"I Have Never Had a Mike Evans Before"

This past Saturday the Bucs welcome their two big free agent signings in WR Desean Jackson, and DT Chris Baker to Tampa. Both were introduced to Tampa Bay and spoke with the local media on what they will bring to this team. Let's focus on Desean Jackson as he is the explosive playmaker this team desperately needed and is the perfect fit for this offense. For the Bucs to be able to get him in free agency is rare which is what  Bucs Gm Jason Licht said after signing Jackson per pewterreport.com.

“It is rare to find a player in free agency with the combination of speed and natural playmaking ability of a DeSean Jackson. DeSean is a smart, gifted athlete who has averaged more than 17 yards per reception throughout his nine-year career and brings the type of veteran experience and deep threat receiving ability that will have an immediate impact on our offense.”

Licht is right as it is very hard to find impact players like Desean Jackson hitting the open market but just like last year with Robert Ayers and Brent Grimes, the Bucs get a high level talent in Jackson this off-season. Now the Bucs have a legit threat next to the Bucs top receiver in Mike Evans who is only 23 and has put up three consecutive 1000 yard seasons. Now with an electric player like Desean next to him, the sky is the limit for this offense as it will put tons of stress on the opposing defense. Both will help each other as it could be a big year for both, possibly a career year for Desean as he really hasn't played with a player like Mike Evans before. Desean talked about this during his press conference on Saturday per Buccaneers.com.

    “As far as receivers I’ve played with in the past, I feel like I’ve played with some pretty good receivers. Jeremy Maclin for five, six years when I was in Philly, Pierre Garcon is definitely a physical, durable receiver. I give them guys credit, they’ve done some great things. Fast forward now, Mike Evans. I don’t think I’ve ever played with a Mike Evans. I’m just intrigued man, to go out on the field, to have a quarterback like Jameis (Winston) that wants to throw deep. To have another guy like Mike on the other side, he’s what, 6’5”? I’m 5’10”. You’ve got a big guy who’s kind of fast, you’ve got a smaller guy that’s very fast. This guy right here, (points to Koetter) I know he’s licking his chops to get it going. I am too, though.”

It's a power speed combo that the Bucs have now in Mike Evans and Desean Jackson. Evans can make plays anywhere on the field as can Desean so it is going to be very interesting to see how coach Koetter utilizes their abilities. Desean has been a number one WR for his whole career as he made Jeremy Maclin and Pierre Garcon into who they are which are very good number two's. Now the Bucs are paring Jackson with a elite number one WR in Mike Evans who hasn't even his is ceiling yet which is kinda scary. One thing is for sure, the Bucs offense is going to be fun to watch with the duo of Evans and Jackson working together.

The Bucs will be able to attack all three levels of the field and finally will have a diverse and versatile passing attack. The hot topic has been Desean is going to make Jameis better which he will, but the bigger topic is that Mike Evans is going to make Desean better which is great news for the Bucs offense. Evans will be able to draw defenders away from Jackson which will give Jackson more one on one matchups which is bad news for opposing defenses. More importantly, Jackson will have space to use his speed to create big plays down the field which will make the Bucs offense more effective in 2017. It is a great time to be a Bucs fan as we could see something very special this year on offense.

Bucs Offense Will Have Room to Operate

Big day for the Bucs especially the offense as they have added much needed speed with the signing of former Redskins WR Desean Jackson. Jackson has been a dynamic playmaker his whole career and was really good last season producing another 1000 yard season in which he led the NFL in yards per catch with 18. Even at 30 years old, Jackson still has top notch speed and hasn't slowed up yet as he continues to produce big plays. Jackson had 4 catches of 50 yards or more last season so definitely provides big play ability and can be that explosive playmaker for them.

More importantly, now having Desean the Bucs offense is going to have more space to operate as an unit. The run and passing game are going to get better looks when he is on the field because of his speed. Opposing defenses will be forced to play more zone looks which means more cover 2 and cover 4 looks which means safeties are playing back. In other words, the Bucs will get more 7 man in the box looks which will allow the Bucs to be a more effective running team. If the Bucs can run the ball which Koetter wants to do, then that will open up the play action passing game for Jameis Winston. That's where Winston is at his best when he can use the play action giving him and his receivers more space in the middle of the field.

Jackson should also see favorable matchups as well because they can't double him and Mike all the time. So I would expect to see Jackson be moved around and working in the slot at times to exploit certain matchups. This offense just got way better with the addition of Desean Jackson and guys like Cameron Brate, Mike Evans, and Adam Humphries are all going to reap the benefits. His veteran presence, swagger, and playmaking ability will help the Bucs take a big step towards that next level.

Bucs Get Their Guy in Desean Jackson

Update: Here is the official deal for Desean Jackson per Adam Schefter.

Buccaneers reached agreement with DeSean Jackson on a three-year, $35-million contract that includes $20 million guaranteed, per sources.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2017

The Bucs knew once the off-season started they needed to add speed to the offense as there was not enough explosive plays last season. Both HC Dirk Koetter and GM Jason Licht said they wanted to add more playmakers and it looks like they have done that today. Bucs are expected to sign WR Desean Jackson who was their top free agent target per NFL Network's Ian Rapport.

