The Houston Texans and Tampa Bay Buccaneers face off in Week 16, and the Bucs Wire helps preview things from the NFC South club’s point of view.
The Houston Texans and Tampa Bay Buccaneers meet on Saturday at 12:00 p.m. CT in a matchup exclusively broadcast on NFL Network. To help preview the Week 16 showdown at Raymond James Stadium, Colin Liotta from the Bucs Wire sat down and answered a few questions.
Texans Wire: Even though the Bucs are out of the playoffs, what would a 9-7 finish mean
Colin Liotta: It would mean a lot for this team. They haven’t had a winning season since 2016, when they also finished 9-7. Since then, Tampa Bay has had two-straight 5-11 seasons, and after starting off 3-7 this year, it looked like another losing record was all but guaranteed. But, this Bucs team has shown resilience the past month of the season, and at 7-7 they have a chance to finish strong. It would go a long way in building this team’s confidence heading into the offseason if they can finish above .500.
TW: Tampa Bay finished 10-6 in 2010 and then fell back to being the same ol’ Bucs. How can the organization prevent that from happening this time
CL: Hiring Bruce Arians was a big first step. Arians is a two-time NFL Coach of the Year and has shown an ability to work his wonders with quarterbacks. Jameis Winston has had a very Jameis Winston year, leading the league in interceptions with 24 while also on pace to throw for over 5,000 yards. Finding the right coach for this team and changing the culture was imperative for the Bucs, and Arians looks to have them headed in the right direction.
TW: Has Jameis Winston taken the steps to earn that second contract with Tampa Bay?
CL: Yes and no. While Winston has put up big numbers this year the turnovers are still alarming. He has 24 interceptions on the year and can’t seem to go through a game without at least one head-scratching turnover. But, you have to cut him some slack when you consider this is the first season Winston has played in a non-Dirk Koetter system. The Bucs have played well over the past month and while Winston may not deserve a new long-term contract with Tampa Bay, a short-term deal or even the franchise tag is a definite possibility.
TW: How dominant has Carlton Davis been, and can he make a name for himself locking down DeAndre Hopkins?
CL: Davis has shown improvement in the secondary this season, but this unit is still young. Tampa Bay’s secondary is ranked near the bottom of the league, so it’s been a baptism by fire for them all season under new defensive coordinator Todd Bowles. Davis and others will need to find ways to slow down DeAndre Hopkins, since he’s too good to stop completely. If Deshaun Watson and Hopkins hookup early, it could be a long day for Tampa Bay.
TW: How has O.J. Howard progressed as a tight end?
CL: It might be hard to believe, but O.J. Howard is still on the Bucs. The tight end was expected to have a breakout season, but has found himself in Bruce Arians’ doghouse at times due to his lackluster play. Howard has had virtually no impact on the offense this year, and you have to wonder what the future holds for him in Tampa Bay. The Bucs apparently rebuffed the Patriots’ inquires about Howard at the trade deadline, but you have to wonder if they’ll change their tune in the offseason.
TW: What is the organization hoping Bruce Arians can do?
CL: The organization wanted Arians to work his magic with Jameis Winston and help save the former number one pick’s career. The results have been mixed, but over the past month it looks like Winston is finally starting to understand how to run this Arians-Byron Leftwich offense. The Bucs have taken big steps forward in the second half of the season and you have to give credit where credit is due. Tampa Bay endured a brutal five-game stretch away from home this season, including trips to Los Angeles, London and Seattle, and were 3-7 just over a month ago. It would’ve been easy for this team to roll over and give up, but Bruce Arians has them fighting every game. That’s something you couldn’t say about this team in years past.
TW: What’s your prediction? Any bold predictions?
CL: I love how the Bucs have looked the past few weeks, but without their top two receivers on offense Saturday, it’ll be hard for the Bucs to keep pace. The Texans would love to win and lock up the AFC South. With more on the line, I predict Texans 34, Bucs 17.
