread that will be coming the instant the 2026 draft concludes 😆..I think a big part of it will ultimately hinge on what our record is leading up to our inevitable mid season 4-6 game losing streak. I think 8.5 is probably pretty dead on,although I could also see 7-10 sadly, but we'll definitely have a better idea after FA and the draft.
Taking the under is very easy right now. I don't see that changing with the draft or free agency unless Licht does a miracle.
Taking the under is very easy right now. I don't see that changing with the draft or free agency unless Licht does a miracle.
I assumed most would be "unders" but we started with a bunch "overs" so it should be interesting to watch it play out, maybe revisit the lines after FA and the draft.
For my part I would say "under" because the 2025 defense basically broke down from the system. How, for example, do you keep Tykee Smith from freelancing like he did in 2025, especially if things do not go well early in 2026? You could move him to nickel, but then you need another S and what do you do with Parrish who is one of your best young players? Maybe move him outside? But then does Morrison go to the bench?
And none of that even matters if you dont get basic pass rush and ILB fixed. Bowles has to be thinking about dialing back the blitzing even more, but he couldn't if he wanted to with the current roster.
Just one outlet's take but the Athletic has LVD valued as the 149th out of 150 free agents and this is why
"Contract projection: 1 year, $6.5 million
Age: 36 Height: 6-1 Weight: 233
David lost a step (or two) in his age-35 season. He averaged 32.1 snaps per splash play, the highest of his career, and he is not an impact defender anymore. But his experience makes him a possible depth piece, if he chooses to keep playing."
And none of that even matters if you dont get basic pass rush and ILB fixed.
This is the crux of the upcoming season. If pass rush and ILB are not addressed either through free agency, trade, or draft I believe the Bucs' record will be embarrassingly worse than last year's record.
Over with a deep playoff run.
Todd Bowles can win us a Lombardi as a HC.
And none of that even matters if you dont get basic pass rush and ILB fixed.
This is the crux of the upcoming season. If pass rush and ILB are not addressed either through free agency, trade, or draft I believe the Bucs' record will be embarrassingly worse than last year's record.
The Bucs must agree to) because they tried to fix the pass rush (Reddick) and the ILB play (SVD) last season. It failed miserably and the results followed. This was a problem that existed in 2024 that was not fixed in 2025 and so it blew up completely.
Taking the under is very easy right now. I don't see that changing with the draft or free agency unless Licht does a miracle.
I assumed most would be "unders" but we started with a bunch "overs" so it should be interesting to watch it play out, maybe revisit the lines after FA and the draft.
For my part I would say "under" because the 2025 defense basically broke down from the system. How, for example, do you keep Tykee Smith from freelancing like he did in 2025, especially if things do not go well early in 2026? You could move him to nickel, but then you need another S and what do you do with Parrish who is one of your best young players? Maybe move him outside? But then does Morrison go to the bench?
And none of that even matters if you dont get basic pass rush and ILB fixed. Bowles has to be thinking about dialing back the blitzing even more, but he couldn't if he wanted to with the current roster.
Parrish looked competent playing boundary CB (same with Izien) and you can always move T. Smith back to nickel and have Izien slide into safety next to Winfield. Parrish looked better in camp at boundary than Morrison so given that the Bucs are not likely bringing back Dean I think boundary CB is going to be a competition and not handed to Morrison outright. In the event Parrish beats out Morrison that means that it opens the door for JJ Roberts or T. Smith to go into nickel. Or, if T. Smith stops free lancing allow Izien to compete with JJ Roberts in nickel.
Here are the DBs under contract:
CB: McCollum, Morrison, Willaims, Hayes
NCB: Parrish, Roberts
S: Winfield Jr., T. Smith, Wisdom, Banks
Izien is a RFA and when re-signed he can cover S, NCB and CB.
Easy under. With the current look of this team and the 2026 schedule… 5 to 7 wins.
I will take the under.
I stated in another thread that the Bucs success in the upcoming season would hinge on the staff built around an inept head coach. The choices were underwhelming. I say this team looks at 7-10 right in the face with a 6-11 record not out of the realm of high possibility.
I hope I am dead wrong.
I will take the under.
I stated in another thread that the Bucs success in the upcoming season would hinge on the staff built around an inept head coach. The choices were underwhelming. I say this team looks at 7-10 right in the face with a 6-11 record not out of the realm of high possibility.
I hope I am dead wrong.
ST coach hire is a homerun because ST cost the Bucs several wins last season but lets be real. The defense and offense faltered when it mattered the most so you can't bank on special teams helping the team win more than 1-2 games.
Unless new ST coach Danny Smith insists the team keep more specialists on the depth chart like the Patriots used to do with BB as HC. Maybe then ST improvement through coaching and talent can flip the team to have 3-4 more wins.
Over. Banking on O Line staying healthy and Ebuka taking the next step. Can’t get worse on Defense. Should eek out 2 more wins
ST coach hire is a homerun because ST cost the Bucs several wins last season but lets be real. The defense and offense faltered when it mattered the most so you can't bank on special teams helping the team win more than 1-2 games.
agree but part of that late collapse is kicking the ball out of the EZ all the time, giving up terrible filed position. That had to be demoralizing to many of the players. Basically playing with a hand tied behind your back.
But yes the ST improvement should help BUT offense and defense still have to improve too.