The #Bucs are expected to sign #Redskins WR DeSean Jackson, source said. A deal they’ve expected, but a big one.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2017

Expect this deal to become official right at 4pm once free agency begins which is great news for the Bucs offense and Jameis Winston. The Bucs needed another receiver to pair up with Mike Evans, but most importantly someone who is dynamic and can make big plays. Well the Bucs are getting just that in Desean Jackson who still has plenty of speed and led the NFL in yards per catch at 18. Jackson, 30 is a big time playmaker as he had 4 catches of 50 yards or more last season while the Bucs as a team had none in 2016. With Jackson now, the Bucs have the capability to produce more explosive plays down the field which creates quick strike ability for the Bucs offense. More details expected later today stay tuned. Right now it's a great day in Tampa Bay!

Here it is...Touchdown to Jackson. Two plays! And Redskins have 7. #explosive. #Bucs pic.twitter.com/yz1XWzJhdA

— realbucstalk (@realbucstalk) March 5, 2017

FA Target: WR Desean Jackson

It's starting to get closer to that time where we start getting a idea of what direction teams are going to take during the off-season. For the Bucs it is pretty simple as they have to add more weapons on offense for Jameis Winston and company. The unit needs more speed and dynamic playmakers to compliment Mike Evans and Cameron Brate. Recently, I mention the possibility of signing Redskins WR Pierre Garcon who is set to become a free agent as he could be a solid number two option for the Bucs. However in the article, I also mention Desean Jackson who is also a free agent and is already a hot topic among Bucs fans as they really want more speed added to the team. Well earlier today, Espn's Josina Anderson got Bucs fans excited with this tweet about a possible connection with the Bucs and Desean Jackson.

I’m told #Bucs could be a posb destination for impending FA WR Desean Jackson. Understanding is Jameis Winston has an existing rapport w/ DJ

— Josina Anderson (@JosinaAnderson) February 21, 2017

This just shows what kind of man Jameis Winston is as it looks like he has build multiple connections through his football career. This also shows that many veterans around the league respect his game and wouldn't mind being on his team. I think adding a player like Desean Jackson would be a solid move for the Bucs as he could be that veteran WR plus provide speed that can open up the field for Mike Evans to operate. With that being said, Jackson has been on record that he would like to stay in Washington but also left the door open to go elsewhere as well per Redskins.com.

“I do want to still be here,” Jackson said Thursday, via Redskins.com. “My family and my house, I have everything here and I don’t want to be in a transaction and move. First things first, I do want to be here and hopefully we can make it work. But once again this is a business so things happen. I’m just really excited about the opportunity I have to sit and now the ball’s in my corner a little bit and see what we can do. I’m just excited and I’m going to let my agent care of all that. Ready to just sit back and whatever offers come in but obviously, like I said, I do want to be here.”

Jackson is coming off a 1000 yard season in which he averaged 18 yards per catch which still shows even at age 30, he has the speed to make big plays downfield. Critics tend to point out his size and injury concerns but I would say he has done a good job to overcome those and only missed one game last season. I feel Jackson could have the type of impact that a former Buc had back from 2005 to 2007 if healthy. That former Buc would be Joey Galloway who put up three consecutive 1000 yard seasons and at the time was the Bucs go to guy. He did this while being in his mid 30's and without much help as well. Galloway was the offense for the Bucs during that time and that was with Brian Griese, Chris Sims, and Jeff Garcia as his QB.

 

I think Jackson can make a similar impact as he still has top notch speed and is in great shape. 

Plus he will have a coach who can scheme to his strengths and a legit number one Wr next to him in Mike Evans which will allow Jackson to face single coverage which is already a mismatch. Now some would say the Bucs need someone younger and with more size who has a bigger catch radius since Jameis struggles with the deep ball. Those are valid points and there are signs that Dirk Koetter's offense does work better with bigger wideouts and Jameis is used to taller targets i.e Mike Evans, Kelvin Benjamin. However, I feel Desean is a rare athlete and would only make this offense better and ultimately help Jameis grow as a QB and take that step towards elite.

With Jameis and Desean already having that connection, it should help the Bucs if they do decide to target Jackson in free agency. I have said multiple times that the Bucs are going to add multiple receivers this off-season and getting a player like Desean Jackson wouldn't be a bad start. Now there will be competition for his services as he will have multiple suitors so it could come down to how much the Bucs are willing to pay and if they think he is the right fit for the team. I say the Bucs will be definitely one of the first teams to call Jackson once free agency begins.

1st Edition: Real Bucs Talk Mailbag

by Douglas O'Connor
follow me on Twitter @Ren_Daxt by clicking HERE 

      Here at RBT we spend a great deal of time on Twitter answering questions and talking Bucs football. Sometimes we feel that 140 characters isn't enough to let you know exactly what we are thinking and/or saying. So we created The Mailbag. Tweet out your Buccaneers questions with the #RBTMB and get your inquires answered with the thoroughness it deserves.

