The season is coming. The DNA of Sports editorial team offers you an update on the strengths and weaknesses of the 32 franchises. Today, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2024. You can find all the presentations by clicking on this link.
Not necessarily expected in 2023 after Tom Brady's retirement, Tampa Bay nevertheless won the division title and a place in the playoffs.
Led by a rediscovered Baker Mayfield and solid foundations, the Buccaneers have exploited the weakness of the division to consolidate their position.
Last season: 9 wins – 8 losses, 1st in NFC South
Off-season movements
Notable Arrivals: Randy Gregory (Edge), Bryce Hall (CB), Jordan Whitehead (S), Ben Bredeson (OL), Sua Opeta (OL), Chase Edmonds (RB), Chase McLaughlin (K)
Re-signings: Baker Mayfield (QB), Mike Evans (WR), Lavonte David (LB), Justin Skule (OL)
Draft: Graham Barton (OL), Chris Braswell (Edge), Tykee Smith (S), Jalen McMillan (WR), Bucky Irving (RB), Elijah Klein (OL), Devin Culp (TE)
Notable losses: Devin White (LB), Carlton Davis (CB), Shaq Barrett (Edge)
In keeping with previous seasons, no lavish spending by the Floridians this year. Most of the offseason work was in the extensions of Mike Evans and Baker Mayfield. Totally revived by the Buccaneers after two seasons at rock bottom or almost, the quarterback has extended for 3 seasons. The receiver will aim for an 11th consecutive season above 1000 yards after his extension for two additional years and to further establish his future place in Canton (editor's note: city of Pro Football Hall of Fame).
In terms of movements, several strong men from the 2020 title have packed their bags. Former pass rush leader, and less prominent in 2023, Shaq Barrett was thanked with one year to go before the end of his contract. Another former leader of the front 7Devin White had a difficult year last year. Between mood and level of play, the franchise let him go at the end of his lease.
Typical team:
Quarterback: Baker Mayfiekd – Running back: Rachaad White – Receivers: Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Trey Palmer – Tight end: Cade Otton – Offensive line (left to right): Tristan Wirfs, Graham Barton, Robert Hainsey, Cody Mauch, Luke Goedeke
Defensive Line: Calijah Cancey, VIta Vea, Logan Hall – Linebacker: Yaya Diaby, KJ Britt, Lavonte David, Joe Tryon-Shoyinka – Cornerback: Jamal Dean, Zyon McCollum – Safety: Antoine Winfield Jr., Jordan Whitehead
The strong point(s)
In Tampa, we don't skimp on the cuts. Since 2018, five out of six first-round draft picks have been invested on the lines. We could almost add Logan Hall, first pick of the second round in 2022. A strategy that sets the tone for the team's ambition. Dominate the lines. Defensively, the results are there. Excellent against the run for several seasons, the Floridians are also in the top 10 in terms of sacks. The presence of the mountain Vita Vea, a reference in his position, surrounded by a promising young guard around him should continue to maintain this domination.
If the offensive line is less effective, especially in opening gaps, the choice of Graham Barton in the first round of the last draft can provide a huge boost. And with Tristan Wirfs recently extended, the protection of the quarterback's blind side is assured for a long time.
Even at almost 31 years old, Mike Evans remains one of the most brilliant receivers in the NFL. Productive, sure and decisive, he will still be an essential element this season. And in his wake, it is the entire passing game that looks great. In addition to Chris Godwin, regularly over 1,000 yards, the franchise also added the promising Jalen McMillan to offer Baker Mayfield an explosive and complementary trio for a flamboyant passing game.
The weak point(s)
Already struggling against the pass in 2023, Tampa let its best asset in the pass defense slip away by sending Carlton Davis to Detroit. The team will need to rely on the emergence of youngsters McCollum and Izien to improve their coverage.
Particularly limited on the ground in 2023 (32nd), the race will still not be the element of domination of the attack. If Rachaad White does not demerit with an honest statistical sheet, he is especially good alone and shines more by his versatility in exiting backfield than by his ability to break the line (3.6 yards per carry). Rookie Bucky Irving, drafted in the 4th round, does not necessarily have the physique to be the workhorse of the race, but he will at least have the merit of providing an alternative solution to White.
Despite talented players, and a champion past for several of them. The team seems to have reached its limits with its 2023 playoff campaign. Can they really aspire to go higher? Todd Bowles is an excellent defensive mind, but he lacks the scope to take his team to the next level. Everything then rests on the quarterback. But is Baker Mayfield capable of it?
X Factor: Baker Mayfield
Too obvious? And yet. After a big slump, the former 1st pick in the 2018 draft has completely found himself in 2023. The 4,000 yard mark exceeded for the first time in his career, a record for touchdowns thrown, Mayfield took charge of the Tampa attack with seriousness and success.
But the man behind this revival, Dave Canales, has left to lead Carolina's rivals. , Liam Coen, knew the quarterback at the Rams in 2022, for fairly average performances. Can the new collaboration between the two men experience another dynamic? The future of the Buccs' season will depend on the success of this association.
Player to watch: Yaya Diaby
Selected in the 3rd round in 2023, Yaya Diaby had a very successful first season. With 7.5 sacks, he was the most prolific quarterback hunter on his team. His emergence resulted in Shaq Barrett being pushed out.
Now the pass rush leader, he will be expected by opponents who will have taken care to study him better. Diaby must above all confirm and show that his margin of progression is still significant.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2024 Schedule
Commanders, @Lions, Broncos, Eagles, @Falcons, @Saints, Ravens, Falcons, @Chiefs, @49ers, bye, @Giants, @Panthers, Raiders, @Chargers, @Cowboys, Panthers, Saints
The audio preview of the podcast
In summary
Without any upheaval, Tampa is continuing its 2023 season by having renewed and retained most of its executives. In a division that is still limited, they should still be in the fight to secure a place in the playoffs. Despite everything, the squad seems to have reached the maximum of its capacities, and neither the quarterback nor the staff have proven that they can transcend a team.
