Tampa Bay Buccaneers ready to compete in NFC South: Win total examined for 2014 season
The question in Tampa Bay this year is whether veteran head coach Lovie Smith can bring instant credibility to a Buccaneers team that has struggled for the better part of the last decade.
When you look at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it’s the offense that needs the most work. Last season quarterback Mike Glennon had the team ranked dead last in the NFL in passing, while it ranked 22nd in rushing.
Defensively, the team was mediocre ranking 17th against the pass and 15th against the run. As far as the team’s recent draft, naturally the offense received the most help with first round pick wide receiver Mike Evans followed by second round tight end Austin Sefarian-Jenkins and third round running back Charles Sims.
Looking to this season, the Buccaneers face six playoff teams with an overall schedule featuring opponents boasting a .484 winning percentage last year (19th toughest in the league). Furthermore, the Buccaneers will be playing three sets of back-to-back road games.
Oddsmakers have Tampa Bay posted at 7 (over -120) for o/u wins, which in the NFC South – with New Orleans, Carolina and Atlanta – seems unlikely this year.
John Benson is a die-hard football and basketball fan who also dabbles in the dark art of entertainment betting. With over two decades of experience in the sports writing and betting industry, he brings a wealth of knowledge and a pint of wisdom to his diverse endeavors on SportsBettingDime.com.
