Two years is a tiny sample, its just funny to see such similarity. I have no doubts Jameis will have a longer, more fruitful career, though I don't think he'll ever be "elite" (oh god I actually typed that).
Koetter has been around more than a year, though in different capacities obviously. Time will tell, but i've done this dance for a few decades and i'm putting them firmly at .500 and not getting invested. Thats what hockey is for.
I'm invested because our talent on offense is insane. Evans is a top 5 (arguably top 3) WR in the NFL right now. DeSean Jackson hasn't lost a step and his speed is an element we have not had since Jon Gruden had Joey Galloway. OJ Howard is literally the same size and Gronkowski and can block as well as he catches. Chances are Koetter uses Howard more for blocking this year but he'll grow in a game breaking TE if he reaches his full potential over the years. Martin looks as good as ever but of course he had to goof up and get suspended. All I can say to that is "crap"
Unless Winston has a bad day we're going to put up a lot of points.
But if you had concerns about the defense I'd be right there with you. I'm not sold on it at all. Period. Mike Smith is a good DC make no mistake about it, but the inconsistency of the defensive line has been maddening and I'm not convinced the front four will be able to create consistent pressure. I'm hoping and praying Noah Spence breaks out. If he does then at least we stand a chance at consistent QB pressure. God knows Ryan and Brees will eat you alive with all day to throw and Newton is one the most slippery QB's in the NFL. David and Alexander as LB's is as good as it gets but once you get to the corners and safeties you better hope they get it. You have the likes of Justin Evans, Tandy, Conte, a rookie and two vets who weren't that spectacular to begin with. Then at corner is the still green Vernon Hargreaves and Brent Grimes -who I'm scared to death is going to see his clock strike midnight soon. We have such little depth at corner right now and if either guy goes down with an injury it's gonna be a cake walk to throw on us.
I think we are READY to make the next step as an organization and as a locker room but the chasm between offense and defense on the Bucs is scary. It would be like as if the Lightning was rolling with Hedman, Sergachev, Sustr, Girardi, Dotchin and Koekkoek on defense. Three vets (if you want to count Sustr) two of which who aren't any good and two young guys without a lot of time at the NHL level and still have to grow up and a young stud prospect. For every McCoy, Grimes, Alexander and David on this team you have a Conte, J Evans, Hargreaves and McClain. Needless we are paper thin on defense.
Without injuries we can win up to 10 or 11 games. But more than likely I think we're going suffer a few injuries like every team in the league and we finish 8-8.