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5 Things the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Must Do in 2016

By John Sarianides

Aug 26, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter pats quarterback Jameis Winston (3) on the back against the Cleveland Browns during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 26, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter pats quarterback Jameis Winston (3) on the back against the Cleveland Browns during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 2016 season could go a number of ways. For the best outcome, here are five things they must do

Tampa Bay Buccaneers ownership fired Lovie Smith and hired offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter. The hope is that Koetter can help Jameis Winston and the Bucs take the next step in their development.

Expectations have been raised in Tampa Bay heading into the 2016 season. With the hiring of former offensive coordinator Koetter, the Buccanneers are hoping that Winston and the offense take the next step and become an elite unit. Koetter might be an offensive guy, but there is no doubt that the focal point of this offseason was upgrading the defense. The Buccanneers finished 10th in total defense last season, but that stat is a little misleading.Tampa really struggled at times on that side of the ball.

The additions of rookies Vernon Hargreaves and Noah Spence should bolster a young defensive nucleus that terrific upside. However, there going to need the defense to improve and more to be relevant.

Here are five things the Buccaneers must do in the 2016 NFL season:

1. Jameis Winston Must Take the Next Step

Jameis Winston had solid rookie season throwing for 4,042 yards and accounting for 28 total touchdowns (six rushing). Winston also made his first Pro Bowl. Despite having a terrific rookie season, though, Winston can improve in several areas. If he can take the next step in his development and play even better in 2016, the Buccanneers will surprise people.

2. Find a Third Receiver

Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson are still a formidable one-two punch at wide receiver, but the Buccaneers need a third receiver.  Adam Humphries and Russell Shepard are among those battling for the slot receiver spot in Tampa’s 11 personnel based offense. Humphries seems to have the upper hand right now.

3. Get More Out of ASJ

The Buccaneers need to get more production from Austin Sefarian-Jenkins. His physical tools are there and the talent is evident, but Tampa needs their big tight end to emerge and complement Evans and Jackson in their passing attack. If Jenkins can become a reliable target in the red zone, the Bucs will become tough to stop.

4. Doug Martin Must Repeat 2015

Doug Martin bounced back in a big way rushing for 1,402 yards and six touchdowns. Martin did slow down as the season wore on, but the Buccaneers believed in him enough to reward him with a new deal this off-season. Now Martin needs to earn that money and replicate last season, this season.

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5. Develop Defensively

The Buccaneers finished tenth in total defense last season but that number is a bit deceiving because they were 26th in points allowed. Tampa needs to play better defensively and get off the field in key situations. If the Buccaneers play better defensively, they will be a factor in the NFC South.

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