Talk about roller coaster off-seasons!
Tampa fans went from Blaine Gabbert starting an a rebuild incoming, to running it back with Tom Brady.
Strength
No surprise here from me, but the passing offence for the Buccaneers was just so elite last season. They ranked first in the NFL for passing attempts, yards and touchdowns. I don’t think I need to continue, but I will!
They brought in Russell Gage over the off-season who is a very good third option and despite Rob Gronkowski retiring, they have a ready starter in Cam Brate. Oh, and did I mention Tom Brady was back?
Weakness
Despite having a very good secondary on paper, pass defence was the Buccaneers’ main problem last year and it got them eliminated from the playoffs. They conceded over 4000 yards passing last season and gave up a massive completion to Cooper Kupp in the last 30 seconds of the NFC Divisional game.
They have the talent to turn last season’s weakness into a strength, but we have to see it.
Player to watch
Second-year pro Joe Tryon-Shoyinka showed flashes of greatness in his rookie season and with Jason Pierre-Paul gone, has the chance to start on the edge next to Shaq Barrett.
He had four sacks last season and tested off the chart at the draft combine before being drafted at the end of the first round in 2021. I can see double digit sacks for Tryon-Shoyinka this season, he is super exciting.
Who’s under pressure?
This is a strange one, because the player under pressure is coming off a bounce-back season and three-year contract extension.
You may be questioning it, but it is Leonard Fournette and here is why. Reports came out that Fournette weighed in at 260 pounds, 35 pounds overweight at OTAs and Tampa were not happy.
Considering his weight, the fact he is 27 and that the Buccaneers drafted a promising rookie running back in Rachaad White, Fournette can’t get too comfortable and needs to produce again.
Projection
When Tom Brady announced he was unretiring, the Buccaneers punched their ticket to the playoffs and an NFC South division title again, it is that simple.
Their passing attack is going to be amazing again, their defensive front seven is awesome and I have faith their secondary can bounce back. However, I am not so certain they are a legitimate Super Bowl title threat.
Win/loss: 13-4.
Sheikh
Roar Rookie
Yeah, they probably don't want a 44 year old to be throwing 700+ passes again. If Fournette doesn't shape up then Rachaad White and Giovanni Bernard make a 1-2 punch of lighter, faster backs who can act as short-yardage outlets (which Brady was used to having at the Patriots).
Jake Smith
Roar Rookie
Yeah the Shaq Mason trade is a head scratcher by the Patriots for sure. The Julio signing is a perfect risk because when Godwin comes back they really don't need him anymore. Therefore, he is either the best third option in the league if he stays healthy, or the Bucs can just rely on Evans, Godwin and Gage like originally thought! Brilliant management
Sheikh
Roar Rookie
The Bucs got an absolute steal in Guard Shaq Mason from the Patriots for a 5th round pick; someone Brady will feel comfortable with and immediately plugs the gap of Alex Cappa leaving. Otherwise, Tampa Bay had few weaknesses last year, although the team did have quite a few older players who have retired(?) (Suh, Marpet, Sherman, JPP, Gronk) but seem to have their succession plans in place. Although they also don't seem adverse to signing the odd near-to-retirement players (Julio Jones) for one last year and he could have a great final season with Brady.
Rellum
Roar Guru
Yeah, their running game needs to be better so they are not completely relying on an aging Brady to do it all