Seahawks vs. Buccaneers: 5 questions about Tampa Bay with The Pewter Plank

The Buccaneers in three years

12th Man Rising: Let’s assume in three years the Buccaneers are much better. What changes do they need to make to get better in those three seasons?

Cory Kinnan: First and foremost, their offensive line is abysmal even though they are the third-highest paid group in the NFL. Outside of left guard Ali Marpet and center Ryan Jensen, the Buccaneers have three positions along the offensive front that could be easily replaced. First step is to upgrade the offensive line while simultaneously cutting down the cost of the line.

The Buccaneers also need a shutdown cornerback; over the past four drafts, they have used a first, three seconds, two thirds, and two fourth round picks on cornerbacks and safeties and still are among the league’s worst in pass defense. Obviously drafting cornerbacks has not been a strength of general manager Jason Licht, so he should consider making a deal for a vet in his late 20s like Patrick Peterson or Darius Slay.

The most important thing that must improve is consistent quarterback play. I wrote an article comparing Winston to the Batman villain Two Face, because on a week-to-week basis, it seems like the Jameis that will show up is decided by the flip of a coin. A quarterback who cannot be counted on week in and week out cannot be heavily invested into.