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Buccaneers: Three bold predictions for the 2017 season

By Alan Schechter

TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 27: Head coach Dirk Koetter of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on from the sidelines during the second quarter of an NFL game against the Seattle Seahawks on November 27, 2016 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 27: Head coach Dirk Koetter of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on from the sidelines during the second quarter of an NFL game against the Seattle Seahawks on November 27, 2016 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /
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FOXBORO, MA – DECEMBER 24: Nick Folk
FOXBORO, MA – DECEMBER 24: Nick Folk /

3. At Least Three Games will be Decided by Nick Folk

How’s that for a segue into who I think will win the kicker job? Not bad, huh?

The Bucs have a knack for being in close games. Back in 2015, five games were decided by less than seven points. In 2016, that number jumped up to seven. (per Football Database). They have had a difficult time putting teams away. It happens to a lot of teams, especially ones that are learning to win together. I reduced the number to three to account for the additional firepower on offense. The Bucs will increase leads on some teams, but the close games won’t go away. Why would a football season be easy on the fans, am I right?

So that brings us to the debate of which kicker will win the competition. We all know the story of Roberto Aguayo’s plight as a rookie. In short, a lot was expected and not delivered. That is why Nick Folk is here. Koetter and Jason Licht knew that the position had to improve so they brought in solid competition.

We also read about the difficulties Aguayo had during early minicamp workouts. Yes, the media doesn’t see all of them so we don’t hear about all of them. I also didn’t say that Folk would blow Aguayo out of the water. Aguayo will perform better in camp. But this team can’t wait for a kicker to get over that hump. The Bucs are built to win right now, and Nick Folk is equipped to win right now. He will win the job and prove to be important this year.

Next: Most important players to stop in the NFC South

What are your bold predictions, Bucs fans? Let us know in the comments…

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