Bucs training camp report
As the Bucs 2017 training camp winds down, there are still battles being fought for the 5th WR spot, depth at LB, and depth at DB. Some of these battles will not be officially won until after the final pre-season game against the Redskins on Aug. 31st.
At the WR position Mike Evans, DeSean Jackson, Adam Humphries and Chris Godwin have the top 4 spots all but wrapped up. Bernard Reedy, Josh Huff, and Freddie Martino are all battling for the last receiver spot on the roster. All three have done good things in the two pre-season games and in practice. Coach Koetter has that whoever wins this spot will need to contribute in the return game, help out on special teams, and be able to play all three WR positions. I think Reedy and Huff would have the edge over Martino as both have looked good catching the ball and in the return game.
At LB, Kendall Beckwith is making a case to be a starter due to his strong play so far. Adarious Glanton also had a real nice game against the Jaguars last Friday night. Riley Bullough is the fan favorite to make the team. However, I don't think he has done enough given his limited playing time to make the team. The injury to Davonte Bond has created an opportunity for someone to secure a starting LB spot.
In the defensive backfield, Robert McLain and Javien Elliott are both getting lots of work, with the injury to starter Brent Grimes and Jude Adjei-Barimah. Grimes may be ready to play a bit this weekend against Cleveland. Ryan Smith has been impressive in his opportunites so far.
I am concerned about the play of back-up QB Ryan Fitzpatrick. He has not looked impressive at all in his playing time. He is completing just 54% percent of his passes with 0 TD's and 2 INT's. A QBR rating of 27. If Jameis Winston goes down, the Bucs are in trouble and the season could come crashing down. I know it's pre-season, but ya gotta show me a little something.
Jameis Winston is off to his best start as he enters year three with the Bucs. Winston is completing 71% of his passes which is 12% above his career completion percentage of 59%. Winston is seeing the field better than ever and is checking down more as he hit eight different receivers in the game against the Jags.
There is some concern with the K Nick Folk after he missed an extra-point and a 47 yard FG in the win at Jacksonville. Koetter has said that Folk is the kicker period. Folk is an 81%. Lifetime FG kicker, while Aguayo was 71% last season. The Bucs will be patient with Folk to a certain point.
Another concern I have is the lack of TD's in the red-zone. You have to be able to put the ball in the end zone to win consistently in the NFL. The Bucs are 40% 2/5 in the red zone so far this pre-season,. Mike Evans has had a couple of drops in the end-zone to contribute to this low percentage. Last year the Bucs were 20th in the league converting 52%.
If the Bucs are to be contenders and not pretenders this season the red zone efficiency will have to improve.
