Five Keys to a Strong Buccaneers’ Season

Aug 26, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter looks on against the Cleveland Browns during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 26, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter looks on against the Cleveland Browns during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
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Aug 31, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) works out in the rain prior to the game during the Tropical Storm Hermine against the Washington Redskins at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 31, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) works out in the rain prior to the game during the Tropical Storm Hermine against the Washington Redskins at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Jameis Winston

OK, I started with an obvious one.  What’s wrong with that?

The Bucs are blessed to have a face of the franchise in Winston.  He has all of the ability to drive this team for the next decade at a minimum, and has proven off the field that he is just the guy they needed.  Throwing for over 4,000 yards is no small accomplishment for anyone, but especially a rookie.  Tampa Bay has their guy!

For the team to take a step forward in 2016, Winston absolutely has to do the same.  He turned the ball over too much last year, though that is to be expected from a rookie.  The four interception game against the Panthers was a low for the young rookie.  He bounced back, however, and threw for sixteen touchdowns versus eight interceptions the rest of the year.  Some decisions made in the preseason were questionable, however, showing signs of the old Jameis.

He must trust what he learned last year and step forward with his decision-making or the team will suffer the consequences.

Next: The Man in the Middle

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