A not too early look at the Bucs needs for 2018
One of the most disappointing season in Bucs history is about to come an end. For some it can‘t end soon enough as the Bucs play out the games and quite possibly will not win another game this season.
As we look at where the short comings are on this Bucs team let’s start with one guy who is not the problem. Jameis Winston. The fan base is really down on Winston as he is getting blamed for everything from poor tackling, to not being able to stop the opponent on third, to lack of pressure on the QB. Winston’s Fault? Please.
Winston is not without blame. We’ve dissected his shortcomings previously and no need to re-hash the issues now.
The offensive play calling and the injury to Winston’s shoulder have stunted his development this year no question.
There are four area’s where the Bucs need to Improve if they want to compete in 2018. They must improve the defensive line. They must get an edge rusher, someone that has some speed and pressure the QB. Noah Spence was thought to be that player but has been injury prone his first two seasons and we really Haven’t seen what he can do healthy over a full 16 games.
The OL is another area that needs improvement. JR Sweezy has been a disappointment this season as he seems to have lost the edge he once had as a Pro Bowl player in Seattle. We are seeing how bad the depth is on the OL as two of their best lineman Ali Marpet and Demer Dotson are on the IR and out for the season.
The running game will need a re-boot as well as I don’t see the Bucs bringing back Doug Martin. Since his rookie season and the 2015 season in which Martin ran for over 1400 yards, he has been a disappointment. These next three games I would like to see Peyton Barber get as many opportunities as he can get. Let’s see what Barber can do with 15-20 carries a game and being the featured back. Charles Sims is primarily a third down back and Jacquizz Rodgers is a serviceable back-up.
The defensive backfield is going to need an upgrade especially if Brent Grimes retires as he has talked about doing. Grimes has been one of the best Bucs players on defense this season and is one of the best cover guys in the league. As bad as this defense is imagine where it would be without Grimes?
The. Bucs also need to make a decsion on Vernon Hargraves. Is he a guy that can be a shut down corner and turn into a Grimes type player, or is he someone that will just be another face in a revolving door of DB’s.
These are area’s that need imediate attention. If the Bucs are going to get back to their winning ways this is where it will start. Of course by draft day 2018, we may have a new coaching staff and new systems being installed And then the roster overhaul will begin in earnest.
