The rebuilding effort is complete based on the young core of players that have developed the last two years. Since ever the 2005 season the Bucs fandom has been weary of draft selections and quick success. Look not further than even more recent example of Lavonte David and Doug Martin who are at a cross roads career wise.
With that all said lets soak in the magnitude of the situation for the franchise as it has turned the page for the better.
1. Has Jameis Winston improved?
In my mind without a doubt he has improved.
For example Jameis hit the 60% mark completion percentage and he did it with a rag tag group of RB's and WR's. Had he had better quality players on offense he would have easily been a 62% at minimum passer or higher. Jameis is never going to be a 70% passer like Brees or Rodgers so people pointing at this for Jameis are barking up the wrong tree.
What I was looking for from Jameis Winston was an improvement with regards to this TD/INT ratio. In his rookie year Jameis ratio was 1.46 (22/15) while this season Jameis ratio was 1.56(28/18). Basically no improvement, but by cutting down INT's per season (four) or increasing his TD throws he can reach 2:1 ratio of TD/INT's.
Deep ball accuracy has been discussed a lot lately but Jameis Winston is a 53.5% passer with passes 31+ yards. Sure Jameis could improve a little but having another good deep threat would boost that percentage up.
2. Humphries has flown under the radar.
As the season progressed it looked like Brate was going to be the darkhorse flying under the radar but his emergence was inevitable. But Humphries has quietly grinded and has put up an astonishing 55 rec 622 yards 2 TD season. For a slot guy that is very, very impressive and he is only 23 years old. Koetter didn't even fully utilize him more on offense either.
3. I like how Barber runs between the tackles
While Rodgers in my mind is a no brainer to re-sign you have a young guy like Barber that continues to impress. When I first brought up that Peyton Barber waas a 4+ YPC after his long run many dismissed it because of that long run padding him up. In truth, Barber isn't a home run threat but a grinder and he finished the season 4.1 YPC. Only J. Rodgers edges him out at 4.3 YPC and Rodgers has juice, so this reinforces how deceptively nimble and quick Barber is.
Barber/Rodgers/Sims is a good RB rotation. But add a power guy or a guy with speed from a deep 2017 RB draft class and I think the Bucs will be in good hands with a RB committee. And the team is also high on Hansbrough too.
4. Donovan Smith isn't cut out at LT
I will keep pounding the table on this but the guy has all pro potential at RT/guard. I think he has upside not fully realized but the Bucs FO is overthinking this. Bring in a more nimble footed LT and let Smith reach the second level on strongside of formations.
5. Gholston should be re-signed
I think Gholston is overrated as a run defender, but his ability to beat 1v1 or 1v2 shows he has untapped potential. This guy is simply improving as the years go on and sets the tone for short yardage situations.
6. Tandy has literally stolen a starting gig
Tandy is playing like how a safety is supposed to play in the NFL. Smart, aggressive, and opportunistic all in one package. McDougald seems to have peaked and is fine as a role player. Put a super athlete next to Tandy and watch the secondary ballhawk with ease.
7. McCoy needs to take risks
I think McCoy just needs to focus more on taking care of business in front of him. There is a perception that McCoy disappears but the truth is that McCoy is very assignment sound. But to the point that McCoy is sacrificing big plays on the field because he is playing assignment sound. There is gambling and then being assignment sound but McCoy needs to take more risks when games are on the line utilizing his athletic gifts to throw curve balls at offensive line formations.
8. Koetter was a rookie HC
This is without a doubt lost on many people complaining about Koetter's play calling. I think as a HC he became a bit gunshy and conservative as a HC and it cost this team points on the board. But he has also learned more about his roster as a HC which bodes well for next off season.
9. Anger is the MVP of this team.
This is not surprising as he was a baller wherever he has been at. Well deserved contract extensions.
10. Aguayo simply isn't anything special.
A 71% FG kicker is not only way below average, but he didn't even demonstrate he could nail the long FGs'. Licht better bring in a kicker for competition this off season and be ready to move on from this mistake.
Off season goals should be as follows:
1. Free agency
Focus on re-signing Bucs role players and adding veterans that fit the team. Licht has been too love struck with raw talent but failed to ask how these players fit with the team. I suspect that is why so many FA's Licth has brought in have been busts.
2. Draft
BAP is a no brainer to me. Fix the lines and add some talent at the skill positions.
No trade ups or stupid gimmicks like drafting a kicker high.
Don't outsmart yourself just play with the strengths of the draft (eg RB).
