2016 Record - 9-7-0
Head Coach - Dirk Koetter
Offensive Rank - 18th (346 yards per game, 22.1 points per game)
Defensive Rank - 23rd (368 yards allowed per game, 23.1 points allowed per game)
Third year quarterback Jameis Winston is back again after passing for 4,090 yards with 28 touchdowns and 18 interceptions. Unproven Ryan Griffin will be the backup after Mike Glennon went to Chicago. The running game has Doug Martin (421 yards in only eight games played) as the main man after he serves a four-game suspension. Other runners include Jacquizz Rodgers (560 yards, two TD) and Charles Sims, who is used primarily in third down situations.
The wide receiving corps is led by All-Pro Mike Evans (96 receptions for 1,321 yards and 12 TD), DeSean Jackson (56, 1,005, four TD with Washington), Adam Humphries (55, 622, two TD) and rookie Chris Goodwin (Penn State). The tight ends are Cameron Brate (57, 660, eight TD) and top rookie draft pick O.J. Howard (Alabama) who is slated to be a starter.
The defense has Gerald McCoy (seven QB sacks), Robert Ayers (6 1/2 sacks), Noah Spence (5 1/2 sacks), William Gholston (three sacks), Kwon Alexander (three sacks and one interception at linebacker) and Lavonte David (five sacks) along with secondary stalwarts Brent Grimes (four interceptions) and Keith Tandy (four picks). Rookie safety Justin Evans (Texas A & M) should have the chance to make an impact.
OUTLOOK FOR 2017 - The Buccaneers have been improving steadily and just missed the playoffs last season. They have tough competition in the NFC South, where two teams (Carolina and Atlanta) have made the Super Bowl the past two seasons.
Head Coach Dirk Koetter will expect more of the same from Winston and the passing game (245 yards per game) this year, but the running game must improve after averaging just 101 yards per game. If Doug Martin can rebound and regain the Pro Bowl form he has displayed in his first five seasons, the Bucs offense could be very potent in 2017.
The defense had breakdowns last season, especially late in games as the Buccaneers lost four games by one score, including two late season games that cost them a wild card playoff spot.
Another 9-7 finish seems likely, but if the offense can get more balanced and the defense steps up in key situations, this team could do better and make the playoffs.
TEAM SCHEDULE
Week One - at Miami
Week Two - vs. Chicago
Week Three - at Minnesota
Week Four - vs. NY Giants
Week Five - vs. New England
Week Six - at Arizona
Week Seven - at Buffalo
Week Eight - vs. Carolina
Week Nine - at New Orleans
Week Ten - vs. NY Jets
Week Eleven - BYE
Week Twelve - at Atlanta
Week Thirteen - at Green Bay
Week Fourteen - vs. Detroit
Week Fifteen - vs. Atlanta
Week Sixteen - at Carolina
Week Seventeen - vs. New Orleans
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