The PewterReport.com Roundtable features the opinions of the PR staff as it tackles a topic each week that involves the Bucs. This week’s topic: Which Bucs Starter Needs To Play Well vs. Texans?

Scott Reynolds: OLB Shaquil Barrett

The last time we saw Tampa Bay outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett he was chasing Patrick Mahomes all over the field in the Bucs’ 31-9 win over the Chiefs in Super Bowl LV. Well, we actually saw Barrett play six snaps against Cincinnati in the 2021 preseason opener, but those were largely meaningless. Barrett and the starters barely broke a sweat two weeks ago. In Houston this Saturday, the Bucs starters are expected to play the entire first half and it’s time to see Barrett pick up where he left off.

Bucs OLB Shaquil Barrett and Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

That means chasing Texans starter Tyrod Taylor all over the field like he did Mahomes when he recorded six QB hurries, three hits and a sack in Super Bowl LV. The Bucs used the franchise tag on Barrett last year and rewarded him with a four-year contract extension that averages $17 million per year. Barrett is intent on earning every penny of his new deal and showing general manager Jason Licht, vice president of football administration Mike Greenberg and the Glazers that he is worth the investment.

Barrett has had a rather quiet training camp, as both Jason Pierre-Paul and rookie Joe Tryon have made more splash plays in practice. Granted, Barrett spends most of his time lining up against right tackle Tristan Wirfs, who may be the Bucs’ best offensive lineman. But it’s time for Barrett to get revved up for the season opener against Dallas and quarterback Dak Prescott by teeing off on Taylor and getting a sack or two in the first half of what should be an easy Tampa Bay. Houston might be the worst team in the league this season.

Jon Ledyard: Alex Cappa Needs To Right The Ship

In six plays with the starting offense in the first preseason game, Alex Cappa looked rusty. He gave up an immediate pressure by getting push-pulled, then was part of a miscommunication with Tristan Wirfs in allowing a sack of Tom Brady.

Bucs RG Alex Cappa – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

In game two against Tennessee, Cappa was the lone starter to see some action. Playing next to right tackle Brad Seaton and center Nick Leverett for the first time was a challenging situation, but Cappa seemed to struggle a bit with power rushers up front. He was again part of a miscommunication that allowed a sack, although that can probably be credited to playing with new teammates up front.

The bottom line is that Cappa needs to be better. Coming off a broken ankle, he has not looked like the Alex Cappa from a year ago. If he is going to hold off Aaron Stinnie for the starting right guard spot, he needs a markedly improved showing against Houston on Saturday. All eyes will be on the fourth-year guard, who is in a contract year, to see if he can keep Brady clean and upright.

Matt Matera: RoJo Needs To Get Bucs’ Ground Game Going

My choice is Ronald Jones II, but this can go for Leonard Fournette as well, depending on who the Bucs decide to be the starter. They’ll both get a lot of touches. Granted it’s the preseason, but Tampa Bay’s ground game has been abysmal to say the least through two games.

Bucs RB Ronald Jones II – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

After a good start to camp, things have tapered off a bit for Jones. Though he was put as number one on the depth chart, it’s been Fournette that has gotten the start in both training camp practices and the first preseason game with the starters. Through the two preseason games, the Bucs have averaged just 1.7 yards and 1.3 yards per carry, respectively. That’ll need to change next Saturday when the starters return for their dress rehearsal in advance of the season-opener against Dallas on September 9.

So far it’s been Giovani Bernard that has stood out the most among the running backs that will be getting significant playing time this year. We know Bernard will mostly be a third down role, so it’s time for one of the other backs to take the reins, and I think it will be Jones. Even with his issues catching the ball, Jones’ aggressive running style gives the Bucs more momentum and he’s the better option when he’s out there.

JC Allen: Sean Murphy-Bunting Has All-Pro On His Mind

Bucs cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting lit the world on fire in the playoffs last season. With three interceptions in three straight games, he really showed the reason why general manager Jason Licht selected him in the second round in 2019. The key this season will be for Murphy-Bunting to build upon that success and sustain it. His first test will come this Saturday against the Texans, where he and the starters are expected to play a full half of football.

Bucs CB Sean Murphy-Bunting – Photo by: USA Today

Despite his remarkable performance in the playoffs, SMB was inconsistent during the regular season. Although part of the reason why he was due to injury.  A pulled groin in week two lingered throughout the season, yet Murphy-Bunting still started 13 games for the Bucs in 2020. Despite those injuries he finished fifth on the team in tackles (70), but was also targeted early and often by opposing quarterbacks. Murphy-Bunting finished with the second most yards (576) allowed on the team and was tied with five touchdowns allowed.

Now with a clean bill of health after several more injuries over the year, Muprhy-Bunting looks to cement himself as one of the top corners on the team and in the league. Murphy-Bunting’s mantra on Twitter this off season has been “All-Pro,” a goal he has set his sights on. In his third year in Todd Bowles’ system, he has a clearer understanding of his role and assignments which should help him play faster this season. Combine that with the continuity and comfortability of the secondary sticking together for another year, Murphy-Bunting could be in for a big season. Health is going to be the key for him, avoiding those nagging injuries that have plagued him early in his career, to reach his true potential. The goal for this week, with a full half to play, will be to showcase how he’s improved and what he’s learned in the offseason and apply it on the field against the Texans.