As stated in a previous article, the offseason is often flooded with lists. We talk about the best this and that with rankings of just about anything.
But, this week ESPN’s Mike Jurecki threw a little flavor in his rankings of NFL things and actually came up with a really cool article called, “The 99 NFL players, coaches and themes that will define 2018.”
The 99 #NFL players, coaches and themes that will define 2018 https://t.co/9wbe7yX7yE
10. David Johnson, One of the NFL's most versatile running backs is 100% after fracturing his wrist in Week 1 of 2017. At a time when pass-catching from backs has never been more valuable.”
— Mike Jurecki (@mikejurecki) June 6, 2018
The 99 subjects are broken up into all kinds of categories. There’s veteran returning from injury, rising stars, free agent acquisitions who will make the biggest impact and plenty more.
The Buccaneers were represented three times throughout the 99 with the likes of Jameis Winston, Ronald Jones and Dirk Koetter.
Winston came in at No. 19 on the list (but I don’t think the numbering really matters, in this case) in a category titled: “young quarterbacks who could make a jump.”
“It was a disappointing season all around in Tampa Bay. Winston tried to play through injuries and ended up missing three games. But the way he played when he returned from injury — 317 yards per game, 9 touchdowns and 5 interceptions in five December games — offered hope that this could be the big breakout year the Buccaneers were hoping 2017 would be.”
Rookie running back Ronald Jones was next on the list at No. 30 and his category was: “rookies with the most fantasy potential.”
“Tampa Bay was 27th in the league in rushing last season — one spot behind the Giants and four behind the Seahawks. Jones might not project as an every-down back right away, and it’s on the coaching staff to find the right spots to deploy him, but he has explosive, big-play ability.”
Finally, the Buccaneers head coach, Dirk Koetter, came in at No. 74 under the group: “coaches on the hot seat.”
“Ownership tends to keep the seat warm in Tampa Bay even for successful coaches. Koetter is coming off a 5-11 season that dropped his two-year mark to 14-18. Another losing season would probably doom him.”
I would encourage you to take a look at the article yourself. It was a fun one to go through, even if you don’t agree with all the names and the categories they’re in. See which players and coaches are lumped into the same group as each of the three Bucs representatives and give us your thoughts.
Are these the three most important names that will come out of Tampa Bay as they play their part in defining the 2018 NFL season?