“Tampa Bay Buccaneers Helmet” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Keith Allison
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers improved significantly last season with Jameis Winston at quarterback and they will look to push on and climb up the NFC and challenge for a playoff berth in 2016. At the end of the regular season, Lovie Smith was dismissed of his duties and Dirk Koetter, Tampa’s offensive co-ordinator, has been appointed as the new head coach. This is a decision that shows their positive intentions this year.
And while it may be a little far-fetched to claim that the Buccaneers will catch NFC champions Carolina Panthers in the divisional battle in 2016, they can certainly continue their assault on the conference and a playoff spot might not be too far away.
At the time of writing, if you’re checking out the odds or playing American football-related casino games at 32Red Casino, you will find that the Buccaneers are long shots. Indeed, 32Red are pricing Koetter’s men at 80/1 to win the Super Bowl in the new season and, although that might be a step too far right now, there’s plenty of potential in that Buccaneers side. With the likes of Chris Conte, Daryl Smith and Robert Ayers already signed up, Tampa Bay have added plenty of experience and talent to their ranks.
With the Saints struggling with cap space, Carolina having to cope with the pressure of reaching the Super Bowl and Atlanta Falcons searching for a couple of pieces on both offense and defense, the NFC South is certainly up for grabs. Here, we take a look at their free agency moves so far and give our thoughts on Tampa’s chances in 2016.
Chris Conte
After an excellent debut season with the Bucs, Conte has re-signed with Tampa Bay and is ready to help them to build one of the strongest secondaries in the NFC. Conte has been given a one-year deal in order to prove his worth under new head coach Koetter and Tampa won’t lose too much money on him if he fails to inspire confidence.
The safety, who started 13 of his 14 games played last season, will now slot back into the Tampa secondary and Koetter will be excited at their chances of improving defensively. In previous years, the Bucs have conceded too many points but they now have a genuine chance of restricting opposing sides – especially if Conte performs as he did last year.
Daryl Smith
The former Baltimore Ravens linebacker has signed with Tampa Bay after he was released with two years remaining on his contract. Although the 33-year-old showed signs of slowing down at the end of 2015, he has still got plenty to give, especially as he has still made over 120 tackles in each of the last three years in Baltimore.
In his long, illustrious career, Smith has made more than 1,000 tackles, 13 forced fumbles and 11 interceptions and his vast amount of experience will benefit Tampa’s upcoming defensive unit. Smith will make Tampa contenders again in an ever-improving NFC South. In fact, both 32Red and Netbet are offering 11/2 on next year’s Super Bowl winner coming from the NFC South. It could be Tampa Bay if their new signings settle quickly into life at Raymond James Stadium.
Robert Ayers
Ayers is a phenomenal defensive-end and will be an excellent addition to Tampa Bay’s front seven. His versatility across the front will appeal to Tampa’s potent defense and he will be a Buccaneer for the next three years at the very least. If nothing else, Tampa needed to get older and the 30-year-old will bring some experience to the pass rushing unit. Ayers was selected in the first round of the 2009 draft by the Denver Broncos but struggled to make a major impact. However, he could find his feet at Tampa Bay this year.
Prior to the Bucs, Ayers was plying his trade for the New York Giants and, whilst he has never really stepped up to the plate in the NFL, he remains a talented prospect. Although he has struggled with various injuries in the last few years, Ayers could be the final component in a budding defensive unit and could mature into Tampa’s top pass-rusher this season.
Prediction
These signings could make a big difference for Tampa this season, especially with the re-signing of Doug Martin as well. For Winston to succeed as the Bucs’ signal-caller, he needs key personalities in the side – on both offense and defense. Ayres and Conte will boost Tampa’s defensive qualities and, with a bit of luck, the Buccaneers could reach the playoffs this season.
Source: Free agency: Analysing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers by Content Partner