Well, it's another season. Every year, most get on here at this time and predict the wins and losses for the year or just to bitch about the preseason, personnel moves,or the misery of being Cleveland South.
My hope for this year is not focused so much on Wins and Loses but how this team starts to mature into a stable, competitive franchise. I believe that the Bucs are getting close. Here's why (all debatable to be sure)
OFFENSE
*First and foremost the 3 QB's are playing at an extremely high level. Moving the chains, scoring in the end zone and few turnovers.
*The receivers are probably one of the best groups in the NFL, including the Tight Ends.
*The running backs are starting to get there, save ROJO's lack of pre season production and the lack of a power back to spell Barber. I think that they will add that back next year and hopefully ROJO will come around and produce the big plays he was drafted for.
*The Offensive line is solid, except for the right side with doubts about Bennoch,Carpa and Dotson(health). Hopefully, the three mentioned plus Evan Smith can come together and gel and provide the protection and holes that the left side should produce. This position group, like the running backs, is probably one draft away from being stable.
*In summary, Winston, if he matures and takes what the defense gives him, could be the franchise QB that this franchise needs. He certainly has the weapons to put 25/30 points on the board each game.
DEFENSE
*Licht, finally focused on the Defense, via draft picks and free agents:
*Starting, back to front, the Safties got younger and faster. Conte should be replaced next year. The Corner backs picked up the two rookies and they looked good in the preseason.
The Line Backes, on paper, are the deepest position group, and added Cincy, with Beckworth coming back soon.
*I like what was done on the DLine. The four free agents to support McCoy plus the pick of Vita Vea. Again, this is a work in process but at a minimum, they Dline should be more productive, stopping the run, hurrying the QB and getting more that 22 sacks. IMHO no one can discount the Buckner addition and the Super Bowl experience that the ex Eagles bring. JPP should also be a monster. I'm not holding out for 10/11/12 sacks for anyone, just want consistent performance.
Special Teams
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*The new PK, Punter, Long Snapper need to get more consistent as a couple of those missed extra points can be attributed to poor snaps. I'm excited about the return game with many options.
*So, in summary, I want to see the Bucs compete, CONSISTENTLY on every down, series, quarter and game. I think the culture has been changed to tougher players that know what it takes. if that holds true, the wins will come. I think this team is one to two years away from being a power house. We shall see.
