2017 NFL Power Rankings: Preseason Edition
16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 0.45 nERD
We've got a three-way tie for 16th in the league. The first team included in that trio is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who have the sixth-toughest schedule in 2017.
After five straight seasons with a nERD below -2.12, the Bucs got to 0.43 (18th in the NFL) in 2016. The lopsided offense ranked 19th; they were 10th in Adjusted Passing NEP per play but just 30th in rushing. Doug Martin is apparently in great shape, but he struggled significantly in 2016, relative to Jacquizz Rodgers.
Jameis Winston increased his Passing NEP per drop back from 0.13 to 0.15 and his Success Rate from 47.86% to 49.83% in his sophomore season. With the presence of Mike Evans and additions of DeSean Jackson and O.J. Howard, the passing game could be the real strength of the team.
Their defensive strength was also against the pass, as they were 13th overall -- 7th against the pass, and 23rd against the run. Brent Grimes played well in 2016, leading to Vernon Hargreaves III being peppered with targets.
Tampa Bay finished 9-7 despite a -15 point differential in 2016, and our numbers project them to flirt with the NFL average again in 2017.
