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Buccaneers Weekly Hot Takes July 9th Edition

By Chris Barr

Jan 3, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) and Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman (24) are separated by the referee in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) and Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman (24) are separated by the referee in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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This will be the first of many hot takes specials I will bring you on our beloved Buccaneers. There are a lot of topics, issues, or thoughts that create conversation and debate, and that is exactly what we are going to bring you with this.

Mike Evans is primed for an outstanding season. It seems Jameis Winston and Evans have quite the connection. Evans saw 23 more targets last year than his rookie season, but Tampa Bay struggled offensively his rookie season. Evans needs to produce more touchdowns since he went from 12 in 2014 to a lousy 3 last year.  With Winston at helm most would think Evans is ready for a big year offensively.

Jun 14, 2016; Tampa Bay, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) works out during mini camp at One Buccaneer Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 14, 2016; Tampa Bay, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) works out during mini camp at One Buccaneer Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Can Dirk Koetter prove he is the solution in Tampa Bay? Honestly most don’t know a lot about the guy. Lovie Smith just couldn’t make things work. Sometimes the play calling looked ugly and the defense would just break down. Koetter is an offensive minded coach so look for Winston to be much more mobile. How can you not be excited about the possibility of that? The core of Winston, Evans, Martin, Jackson, Seferian-Jenkins has returned so look for (potentially) a very explosive and high scoring offense. It all falls on the relationship and communication between Koetter and Winston.

The pick of Roberto Aguayo was very smart. Aguayo was one the college football’s best kicker if the not the best the last two seasons. Tampa had struggled with Special Teams and they locked up a quality kicker. Yes, fans laughed because they traded up to get him. However, we have seen so many games won -or lost as the case may be- due to field goals. Aguayo will fit in well and should help Tampa win some ball games.

Tampa Bay’s schedule isn’t the easiest. Already playing in the tough NFC South, Buccaneers fans are hoping Tampa can at least find four or five wins from the division. Both New Orleans and Atlanta will be improved but Carolina is still on top of their game. If Tampa can beat Atlanta to start week one, that will lead to progress for the rest of the year.  Tampa Bay is scheduled to play the AFC West division, as well as the NFC West. Dallas and Chicago are split games with one away and one home.  Let’s hope they can sweep some division games and beat teams like San Diego, San Francisco, and Oakland.

Don’t look now but the first preseason game is scheduled for August 11. Tampa is scheduled to play in Philly and Jacksonville, then home against Cleveland and the Redskins.  Obviously, preseason doesn’t show us everything but it will be great to finally get back to watching the NFL in general.

Next: Buccaneers In Desperate Need Of Leadership

What burning Buccaneers topics have you fired up, excited, nervous, or all of the above? Sound off in the comments below or on our Facebook or Twitter pages.

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