The Pewter Plank
FanSided

Buccaneers: Five guys to watch when Hard Knocks begins

By Alan Schechter

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Fans watch a military jet flyover during the opening ceremonies of an NFL game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Carolina Panthers on January 1, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Fans watch a military jet flyover during the opening ceremonies of an NFL game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Carolina Panthers on January 1, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
TAMPA, FL – JANUARY 01: Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs with the ball while under pressure from Kyle Love #77 of the Carolina Panthers in the first quarter of the game at Raymond James Stadium on January 1, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – JANUARY 01: Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs with the ball while under pressure from Kyle Love #77 of the Carolina Panthers in the first quarter of the game at Raymond James Stadium on January 1, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

1. Jameis Winston

Is anyone really surprised that this guy is on my list? Winston is the guy who runs the engine. He is the straw that stirs the drink. He makes them all go. If he plays well, the Bucs play well. You can input any similar analogy and it would fit. Winston is the Bucs franchise. There are high expectations of him as he enters his third season. Who wouldn’t want to see him prepare?

And there is a lot of preparation he needs to do. He has new weapons to bring into the fold. DeSean Jackson is here. O.J. Howard is here. There is only one football to go around, last time I checked. How is he going to work these guys into the rotation? As a leader, how does he get them to believe. Jackson has had his moments in the past of being a diva. Can Winston show him the way. Can he get him the ball enough to keep him happy yet make sure he is part of the team. Mike Evans is the leader but Jackson must be comfortable. That begins with Winston on the practice field.

Winston is also known for his inspirational speeches. We have all seen at least one via social media. He can move people with his words. This will happen during training camp and it will probably happen often. I know I am looking forward to hearing him rally his team. The Bucs have one goal, and Winston is the face of that goal. How will he inspire his teammates? The program will give us an inside look and it will be great fun to watch. There is a good chance we will even see some of it this week.

Home/Bucs News