Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Previewing starting offense for Week 1

Heading into the opening matchup of the 2019 season against the San Francisco 49ers, here’s what the Tampa Bay Buccaneers starting offense looks like.

The 2019 NFL preseason is in the books, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are looking forward to their Week 1 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers at Raymond James Stadium. Once again, there is a wave of optimism amongst Bucs fans and inside of One Buc Place.

New head coach Bruce Arians and his coaching staff led the team to a strong 3-1 record in preseason play, which is a hopeful precursor for the season to come. But the regular season is a different ballgame for the Buccaneers.

Let’s take a look at what the starting offense should look like under Arians and offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich.

Quarterback: Jameis Winston

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We’ve heard all of it before: Arians was hired to bring Winston to the next level, and this is a make or break season for the fifth-year signal-caller. So far, Winston has shown that he has taken a few steps forward under Arians and Leftwich.

He looks confident in the new system and continues to build a strong rapport with his weapons, offensive line and coaches. Critics are right when they say this is a crucial season for the former No. 1 overall pick.

Winston needs to cut down on turnovers and other careless decisions, and grow into the franchise quarterback that general manager Jason Licht envisioned after drafting him. He has the ability to do so. On Sunday, we will see if he can actually do it.

Running Back: Peyton Barber

Speaking of make or break years, it’s time to see if Barber can solidify the Bucs’ starting running back spot. He’s shown flashes the past couple of seasons, but in order for the offense to fire on all cylinders, Barber needs to take that next step.

One could argue that the Bucs haven’t had a true, reliable top back since Warrick Dunn. With the help of Arians and running backs coach Todd McNair, Barber needs to improve this season. If he can do so, and give Tampa Bay a true threat out of the backfield, the offensive attack will be much more dangerous in 2019.

Wide Receivers: Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and Breshad Perriman

There will be a lot of flexibility between the receiver and tight end positions under Arians. A good amount of the time, the Bucs will go with three receivers and one tight end. When that happens, Evans, Godwin and Perriman will likely be on the field. Evans is a top-10 receiver in today’s league and has started his career with five straight 1,000 yard seasons, as well as two Pro Bowl nods. Look for a sixth 1,000-yard season this year as Winston’s top target.

Godwin is looking to build on a strong sophomore season as he takes over the number two receiving role from the departed DeSean Jackson. He notched over 800 receiving yards and seven touchdowns last year, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him break the 1,000 yard barrier for the first time in his career.

Perriman finally started to put it all together last year in Cleveland and was signed to a one year deal to be the new deep threat. If he can continue to build upon a solid season, his stay here in the Bay Area could be longer than just a single season.

Tight End: O.J Howard

The Buccaneers’ first-round pick from the 2017 NFL Draft, Howard has shown plenty of flashes during his first two seasons. The biggest problem is that injuries ended both of his seasons early. However, he’s healthy once again and is looking to become one of the NFL’s best tight ends. With his skill set, that’s certainly possible. He’s one of the fastest players in the league at his position and has scored 11 touchdowns the past two years.

Howard is a dynamic weapon who can be the best tight end in the league if he stays healthy and reaches his potential. When the Bucs go to two tight end sets, Winston favorite Cameron Brate will be on the field. Look for Arians and Leftwich to utilize this set up often.

Offensive Line: Donovan Smith (LT), Ali Marpet (LG), Ryan Jensen (C), Alex Cappa (RG) and Demar Dotson (RT)

Smith returns as the left tackle after signing an extension in the offseason. Although he’s been inconsistent during his first four seasons, he has the trust of Winston and the coaching staff. He needs to continue improving his technique, especially with speed rushers, but he gets the job done on the blindside.

Marpet has been a revelation ever since being taken out of Hobart College in the second round of the 2015 Draft. He’s arguably the Bucs’ best offensive lineman. Jensen is entering his second season in red and pewter at the pivot. He’s a tough and fiery leader who sets the tone for the offensive line.

At right guard, Cappa is another small school prospect who has taken a major step forward. After struggling for most of his rookie season, he has seized the starting spot from veteran Caleb Benenoch. Lastly, Dotson is currently the longest-tenured member of the Bucs’ line. Although he’s dealt with his share of injuries, he is a solid and dependable strong side protector for Winston.

As you can see, there’s not a lot of turnover from last year’s starting offense. Perriman is the lone new addition to start on this offense. That’s because there was already a lot of talent on this team. The key is taking it to new heights. That is exactly what Arians, Leftwich and the rest of the offensive coaching staff hope to do in 2019 and beyond.