Aug 24, 2013; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback
Ryan Tannehill(17) drops back to pass as Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end
Adrian Clayborn(94) rushes in the first quarter at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
The staff of The Pewter Plank is ready for football to finally get underway. The Buccaneers are already preparing and studying for their first real game of the season against the New York Jets, so the staff here at The Pewter Plank sat down to answer five questions about the Bucs’ upcoming 2013 season. Here’s what they had to say:
Which young Buccaneer player do you believe will take the biggest step forward in 2013?
Marc Rogers – “Adrian Clayborn will have a great season with an improved secondary and defensive line. Clayborn will come back from injury with an increased understanding and passion for football. ”
Luke Weber – “I believe Mark Barron is going to turn some heads this upcoming season. After a very average season playing a position that he was not familiar with, Barron struggled at times. With the addition of Dashon ” The Hawk” Goldson, Barron will be back in the box just like his days back at Alabama. Look for him to have a breakout year, maybe lead the team in tackles.”
Ryan Terrana – “Adrian Clayborn. I had high hopes for Da’Quan Bowers and he still might have a good season, but I think it’s Clayborn that becomes the first Buc to reach double digit sacks since Simeon Rice left. Clayborn impressed me as a rookie and has come back strong from this knee injury. McCoy broke out last year finally and will be a big reason for Clayborn’s success.”
Ken Boehlke – “Akeem Spence – The chance to play next to Gerald McCoy will open doors for the rookie. The Buccaneers also have a revamped secondary that should give the defensive line a few extra seconds to get to the quarterback. With the release of Gary Gibson, it appears as though Spence’s job is locked in, now it’s his time to go out and prove Mark Dominik right.”
Michael Decker -” I think Adrian Clayborn will be healthy and become a dominant player. Obviously he started the season at a high level last year, but I think in ’13 he is going to earn notoriety throughout the whole league.”
Leo Howell – “I think Johnthan Banks is going to have an impressive season in his rookie campaign. He just looks ready for the NFL, and he’ll benefit from “The Revis Island Effect.” Look for him to contend for Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.”
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