"Eighty-Two Protection, you got double 'A's'." Leaf's Madden 16 Buccaneers

[RyanLeaf16]

Gerald McCoy: "It's Time to Get it Done!"

Gerald McCoy is ready to thrive in Lovie Smith's defense

Tampa, FL --- Coming off a 2-14 season creates a sense of urgency in any NFL city. However, that urgency is even greater in Tampa, where the Bucs have come off their worst season since the 80's and has earned the second worst record in the NFL since 2009 - only the Jaguars have been worse.

Second year coach Lovie Smith is ready to bury the demons of last season and move forward with a positive attitude and sharing his expectations with everyone.

"From the third string punter to Gerald McCoy," Smith said. "They all need to be better. We're certainly paying them to be better."

Smith isn't lying either. The last two off-season's have seen the Bucs offer mammoth deals to defensive tackle Gerald McCoy and linebacker Lavonte David. Combined, both deals are worth over $140 million USD.

"The time is now," McCoy said from his locker at One Buc Place. "I've been here long enough to know that it's been too long. We have to stop talking about our potential and how good we can be...and just be it."

Fellow defensive leader Lavonte David agreed.

"Enough talk," David said. "Time to start putting more 'W's' on the board. They didn't pay me for status quo. The city, coaches and our owners all want to win."

With rookie quarterback Jameis Winston coming in and being labeled as a "face of the franchise" type player and two big wideouts to throw at, the expectations might not be sky high, but, those inside One Buc Place wang SIGNIFICANT improvement this 2015 season.

[RoundingThird]

I'm a fan! Good luck with Jaboo Winston!

[RyanLeaf16]

ROSTER PREVIEW:

Quarterback:

It is no secret that Jameis Winston is the starting quarterback for this team for the forseeable future. The talented rookie from Florida State bring big talent and big confidence and should develop into a clubhouse leader in the very near future. Backing him up is former starter and Greg Schiano favorite Mike Glennon. Glennon has a howitzer for a right arm and can push the ball down the field. However, Glennon is overly cautious with the football and can often settle for the check down rather than take shots down the field. Finally, Seth Lobato is in camp as the third arm and may make the roster if the coaching staff deems that having three quarterbacks is necessary due to injury concerns.

'Backs:

Doug Martin is entering a contract year as the organization elected not to pick up his fifth year option. Martin showed flashes of brilliance as a rookie in 2012, but, faltered quite a bit in 2013/2014. In 2015, Martin will look to earn the bulk of carries as the quasi-starter in this offense. Martin has also lost weight and looks to be in the best shape since his rookie year. Mike James and Bobby Rainey are the main backups behind Martin. Each of them has seen significant time carrying the ball for the Buccaneers over the last few years and each has shown good ability to carry the load.

Receivers/Tight Ends:

Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson BOTH had over 1,000 yards receiving last season. What makes that so impressive is the fact that the Bucs had no offensive coordinator last season and both fought through a combo of Mike Glennon and Josh McCown. Evans and Jackson are both 6'5" targets that can go up and get the ball and will be of great benefit to a rookie quarterback like Jameis Winston. Fighting for the third receiver spot are rookie Kenny Bell, veterans Luis Murphy and Russel Shephard and return men Kaelin Clay and Robert Herron Clay and Herron are essentially the same player, so there likely isn't room for both on the roster.

Offensive Line

The Bucs have attempted to rebuild their offensive line this off-season by drafting both Donovan Smith and Ali Marpet in successive rounds during this year's draft. Marpet is expected to play at the right guard spot and Smith is expected to play at the left tackle position. The Bucs return three starters from last season with veterans Logan Mankins, Evan Dietrich-Smith and Demar Dotson. While those men are expected to be starters look for Kevin Pamphile and Kadeem Edwards to also push for possible starting spots.

Defensive Line

Gerald McCoy leads the defensive line into 2015 at the under tackle/3 technique position. Working alongside him on the interior is anyone's guess. Henry Melton was signed from Dallas. Tony McDaniel was claimed off waivers from Seattle and Clinton McDonald is entering his second season with the Bucs after signing as a free agent from Seattle last off-season. One the edges is where the Bucs are thin. Jacquies Smith returns as the leader in sacks with just 6.5 last season. William Gholston will continue for playing time and a starting role. George Johnson who was traded from Detroit looks to be a dark-horse candidate to bring the heat as well.

