Fansided

5 burning questions the Buccaneers must answer in 2018

By Rucker Haringey

Mandatory Credit: Joe Robbins/Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Joe Robbins/Getty Images /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
TAMPA, FL – JUNE 12: Jason Pierre-Paul (90) reaches out for the running back during the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Minicamp on June 12, 2018 at One Buccaneer Place in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – JUNE 12: Jason Pierre-Paul (90) reaches out for the running back during the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Minicamp on June 12, 2018 at One Buccaneer Place in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

3. Did free agency fix the pass rush?

The Buccaneers entered free agency with a clear plan to upgrade their pass rush. The front office managed to sign two new starting defensive ends for Mike Smith to work with. Now it’s time to see if the former Falcons head coach can turn this unit into an above average NFL group.

The premier signing of the summer was bringing Jason Pierre-Paul to town. He isn’t the dominant edge rusher he used to be, but he still provided the Giants 8.5 sacks last season. Tampa Bay will need to him replicate that total, at the absolute minimum, to help correct their pass rushing issues.

Pierre-Paul isn’t the only new starter at defensive end though. The Buccaneers also poached Vinny Curry away from the Philadelphia Eagles. He only gave the Super Bowl Champions three sacks last season, but he still has valuable burst from the edge. He won’t get as many snaps as Pierre-Paul, but look for him to be on the field during obvious passing situations.

Fans also shouldn’t underestimate how much Vita Vea might help things. He’s not going to rush the passer much from his spot at defensive tackle, but he will free up Gerald McCoy. Allowing McCoy to play with less responsibility to contain things in the middle could allow him to become more of a factor rushing the quarterback.

Home/Tampa Bay Buccaneers