Bucs Facing a Must Win Season?

Last time the Bucs had a winning season was 2010 with a 10-6 record, since then the Bucs have had 5 straight last place finishes in their division. Ownership is desperate for a winning season as the last two years were just unacceptable going 8-24 under former coach Lovie Smith. So far the 2016 season has been a positive one for the team as they have promoted former OC Dirk Koetter to head coach, re-signed RB Doug Martin, and have added above average players in free agency. With Gm Jason Licht now in full control of player personnel, this team is starting to take shape very nicely and as the roster stands today, this team is good enough to make the playoffs this year. Licht is building this team through the draft and will look to continue to add impact players especially on the defensive side of the ball in this upcoming draft. Licht feels this team should be a playoff team in 2016 or at least knocking on the door per tampabay.com.

"We are striving for major progress. We want to be playing our best at the end of the season. We want to be playing our best when we're knocking on the door. Just like last year when somebody asked me what our goal was for Jameis (Winston), it's just to get better every week. With this team, we want to see significant major progress, playing in meaningful games late in the year, knocking on the door."

Expectations are high heading into this season as they should be and should win at least 8 games this fall. The team has very good core with Jameis Winston, Doug Martin, Mike Evans, and a solid offensive line on offense. Then on defense it starts with Gerald McCoy, Lavonte David, and Kwon Alexander. The Bucs know they have to win now as they can't afford any setbacks or win less than they did in 2015, or else everyone is on the hot seat in 2017. This coaching staff looks improved especially on the defensive side and overall the staff just looks more balanced than in previous years.

Good news for the Bucs is that franchise Qb Jameis Winston is just going to get better in year 2 under Dirk Koetter and this offense should be more aggressive overall. This defense should be improved under DC Mike Smith who will bring in an aggressive scheme but will adapt to his players strengths. It's time for this team to live up to its potential and start winning games this season like it should. The 2016 season must be a winning season for this Bucs team, or more questions will just rise in 2017.