Key Additions and Losses
Players come and players go, but who did the Bucs add and lose to their arsenal, and how will they impact this quarterback?
Additions:
WR, DeSean Jackson
TE, O.J. Howard
Losses:
RB, Doug Martin (Suspended 3-Games)
Analysis:
The Bucs made significant upgrades on the offensive side of the ball without losing anything serious.
Martin will miss the first three games, but should be back as it has appeared all off-season the team is fully behind their troubled running back.
For the three games he’ll miss stemming from his 2016 suspension, things might get hairy if the running game can’t get going.
Jacquizz Rodgers did well in place of Martin last year though, so this shouldn’t be too big of a concern.
That’s about it for losses.
The unofficial motto of the Bucs this year was “Weapons for Winston”, and did they ever add some good ones.
Veteran receiver DeSean Jackson satisfies the need-for-speed head coach Dirk Koetter mentioned early in the off-season.
His impact on the offense will not be small, and it shouldn’t take longer than Week 1 or 2 for Winston to get himself a touchdown pass of 40 yards or more. This alone is an improvement considering the offense had zero such plays all of 2016.
How impactful O.J. Howard will be on his own personal stat sheet is debatable in this rookie season. However, the matchup problems his presence gives opposing defenses will help Winston tremendously.
When Jackson, Howard, Cameron Brate and Mike Evans are all on the field, there simply won’t be any good answers for the defense.
Someone is going to get free, and Winston just has to find them. Or, if the defense floods the coverage zones, look for the Bucs quarterback to use his legs and eat up some of the cushion. Those are points too.
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Honorable Mention: WR, Chris Godwin
The Penn State product was underrated in his draft position, and should make a positive impact himself when the Bucs go four-wide. Look for him to get some snaps on the perimeter with Jackson lining up at the slot as well.