The 5 most important players for the Buccaneers in 2020
By Rob Leeds
Moving on in the order of the importance of positions, a dominant edge rusher is one of the essential positions to have filled for a team to succeed. Shaquil Barrett surprised the entire NFL after breaking out in 2019, but maintaining that level of dominance is imperative to winning in 2020.
The fact that Barrett was able to emerge as the NFL sack leader last season after joining the Bucs as a free agent was one of the biggest surprises in years. Barrett has set a precedent, and will now be playing for the first big contract of his professional career.
One season of dominance is excellent, but maintaining NFL success is the real key. Tampa Bay chose to franchise tag Barrett rather than giving him a massive future contract, which means that they need to see one more great season before they commit long term.
Everything from 2019 indicates that Barrett is ready to rise to the challenge in 2020, but this is still a gamble for the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay needs 2019 to not be a fluke for Barrett; otherwise, one of the best pass-rushing duos in the NFL will be taking a massive step back.
Odds are, Barrett will face an uphill battle in trying to lead the league in sacks for the second season in a row, but Tampa Bay doesn’t need Shaq to play at that level. If Barrett regresses but still posts 12.0+ sacks and maintains his pressure on the quarterback, Tampa Bay’s defense will still be dangerous against the pass.