I guess I'll do my end of preseason spot on Tampa as usual. Inaccurate as ever, mainly opinion based, but there we go.
Best case scenario: 9-7
Looking at the state of our schedule this is going to be a tough year under new leadership. To have a winning season, we are realistically going to have to win 3-4 of our divisional games, not an easy task when your up against Breesus, SuperCam and well... Matty Ice isn't so much of an issue but Julio Jones and Freeman make life a little more difficult. When I look at the rest of the schedule the must wins in my eyes lie at SF, SD, Chicago and Dallas.
Offensively, things will look very similar to last year. With any luck Winston will continue to develop and game manage with a strong run game and potent deep threats. Where our season will be won and lost will be on defence though. Both our draft and our free agency acquisitions heavily focused on the D, and hopefully getting away from Lovie's Tampa 2 will help us pressure the QB more often reducing the pressure on our secondary which has also been bolstered.
Players to watch
O: Ali Marpet; Keep a close eye on our first year Guard. Went about his business quietly last year, coming from a small school exceeded all expectations. As they say, games are won in the trenches. This young man will contribute hugely to this.
D: Kwon Alexander and Lavonte David; Despite the exciting new additions to our defence, David and Alexander remain my favourite players to watch in our D. Both have great line speed, decent hands for LBs, and will hopefully thrive in a new defensive scheme. Despite Alexander's ban at the end of last year both players seem to have exceptional attitudes and I expect them to lead by example.
Worst Case scenario
0-16: Winston gets hit on one of his awkward scrambles in week one and has to sit the season. Glennon, the most uncomfortable looking QB in the NFL ranks as the lowest rated QB in the league, and the frustration of losing leads to disciplinary problems in our young defence. (Dear God I'm nervous now)