Bucs offense poised for big things in 2018
As we look back at the disappointing season for the Buccaneers, the 5-11 record was not for a lack of offensive firepower. The Bucs finished 9th in total offense at 363 YPG. The Bucs passing attack was 4th in the league, trailing only Pittsburgh, New England and the LA Chargers. The running game finished 27th averaging just over 90 YPG. As bad as the defense was this season, you could make a case that the disappointing season had as much to do with not being able to run the ball and maintain possession late in games as much as the defense was to blame. Not going to Peyton Barber sooner and relying on Doug Martin was a mistake.
The Bucs had only one 100 yard rushing game this past season, that was the game in Green Bay which the Bucs lost 26-20. Peyton Barber ran for 102 yards in the loss.
As I analyze the offense I believe the Bucs are well built for a successful run in 2018 and beyond. The franchise is set at QB with Jameis Winston. WR boasts one of the best young WR’s in the game in Mike Evans who had his 4th straight 1,000 yard season. The rookie Chris Godwin was very impressive in the opportunities he was given. I can see Evans and Godwin being the first two options for Winston at receiver next season. OJ Howard before his season ending injury was really coming on and becoming more comfortable in the offense. Add in Adam Humphries and Cameron Brate and The Bucs passing attack will continue to excel.
Peyton Barber should be given an opportunity to win the starting job and be the feature back in 2018. Barber averaged just shy of four yards a carry and proved that he could keep the chains moving and get the tough yards when needed. We have seen the last of Doug Martin in a Bucs uniform. The Bucs will need to draft a back at some point or go the FA route and acquire a back. Barber, Jacquizz Rodgers and Charles Sims are the running backs on the roster right now.
The OL was below average especially in the running game. The line did an adequate job of pass blocking but really struggled in the run game. JR Sweezy was the biggest disappointment. Sweezy missed all of last season rehabbing an injury and was just a shell of his former self this season.
Listening to Dirk Koetter at his season ending press conference, he heaped all kinds of praise on the OL saying he thought they were in the top half in the league. Not the case. Pass blocking maybe. Run blocking one of the worst lines in the league.
The Bucs have no shortage of needs as they prepare for 2018. RB and OL are the major areas that need improvement
Next week we will look at the potential FA agents that are available both on offense and defense.
—John Lynch former Buccaneer great and now San Francisco 49er GM is a finalist for the HOF. Let’s hope that Lynch gets that phone call because he is a worthy candidate for the HOF.
—Bucs 2018 opponents. Home: Carolina, Atlanta, New Orleans, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Washington. Away: Carolina, Atlanta, New Orleans, Baltimore, Cincinnati, Dallas, NY Giants, and Chicago
