Buccaneers: Four veterans that should see a rise in their statistics in 2017

Brent Grimes

In his wisdom, Bailey Adams reminded all of us not to doubt Brent Grimes. He was absolutely right. Not only, as he put it, did Grimes have a spectacular season in 2016, but there is also no reason why he can’t be even more spectacular in 2017. The situation lays out just that well for him.

Grimes was better than many expected he would be, including myself. I went on record believing that he would have a problem based on being too short. I was wrong, as Grimes was terrific. He led the league in passes defended with 24 (per Sporting Charts). Remember, that comes from making the best use of the targets thrown his way. Vernon Hargreaves wasn’t great as a rookie so a lot of the interest of quarterbacks went his way. To still be able to take down 24 passes is remarkable.

This season, Grimes will have the chance to do more than before. First and foremost, Hargreaves is going to improve. He gave up 1,000 yards to his opposing receivers last year. That is only going to improve. The better he becomes, the more the targets will even out between the two of them, which will mean more opportunities for Brent Grimes.

The safety play will be better as well, leading to Grimes taking more chances. Keith Tandy and Chris Conte showed glimpses of what they can be with talent around them. Both are back for another season. Justin Evans and J.J. Wilcox are both known as hard-hitting safeties. When they get their chances, they will lock up the middle of the field. Grimes can take chances when he doesn’t have to worry about the coverage over the middle, and that means more plays on the ball.

That will mean even better statistics.