Fansided

5 players who Buccaneers need to be great in 2020

By William Schneiderhan

FOXBOROUGH, MA - DECEMBER 29: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots throws the ball during a game against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - DECEMBER 29: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots throws the ball during a game against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 5
Next
TAMPA, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 10: Jason Pierre-Paul #90 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers pumps up the crowd during a Arizona Cardinals third down in the second quarter of a football game at Raymond James Stadium on November 10, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 10: Jason Pierre-Paul #90 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers pumps up the crowd during a Arizona Cardinals third down in the second quarter of a football game at Raymond James Stadium on November 10, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have gone from a possible .500 team, to a Super Bowl contender in one offseason. Who must be great for the team in 2020?

Bruce Arians led the Buccaneers to a record of 7-9 in 2019. Finishing second in the division, Jameis Winston threw for over 5,100 yards with 33 passing scores. However, he also tossed 30 interceptions.

This offseason, the roster received massive changes. Specifically, the additions of two former New England Patriots, Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski.

Five players the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to be great in 2020

5. Jason Pierre-Paul, DE

Battling through multiple injuries, Jason Pierre-Paul has still put together a strong career. Often times it seems as though his productivity and importance has gone underappreciated.

Pierre-Paul has collected 79.5 sacks in his 10 years in the NFL. 58.5 came with the New York Giants, where he made two Pro Bowls, received one All-Pro selection, and won a Super Bowl.

Since coming to the Buccaneers, he has made plays when he has been on the field. In 26 games in Tampa Bay, he has 21.0 sacks, including 12.5 in 2018.

Expecting Pierre-Paul to be the same player who had 16.5 sacks back in 2011 is unfair. Although, he had 8.5 sacks in just 10 games last year.

In 2019, the Buccaneers blitzed the second-most times in the league, according to Pro Football Reference. The defense had 66 quarterback knockdowns, which led the league, and they were within the top 10 in sacks with 47.

Playing with Ndamukong Suh and Shaquil Barrett; Pierre-Paul can have a bounce-back campaign with more health. If he is healthy, he can cause a lot of problems for opposing offenses.

Home/Tampa Bay Buccaneers