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Bucs taking a page out of the Patriots’ playbook on offense

By Jose Martinez

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Add Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson with a dash of Dirk Koetter. Try it out and you are immediately reminded of the Atlanta Falcons’ recipe for offensive success. However, there’s something else in there. You can’t put your finger on it. It’s a nice addition, but what is it?!

It’s a hint of New England Patriots.

This became increasingly evident when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers picked up Tim Wright in June after the Patriots placed him on waivers. Since Aaron Hernandez’s time with the team came to an end, New England has been looking to replicate their 2011 season when Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski combined for 169 receptions, 2,237 yards and 24 touchdowns.

Now back with the Buccaneers, Wright has the potential to become the Robin to Austin Seferian-Jenkins’ Batman.

After that breakout year, both guys struggled to stay healthy and then Hernandez’s off-the-field matters put an end to the Pats’ hopes of getting them on the field together ever again. Since then, the Patriots have looked to James Develin, Michael Hoomanawanui and the aforementioned Wright to fill that role of big, athletic tight end to play alongside Gronkowski.

Last season, Wright failed to see much time on the field, which was mostly due to his inability to quickly pick up the Pats’ system with such little time before the start of the season. When the 25-year-old got on the field, though, he did a decent job, hauling in a career-high six touchdown passes. In March, the Patriots picked up Scott Chandler, another big, athletic tight end, and Wright became expendable.

Jun 16, 2015; Tampa Bay, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Tim Wright (85) during minicamp at One Buc Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Now back with the Buccaneers, Wright has the potential to become the Robin to Austin Seferian-Jenkins’ Batman. At 6-foot-5 and 260 pounds, Seferian-Jenkins has a similar frame to Gronkowski, who comes in at 6-foot-6 and 265 pounds. They can barrel through the secondary but also possess quick feet to dodge defenders when necessary. Seferian-Jenkins may not immediately conjure up similarities to Gronk, but Koetter does see some Tony Gonzalez in him. Meanwhile, Wright isn’t as tall or weigh as much as ASJ, but he is still a big, speedy target who can add another wrinkle to the Bucs’ offense.

In his last year (2011) with the Patriots’ front office, Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht saw first-hand the positives of having a tight end duo of Hernandez and Gronkowski on the field. Why would Licht not want to bring that recipe with him to the Bucs?

Next: Projecting the Bucs' starting offense

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