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Lowered Aspirations in Tampa

What can we expect from the Bucs' defense in 2019?

The one thing the Bucs did exceptionally well in 2018 was have a solid pass-rush. It was the only thing in their defense that looked good, but boy did it. They added another big name in the realm of pass-rushing, Ndamukong Suh, in the offseason that will only make that facet of their defense better. On top of this, they drafted an outside linebacker in Devin White out of LSU 5th overall in the draft. This was the first time an inside linebacker has been drafted in the top 5 since the Packers took A.J. Hawk at pick number 5 in the 2006 draft, which is saying a lot. For the sake of the Bucs and their fans, I'm hoping they've found their guy in Devin White. As mediocre as the Bucs have been over the past few seasons, I still feel like they're only a few roster moves away from being a contender.

What can we expect from Jameis Winston in 2019?

This is a big season for Winston as its the last year on his rookie deal. As hard as it is to believe, no Buccaneers quarterback has ever received a second deal, so Winston has the potential to make history here. Winston hasn't necessarily earned the trust of the Bucs over the past few seasons to make them eager to give him a huge new deal, so we might see them give him a franchise tag. This would be the same scenario that played out in Washington with Kirk Cousins. But with new head coach Bruce Arians who has a history of getting the most out of his quarterbacks, there's no denying the possibility that Jameis Winston has a breakout year. At this point, I think the Bucs are so desperate that even if Winston shows the slightest signs of being a better QB, they'll give him an extension.

What can we expect from new head coach Bruce Arians?

With a WR core comprised of names like Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Adam Humphries, and DeSean Jackson, it's hard to believe the Buccaneers won only 5 games last year. However, that is what happened and something needs to change. In the offseason, Bruce Arians was heard commenting on how the offensive line and run game need to be improved, two categories the Bucs struggled with immensely last season. It should also be noted how committed Arians is to improving Winston this year. Arians has the history to back just how effective he is working with QBs in the past, so we could see Winston have a huge season in what happens to be his contract year. If anything, the addition of Arians to simply shake things up is worth it.