With training camp scheduled to get underway next week for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the biggest question facing this team is whether they have what it takes to make a legitimate run at a Super Bowl.
The offseason signing of quarterback Tom Brady and the acquisition of tight end Rob Gronkowski have Tampa Bay sitting pretty heading into 2020. But while the offense certainly appears ready to take the league by storm, the defense will have to play just as well if the Bucs want to be successful.
That’s why Jelani Scott over at NFL.com thinks safety will be the biggest position battle during training camp.
Per Scott:
“Dang, Tampa. Back at it again with the subpar secondary? Many of the concerns from a year ago remain as the pass defense again underwhelmed, surrendering the second-most completions per game (25.5), third-most pass yards per game (270.1) and tying for the seventh-most pass touchdowns allowed (30). A strong second half from the cornerbacks provides some sense of optimism, and while promising options exist at safety, the competition for playing time at the position could be intense. Andrew Adams, Mike Edwards and Jordan Whitehead will return after combining for 18 pass deflections and two interceptions while seeing starting duty in 2019. Whitehead’s 25 career starts position him for first-team reps in a relatively inexperienced back end, but that’s not necessarily set in stone.
“Versatile rookie Antoine Winfield Jr., whom management is rightfully high on, will also be vying for playing time. The same goes for 2017 second-rounder Justin Evans — a starter in Years 1 and 2 who missed the 2019 season due to injury — and 2019 camp darling D’Cota Dixon, who also spent last season on injured reserve. Given all the moving parts, defensive coordinator Todd Bowles will likely have some tough decisions to make when it comes to sorting things out at this position.”
The secondary is certainly a concern for the Bucs, considering they finished near the bottom of the league last season in pass defense. The good news is that the secondary finished strong last season, so hopefully that progress carries over into 2020.
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