Atlanta Falcons Enemy Watch: A look at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Jun 16, 2015; Tampa Bay, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) throws a pass during minicamp at One Buc Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

FB: Have the Buccaneers addressed their needs this offseason?

JU: As mentioned before, their biggest need was the quarterback position and without a doubt it pretty much addressed the offense situation.

The offensive line will seek to pick up the pace a little more with new acquisitions from the draft Donovan Smith and Ali Marpet (2nd round, 29th pick overall).

The Bucs also addressed their weaknesses in their Tampa 2 Defense. Coach Lovie Smith is a defensive guru and we can suspect he was not happy with the performance from last year’s defensive acquisitions. So much so, he cut Michael Johnson after one year with the team.

This year the team added linebacker Bruce Carter and defensive tackle Henry Melton, both of whom are experienced veterans in the Tampa 2 Defense. Both signings are great needs to compliment Gerald McCoy’s pass rushing ability. According to Defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier, the Bucs can have the best defense this season. Exactly what any fan would like to hear.

FB: What are your expectations for the team this year?

JU: Second place in the division. It was no secret the NFC South was the weakest of all conferences in 2014. The Bucs are entering the season with a rookie quarterback and a talented defense. There will be some knocks along the way, but the Buccaneers can expect to be competitive in a different looking conference.

Next: Previewing the Falcons-Bucs games