3 things Bucs need to fix before playing a real football team

1. If the Buccaneers can’t keep Tom Brady upright, they may lose embarrassingly

This is all interconnected. The Buccaneers offensive line has to play better. No matter what team they are facing next, they will go up against a team with at least one ferocious pass-rusher. Simply put, the Buccaneers are not getting back to the NFC Championship Game if Tom Brady is sacked on the regular next weekend. He was brought to the turf four times vs. the Eagles this weekend.

While having better line play will help a depleted backfield rack up yardage, it will keep the Buccaneers’ most valuable asset healthy and in the game for the duration. If Brady gets hurt, it is season over in Tampa Bay. Blaine Gabbert might be a decent backup quarterback, but he is a backup quarterback for a reason. The dude also hates getting hit, which is why he is a backup.

If this requires bringing in a chipping tight end or two to keep the opposing pass rush contained, then so be it. Every game the rest of the way is winner-take-all. Anybody can beat anyone on any given Sunday. Brady might have Super Bowl aspirations this year, but the Buccaneers cannot let him down in the twilight of his illustrious career. He cannot be sacked this often going forward.

A strong commitment to excellence defensively, a confident ground game and an upright Brady should propel the Buccaneers back to the NFC Championship Game.