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Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 5 offseason needs in 2020

By Russell S. Baxter

DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 15: Head coach Bruce Arians of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on in the third quarter during a game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on December 15, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 15: Head coach Bruce Arians of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on in the third quarter during a game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on December 15, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 16: Ndamukong Suh #93 talks with teammate Beau Allen #91 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before their preseason game against the Miami Dolphins at Raymond James Stadium on August 16, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 16: Ndamukong Suh #93 talks with teammate Beau Allen #91 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before their preseason game against the Miami Dolphins at Raymond James Stadium on August 16, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

3. Find defensive consistency

Coordinator Todd Bowles’ first season at the helm of the Buccaneers’ defense saw the team allow the fewest rushing yards in the league while permitting the third-most aerial yards in the NFL.

So as the adage goes – why drive when you can fly? Once again, Tampa’s defense was exploited through the air in a big way. It has been a disturbing trend for any number of years and this past season, the team still managed to give up 30 scores through the air despite a pass rush that produced 47 sacks – the club’s highest total since 2000 (55).

On the plus side, the defense allowed 12 fewer offensive touchdowns (41) than it did the previous season (53). Keep in mind that Jameis Winston served up seven pick-sixes, which skews the point total allowed by the Bucs (449) in ’19. The pieces are there and perhaps another summer under Bowles will pay off.

Ends Jason Pierre-Paul and Ndamukong Suh are both returning while 2019 NFL sack leader Shaquil Barrett (19.5) got the franchise tag after a breakout campaign that also saw him total 58 tackles, six forced fumbles and an interception.

There are plenty of playmakers here as the Bucs came up with 28 takeaways of their own. Rookie Devin White had a solid 2019 and youth has been served in the secondary. Now it’s just a matter of more continuity when it comes to this group.

Next: No. 2

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