NFC South Power Rankings: Preseason Week 2 standings

Aug 15, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) rushes for an 8 yard touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter of a preseason NFL football game at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings won 26-16. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

With a record of 17-47 over the past four seasons, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers finally feel they have turned a corner with first overall pick Jameis Winston. And they very well could have.

But it’s going to take time. Winston had a tough start in the NFL in the Buccaneers’ preseason opener with the Minnesota Vikings, completing 9 of 19 passes for 131 yards, no touchdowns and an interception. It’s only preseason, so there’s no need to panic, but it’s going to take him some time to settle.

You only have to look to the other side of the field at Teddy Bridgewater to see how far a young quarterback can come in a year. The second-year pro out of Louisville looked comfortable in his cameo, completing 7 of 8 passes for 86 yards.

I don’t foresee a playoff push by the Buccaneers, at least not yet. This is a year of transition with a new quarterback, new pieces to the offensive line and a chance to set the foundations for a strong future.

If Doug Martin can replicate his rookie form and Winston can play adequately under center, this team can cause some slipups across the NFL this season.

Right now, there are still too many holes on defense for them to mount a serious challenge in the NFC South, and they would need an Andrew Luck-esque rookie season from Winston to have a shot.

The future is bright, but they aren’t there yet.

Next: No. 3