SR’s Fab 5 is a collection of reporting and analysis on the Bucs from yours truly, Pewter Report’s Scott Reynolds. Here are four things that caught my attention this week, plus some random tidbits in my Buc Shots section at the end. Enjoy!

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FAB 1. Pewter Predictions – Bucs MVPs, Pro Bowlers

The Bucs kick off their 2022 season on Sunday Night Football at Dallas on September 11. Football season is a week away, so it’s time to offer up some Pewter Predictions for 2022. Let’s start with the team’s MVPs and expected Pro Bowlers.

2022 Bucs Offensive MVP
QB Tom Brady

Bucs QB Tom Brady – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

If Brady is healthy for every game – as he’s been in both of his seasons in red and pewter – he’ll be the Bucs’ MVP. Tampa Bay’s offense is pass-first and quarterback-driven. Brady had a Pro Bowl season a year ago while leading the league in passing yards (5,316) and touchdowns (43). Both of which were franchise records. Brady should have been the NFL MVP in 2021. Entering his third year in the offense, Brady has mastered Bruce Arians’ system and could be poised to lead the league in passing again. But new head coach Todd Bowles wants the team to be more balanced, so Tampa Bay will run the ball more often.

That won’t diminish Brady’s effectiveness. He might only throw for 4,700 yards, as a result, but he could pass for 50 touchdowns. Why? Because he has more – and better – weapons at his disposal. Don’t be surprised if Russell Gage winds up being even more productive than an aging Antonio Brown was last year. And Julio Jones should make up for the loss of Rob Gronkowski, especially in the red zone. When healthy, the 6-foot-3, 220-pound Jones is still one of the best in the league – even at age 33. If the rebuilt interior offensive line holds up, Brady and the offense shouldn’t miss a beat in 2022, especially with the weaponry at receiver.

2022 Bucs Defensive MVP
ILB Devin White

Like Brady, White should be the MVP of Tampa Bay’s defense. He’s the captain of the defense and has the most raw play-making ability on the field. White notched nine sacks in 2020, showing what he could do as an A gap blitzer. While a number like nine sacks might be an outlier statistically speaking, White is capable of getting 5-7 sacks per season from blitzing. As long as he learns to throttle down a bit and play more under control so he doesn’t overrun the QB. That’s been a point of emphasis for White this offseason – playing more under control.

Quietly, he had a great training camp. White still flashed sideline-to-sideline speed in the run game, but really showed improvement in pass coverage. That’s an area he really needed to clean up. In joint practice sessions with Miami and Tennessee, White was blanketing tight ends and backs out of the backfield. If this continues into the regular season and White does a better job of shedding blocks in the run game, he should be in for a monster season. Getting 150 tackles, six sacks and a couple of interceptions shouldn’t be out of the question. It should be expected.

2022 Bucs Special Teams MVP
K Ryan Succop

The Bucs really challenged Succop this year in training camp. The Bucs had Jose Borregales, a former Lou Groza Award winner, on the practice squad all of last year as a developmental player. Tampa Bay even went so far as to protect Borregales the entire season. But when push came to shove, Borregales just couldn’t deliver in practice or the games. He had two big misses in the preseason while Succop was perfect with all of his kicks, including a big, 52-yarder at Tennessee.

The concern with Succop has been his diminishing leg strength. He’ll turn 36 in September and eventually, his skills will decline. But that hasn’t happened yet. His leg looked as strong as it was in 2020 when he helped the Bucs win Super Bowl LV. Succop broke the single-season franchise record with 136 points that year. While he may not top that this year, he should be the strongest element of a somewhat shaky special teams unit in Tampa Bay. The Bucs’ return game is as lackluster as ever, and the coverage units are a concern. Tampa Bay is breaking in a rookie punter in Jake Camarda, so Succop might be the Special Teams MVP by default.

2022 Bucs Pro Bowlers

Bucs NT Vita Vea and OLB Shaq Barrett – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Last year, the Bucs had a record nine Pewter Pro Bowlers – either due to first-team votes or as injury replacements. They’ll wind up with seven this year. Brady, White, wide receiver Mike Evans, center Ryan Jensen, left guard Ali Marpet, right tackle Tristan Wirfs, nose tackle Vita Vea, safety Antoine Winfield, Jr. and outside linebacker Shaq Barrett were Tampa Bay’s Pro Bowlers following a 13-4 season. Marpet has retired and Jensen is out for most of the year due to a knee injury. But the rest of the Bucs should make a return trip to the Pro Bowl. Left tackle Donovan Smith, wide receiver Chris Godwin and running back Leonard Fournette could get some consideration, too.