     What's the best way to handle the Mike Evans contract? Renegotiate now or wait one or possibly two more years and try to resign him then?

     Good question. I guess it comes down to what's best for the team, long term salary wise, and what's best for Mike. On one hand the Buccaneers would save a ton of money over the next two years if they decided to let Evans contract play out. On the other hand there is no question that Mike has out played his rookie deal and deserves a big pay raise. Plus, in the long run the sooner the Bucs sign Evans to a long term deal the cheaper he is going to be. My guess is that Evans gets his big contract this off season and here's why.

     Mike Greenberg, Directer of Football Administration, which is a fancy word for capologist, which in turn is another fancy word for accountant, has overseen, with GM Jason Licht four long term deals. Gerald McCoy, Lavonte Davis, Doug Martin and J.R. Sweezy. With all these contracts Greenberg has front loaded the deals with all the guaranteed money so if something goes awry after two years or so i.e. serious injury, dramatic drop of in play, PED suspension, the Bucs can cut bait and have zero dead money against the cap. After the 2017 season, out of these four players only Gerald McCoy will have any guaranteed money against the cap and that amount is only $500k.

     The Bucs have the cap space this year to front load a 5 year deal for Mike. A 2017 & 2018 guaranteed contract will come of the books just in time for Licht and Greenberg to front load offers to Kwon Alexander, Donovan Smith and Ali Marpet. Now is the perfect window Evans to cash in and it makes the most sense for both parties involved. Mike gets his millions two years early and the Buccaneers get his guaranteed money off the book in time for the next wave a long term deals.

     Do you think Keith Tandy's last five games are what we can expect next season or do you see him more as a flash in the pan?

     Hmmmmm... I had to think about this one for a bit. Finally after switching off from searching the web and staring blankly at my screen I think I came up with a pretty good answer. It might not be the right one but here is what I came up with.

     Tandy has been nothing more than a special teamer and fill in safety since he was drafted by the Bucs in 2012. The next year, 2013, he put up really solid numbers. Especially from a player with only 5 starts. 40 TOT, 3 PDEF, 3 Int, 1 FR and 1 FF. The next two seasons he was banished to the bench under Lovie Smith. But it's hard to put much stock in Lovie's defensive back evaluation skills, with the way his defenses were torched in the passing game. Fast forward to 2016, now under new DC Mike Smith, once Tandy hit the field his numbers only improved from 2013. 5 starts, 57 TOT, 9 PDEF, 4 INT, and 1 FR.

     It would appear that Kieth only needs a chance to prove himself and he does. I also think that it just takes longer for some players to get "it". Finally something just clicks and the game just starts to come easier for them. Whether it was about never getting a fair shake at a starting job or he finally is playing without hesitation I can't say for sure. I will say the he has earned the right to line up with the first defense on day one of training camp.

     Pierre Garcon or DeSean Jackson, which one would you rather the Bucs sign?

     The quick answer, neither!

     But in the spirit of the question and my promise to you as the RBT Mailbag guardian of opinions, here goes.

     I like to play a little game when I come up against a decision I'm struggling with. I pretend that my life is depending on it. The only rule is that I have to be honest with myself. The almighty power that is dangling over the bottomless abyss can see into my soul and will know if I'm lying. That way when I think about one answer and I feel safe, then that's the right choice. If I felt the slightest bit scared or threatened, then I know I'm lying to myself and the other answer is correct.

     It's the same thing as assigning each choice to a side of a coin and then flipping. If you are happy with the outcome then that the right choice for you. If you are disappointed then the other choice is what you should do. Get it? I hope so 'cause that the best way I can explain it.

     Now after all that it really an easy choice for me. I don't even have to flip the coin. I like Garcon and there isn't much to say about why. In my opinion Jackson is a one trick pony. If he didn't have his speed he'd be a WR4 on some NFL team. Now he's 30 and eventually his speed will disappear. It might be tomorrow, it might be in 5 years, who knows. I just don't feel comfortable with Jackson at the WR2 for the Bucs going into the season. It's just that simple.

     WINNER Pierre Garcon, by Default.

     Well that's it Buc fans, our 1st Mailbag post. Hey that was fun let's do it again, saaaay next Sunday? OK cool it's a date!

you can follow @realbucstalk on Twitter by clicking HERE   
Thanks for Reading and as Always GO BUCS!

Bucs Start 2017 With a Win

The Bucs couldn't afford to go into the offseason with a three game losing streak after losing four straight to end the 2015 season. Well it didn't happen as the Bucs found a way to beat the Panthers by a score of 17 to 16. The Bucs finish the 2016 season with a record of 9-7 giving them their first winning record since 2010. Unfortunately the Bucs just fell short of making the postseason as they finished seventh in the NFC.

