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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Dec 27, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) talks with center Joe Hawley (68) against the Chicago Bears during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) talks with center Joe Hawley (68) against the Chicago Bears during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Joe Hawley

This time I jump to the less obvious.

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We all know there was a battle between Hawley and Evan Smith for the center position.  No depth chart has been released yet, but judging by Hawley sitting out game four with the rest of the starters and his being announced as a captain this week, it seems that he has earned the position.  Under that assumption, he assumes a very important role.

Some say that the offense is only as good as its offensive line.  I am a complete subscriber to that theory.  If the offensive line isn’t going well, there is no room for the running game or the passing game.  It’s as important as any other position group on the field.

Life after Logan Mankins has not been great so far.  In the preseason, the Bucs only averaged 2.6 yards per rush, and allowed seven sacks over the four games.  They simply weren’t able to achieve any cohesion, which if it continues, does not spell big yardage for Doug Martin and company.

Do we want Jameis Winston on his back all year?  The offensive line had better get it together, and the man in charge of the line is the center, Joe Hawley.  He needs to drive this group forward.

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