Tampa Bay Buccaneers Season Preview With The Pewter Plank

December 23, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Williams (19) runs the ball in for a touchdown as St. Louis Rams outside linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar (58) attempts to defend during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. St. Louis Rams defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 28-13. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Worked with Leo Howell from our Tampa Bay Buccaneer’s site, The Pewter Plank, to get a little more information on the team. Here are his responses to our questions about the team this season:

Which player(s) on roster need to step up in order for the season to be successful?

This year it’s all about Da’Quan Bowers and Adrian Clayborn. The Buccaneers have to get after the passer to be successful, as it’s the only position lacking on defense. The linebackers are good enough, and the defensive backs are stacked, so Bowers and Clayborn must take advantage of having a Pro Bowl tackle in Gerald McCoy alongside, and get up the field and cause problems for opposing quarterbacks.

On offense, it’s obviously Josh Freeman. If he improves at all over last season, he could be a top 15 to top 10 quarterback, and be more than enough to score the points needed to get an improved defense the needed cushion to win. He has all the talent, this season is about putting it together from brain to arm.

What position battle(s) will you be paying attention to during training camp?

Strongside linebacker will be interesting, but second corner will be even better. I am a big fan of returning underdog corner Leonard Johnson, who stepped into a defense in shambles last season and made some big plays. He’ll be battling with Johnthan Banks, who I am also a big fan of, who is a rookie from Mississippi State who is tall, strong, and a natural leader. I don’t think the Buccaneers can go wrong here, but it will be a great battle to watch.

On offense, it’s going to be interesting to watch the tight end position battle. Luke Stocker is the favorite for the job, but Tom Crabtree, Danny Noble, and Nate Byham all have a chance to prove themselves worthy of a starting job. It’s not a glamour position in Tampa Bay, but it’s an even battle for a starting job.

Which rookie(s) on the team will make an immediate impact?

Other than Banks, who I mentioned earlier, Akeem Spence, a nose tackle from Illinois, will likely be a day one starter to replace the departed Roy Miller. Spence is a weight room monster, and has some explosiveness to his feet that Roy Miller just didn’t have. He could bring a little something extra to a fairly boring position.