This game was not looking good for most of the game as the offense couldn't get anything going as they had two turnovers, two missed field goals, and too many three and outs. The good news is that after the first offensive drive for the Panthers, their offense was just as bad as they had three turnovers and missed three field goals. The Bucs defense was pretty good as they did a good job of containing the run game, and getting consistent pressure on Cam Newton. Standout players for the defense was CB Brent Grimes, S Keith Tandy, and LB Lavonte David.

All three made big plays for this defense at critical times during the game. Grimes came up with the play of the game with a pick 6 to put the Bucs in the lead and also had 4 pass breakups. Tandy was everywhere as he had 12 tackles and two interceptions and has really emerge as one of our better players. As for David, he got two big sacks and was stout against the run all game.

The offense didn't have much success, but Jameis and company made it happen when it counted as the Bucs got a big touchdown from Mike Evans. Koetter was smart to get the offense in the no huddle and let Jameis go play. Jameis was 5-6 for 71yds and 1Td on the drive and here is the game winner by him and Evans below.

The Winston Magic. Eyes downfield as he climbs up the pocket and delivers a strike to Evans for the game wi... https://t.co/xqhXukmUtI

— realbucstalk (@realbucstalk) January 2, 2017

Overall, it was a big win for the team as they go into a huge off-season in which now they will be regarded as a contender for 2017. Expectations are growing and this team is on the rise.

Bucs Offense Must Get Back to The Basics

The Bucs are winning again which is awesome as their defense has been terrific during this 5 game winning streak. However while that is great, the offense has been struggling to get any kind of consistency going especially in the redzone. They are 21st in scoring efficiency with a rate of 34% which is not very good and is something they must improve down the stretch if they want to play in January. This offense starts with the running game as it opens up the play action passing game which is what Jameis is best at. It's been a struggle all year for the run game as there have been injuries, inconsistent O-line play, along with opposing defenses forcing Jameis to beat them.

Personally I think it's time to get back to the basics as this offense needs to make everything simple and dont try to get too fancy. I think the Bucs need to get away from running out of the shotgun formation and purely run out of the I-form or singleback allowing Doug Martin and company to run downhill. Everytime the Bucs run out of the I-form or singleback up the middle usually good things happen. So if the Bucs start with that, it could help the offense more down the stretch also think the Bucs run better with the three wide formation as well.

As for the passing game, it's real simple in which Jameis needs to trust other guys besides Brate and Evans. Take what the defense is giving you and stay ahead of the chains. This past game Jameis had other guys open but instead got too locked on Evans or Brate and it ends up being a wasted play. With that being said they need to find a way to isolate Evans and Brate more in the redzone as the Bucs are leaving too many points on the field. Need to get back to more slants and drag routes over the middle to help open up space against the opposing defense. Jameis expects it to get better via buccaneers.com.

“No, we didn’t (perform well). We’re going to look back on this film and say, ‘A win is a win.’ Coach Koetter’s going to get after us. The coaches should get after us, because like Robert [Ayers[ said, ‘We’re terrible.’ We’ve got to continue every week to get better and better. The offense, we have to play better for us to win football games.’

So I Have A Concussion, How Do I get Back Out On The Field?

by Douglas O'Connor
follow on Twitter @Ren_Daxt by clicking HERE

     Concussion protocol is nothing new to the Buccaneers this year. Wide receiver Mike Evans was in in out of protocol in less than a week. While right guard Kevin Pamphile took longer and missed a game. Now the Bucs have Adam Humphries jumping through the hoops. So what exactly does a player have to do to get back out on the field and get to playing again?

     All NFL players go through a neurological test sometime during the preseason to get a baseline. This baseline status is used to evaluate a players recovery during the week through a series of physical test that gradually increase in difficulty. Once a player returns to his baseline he can begin his recovery. Complete an exercise, baseline normal? Move up to the next, and so on and so forth until the player is cleared for full participation.
     
Rest and recovery: Until a player returns to the "baseline level of signs and symptoms and neurological examination," only limited stretching and balance activities are recommended. Electronics, social media and team meetings are all to be avoided.

Light aerobic exercise: The NFL recommends 10-20 minutes on a stationary bike or treadmill without resistance training or weight training. The cardiovascular activity is monitored by an athletic trainer to "determine if there are any recurrent concussion signs or symptoms."

Continued aerobic exercise and introduction of strength training: Increased duration and intensity of aerobic exercise with strength training added. An athletic trainer will supervise to watch for recurrent concussions signs or symptoms.

Football specific activities: The cognitive load of playing football will be added and players will participate in non-contact activities for the typical duration of a full practice.

Full football activity/clearance: A player returns to full participation in practice, including contact without restriction.

     If you want to read the official NFL document, I've added a link to a PDF file HERE.

You can follow @realbucstalk on Twitter Here

Thanks for reading and as always Go Bucs!!

Odds And Ends About The Chargers Game

by Douglas O'Connor
follow me on Twitter @Ren_Daxt

     Not all interesting components of the Buccaneers, Chargers game can be generated into a full story. So I have put together some "oh really" tidbits and posted them all together for easy consumption.

