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Buccaneers: Identifying the Team’s Biggest Flaws

By Alan Schechter

Dec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter looks on during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter looks on during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 18, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) is sacked by Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle David Irving (95) in the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium. Dallas Cowboys won 26-20. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) is sacked by Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle David Irving (95) in the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium. Dallas Cowboys won 26-20. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

Protecting the Quarterback

It seems a bit weird to think that a team that is 8-6 and has a shot at making the playoffs has so many weaknesses. But when it comes to this question, I feel like there are a lot of ways to answer it. Lack of depth at wide receiver, inconsistent safety play and the lack of production in the run game are all good answers. However, the most glaring issue for the Bucs has to be the offensive line.

The o-line’s sub-par play has been overlooked at times this season. Jameis Winston and the offense have managed to play through it and win eight games, but Tampa Bay needs to address its line this offseason.

Protecting Winston has to be a top priority for the Bucs. He is the future of the franchise, and he won’t be able to live up to his potential if he’s being smacked around in the pocket all the time. Additionally, the team just signed Doug Martin to an extension last offseason. He hasn’t played well this year at all, and as much criticism as he’s getting, the offensive line deserves it too. Moving forward, fixing up that group should be a major priority.

–Bailey Adams

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