Where are the soft spots in the Buccaneers 2017 schedule?
The Buccaneers enter the upcoming season with a lot of hope. 10-6 was the record last year, and it would be hard to argue against the fact that the team is already better than they were last year. This is all before the NFL draft has even taken place. And to top all of that, the preparation will be on display for the world to see on Hard Knocks. There is a lot to be excited about.
Now it becomes more real. If anyone missed it, the schedule has been released, check it out. At a minimum, the Bucs will be seen twice on the national stage in primetime. If the season goes the way we all think it will, the Bucs will see NBC on Sunday night at least once. If they are finally given the proper respect of course. It happened once last year so it can happen again.
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Even though it’s early, how are things going to work out with this schedule? It’s always fun to speculate. Every schedule has peaks and valleys in it. There are rough spots and there are some softer spots.
Bailey Adams took a look at the toughest games on the upcoming schedule. There are some real tough ones, especially with the defending NFC champions once again coming from the NFC South.
This morning we are going to take a look at the other end of the spectrum. Today we are going to look at some of the softer spots in the 2017 schedule. Of course the games will be played between the white lines. But, these are games that, on paper, look quite winnable.
These are the games that, as a fan, you look at the schedule and feel good about. Even this early. Let’s see what you think.
Week 13 vs. New York Jets
It has been a few years since the New York Jets faced off against the Bucs. The last time was the 2013 season opener, which was the NFL debut for Geno Smith. In a highly-contested battle, the Jets won 18-17 on a late field goal by our new friend, Nick Folk. Hey, Jason Licht knew what he was doing when he brought Folk in to compete with Roberto Aguayo. Jets fans didn’t call him “Folk Hero” for nothing.
This one has stuck out for months. It stuck out since we learned that the Bucs would be taking on the AFC East this year. New York is in a rebuilding phase, even if coach Todd Bowles refuses to admit it. Star veterans are gone. Brandon Marshall, Nick Mangold, Darrelle Revis are green history. In their place are young players that the team hopes will set the team going the right way, but it will take some time.
Eric Decker is there as of the writing of this post. Some in New York believe, however, that he too will be gone once he is healthy. Sheldon Richardson has a decent shot at being traded prior to the draft. Matt Forte is still there, but he will be running behind a very young offensive line. None of them are older than 28. Will they come together? Possibly, but it will take time.
And they continue their age-old search for a quarterback. They don’t know yet if Christian Hackenberg or Bryce Petty can make it with the big boys. If not, they have Josh “turnovers” McCown to start as the veteran “bridge” quarterback. Sam Darnold may be in their future, but a win over the Bucs isn’t likely. This one should put the team in a good mood heading into the bye.
Week Two vs. Chicago Bears
It’s a new season at Raymond James Stadium as the Bucs open things up against the Chicago Bears. John Fox and the Bears are coming off of a disappointing 2016 campaign. A 3-13 record is not what the Soldier Field crowd was hoping for. Alshon Jeffrey put up mediocre numbers for a top wide receiver with 52 receptions for 821 yards and two touchdowns. Unfortunately for Chicago, he was suspended four games for a drug violation.
These two teams battled last year, and the Bucs won by a score of 36-10. Despite giving up 100 yards on the ground to Jordan Howard, the defense forced Jay Cutler into four turnovers. Jameis Winston threw for over 300 yards and off the Bucs went to victory. This was during that magical late season run that brought the team to the brink of a playoff berth. Henceforth, the excitement heading into the 2017 season.
It’s a new year and an intriguing game as the Bears head on down to sunny Tampa. Jay Cutler is gone. In his place is our old friend Mike Glennon. Yes, Mark Sanchez was also signed by the Bears. Does anybody really think that he will beat out Glennon? It certainly isn’t likely. Glennon will be making the trip to where he began his career, and then sent back to the bench. I have a hard time believing that there won’t be jitters there. He will be pressing, trying to show the Bucs brass what they missed out on.
Later in the year this game would have been of more concern to me. As the home opener? Feel good about this one.
Week Eight vs. Carolina Panthers
Here is a team that Bucs fans just love to beat. Cam Newton and company make their trip to Tampa in October to face the Bucs. It is always exciting when divisional foes match up. Rex Ryan used to say that they mean 1.5 games in the standings. The prospect of beating up on Cam Newton makes it even sweeter. If the Bucs couldn’t make the playoffs, wasn’t it nice that the Panthers didn’t either?
Last season, the Bucs swept their division rivals. Granted, Newton didn’t play in the first matchup, but every team has injuries, am I right? That game was won on a fourth quarter field goal by our potentially former kicker, Roberto Aguayo. In the second game, the Bucs forced Newton into three interceptions. We talked about how the defense is on its way to being special. That day is coming.
I know the games are played on the field, but the success of last year plays a big part in my choice of this game. I get that they were swept the year before, but this is a very different Bucs team. That team did not have a front stacked with Robert Ayers, Chris Baker and Noah Spence to go along with Gerald McCoy. That team did not have DeSean Jackson on the opposite side. This is a team ready to take the next step, and they will leave the Panthers in their wake. Especially at home.
Next: Three Games Most Likely to Get Flexed
So what do you guys think? Are these the soft spots? Are there others? Let me know in the comments…