NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

NFL: Rays of Hope in the Sunshine State

By Russell S. Baxter

Oct 11, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Charles Sims (34) dives for a first down during the second half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa won 38-31. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 11, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Charles Sims (34) dives for a first down during the second half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa won 38-31. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

There have been some down years for the NFL teams in the state of Florida. But things may finally be looking up for the Dolphins, Jaguars and Buccaneers.

There may be plenty of warm weather in Florida. But when it comes to professional football in the Sunshine State, it’s been gloomy for a number of years.

But things may finally be looking up for all three franchises, despite the fact that the Miami Dolphins (6-10), Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-10) all totaled double-digits in the loss column this past season.

Related Story: 2016 NFL Draft: AFC East Grades

Dating back to the start of the 2009 season, the Dolphins (49-63), Buccaneers (36-76) and Jaguars (34-78) have teamed for a dismal 119-217 win-loss mark. None of the franchise has reached the postseason and only the 2010 Bucs (10-6 in’10) managed a winning record over the past seven years. You have to go back to 2008, when the Miami won the AFC East with an 11-5 mark, to find the last time an NFL team for Florida made a trip to the playoffs.

Feb 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Miami Dolphins head coach Adam Gase speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Miami Dolphins head coach Adam Gase speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

But there’s suddenly a lot of excitement surrounding all three teams but in particular Jacksonville and Tampa Bay. However, don’t shortchange the Dolphins in terms of becoming a better team under the guidance of new head coach Adam Gase, late of the Chicago Bears.

When it comes to defense, free agency and trades have brought defensive end Mario Williams, cornerback Byron Maxwell, inside linebacker Kiko Alonso and underrated free safety Isa Abdul-Quddus. The offensive line could also have a few new faces in terms of starters via Sam Young, Jermon Bushrod, Kraig Urbik and rookie tackle Laremy Tunsil.

Regardless, Gase and his crew will have their work cut out for them in the AFC East. Miami was a dismal 1-5 vs. their divisional foes in 2015 but did end the season by knocking off the New England Patriots.

Jan 3, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) passes a ball during the first half against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Buccaneers 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) passes a ball during the first half against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Buccaneers 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

As we eluded to, the news is even better when it comes to the Jaguars and Buccaneers. First-time NFL head coach Dirk Koetter takes over for Lovie Smith and the team has found its quarterback in Jameis Winston. The first overall pick in the 2015 draft made leaps and bounds after a shaky start a year ago. He’ll once again have running back Doug Martin at his disposal, wideouts Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson and tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins.

But it’s the Tampa defense (under the guidance of Mike Smith) that looks much better. The club signed cornerback Brent Grimes, added inside linebacker Daryl Smith and inked sack specialist Robert Ayers. The draft brought defenders such as cornerback Vernon Hargreaves and defensive end Noah Spence. The Bucs finished 10th in the league in fewest yards allowed in 2015 and look for them to make a bigger jump.

September 5, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers running back Olamide Zaccheaus (33) runs the ball against the defense of UCLA Bruins linebacker Myles Jack (30) during the first half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
September 5, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers running back Olamide Zaccheaus (33) runs the ball against the defense of UCLA Bruins linebacker Myles Jack (30) during the first half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

However, it’s been what the Jaguars have done this offseason that has a lot of people buzzing. Adding AFC rushing leader Chris Ivory to an offense that already features quarterback Blake Bortles, wideouts Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns and tight end Julius Thomas. Now Gus Bradley’s club gains free-agent defenders such as Malik Jackson, Tashaun Gipson and Prince Amukamara. The team used its first two draft choices on cornerback Jalen Ramsey (Florida State) and linebacker Myles Jack (UCLA).

Don’t look for Jacksonville to allow the second-most points in the league in 2016.

More nfl spin zone: 2016 NFL Draft Review: AFC Wins Behind Jaguars

Are we predicting playoffs for any of these teams? Not at this stage of the year. Let’s see how all of this additional talent comes together. But there is an air of excitement when it comes to each of these three franchises, be it big or small. And it’s the kind of enthusiasm we haven’t seen regarding these teams in some time.

Home/NFL