The Greg Schiano era came to an end for the Bucs after his 2nd straight losing season, but there is really nowhere to go but up for an offense ranked dead last in the NFL.
Long-time Bears head coach Lovie Smith takes over a Tampa Bay team that was ranked last in the NFL in total yards, and 30th in points. The defense was middle of the pack despite some very talented players. But former coach Greg Schiano just couldn’t get the unit to work well enough and earned the pink slip he got after an 11-21 record.
Bears backup QB Josh McCown was named the immediate starter by Smith despite an impressive regular rookie season by Mike Glennon. McCown will lead a unit that finally has RB Doug Martin back from a severe injury and that drafted several receivers: Mike Evans from Texas A&M, Austin-Sefarian Jenkins from Washington, and Robert Herron from Wyoming..
On defense, the Bucs cut Darrelle Revis to save cap space and signed former Titan Alterraun Verner, an underrated CB with great coverage skills. They also added Michael Johnson to bolster a line that already includes star DT Gerald McCoy and DE Adrian Clayborn.
The division may be too tough for the Bucs to win now, but there are pieces in place for Lovie Smith to rebuild rather quickly.
The Buccaneers report to training camp in Tampa, Florida on July 25.
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