Gerald McCoy pulled Chargers RB Melvin Gordon to the side after interviewing him on press row during Super Bowl week. Giving him a pep talk about his disappointing rookie season and telling him just to keep working. Things will get better. Gordon is 4th in the league in rushing and rushing touchdowns, after coming in 29th last year with zero TD's.

The Chargers run the ball over 55% of the time on 1st down.

Head Coach Mike McCoy has elected to receive the past two games, even though the Chargers have won the coin toss.

Phillip Rivers starts fast but steadily declines as the game goes on. 1st quarter QBR 108.4 then continuously drops till it bottoms out at 76.9 during the 4th.

Rivers hasn't thrown a touchdown pass on any San Diego drive that starts on or inside their own 20 yard line.

When trailing late in games, under 4 minutes. Rivers is throwing for less than a 50% rate with 4 interceptions and 0 touchdowns.

Buccaneers Head Coach Dirk Koetter said while talking to the San Diego media that you teach offense through the eyes of the quarterback. Koetter has been fielding questions about Jameis Winston for almost 2 years and this is the first time I've heard this.

Casey Hayward a free agent pick up from the Green Bay Packers. Where he played almost exclusively inside nickel corner, is tied for the lead league for interceptions. Hayward has moved to outside starting corner back this season and has shadowed some teams elite receiver. Mike Evans is expected to draw Hayward all day this Sunday.

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Thank you for reading and as always GO BUCS!  

Bucs Finally Win at Ray-Jay!

This must be a joke or something but did the Bucs actually win an home game yesterday against the Chicago Bears? The answer is yes, the Bucs got an much needed victory at Ray-Jay defeating the Bears by the score of 36-10. The defense came to play as they played an more aggressive style which caused trouble for the Bears offense throughout the game. The Bucs defense forced 4 turnovers including a pick 6 by S Chris Conte which got the Bucs ahead early and they didn't look back from there.

The front seven was doing a good job with their pressures causing Bears Qb Jay Cutler to hurried his throws which lead to 2 interceptions and an redzone fumble. Bucs rookie DE Noah Spence was probably the best player on the defense yesterday as he was consistently getting into the backfield and had an huge strip sack to start the second quarter. It was great pursuit by Spence as he came all the way around from the other side of the field and got Cutler from behind. Here is the play below via @DLineVids.

#Buckeyes/#Colonels alum Noah Spence of the #Bucs @nspence94 doesn't quit pursuing QB. Ends up with a sack/fumble💰 pic.twitter.com/WWWHdgVYXr

— DLineVids (@DLineVids) November 13, 2016

The Defense wasn't perfect as they did allow some yards in the run game and the only Bears touchdown was on a hail mary at the end of the first half which just can't happen. Overall it was good day for the defense as they had 4 takeaways, 4 sacks and only allowed 10 points. However, here is the best stat via Scott Smith of Fox.

#Bucs held the #Bears to 68 yards in the 2nd half... and 56 of that came on Chicago's final garbage time possession... so... really... 12yds

— Scott Smith (@ScottSmithTV) November 13, 2016

That is good to see and hopefully the defense can stay healthy the rest of the season and build on this performance and continue to improve. Now to the offense which had a very slow start to this game as they couldn't get anything going in the first quarter. The offensive line was struggling as there were two rookies playing due to injuries and both tackles were struggling to block their man. The Bears defense did a good job of taking the run game away and keeping Mike Evans in check.

The good news for the Bucs offense was that Jameis Winston played outstanding as he spread the ball around to 9 different players going 23-33 for 312 yards and 2 tds. With Evans being heavily guarded, Winston targeted TE Cameron Brate who had a big day with 7 receptions for 84 yards and 1 td. The offense controlled the clock and found ways to move the chains and pulled away in the second half. Running Back Doug Martin made his return and found the endzone which was good to see. Martin's presence is huge for this offense and hopefully he can get on a roll here to finish the season strong. It was a much needed win for this team and now are 4-5 as they now go back on the road to take on the 7-2 Kansas City Chiefs.

Mike Evans is Savage

The bucs 6'5 monster WR Mike Evans is stone cold. He not only is leading the league in Touch downs but is supremely confident in himself and his abilities. When asked today if he felt like he didn't have concussion and why he was on concussion protocol he gave a straight forward answer.

No, I didn't have a concussion, but its up to them (the bucs) but I know I didn't have a concussion.

Later he was asked if he appreciated the fact that the bucs put him in the protocol.

Yeah I appreciate it but I just know my body and I didn't have a concussion. 

The Man has a goal to be the best and he knows what he has to do to be it. Evans is a true number 1 receiver and truly is breaking out this year more than his prior first 2. Half way through the season and he already has 55 catches 745 yards and 8 TDs. He knows he can always get better and even mentioned a couple areas where he feels he can improve on.

Route running, blocking, everything. Fatigue, I get tired too fast, I just got to get better.

