Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 5 Burning questions for the 2020 season

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 21: Linebacker Devin White #45 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers picks up a fumble ball during the game against the Houston Texans at Raymond James Stadium on December 21, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. The Texans defeated the Buccaneers 23 to 20. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

4. Can the defense continue to improve under Todd Bowles?

Despite the perception of the Buccaneers defense being an afterthought, they did experience improvement with new defensive coordinator Todd Bowles. During the first half of the season, the team ranked 30th in passing yards allowed to ranking 20th after Week 9. When it came to stopping the run, the team finished first in the NFL in rushing yards per game and first in yards per attempt.

Those stats were indicative of the strength of the defense being in the front seven. Shaq Barrett thrived in his first year playing for Bowles with a career-high 19.5 sacks. Not to be completely outdone, Jason Pierre-Paul was able to total 8.5 sacks in just 10 games. Lavonte David was also his normal self at one of the middle linebacker position.

Although things got off to a rocky start, the Buccaneer defense became a strength by the end of the season. With continued improvement and familiarity with the Bowles system, the team is expecting bigger and better things for 2020.

Provided health, Bowles will have a talented group of players to work with for year two with the Buccaneers. The team managed to bring every significant peace back for at least one more season. With a season of understanding and comfort with the system, Bowles will also be able to add more wrinkles into his play-calling and there has been no doubt about his abilities as a defensive coordinator.

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