Based on what I have seen this team's talent level is around .500 ball club so I am going to go with 8-8 based on the eyeball test so far.
Now if Winston progresses and embraces Arian's scheme the Bucs can win more games and be in the playoff hunt. This offense has the potential to be explosive but it is up to Winston to carry this team over that hump.
Right now the limiting factor for this team is that the OT spot will limit what the Bucs do regarding downfield passes and five step drops. Arians is on record many times saying that the screen game is a big part of the offense. And since the screen game is a big part of the offense that is a good way to mitigate or hide some of the issues with tackle play while also acting like a pseudo running game to move the chains for manageable down and distances.
Throughout this pre season the Bucs have been in many manageable down and distance situations throughout pre season using the screen game. It is up to the OL to limit penalties and also have Winston recognize reads faster and take the underneath stuff when it is there. Bucs are loaded with playmakers in Evans, Godwin, OJ Howard, Perriman, and Brate. Arm tackles are not taking down these guys and Godwin is too fast to have a LB to try to take him down in space. This will be the key to the season right here with some timely runs sprinkled in. If that happens, then, Winston can take shots downfield and work the intermediate game which he is more than comfortable with.
Where the wheels come off is if Winston takes too many sacks and doesn't work the underneath game to keep the team in manageable down and distance situations due to poor OT pass pro.
Defensively I think they will be solid with the return of Vea and David. But I am not convinced the pass rush will be great at all but maybe good enough till JPP returns and that is a BIG IF for JPP's return.
So right now it hinges on if the Bucs added enough difference makers on defense to force some turnovers and Winston's ascension. Or else this is once again a team that finishes below .500 or floats near it.
