ESPN: Tampa Bay Buccaneers weapons are average
By Ryan Doyle
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell ranked the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive arsenal 15th in the NFL. The Bucs weapons sit in the middle of the pack.
With top-tier receiving weapons and a subpar rushing attack, it should be no surprise the Buccaneers were viewed as having an average arsenal by Barnwell.
Here is some of his analysis of the receivers, tight ends and running backs in Tampa:
"Tampa spent last offseason focusing on getting Jameis Winston weapons, but just like when you buy your child some new toys for Christmas and he or she looks at them for a second before going back to the old favorites, Winston was mostly concerned with getting the ball to Mike Evans and Cameron Brate in key moments."
Jameis Winston and Ryan Fitzpatrick have a plethora of tremendous pass catchers this season. Tight ends Cameron Brate and O.J. Howard could be the duo in the NFL. Last season, they combined for 74 catches, 1,023 yards and 12 touchdowns.
A deep group of wideouts is also one of the Buccaneers greatest strengths. They feature a sure-fire top ten receiver in Mike Evans, veteran deep threat DeSean Jackson, Adam Humphries and Chris Godwin.
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One of the deepest groups in the league, Tampa Bay has all the tools for a successful attack through the air. Evans and Jackson are household names around the NFL, but Humphries and Godwin have been key for the Bucs passing game.
Godwin and Humphries quietly combined to catch 95 passes last season. If they can get similar production as Godwin enters his second season, they could jump into the top ten.
For the Buccaneers offense, the questions arise on the ground. Second-round pick Ronald Jones and former undrafted free agent Peyton Barber will lead a unproven rushing attack.
The two young backs have a ton of potential, but it’s asking a lot for them to be a strong unit in 2018. Rushing for only 1,450 yards as a team last season, there likely won’t be an immediate turn around.
Jones’ big play potential could be a big factor towards Tampa’s success running the football. If he can break a long run or two, it could change the course of a game.
Next: Buccaneers position preview: Running backs
The additions along the interior of the offensive line will help too, but the running backs aren’t something head coach Dirk Koetter can rely on just yet.