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Buccaneers: Who Steps Up to Lead a Playoff Run?

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 2:58 p.m. ET

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Nov 27, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter looks on against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

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Buccaneers fans are in for an exciting final six games of the season. It has been a long time since the Bucs have been relevant in December, but that is exactly what they are in 2016.

After three straight wins, including the last two over the Chiefs and the Seahawks, they are 6-5 and right in the thick of the race. The Bucs find themselves one game behind the Falcons in the NFC South race, and currently seeded seventh overall in the NFC.

All of a sudden the Bucs are garnering attention across the NFL landscape as well they should be. They are coming together at the right time. Playing well in December often leads to football games in January, so it should be an exciting time.

We know the big names, guys like Jameis Winston, Doug Martin, Mike Evans, and Gerald McCoy just to name a few. But so often it comes down to a role player coming up big to lead that run to glory.

So who could that be for the Bucs? This is the topic of conversation in this week’s staff roundtable. Let’s get right to it.

Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Akeem Spence (97) against the Chicago Bears at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Akeem Spence

At a time when the Buccaneer defense is playing its best ball of the year, Akeem Spence hasn’t been much of a force on the defensive line. The argument could be made that his lack of big plays hasn’t hurt Tampa Bay, but if the defense wants to sustain its success, it will need contributions from everyone. At this point in the season, Spence hasn’t been contributing enough.

With the number of injuries that the defensive line has gone through this year, everyone needs to be able to step up at different times. And while the line is currently the healthiest it has been all year, a guy like Spence needs to bring consistent production in order to keep the rest of the guys healthy and fresh. Through 11 games, he only has 16 tackles (eight solo) and one-half sack. Especially with quarterbacks like Philip Rivers, Drew Brees, Dak Prescott and Cam Newton coming up on the schedule, the pass rush needs to be at its best. Spence needs to play a role in that.

–Bailey Adams

Nov 27, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers free safety Bradley McDougald (30) runs past Seattle Seahawks Seattle George Farmer (39) after he intercepts a pass during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Seattle Seahawks 14-5. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Bradley McDougald

With the Bucs appearing ready to make a run at the NFC south they’re going to need contributions from more than just their star players. Their role players will need to step up as well. Bradley McDougald is one in particular. McDougald has had an up and down year much like his young career, but as of late he’s begun to step up and make plays more consistently. Against the Seahawks McDougald made several big plays, including the game sealing interception.McDougald is part of a maligned Buccaneer safety group but the teams defensive turnaround has been largely because of improved play there. With Philip Rivers, Drew Brees (twice), Dak Prescott and Cam Newton left on the schedule the pass defense will be heavily tested, and particularly with Conte out, the play-making responsibility in the deep secondary will fall primarily to McDougald. If McDougald plays the remainder of the season like he has the last couple weeks the Bucs playoff odds will look much better.–Michael Horan Next: The Rookie

Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Ryan Smith (29) against the Chicago Bears at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Ryan Smith

If the Bucs are going to make the playoffs, their entire roster needs to continue to compete at a high level. Both big name and low profile players need to continue to build on what this team has recently done. If I had to pick one low profile player that needs to step up in a big way, I would have to choose safety and kick return specialist Ryan Smith. The rookie fourth round draft pick has not seen a snap on defense this season and has been limited to special teams play. As the current kick return man, Smith has been pretty mediocre so far in 2016.

It’s hard to win in the NFL and just one play may change the outcome of a game… and sometimes a season. If the special teams of the Bucs continues to play well they may help pave a way to the playoffs. If Smith steps up in the return game to help get the offense key starting position, it could lead to some very good things. Imagine what a kick return for a touchdown could do for the mentality of the Bucs? Ryan Smith prove your worth.

–Zach Sauers

Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers free safety Bradley McDougald (30) against the Chicago Bears at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Bradley McDougald

It’s week 13 and the Bucs are one game out of the playoffs. The run could end as quickly as it started though. The Bucs need play makers to keep making plays and the others to step up. The quietest player I believe the Bucs need step up is Bradley McDougald. The Bucs defense has been a force lately allowing three touchdowns in the past three games, one of which was a Hail Mary half ender. The Bucs secondary is definitely not one of the best units this team has and will be tested in the upcoming weeks.

The Bucs will be without recent stand out Chris Conte for the next few weeks and re-signed Major Wright. This shows little confidence in fourth rounder Ryan Smith. The secondary faces Phillip Rivers, Drew Brees x2, Dak Prescott, and Cam Newton in the next five weeks so defense will be crucial over the next few weeks. According to Gil Brandt of NFL.com, McDougald is in the top ten for lowest defensive back burn rate with 48%. If he keeps it up the Bucs should keep playing at a high level. If he were to slip up at all the back-end of the Bucs defense is easy pickings for the likes Brees and Rivers.

–Brian DeFeo

Nov 20, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Alan Cross (45) celebrates after scoring during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Tampa Bay won 19-17. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Alan Cross

One player who will need to step-up in order for the Bucs to make the playoffs is tight end Alan Cross.

He was one of my favorite undrafted guys signed by the Bucs, and I see the potential for him to get more involved as the team makes a push for the playoffs.

Despite being in the NFL for eight seasons, and on the Bucs roster for a third, Brandon Myers has just one more target than Cross to this point. Luke Stocker gets most of his snaps as a blocker, and has just one more catch than the rookie from Memphis.

This tells me there simply isn’t much of an option behind starter Cameron Brate when you look at offensive production. Cross however presents a more athletic option than his fellow back-ups, and provides the best chance to help spread opponents horizontally since the team can’t stretch the field very well vertically.

Giving Jameis Winston some more options in the passing game simply makes sense, and will help the running game just as much as it would the quarterback. If the Bucs want to make the playoffs, they’ll need more than just Mike Evans to move the ball consistently.

–David Harrison

Bradley McDougald

If the Bucs are going to emerge as legitimate playoff contenders down the stretch, the defense has to continue playing as well as they have been in recent weeks. In order to do that we have to see the elevated play of Bradley McDougald continue.

McDougald was outstanding against Seattle. He had a few pass break ups, was active in run defense, and made the game clinching interception near the end zone. Safeties have been a position of weakness for the Bucs, yet Chris Conte and McDougald have stepped up big time.

Playoff teams can’t have liabilities in the secondary. If they do, offenses can shred them with ease. You know the old adage; offense wins games, defense wins championships. That’s why the defensive dominance we’ve seen recently has to continue – and it certainly can – with safeties playing as well as they have.

–James Yarcho

Sep 11, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) throws the ball as tackle Demar Dotson (69) blocks Atlanta Falcons linebacker Vic Beasley (44) in the first quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Demar Dotson

I have said for many years that the offense revolves around the offensive line. When the offensive line plays well, everyone else looks good on the offense. When the offensive line breaks down, nothing works. With the offensive line goes the offense.

We need more out of Demar Dotson. According to Pro Football Focus, Dotson is the 25th ranked tackle in the league, and it shows in the numbers. We know that the Bucs need an effective running game to be at their best. Well, when running behind right tackle, the Bucs are averaging 2.56 yards per carry, and 2.94 yards per carry around right end, according to Football Outsiders. Doug Martin has returned from injury but has not yet been his old self, rushing at a three yards per carry clip. Donovan Smith has been better around the right side (3.81 yards per carry around left end, 2.94 yards per carry behind left tackle). They need more out of Dotson.

–Alan Schechter

You’ve heard from us, now let’s hear from you. Which low profile Buc needs to step up for a big playoff run? Sound off here, on our Facebook page or on Twitter.

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