The Pewter Plank
FanSided

5 offseason improvements the Tampa Bay Buccaneers must make

By Jerry Stalheim

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 30: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers passes to wide receiver Chris Godwin #12 (not in frame) in the second quarter of the game at Raymond James Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Will Vragovic/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 30: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers passes to wide receiver Chris Godwin #12 (not in frame) in the second quarter of the game at Raymond James Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Will Vragovic/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER 18: Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks to pass against the New York Giants during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium on November 18, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER 18: Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks to pass against the New York Giants during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium on November 18, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

Offensive improvements

Fewer Interceptions

The Buccaneers last season had one of the top offenses in the league in yards per game (415.5) and had the top passing offense in yards per game (320.3) and total yards (5,125), but between Winston and Fitzpatrick also threw the most interception (26). Which for Winston has been an issue in his career as he has thrown an interception every 33 passes.

Including last season when he was benched for throwing 10 interceptions in his first four games. He was turning the ball over once for every 15 pass attempts.

Once he was reintroduced as the starter his number improved as he appeared more careful with the ball throwing just four interceptions in his last six games.

With Arian’s reputation as bringing out the best in quarterbacks, I expect to see Winston’s interception numbers continue to decrease.

Running Game

To go with the number one passing offense in the NFL, the Buccaneers had just the 29th ranked rushing offense averaging just 95.2 yards/game. The Buccaneers have ranked in the bottom of the league in rushing three out of Winston’s four seasons.

Running backs currently on the roster accounted for 296 carries for 1,050 yards (just 65.6 yards/game) and just seven touchdowns. Second-round pick Ronald Jones was so ineffective that he was inactive for seven games and totaled only 23 carries for 44 yards and one touchdown. If they are set at keeping Peyton Barber, then obviously another back also needs to be added either in free agency or the Draft to help out the offense.

Arians seems to like a three-down style of back, such as David Johnson whom he had in Arizona.  Obviously, there is not a “David Johnson-like” back in free agency, but another back needs to be added. If a quality run game can be established that takes the pressure off Winston and the passing game.

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