Brady, Evans and Wirfs will represent the Bucs offense. Brady will be among the league leaders in passing yards and touchdowns again. Evans should have another 1,000-yard season with at least a dozen touchdowns. And Wirfs is Wirfs – the best right tackle in football. Defensively, White, Winfield, Vea and Barrett should make the Pro Bowl again. If White and Winfield can make a bunch splash plays, and if Vea and Barrett can rack up the sacks again, this quartet can be Pro Bowlers for years to come. Linebacker Lavonte David, cornerback Carlton Davis III and safety Mike Edwards might get consideration, too.

FAB 2. Pewter Predictions – Other Top-Notch Bucs

Now that the Bucs MVPs and Pewter Pro Bowlers have been named, who will be the Bucs’ best rookie and free agent acquisition? Which Tampa Bay players will be the most improved on offense and defense? Read on to find out.

Best Bucs Rookie
TE Cade Otton

Bucs TE Cade Otton – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Left guard Luke Goedeke will get the most playing time of all the rookies – if things go as expected. However, there will be some growing pains for Goedeke, especially early on. The coaches know this and even Todd Bowles has admitted it publicly. Goedeke has the size and physical tools to get the job done, but needs to work on his get off and timing. But Otton is the best bet to finish as Tampa Bay’s top rookie.

Otton has the skill set to become the No. 1 tight end sooner rather than later, especially with a pair of aging vets like Cam Brate and Kyle Rudolph ahead of him on the depth chart. If he stays healthy and continues to develop at his current rate, there’s no reason why Otton can’t be the team’s starting tight end by midseason. With good hands and more speed, Otton could wind up leading the tight ends in receptions and yards as a rookie.

Best Bucs Free Agent Acquisition
DT Akiem Hicks

This is a tough one because the Bucs have had a lot of great free agent additions, including a pair of stud receivers in Russell Gage and Julio Jones. Gage will get his share of catches in the Bucs’ pass-first offense, but he’ll be the third option behind Chris Godwin and Mike Evans. Jones could be a big factor, but can the 33-year old stay healthy all season? That’s why the nod goes to Hicks.

The 32-year old veteran is a Pro Bowl-caliber defensive tackle if he can avoid injuries. Hicks has the quickness and strength to lead the interior defensive line in sacks this season. Getting 6-8 sacks this year is not out of the question. He’s a perfect fit for Bowles’ defensive scheme. While safeties Logan Ryan and Keanu Neal will also make their presence felt on defense, Hicks has the chance to dominate up front. Especially playing in between a pair of pewter Pro Bowlers in Shaq Barrett and Vita Vea.

Most Improved Offensive Player
C Robert Hainsey

Bucs C Robert Hainsey – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

How can it not be Hainsey? He logged fewer than 50 snaps during his rookie year as he was transitioning from right tackle at Notre Dame to center in the NFL. Ryan Jensen’s knee injury has forced the Bucs to start Hainsey. He’s set to start every game and has the most room to grow of any offensive player that was in Tampa Bay a year ago.

The team feels comfortable about Hainsey’s development and he’ll only improve with more experience. This year, he won’t be at the Pro Bowl level that Jensen was, and he may never be. But the Bucs just need him to be a competent starter who doesn’t make many mistakes. Having a legend in Tom Brady to guide him in the huddle and at the line of scrimmage only helps.

Most Improved Defensive Player
OLB Joe Tryon-Shoyinka

The Bucs have high expectations for Tryon-Shoyinka. The team believes he’s the most athletic edge rusher in the league. That’s right – in the entire NFL. But he needs more experience after being a part-time starter as a rookie and will get plenty as a starter opposite Shaq Barrett. Tryon-Shoyinka should benefit from plenty of 1-on-1s this year with Barrett drawing most of the attention from opponents early on.

Tampa Bay hopes that he makes teams pay for singling him up and that he gets sacks in bunches to start the year. If that happens, the Bucs will have true bookend pass rushers in Barrett and JTS. After notching four sacks last year, getting anywhere between 7-10 sacks would be a huge gain for the second-year pass rusher.

