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Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp: Storylines, camp battles and expectations

By Larry Brake

GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 18: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and head coach Bruce Arians of the Arizona Cardinals shake hands following the 40-7 NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 18, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 18: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and head coach Bruce Arians of the Arizona Cardinals shake hands following the 40-7 NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 18, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 30: Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers walks off the field after the last regular season game against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers lost 32-34.(Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 30: Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers walks off the field after the last regular season game against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers lost 32-34.(Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

Realistic Expectations for the 2019 Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Arians and the Buccaneers have a difficult season ahead for them. They play in the tough NFC South where New Orleans, Atlanta and Carolina have their franchise quarterback in place. The decision will be made on Winston this season.

Last season, the Buccaneers had a sub .500 season at 5-11. There aren’t any easy games on their schedule. Tampa Bay will face opponents from the AFC South and NFC West divisions in addition to the New York Giants, Detroit Lions and their own division.

The Buccaneers must get play well early as they face a tough stretch from Weeks 4-10. They have home games against San Francisco and the Giants while playing Carolina in London. The could possibly have a 1-7 record by Week 10.

Arizona and Detroit appear to be the best opportunities to win games in the final stretch run of the season. Realistically, this season should be viewed as a rebuilding year. Arians will need this season to evaluate his current players and move forward in the next offseason.

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If the Buccaneers can match last season’s record of 5-11, consider it a success. Most of all, Winston must be the game changer at quarterback if the Buccaneers hope to finish with an 8-8 record. There’s no pressure to win, just make plays.

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