Evans has his eyes set on the same goal as Winston and thats winning games. He even mentioned to reporters how he's ready for a playoff push. He no doubt is a winner and is one of the guys on this team that will push others to a higher level so that we do win games. If his second half of the season looks anything like his first the bucs are looking at the best season from a Buccaneer wide receiver ever.

Bucs Need to Finish Strong

The Bucs have lost the last two games dropping their record to 3-5 and are now a long shot to make the playoffs. Despite the last two games, the Bucs need to focus on finishing strong over these last eight games. This team has struggled over the last several seasons to finish out seasons on a high note and that must change this season. The Bucs are facing a tough stretch to finish the season but 4 to 5 more wins is still possible with this current roster.

It looks like running back Doug Martin is finally going to return to action possibly this Sunday vs the Bears which would be huge for this team. With Martin back, the Bucs could get back to being balance on offense, winning time of possession, and allowing the defense to be rested throughout the game. This current team needs to get back to those things which is and should be the identity of this team. Enforcing that identity over these last eight games is going to be critical not only to finish strong this year but going forward as well.

It's important for this team to learn how to win in November and December because that is what winning teams do. Winston, Martin, and Evans makes the offense more dangerous and now just need the defense to find what works for them and stick with it. If this team can get seven to eight wins I would say that is pretty good for what has happen during this season. The time is now to start building confidence throughout this roster and for them to learn how to win in the final two months of the season. Only one way to do that and that is finishing strong to close it out.

How many more wins for the Bucs this season? Feel free to comment below!

Bucs remaining schedule:

Nov 13th      Bears          1pm
Nov 20th @ Cheifs          1pm
Nov 27th      Seahawks   4pm
Dec  4th   @ Chargers     4pm
Dec  11th      Saints         1pm
Dec  18th @ Cowboys     1pm
Dec  24th @ Saints          1pm
Jan    1th       Panthers    1pm

Key Matchups For Sunday

Tomorrow's game is an big opportunity for the Bucs as they can get above 500 and get one step closer to first place in the division. Their opponent the Oakland Raiders are coming to Tampa with an record of 5-2 and have probably one of the better offenses in the league. With that being said, lets take a look at the critical matchups in this game that we feel the Bucs must win if they want to win the game at Ray Jay tomorrow.

1. Bucs D-Line vs Raiders O-line

The Bucs defensive line has a big task ahead of them tomorrow against the big Raiders offensive line whom have done a great job protecting Qb Derek Carr. Carr has been sacked only seven times and hit 15 times this season. The good news for the Bucs is that DE Robert Ayers is coming back giving the Bucs more depth up front. Look for the Bucs to move Ayers and Spence around a lot to give the Raiders different looks. Gerald McCoy has been a beast all season along with Will Gholston and that must continue tomorrow for the Bucs defense to be successful. Bucs D-line has to get pressure on Carr which should create opportunities for interceptions.

2. Mike Evans vs Raiders Secondary

Evans has been sensational this season and that must continue for the Bucs offense to be successful. Evans has a great opportunity to have a big game this week going against a secondary that has been giving up over 300 yards in the air per game. Evans will be going against Sean Smith and David Amerson whom both are bigger corners but at the same time lack speed which is something the Bucs must take advantage of. Expect the Bucs to move Evans around like they did against the 49ers and hopefully can create some big plays down the field.

3. Vernon Hargreaves vs Amari Cooper

This is the matchup everyone is talking about and it should be a great one to watch. Cooper is an excellent route runner and is very creative. Hargreaves and Cooper have gone against each other in college so familiarity is there between the two. The Bucs need Hargreaves to contain Cooper and not let him make the big play downfield. Hopefully if the d-line is doing their part, then Hargreaves will have an easier time containing Cooper.

Bucs Have Found Their Winning Formula

The Bucs have found success during the last two games and are back to 500 at 3-3. It seems like the Bucs have found the winning formula which is the formula for all good teams. The formula is simple which is be balance on offense (run the ball), protect the football, and on defense don't give up the big play. The Bucs have done just that over the last two games in which they ran for 362 yards and only one turnover on offense and their defense has been more consistent in not allowing the big play. This team is playing smart and playing to their strengths which is running the football on offense and stopping the run on defense.

As long as Jameis is making smart decisions with the football and avoiding the bad turnovers, this team is dangerous. The Bucs offensive line is becoming an strength for this team and is getting push in the ground game. With the Bucs being balance on offense, it is opening up more opportunities for Mike Evans who had two more touchdowns yesterday and is now tied for most receiving touchdowns with 6 on the year. The Bucs have the Raiders next and their defense isn't the greatest so the opportunity to be balanced on offense is there again. The winning formula is in place for the Bucs, now the next step is finding ways to win at home.

Mike Evans is Becoming an Elite WR

This time last year, Bucs fans were labeling receiver Mike Evans a bust as he was struggling with drops, penalties, and keeping emotions in check. Some Bucs fans went as far as possibly trading the young receiver and getting someone else to pair with Jameis Winston. Most forgot that Evans still put up over 1200 yards receiving and had 74 receptions which was better than his rookie season. Evans is still learning the game as he has only been playing football for 5 years now. Not many have the size and speed combo that Evans has and it really just comes down to him learning the mental aspects of the game.