FAB 3. Pewter Predictions – Bucs Stats Leaders

Tampa Bay’s pass-first offense has plenty of weapons, but running back Leonard Fournette figures to be the team’s leading rusher. So, who leads the Bucs in catches? And which defenders lead the team in sacks and interceptions in 2022? Here are my predictions.

Leading Sacker
OLB Shaquil Barrett

Barrett has averaged 12.5 sacks per season in Tampa Bay. His 19.5-sack debut in Tampa Bay in 2019 might have been an outlier, but Barrett bounced back from an 8-sack season in 2020 to record 10 last season – despite missing 2.5 games due to injury. Barrett has made the Pro Bowl twice in his three years with the Bucs, and should be in line for another one if he can stay healthy. Sacks get edge rushers to the Pro Bowl, and Tampa Bay is counting on another big season from Barrett.

Barrett should receive plenty of attention early, which may cause him to start off slow as opponents will double-team him and single up Joe Tryon-Shoyinka. If JTS can get his pass rush going early, that will cause teams to have to worry about him, too. Having a trio of interior rushers like Akiem Hicks, Vita Vea and Logan Hall pushing the pocket should also allow Barrett to rack up the sacks. Expect a dozen from Sack Barrett in 2022.

Bucs Leading Receiver
WR Chris Godwin

Bucs WR Chris Godwin and QB Tom Brady – Photo by: USA Today

The Bucs’ offense goes through the slot receiver. That’s the way Bruce Arians designed it decades ago. Godwin has joined the ranks of Hines Ward, Reggie Wayne and Larry Fitzgerald that have benefited from the high-volume targets as a result. Godwin has posted two 1,000-yard seasons over the last three years. Despite missing over three games last season, Godwin still wound up leading the team in catches with 98 receptions for 1,103 yards.

Mike Evans will once again lead the team with touchdowns. He had 14 last year, which broke his previous single-season team record. Evans played in 16 games last year – two games more than Godwin – but he only wound up with 74 catches for 1,035 yards. That’s 24 fewer catches and 68 fewer yards than Godwin had. If he’s healthy all year and truly back from his knee injury, Godwin could top 100 catches and 1,300 yards and set new career-highs.

Bucs Leading Interceptor
S Mike Edwards

It’s hard to bet against Edwards, who enters his first year as a starter after playing the last three seasons as a sub and role player. Even with limited playing time last year, Edwards still led the Bucs with three interceptions, including two pick-sixes against Atlanta in Week 2. He has a combined five interceptions over the last two years, which is tied with Carlton Davis III for the most in Tampa Bay.

Edwards is a big-time ball hawk with great instincts in the passing game. Perhaps more importantly, he doesn’t drop the ball once it hits his hands. Edwards has the best hands in the secondary. The Bucs have been putting an emphasis on getting more interceptions this year. They had 15 in 2020 and 17 last year. But the goal is to see that number shoot up in 2022 – and Edwards should be able to snag five with more playing time.

FAB 4. Predicting Bucs’ Wins And Losses In 2022

In the most recent Pewter Report Roundtable, I suggested that the Bucs might be a better team this year despite an 11-6 record. That was my prediction and it was slightly lower than my Pewter Report counterparts. Bailey Adams had the Bucs going 13-4 again, and the rest of the PR staff Tampa Bay at 12-5.

With a game-by-game breakdown, here is how the Bucs get to 11 wins this season in my eyes.

WEEK 1: Bucs at Cowboys – WIN

Bucs LT Donovan Smith – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

With injuries affecting both offensive lines in Tampa Bay and Dallas, this smells like a 24-20 defensive struggle rather than a shootout like last year’s 31-29 Bucs win. As was the case last year, turnovers will tell the tale. The Bucs should’ve crushed the Cowboys, but some key turnovers kept Dallas in the game. If Tampa Bay wins the turnover battle, they win the game. BUCS = 1-0

WEEK 2: Bucs at Saints – LOSS

Unfortunately the Bucs will lose an eighth straight regular season game to the Saints. Dennis Allen’s defense gave Tampa Bay’s offensive line fits last year – and that was with a pair of Pro Bowlers in Ryan Jensen and Ali Marpet. Saints DT David Onyemata could feast up front, and that would make life difficult for Tom Brady. The Bucs will try to run the ball more in New Orleans. If they have success, the outcome might be different. BUCS = 1-1

