Progress Must be Made This Year

The Bucs have been in the NFC south cellar for the last 5 seasons and are hoping 2016 will present a different outcome. Lot of things have gone wrong for this franchise starting with poor drafting, bad coaching hires, and striking out in free agency. Some has been bad luck like Carl Nicks career ending injury, or the team being hit with mersa, or even worse the offensive coordinator lost for the season due to a heart issue. The Glazers have not hesitated to make change when they feel it's necessary as they have fired 3 head coaches over the last 4 years. Over the last two years, the Glazers might have found the winning combo in Gm Jason Licht and new head coach Dirk Koetter along with franchise Qb Jameis Winston.

The pressure is on Gm Jason Licht and head coach Dirk Koetter to produce and win now, especially Licht because Koetter is his guy and even though he is taking over a 6-10 team, the expectation is to win right away by making a playoff push. It's time to make real progress this year, no more coming up short or playing below expectations, it's time to put up or shut up for the Bucs in 2016. Over the last few seasons, I felt the team had the talent to make the playoffs but the seasons have only ended in disappointment.

It's time for this team to put it all together and start playing to its ability which should lead to wins. This is probably the best roster the Bucs have put together in quite some time as it has quality depth on both sides of the field. The coaching staff is experienced and has great teachers across the board. This team has no excuses not to win this year and definitely should not be in last place in the division when the season ends. Progress must be made this year, or else the door will be open for more potential firings.

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.