Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 5 Keys to Training Camp by Robert Brewer 1h ago 
Coming off of a 2-14 season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have their work cut out for them in 2015. There are plenty of things that need to change if the Bucs are going to make this season a successful one. With that in mind, here are five developing story lines to keep an eye on for the Bucs as training camp rapidly approaches.5) Can Mike Evans avoid a sophomore slump?
As the seventh overall pick in the 2014 NFL draft, Mike Evans was part of one of the most explosive wide receiving draft classes in recent memory. With great production from Evans as well as Sammy Watkins in Buffalo, Kelvin Benjamin in Carolina, and Odell Beckham Jr. in New York, expectations will be awfully high for this outstanding group of pass catchers in 2015.It was pretty impressive what Evans was able to do last year given that he was part of the NFL’s 25th ranked passing offense. In fact, Evans’ team leading 12 touchdowns last year was nine more than the next closest Buccaneers’ player. That player happened to be former Tampa Bay quarterback Josh McCown who now plays in Cleveland.I think Evans is going to be a great receiver for years to come, therefore I don’t anticipate any sort of drop off this year. However, if Evans allows those lofty expectations to get in his head, he may succumb to the dreaded sophomore jinx.4) Do the defensive players believe in Lovie Smith?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Lovie Smith is introduced as head coach during a press conference at One Buccaneer Place. Kim Klement-USA TODAY SportsLast year was supposed to be a homecoming of sorts for Lovie Smith in Tampa Bay. Smith’s first job in the NFL was as a linebacker’s coach for the Bucs from 1996-2000 where he served under the legendary Tony Dungy and helped develop the famed “Tampa 2? defense.However, this homecoming did not go according to plan since last year’s Bucs’ roster did not include the Hall of Fame talent of Derrick Brooks and Warren Sapp. As a result, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers surrendered a whopping 410 points on defense, good for 25th in the NFL. Smith’s Tampa 2 defense looked like a mere gimmick as opposing offenses usually beat the Bucs’ porous defense like a drum.Since defense is supposed to be Smith’s calling card, I believe he must adjust his system to the talent he has available. Otherwise, Smith will risk losing the support of the locker room if the results remain the same.3) Can the Buccaneers improve their rushing attack?
Doug Martin, Tampa Bay’s leading rusher last year, logged a measly 494 yards while missing five games due to injury. If the Buccaneers have designs of moving out of the NFC South cellar in 2015, they must improve upon their 29th ranked rushing attack from a year ago.The Buccaneers will also need last year’s third round draft choice Charles Sims to stay healthy as well. Sims battled through a serious ankle injury which kept him on the shelf for eight games last year.Tampa Bay’s most consistent backfield option last year was Bobby Rainey with 721 yards from scrimmage. I don’t think Rainey has the upside to be counted on as a every down back, so the Bucs will need heavy contributions from all three of these players in order to show some semblance of a running game.2) What Bucs’ defender will step up besides Gerald McCoy?
Buccaneers’ head coach Lovie Smith can only take so much of the blame for Tampa’s struggles on defense. Eventually, the onus is on the players to get it done on the field. Far too often, it seemed as though All-Pro selection Gerald McCoy was the only consistent performer for the Bucs’ defensive unit.With the disappointing Mark Barron and Michael Johnson gone from last year’s defense, I nominate fourth-year linebacker Lavonte David to step up his level of play. David was an All-Pro in 2013, registering seven sacks, five interceptions, and one safety. In 2014, David regressed dramatically, tallying just one sack and zero interceptions while playing in 14 games.If David and his Bucs’ defensive teammates can’t force more sacks and turnovers than they did last year, this Tampa 2 defense will likely get picked apart once again.1) How quickly can Jameis Winston develop? 
May 8, 2015; Tampa, FLTampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) works out for rookie mini camp at One Buc Place. Kim Klement-USA TODAY SportsIn a quarterback driven league, the progress of rookie Jameis Winston will ultimately decide Tampa Bay’s fate this year. The highly touted collegiate star has gotten rave reviews in mini camp thus far. However, it remains to be seen if Winston can translate this early success to live game action at the NFL level.Winston’s on field talent has never been in question. The former Florida State standout passer has the arm strength to make any throw, the pocket awareness to avoid on coming defenders, and the late game poise to come through in the clutch. However, Winston’s decision making has been questionable at times both on and off the field.So far, Winston appears focused on the task of becoming an exceptional quarterback. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ organization can only hope that this behavior continues.link