Well this off-season, Evans really matured as a player on and off the field and put in tons of work on his body and his game as receiver. Evans cut his weight down to 225lbs making him faster and quicker off the line. Him and Jameis workout together often to build chemistry on the field and so far this season it has showed. In other words, Evans had an great offseason and is starting to become an elite receiver in this game. He has been uncoverable so far as he has 32 receptions for 449 yards and 4 touchdowns in just 5 games. Jameis calls him a superstar and so far he is showing it every week and if healthy this is just the beginning for Mike Evans. I think every Bucs fan would agree now that Mike Evans is a beast and will continue to rise as one of the best receivers in the game.

Mike Evans' 4th TD of the season!
50 yards tonight and counting...#TBvsCAR #SiegetheDay https://t.co/UTkKHd9TgU

— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@TBBuccaneers) October 11, 2016

Interesting Buc Stats For Consumption During The Bye Week

 
by Douglas O'Connor
follow on Twitter @Ren_Daxt

    No Buccaneers football this weekend, no problem. We here a Real Bucs Talk gotcha covered. Most of you that read our blog more than likely follow @TBBuccaneers on Twitter. I'd like to introduce you to another organizational Twitter feed that all Bucs fans should be following, @BuccaneersPR. They are continuously putting out great content, just like us. Tweets about Buccaneer stats and records that our kind of Buc fan gobble up like a handful of jellybeans.

    Recently they tweeted out a 57 page PDF file that had some interesting tidbits. I've sifted through the abundance of material and picked out some of the more interesting facts and placed them here for your enjoyment.

Jameis Winston started the season outside of the top 10 for passing yards in Buccaneers franchise history. After 5 games he has moved into 8th spot. Knocking out local legend Shaun King and pushing down Brian Griese and Jeff Garcia one spot. Winston should pass Craig Erickson by mid season and be right on the heels of  6th place holder Steve DeBerg after 16 games.

Brent Grimes interception Monday night bumped him up to 4th in most picks since 2013, Only 2 behind stat leader Richard Sherman. It's not to far out of the question to see Grimes leading this category by years end.

Tampa Bays Defense is impressive in a few categories. They rank 3rd in 3rd down conversion rate at 31.1% only .7% behind the leading Seahawks. Not surprising the Bucs defense also has 3rd best single game 3rd down rate. It was on Monday night against the Panthers 12.5% where they only went 1 for 8. The Bucs defense is also ranked in the top 10 in yards per rush, coming in at 9 giving up only 3.65 per carry.

Kwon Alexander is 3rd in the NFL for solo tackles with 37. Less than a handful behind 2 of the best linebackers in the league. Carolina's Luke Kuechly and Buffalo's Zach Brown. Kwon has also only one of 6 NFL linebackers that have recorded 100+ tackles, 5+ sacks and 3 interceptions in his first 16 games.

Bryan Anger is among league leaders in net yards and punts downed inside the 20, but he's the punter so who really cares. #KiddingNotKidding

Mike Evans has taken a lot of flack from Buccaneers fans during his short career and rightfully so. Leading the NFL in dropped passes, consistently drawing undisciplined penalties and complaining to the refs every time a defensive back breathed on him. Won't exactly endear you to your fan base. Given all of Evan's short comings he has always put up impressive numbers, some of the best since he entered the league. Mike is 9th in receiving yards with a total of 2,706 to start his career and ranks 8th in total receiving touchdowns with 19 during that same amount of time. This year he ranks 7th in receptions, 5th in receiving TD's and 7th in yards. Evans has turned a 180 in relation to his drops, penalties, and attitude. If he keeps this up he'll be a shoe in for his 1st Pro Bowl.

     Please feel free to comment below. Check out other articles in the archives to the right and give the blog a follow if you'd like.

    As always, thank you for reading and Go Bucs!    

Panthers Secondary is Wounded

The Panthers secondary was a know weakness coming into this season after losing Josh Norman and Charles Tillman. This past week Falcons Wr Julio Jones had a monster game against the Panthers, racking up 300 yards in receiving. James Bradbury who is a rookie corner got injured will not play Monday, and this morning the Panthers cut another corner via Steve Reed.

BREAKING: Panthers have cut CB Bene Benwikere and promoted Zack Sanchez from the practice squad.

— Steve Reed (@SteveReedAP) October 7, 2016

So the Panthers secondary is not looking to be in great shape as they will be playing two rookie corners this week against the Bucs Wr Mike Evans. Expect the Bucs offense to move their receivers around to create mismatches and let Jameis attack them all over the field. Bucs need to use timing routes against them as it seem that is what gives the Panthers secondary the most trouble. Vincent Jackson, Adam Humphries, and Russell Shepard need to step up and be precise for Jameis. Game plan should be to get the ball out quick and with timing allowing some yards after the catch opportunities.

