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Buccaneers: Five Players that Must Step Up in the Second Half

By Alan Schechter

Oct 2, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter looks down against the Denver Broncos during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter looks down against the Denver Broncos during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Robert Ayers (91) in action during the game in action during the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeat the Buccaneers 40-7. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Robert Ayers (91) in action during the game in action during the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeat the Buccaneers 40-7. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Robert Ayers

Last season, the Bucs were tied for 14th in the NFL in sacks with 38. Gerald McCoy was solid as always but he needed help. So, they drafted Noah Spence and signed Robert Ayers. Ayers posted nine sacks for the Giants in 2015 so there were high hopes.

Well currently the Bucs are tied for 15th in the NFL with 17 sacks.

McCoy has four to this point, and Spence has three. Unfortunately, Ayers has only been available for four of the first eight games, missing time due to injury. He posted a sack in the opening game, but hasn’t been much of a factor when he has played since. To date, Ayers has registered a mere seven tackles. It shouldn’t come as much surprise that the Bucs are giving up over four yards per carry on the ground, and can’t stop a nosebleed through the air.

Ayers needs to stay healthy and step things up fast.

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