Linebackers

Lavonte David just signed a $50.25 million USD extension this off-season to continue to play the WILL in Lovie Smith's defense. David is a play-maker much like Derrick Brooks and is probably the BEST linebacker you've never heard of. Team brass is high on rookie Kwon Alexander who will battle for the starting MLB role with veteran Bruce Carter who was given a multi-year deal from Dallas. Journeyman Danny Lansanah will look to keep a firm grip on his spot as the SAM linebacker on this roster.

Defensive backs

Alterraun Verner enters his second year in Tampa after signing a big money deal to come over from Tennessee. Veteran Johnathan Banks will man the other side of the field with Verner in Lovie's defense. The nickel spot will be a battle between free-agent signee, from Dallas, Sterling Moore and returning vet Leonard Johnson

The real battle will be at the safety position. The waiver claim of DJ Swearinger from the Texans brings some much needed BOOM to the secondary. He'll battle with Major Wright at the strong safety position. The free safety spot will be a fight between Chris Conte, Bradley McDougald and Keith Tandy

[Cheese2121]

A Leaf madden franchise?! It's like Christmas has come early. You know I will be following this very closely. I am very excited to see what you can do with this team.

[RyanLeaf16]

Buccaneers | Freeney drawing interest from Bucs?
Veteran OLB/DE Dwight Freeney may be drawing interest from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Reports from a Tampa sports radio station (WDAE AM - 620) indicate that the Bucs will at least reach out to Freeney's reps to gauge interest. Freeney is in the twilight of his career, but, the Bucs need help in the pass rush department and Freeney may fit the bill. Freeney recorded 3.5 sacks in 9 games started last season.

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[RyanLeaf16]

Reports indicate the Bucs have interest in Freeney

Bucs Are Non-Committal on Freeney Front
Bucs GM RyanLeaf16 tip toes around Freeney Talk | Acknowledges need for pass rush help | "Likes" the current crop of DE's

Tampa, FL --- The Bucs may be on a search for old, lost treasure in the next few days/weeks.

Rumors began running wild when local sports talk station 620 WDAE-AM reported that the Bucs may be looking to bring in veteran pass-rusher Dwight Freeney for traning camp in hopes to bolster their lethargic pass rushing situation.

"We talk about a lot of players every day," Bucs GM RyanLeaf16 said. "Everyday we have personnel meetings and dozens of scenarios are discussed. It's part of the process."

A process Leaf says is "fluid."

It is not shocking that the Bucs may have an interest in Freeney. Their team leader in sacks (Jacquies Smith) totaled just 6.5 last season and DT Gerald McCoy saw a lot of double, and sometimes triple, teams last year. Adding a viable edge rusher may alleviate some of McCoy's frustration.

"Anything we can do to get better...I'm all for." Head Coach Lovie Smith said. "Dwight certainly has a tremendous body of work to point to when meeting with teams about a possible contract."

While the Bucs have an alleged interest in the veteran pass rusher, that doesn't mean the feeling is mutual. Word from Freeney's representatives indicate that Freeney is interested in playing during the 2015 season, but, he may not want to join a rebuilding project.

Former Buccaneer offensive lineman and local sports talk host Ian Beckles says he would be "shocked" if Freeney inked a deal with Tampa.

"It doesn't make much sense for him, from a football perspective," Beckles said. "If we are just talking money...sure. However, at this stage in your career, he's likely looking for a 'part-time' role as a situational pass-rusher. Not a mentor role."

At the end of the day, the Bucs MUST find a way to generate a pass-rush and Freeney may be able to help more than what is on the current roster. This is not likely to play out in the next few days, it's more likely to play out over the next few weeks as the Bucs sort out their roster makeup.

[Cheese2121]

I like the idea of bringing in Freeney even as just a 'stop-gap' till you find a more long term solution. It will depend though if he is willing to take on that kind of role. Love your layouts.

[RyanLeaf16]

Quote: Originally Posted by Cheese2121

I like the idea of bringing in Freeney even as just a 'stop-gap' till you find a more long term solution. It will depend though if he is willing to take on that kind of role. Love your layouts.

There is definitely a need for getting greater production out of what is currently on the roster or finding production via free agency or trade. I'm giving it a few games into the preseason before we make any moves.