WEEK 3: Bucs vs. Packers – WIN

Romeo Doubs will be a very good receiver for Aaron Rodgers, but he’s no Davante Adams. The Bucs have the Packers’ number, just like the Rams and Saints have the Bucs’ number. Tampa Bay’s defense has historically done a good job versus Aaron Rodgers and Green Bay under Todd Bowles. That should continue in the Bucs’ 2022 home opener, which should be a raucous environment at Ray-Jay. BUCS = 2-1

WEEK 4: Bucs vs. Chiefs – WIN

A week after Brady and Co. play Rodgers, the Bucs play host to the Chiefs for the first time since Super Bowl LV. Patrick Mahomes is still deadly, but less effective without game-changing receiver Tyreek Hill. The Bucs may not blow out the Chiefs like they did in the Super Bowl, but they’ll prevail behind a balanced attack on offense and a strong showing from Bowles’ defense. BUCS = 3-1

WEEK 5: Bucs vs. Falcons – WIN

The Falcons could be better in Year 2 under Arthur Smith. But they don’t have the talent to stack up against the Bucs quite yet. Atlanta doesn’t typically fare well in Tampa Bay, and that remains the case in this one. The Bucs defense smothers the Falcons offense and Brady has a field day against an overmatched secondary. The Bucs are off to a hot start with three straight wins to start the 2022 campaign. BUCS = 4-1

WEEK 6: Bucs at Steelers – LOSS

There is one game where the Bucs always stub their toe, and it’s usually on the road. In 2020, it was losing a winnable game at Chicago on Thursday night. Last year, it was at Washington against a lesser QB in Taylor Heinicke. This year, it’s at Pittsburgh against rookie QB Kenny Pickett and a stout Steelers defense that creates takeaways and causes the Bucs’ O-line some real problems. Cameron Hayward and T.J. Watt are the stars for Pittsburgh in an upset. BUCS = 4-2

WEEK 7: Bucs at Panthers – WIN

Bucs ILB Devin White and DE Will Gholston and Panthers QB Sam Darnold – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Tampa Bay bounces back on the road with a win at Carolina against Baker Mayfield and the Panthers. Bowles’ defense has a day with sacks and turnovers, while Leonard Fournette runs wild as a rusher and a receiver. The Bucs now improve to 2-1 in the NFC South as they begin their annual sweep of the Panthers. BUCS = 5-2

WEEK 8: Bucs vs. Ravens – LOSS

The Bucs have a lot of speed on defense, but Lamar Jackson is on another level. Tampa Bay’s run defense will be put to the test against the most dangerous mobile QB in the game. Baltimore’s defense is no slouch, either. The Bucs get upset at home by a rebounding Ravens team on a short week on national TV. BUCS = 5-3

WEEK 9: Bucs vs. Rams – LOSS

The alarm bells are ringing after a second straight loss – and third in four games for the Bucs. Sean McVay just seems to have Todd Bowles and the Bucs’ number. This is now the fourth straight loss to the Rams, including last year’s playoff defeat. The Bucs don’t have an answer for Cooper Kupp on defense or Aaron Donald on offense. BUCS = 5-4

WEEK 10: Bucs vs. Seahawks – WIN

The Bucs really need a win prior to their bye week and they get it in Germany. It’s the first international victory in Tampa Bay history, snapping a streak of three straight losses overseas in London. Brady remains undefeated outside the U.S. and the Bucs’ talent wins out over an inferior Seahawks team. BUCS = 6-4

– WEEK 11: BYE –

WEEK 12: Bucs at Browns – WIN

The Bucs are barely hanging on to a playoff spot and the lead in the division. They’ll need to channel the 2020 squad and get some wins after the late-season bye week. The first one comes in Cleveland against the Deshaun Watson-less Browns to kick off the home stretch on the right foot. BUCS = 7-4

WEEK 13: Bucs vs. Saints – WIN

Bucs OLB Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and Saints QB Taysom Hill – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Finally, finally, FINALLY! The Bucs end an eight-game regular season losing streak to the Saints with a long-awaited win at Ray-Jay. The fact that it’s on Monday Night Football before the entire nation is even sweeter. The offense and defense come to play in a total team victory. This win puts Tampa Bay in the driver’s seat to hang on to its NFC South crown. BUCS = 8-4

