2017 NFL power rankings: Patriots lead the way
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 9-7
Last week: 2nd, NFC South
Last rank: 15th
Looking Back: Dirk Koetter’s club stumbled a bit out of the gate. A win at Atlanta was followed by three consecutive losses. But this club slowly but surely got its act together on both sides of the football and challenged for a playoff berth. Kudo’s to the head coach and defensive coordinator Mike Smith as the Bucs finished above .500 for the first time since 2010.
Looking Forward: This will be a fascinating club to watch down the line. Quarterback Jameis Winston has emerged as a strong team leader and his rapport with wideout Mike Evans has been impressive. The team has incorporated new weapons via wide receiver Adam Humphries and emerging tight end Cameron Brate. A more consistent ground attack would make this offense even more formidable. It will be interesting to see what the future has in store for running back Doug Martin, although Charles Sims is certainly a viable option. Defensively, there’s a lot to build on here, especially with young performers such as defensive end Noah Spence and cornerback Vernon Hargreaves.
Offseason needs: The Buccaneers have some holes to fill on the defensive side of the ball in terms of potential unrestricted free agents. Four-year pros William Gholston and Akeem Spence could be available to others teams, as could safeties Chris Conte and Brad McDougald. Adding some depth at the skill positions certainly wouldn’t hurt. And will veteran wideout Vincent Jackson be back with the club after missing all of 2016? There’s speculation that he may retire but his contract will expire. However, what this young and talented team perhaps needs more than anything else is another year of seasoning with the current coaching staff.