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Five Keys to a Strong Buccaneers’ Season

By Alan Schechter

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 26, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Vincent Jackson (83) catches the ball over Cleveland Browns cornerback Tracy Howard (41) during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 26, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Vincent Jackson (83) catches the ball over Cleveland Browns cornerback Tracy Howard (41) during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Vincent Jackson

The veteran returns, and not a moment too soon.

Mike Evans has established himself as a number one, borderline-elite wide receiver.  Two straight seasons of over 1,000 yards receiving tell you all you need to know there.  He will be a force in the league for years to come.  But, the touchdowns are a question.  His rookie campaign yielded 12 touchdowns, while 2015 brought only three to Evans.

Why?  His partner in crime was injured.

In 2014, when Vincent Jackson played the entire year and posted 1,000 yards, Evans scored twelve times.  With “VJax” lost for part of the year, the numbers dropped.  Jackson served as an alternate target in the red zone, and a good one.  Both Evans and Jackson are over well over six feet tall and defenses have to contend with both.  That opened up space for Evans.  Without him, they keyed on Evans and the holes closed up.

The Bucs need Jackson to have a big year in order to take that next step.

Next: The New Guy

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