WEEK 14: Bucs at 49ers – WIN

Buoyed by three straight wins, the team remains hot and heads west to face a tough 49ers team. Bowles’ bunch wins a defensive slugfest by the Bay while taking advantage of Trey Lance’s youth and inexperience. Tampa Bay has now won four in a row, its longest winning streak this season. BUCS = 9-4

WEEK 15: Bucs vs. Bengals – LOSS

Oh, what could have been. Had the Bucs beaten the Rams and then the 49ers in the NFC Championship Game, Tampa Bay might have three Super Bowl trophies right now. But the Bucs will play the Bengals in the 2022 regular season instead. And this year’s Cincinnati team is even better than the squad that was a surprise Super Bowl runner-up a year ago. The Bengals’ passing game gives the Bucs’ secondary fits in a rare home loss for Tampa Bay. BUCS = 9-5

WEEK 16: Bucs at Cardinals – LOSS

The Bucs have to fly to Arizona to play the Cardinals on Christmas night. The chance of the Bucs being distracted for this game due to the holiday is quite high. Plus, the fact that Tampa Bay is 4-1 in the last five games might make the Bucs a little overconfident. The Cardinals are fighting for a playoff spot and are ready to defend their nest. BUCS = 9-6

WEEK 17: Bucs vs. Panthers – WIN

Bucs WR Mike Evans – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

The team clinches a playoff spot and the NFC South division with a season sweep of the Panthers. Tampa Bay reaches double-digit wins for the third season in a row, which is a new franchise record. The loss prompts the Panthers to fire head coach Matt Rhule after a third straight losing season. BUCS = 10-6

WEEK 18: Bucs at Falcons – WIN

A win over the Falcons means another series sweep for the Bucs. Atlanta always plays Tampa Bay close at home and that will continue in this one. But once again, Brady is the difference. The Bucs get at least 11 wins in a season for just the fifth time in franchise history, and the third season in a row. Getting to 11 wins means a better playoff spot for the Bucs, who are gunning for their second Super Bowl since 2020. BUCS = 11-6

FAB 5. SR’s Buc Shots

• BRADY’S DOMINANCE PART 1: Bucs quarterback Tom Brady is a prolific passer – and a prolific winner. Like no other.

• BRADY’S DOMINANCE PART 2: Is Brady gearing up for another Super Bowl run? It sure seems that way.

• BRADY’S DOMINANCE PART 3: Brady has just been dominant in the playoffs, especially lately. He’s got a 5-1 record in Tampa Bay, which is the best in Bucs history.

THIS WEEK’S PEWTER REPORT PODCASTS

• BUCS ROSTER CUT COVERAGE ON THE PEWTER REPORT PODCAST: The Pewter Report Podcast is energized by CELSIUS and broadcasts four live episodes each week. Next week’s schedule will feature PR Podcasts on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday as the Bucs begin preparations for the season opener at Dallas in Week 1.

Scott Reynolds and Matt Matera kick off Monday’s show by talking about Chris Godwin’s availability for Week 1 at Dallas.

Reynolds and Matera analyze a wild roster cutdown day in Tampa Bay on Tuesday’s Pewter Report Podcast.

Matera and J.C. Allen discuss the Bucs’ roster cuts and the team’s depth through the practice squad additions.

Watch the Pewter Report Podcasts live on our PewterReportTV channel on YouTube.com and please subscribe (it’s free) and add your comments. We archive all Pewter Report Podcasts. So, you can watch the recorded episodes if you missed them live.

There is no better time to listen to or watch a new Pewter Report Podcast – energized by CELSIUS – than Friday afternoon on the way home from work. Or early Saturday morning during your workout or while running errands.

The popularity of the Pewter Report Podcast continues to grow. In addition to listening to the Pewter Report Podcasts on PewterReport.com, you can also subscribe to the free podcasts at PodBean by clicking here and on SoundCloud by clicking here. And of course, the Pewter Report Podcast is also available on iTunes and YouTube. Make sure you subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode.

FINAL VIDEO

• FATUKASI FORCED HIS WAY ONTO THE ROSTER: Bucs undrafted rookie free agent Olakunle Fatukasi led the Bucs in preseason tackles with 20 and also had 1.5 sacks. He beat out Grant Stuard to make the roster as the No. 4 inside linebacker and has a bright future in Tampa Bay on defense and on special teams. Here is a look back at Fatukaski’s Top 5 plays at Rutgers, where he played for former Bucs head coach Greg Schiano.