Bucs Mistakes Cost Them Again

Another loss for the Bucs as they lose at home vs the mighty Rams 37-32 in which the Bucs had an ten point lead at one time. Again it was penalties, turnovers, missed kicks, and defensive breakdowns that gave this game to the Rams. The Bucs needed to have this game as the road ahead will be very tough. Watching the offense I was impressed as they showed a lot of great things and from a gameplan perspective it was near perfection. The offense did have two costly turnovers as both led to touchdowns which is something that must be fixed going forward if the Bucs want to win more than they lose.

Charles Sims, Adam Humphries, and Cameron Brate really stood out in this game as they made explosive plays and had three touchdowns between Sims and Brate. The Bucs spread out the Rams defense and took advantage as they mixed up their route tree very well with comeback, out, and slants. The offensive line was pretty solid and to only allow two sacks against that front four is quite accomplishment. Along with the turnovers, the other thing that was a negative was our two point conversion plays which I thought could have been better like throwing a fade jump ball to Evans.

Now on to what cost the Bucs this game, as defense and special teams were just not good enough and the Rams benefited. On the positive note, the defense did force two turnovers and scored on a pick 6. However, there were too many negatives as the defense was just too inconsistent throughout the game. Defensive breakdowns has killed this team so far as they have been allowing too many explosive plays. Two passing touchdowns of 30 yards plus by Case Keenum to Brian Quick and Tavon Austin just shouldn't happen. The defensive coaching staff and players need to do a better job of finding what works and sticking with it. If this defense is going to improve, the pass rush has to show up and right now it is just not there.

Lastly, Roberto Aguayo has to make kicks, it's his only job and for some reason he didn't have the confidence that he usually displays. Winning in the NFL is tough and is even tougher when your kicker misses an extra point and a chip shot field goal. Overall, this team is showing positives but still has a long way to go to become a playoff contender any time soon.

Attack The Rookie

The bucs will be playing a tough Cardinals defense Sunday but every defense has a weakness. By that I mean on one side of the field the Cardinals have Patrick Peterson who may be the best corner in football and on the other side they have Brandon Williams a 3rd round rookie out of Texas A&M. The rookie was targeted early and often against the Patriots on Sunday night football last week and he didn't look all that great.

Williams has only played corner one full year as he began his football career as a running back and is still learning the position not to mention learning the Cardinals aggressive defensive scheme. When there is a player thinking and not reacting you have to take advantage of it. Just as the Bucs took advantage of the smaller Robert Alford last weak in Atlanta I feel they will target Williams as much as they can.

Vjax will most likely be the beneficiary of this as Peterson will most likely be shadowing Evans the entire game. So, the bucs find themselves in a very similar situation as last week, avoid Peterson and attack the other side of the field.

Explosive Plays

The Bucs offense played pretty good in their win yesterday against the Falcons putting up 31 points and over 350 yards. The Bucs were balanced in their play calls with a good mix of run and pass and took advantage of what the defense was presenting to them. However, all great offenses in this league make explosive plays and the Bucs made three that won them the game yesterday. Let's take a look at each one.

Charles Sims made the play of the game

The Bucs got a big stop on defense right before the half in which coach Koetter quickly called timeout to give the Bucs offense enough time to score some points before the half. Bucs went no-huddle and Jameis found rhythm as he went 7-10 on the drive. Two key plays were the passes to V.Jackson on third and 10 and then on first down to get 7 yards. That set up the Bucs with 2nd and 3 on the 24 yd line with 24 seconds left in which the Bucs at the very least will get three points. Charles Sims took over with a short pass over the middle and made 6 defenders miss on his way to the endzone putting the Bucs up 17-13.

HOLY S*** CHARLES SIMS https://t.co/4d4kb22MJN

— Trevor Sikkema (@TrevorSikkema) September 11, 2016

Jameis to an diving ASJ 

The Bucs have been harping all week about starting fast, well the team did that to start the second half. The Bucs went down the field in 4 plays covering 75 yards ending with a fantastic play from Jameis to tight end Austin Seferian Jenkins who made a great catch on the ball for the score. This play was just Jenkins beating his man to the endzone and Jameis put the football where only he could catch it.

Austin Seferian-Jenkins got those hands though 🔥 pic.twitter.com/3dUT3c3rzR

— Football Posts (@FballPosts) September 12, 2016

Mike Evans is Elite

In the first half the Bucs only targeted Evans once, and if they wanted to win that would have to change in the second half. It did as Evans made play after play setting up a beautiful 45 yard touchdown pass from Jameis to Evans which showed the potential of this offense. Again pretty simple play as Evans just got over the top of the defense and Jameis delivered an perfect ball right into the hands of Evans.

In my 25 years on this Earth, I have never seen a Tampa Bay Buccaneers team play offense like this. This is fun https://t.co/Kr8HrupAYa

— Trevor Sikkema (@TrevorSikkema) September 11, 2016

Koetter has been talking about making explosive plays all off-season because of how hard it is to drive the whole field. It was the difference in this game and the Bucs are 1-0 going into week 2.