Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 5 Defensive X-factors for 2020 season

5 defensive X-factors for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the 2020 season

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers enter the 2020 season as one of the most exciting teams in the league due to the addition of Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski to an already-loaded offense.

One thing many analysts aren’t talking about, though, is the talent that the Buccaneers bring on defense.

As we prepare for the upcoming season, one thing has become certain: The Buccaneers won’t make the playoffs if they don’t get a solid effort from their defense.

To do that, here are five X-factors for Tampa Bay on the defensive side of the ball.

5. Shaquil Barrett

Now, Shaq Barrett may not be considered an X-factor to many because he enters this season as potentially the top player on the unit.

While I agree, there’s something about the amount of pressure Barrett will be facing this year that truly makes him an X-factor.

Is he expected to come away with 19.5 sacks again? No. But the Buccaneers absolutely need to see him continue with elite pass-rushing and find a way to become an integral leader on this defense. The Bucs can’t afford for Barrett to take a step back and that’s why he’s an X-factor for them.