The Pewter Plank
FanSided

Five Storylines to Follow Entering Buccaneers’ Training Camp

By Bailey Adams

Nov 9, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers flag bearers run flags across the end zone after they scored against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Atlanta Falcons defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 9, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers flag bearers run flags across the end zone after they scored against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Atlanta Falcons defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
Nov 8, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) throws a pass during the first half against the New York Giants at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) throws a pass during the first half against the New York Giants at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /

In 2015, the Buccaneers fielded one of their best offenses in franchise history. They had their issues with red zone scoring, but there were plenty of positives. Jameis Winston had a stellar rookie year, throwing for 4,042 yards and 22 touchdowns while adding six on the ground. Doug Martin re-emerged as one of the league’s most effective running backs, rushing for 1,042 yards and six touchdowns. Even with injuries to Vincent Jackson, Austin Seferian-Jenkins and Louis Murphy, the passing game was effective. The likes of Adam Humphries, Donteea Dye and Cameron Brate stepped up for the Bucs, which was a good sign of things to come in 2016 when the receiving corps is back to full strength.

Last year’s offensive success makes for a good story to follow this year as Winston continues to develop in his second year, Martin tries to replicate last season’s success, and the receivers continue to develop a better relationship with their quarterback. Especially with the retention of Dirk Koetter, who will still call plays, Tampa Bay enters the season with a dangerous and somewhat proven offense. This may be one of the only times in franchise history that the team enters a year truly believing it can rely on its offense to produce and be effective at a high level.

The general development of the offense will be fun to watch, but there are certainly some further storylines under that umbrella. How will Winston fare in year two? How will Martin respond to his new contract? Will Mike Evans fix his issues with drops? Will Seferian-Jenkins finally stay healthy and break out? Will the offensive line continue to come together? All of these are interesting points to follow as Tampa Bay gets into training camp, the preseason and eventually, the regular season.

Next: A New Look on Defense

Home/Bucs News