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Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 5 X-factors for making the leap in 2017

By Danny Jaillet

Dec 18, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) talks to wide receiver Mike Evans (13) before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) talks to wide receiver Mike Evans (13) before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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These five X-factors will determine whether or not the Tampa Bay Buccaneers make the leap in 2017.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers enter the 2017 campaign with a revamped roster. Whether it be  rookie offensive talent like O.J. Howard or defensive veterans such as Keith Tandy and Brent Grimes, the Bucs are ready to make noise in the NFC South. They finished second in the NFC South with a 7-9 record and although second place is respectable, they would like to improve.

However, with matchups against teams like the Patriots, Falcons and Panthers on the schedule making the leap to the playoffs will not be easy. However, if you want to be the best, you have to beat the best. If Jameis Winston and Co. want to play January and December football, some particular things are going to have to go their way.

Without further ado, we break down five things that need to go right for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers if they want to make the leap in 2017.

Jan 1, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) throws the ball during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Carolina Panthers 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) throws the ball during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Carolina Panthers 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Jameis Winston performing to his full potential

This one may seem a bit odd given that Winston is a very good quarterback, but he needs to play a smarter brand of football if the Buccaneers want to make the leap in 2017. There are a couple deficiencies in his game in particular that have slowed his progression to this point.

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How can he do that? For starters, he needs to cut back on the number of interceptions he has been throwing over the past couple of years. He was second in the league in interceptions last year with 18 (second only to Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers with 21). That was three more than in 2015, his rookie year. That year, he ranked No. 5 in the league in interceptions.

In addition to cutting back on the interceptions, he also needs to focus on holding onto the football. Last season, he ranked third in the league in fumbles with 10, tying him with Sam Bradford of the Minnesota Vikings. Now, this this was not entirely his fault, but it is something he should be mindful of.

If he can avoid these same pitfalls in 2017, Tampa Bay should be able to make that leap to the next level.

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