Since the Falcons signed quarterback Kirk Cousins this offseason, Team to beat The Bucks currently sit last in the NFC South despite winning the division for the past three consecutive seasons and making the playoffs for the fourth straight year.
It’s not uncommon for Tampa Bay to be listed as a favorite to lose, but after watching the team at mandatory minicamp this week, Pete Prisco of CBS Sports has a different opinion. He feels the Buccaneers are underrated and which players stand out.
“A lot of people are overlooking the Buccaneers.”
Pete Prisco shared several insights on X throughout Wednesday morning, the first of which was a general overview of how he views this year’s Buccaneers team.
I watched the Buccaneers practice this week at minicamp and a lot of people are underestimating that team. They’ll win the division again. The offensive line is a lot bigger and tougher than it used to be, and Baker Mayfield is now a well-established quarterback. From what I’ve heard, the players seem to like him.
— Pete Prisco (@PriscoCBS) June 12, 2024
Prisco believes Tampa Bay is underrated. His Choice They will likely win the NFC South again, and one of the reasons they are doing so well is that their offensive line is bigger and stronger than last season.
Buccaneers C Graham Barton – Photo: Cliff Welch/PR
The team not only added center Graham Burton with a first-round pick, but also acquired left guards Ben Bredeson and Su’a Opeta in free agency in an effort to bring more consistency to the position.
But it’s not just the rookies trying to make the offensive line bigger and better. Right guard Cody Mouch He himself has gained weight He put on 12-15 pounds during the offseason, focusing on getting stronger so he wouldn’t get pushed back by bigger opponents in line scrimmages.
As Mouch and the rest of the offensive line settle into their positions, so does quarterback Baker Mayfield. Mayfield re-signed with the Buccaneers on a three-year, $100 million contract, giving him newfound security and making him more comfortable in Tampa Bay this season. He’s already a captain and known as a vocal leader, but he said at overtime games earlier this month that he’s “trying to take more command.”
Pete Prisco has high praise for these Buccaneers players heading into the season.
Buccaneers WR Jalen McMillan – Photo: Cliff Welch/PR
Pete Prisco also took the time to highlight some other players and positions that caught his eye. Prisco began by praising third-round draft pick wide receiver Jalen McMillan, who has already stood out with plenty of play in practice.
“Buccaneers rookie WR Jalen McMillan, who I like and was on a Better Than team, will contribute right away,” Prisco posted to X. “He caught a touchdown pass from Mayfield on Tuesday. He knows how to get open.”
Furthermore, on the offensive side, he commented that the team will place emphasis on running attacks, and that the addition of Graham Burton will lead to an improvement in the success rate of running attacks. In particular, Rachad White Ready to find more space And offensive coordinator Liam Cohen’s offense has holes to fill.
“The Buccaneers have to run the ball better, but that’s been the focal point of their offense this season,” Prisco added. “Graham Burton will help out there in the middle of the offensive line. TE is still a weak spot, but they’re not bad there.”
It’s not just the offense that he’s focused on, but after watching Todd Bowles’ defense up close, he’s optimistic the entire team will improve.
Buccaneers DT Vita Vea – Photo: Cliff Welch/PR
“Tampa Bay’s defense will be better with their down linemen now that Vita Vea is back in form. Kalijah Kansey could be a star by the end of the season and has gotten bigger. The defense will be happy to have Jordan Whitehead back at safety to pair with Antoine Winfield.”
Prisco was quick to point out the defensive line, saying that with the duo of Bear and Kansey, the Bucks Wreaking havoc There are a lot of guys in the backfield, especially at nickel, competing to get on the field and take on a role.
“McCallum and Dean will play well on the outside corners but the nickel will be a battle. Keep an eye on rookie Tykee Smith who has impressed. The rush will come from Yaya Diaby but they may need to generate it in a different way with the pressure.”
Overall, Pete Prisco, who watched the Buccaneers game at AdventHealth Training Center, had plenty of positive comments to make from an outsider’s perspective: It’s refreshing to see someone in the national media not be as pessimistic about the team as others have been in recent years, but they have shown in the past that regardless of what talk is being said about the team, they will do the talking on the field on game day.
