2018 NFL Power Rankings: Eagles no longer on top after Week 2 of preseason
By Dan Parzych
25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
One year after falling just shy of earning a trip to the playoffs, last season was supposed to consist of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers taking the next step to becoming a serious contender in the NFC, which wasn’t the case at all. Instead of being a top contender, the Buccaneers went on to win just five games in 2017, and while the talent is there to compete this upcoming season, the team still faces plenty of obstacles.
Winning two games on the road to start the preseason has been a big step for Tampa Bay, but the biggest challenge is going to come in September when the team plays their first three games without Jameis Winston. Adjusting to playing without their beloved quarterback as a result of a suspension is beyond frustrating for a team like the Buccaneers since the pressure was already on to get back on the winning track, and to top it off, all three games are against playoff teams from last year.
On a positive note, at least Winston shined against the Tennessee Titans over the weekend after completing 13 of 18 passes for 226 yards with two touchdowns. Preseason or not, just the fact that Winston looked this good is a great sign for Tampa Bay.