2018 Season Review

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Starter
Overview
It's January in Tampa, filled with a sense of disappointment as the Buccaneers fell in the Wildcard Round of the playoffs. The Atlanta Falcons won the Super Bowl and are definitely looking to repeat next season, something the Buccaneers hope to avoid stomaching for two straight years. Doug Martin has hit the age of 30, while Boone, Gholston, and McCarron have all disappeared from the scene. Guice is coming into his own as an every down back, but as Martin begins the typical drop-off, the Bucs are going to look to add a young piece to work in tandem with the young Guice. There are pieces along the offensive line and in the defensive secondary that show promise, yet Tampa knows that their work remains unfinished.

Offense
Guice is going to pick up more of the workload going into next season, while the search for a true No. 2 receiver continues in Tampa. Dede Westbrook is expected to be moved down into the slot, while Breshad Perriman will be faced with competition at the WR2 role in Tampa, something that is expected to be addressed in the draft. The Buccaneers are expecting to add to their impressive O-line with quality in terms of depth but also potential starting competition. The QB spot obviously belongs to the young Winston, but depth is definitely the issue for the Buccaneers moving into the offseason with the removal of McCarron and the departure of Savage. Make no mistake though, Winston has returned from his injury and is determined to lead this team into the promised land.

Defense
Gholston is gone, and the Buccaneers controversially signed Kentrell Brothers to the dreaded franchise tag. With aging veterans McCoy, David, Brockers, McDougald, and Gaines sitting at key cornerstones pieces. The Buccaneers are going to have to find young pieces to fill in. Certainly the future of this Tampa Bay secondary is bright, with Hargreaves III, Rashad Davie, and Steven Parker, as well as the up-and-coming Marquez White. Derek Barnett continues to be somebody teams have to prepare for, while Kwon Alexander patrols the middle of the defense. The concern, though, is obviously at the perimeter with David aging, and Kennard being considered to be overpriced. This is something that Tampa Bay reportedly intends to address via the draft and free agency.

Summary
The future certainly seems bright in Tampa Bay, a city that hasn't felt this much excitement since Jon Gruden took the team to the pinnacle. The Buccaneers know that their work is far from over, and is definitely cut out for them when they finished 13-3 and have to play the reigning Super Bowl champs twice this next season. The pressure is on in Tampa, but Winston has reportedly stated, "I'm more than ready for this and I know the rest of the guys are too. Next season we'll bring home that trophy." A bold claim from Famous Jameis, only time will tell to see if his words ring true or not.
 
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