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Buccaneers’ 2015 Team Report Card

By Alan Schechter

Jan 3, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) calls out coverage in the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Buccaneers 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) calls out coverage in the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Buccaneers 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 27, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy (93) works out prior to the game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy (93) works out prior to the game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Line: B-

This may be a higher grade than others would give to the defensive line, but to me, they must get some credit for the run defense. The Buccaneers ranked 11th overall, giving up only 100.4 yards per game, and 3.4 yards per carry. That is a very strong number, and the guys up front deserve credit for that.

Gerald McCoy and Jacquies Smith combined to post 15 sacks, which is a solid combination. With 38 sacks placing the team in the middle of the pack, the team has a solid foundation. Howard Jones added five of his own, but nobody else posted more than 3.5. The team did have a tough time stopping the pass, and coming up with a sack in a big spot.

The team allowed quarterbacks to complete 70% of their passes. Yes, that is an indictment of the defensive backs, but if the defensive line had more of a consistent presence in the backfield, they would have been able to harass the quarterback into lowering that figure.

Next: Linebackers

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