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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are geared up for a Super Bowl run.
The additions of Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski automatically puts them in the conversation for the Super Bowl even as the coronavirus outbreak has limited the amount of time the two competitors have spent with their teammates over the summer.
Brady and Gronkowski are seasoned veterans with plenty of experience, and fitting into Bruce Arians’ offense shouldn’t be that hard for either of them. The Buccaneers made the two splashiest moves of the offseason and it’s no wonder why they are among the favorites to win it all.
Outside those two guys, Tampa Bay is loaded. Mike Evans and Chris Godwin both had more than 1,000 yards receiving last year. The Bucs’ rushing attack includes Ronald Jones III, LeSean McCory and rookie Ke’Shawn Vaughn. First-round pick Tristan Wirfs is a behemoth tackle who is expected to start Week 1. The Buccaneers added Leonard Fournette before the start of the season but he wasn't projected to start right away.
On defense, Shaq Barrett leads the charge. Barrett had a breakout season with a league-leading 19.5 sacks in his first season with Tampa Bay. Add him to Ndamukong Suh, Vita Vea and Devin White and opposing teams are going to have a hard time getting the ball out quickly.
The NFC South is extremely competitive and the Buccaneers are only the tip of the iceberg in the division.
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5 THINGS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED
- TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS' ALL-TIME MOUNT RUSHMORE: 4 BEST PLAYERS IN FRANCHISE HISTORY
- TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS 2020 SCHEDULE: 3 INTRIGUING MATCHUPS
- TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS: EACH NFL DRAFT 2020 SELECTION
- TOM BRADY THINKS ‘FOOTBALL’S FUN AGAIN’ AFTER LEAVING PATRIOTS FOR BUCCANEERS
- ROB GRONKOWSKI REVEALS WHY HE DECIDED TO COME OUT OF RETIREMENT
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NEW ADDITION HIGHLIGHT: TOM BRADY
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws a pass during an NFL football training camp practice Friday, Aug. 28, 2020, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Tom Brady is bringing his six Super Bowl rings to the Buccaneers after 20 seasons with the New England Patriots in a move that shocked NFL fans earlier this year.
Brady is looking to follow what Peyton Manning did in the latter stages of his career: win a Super Bowl title as the starting quarterback of two different teams. Neither Joe Montana nor Joe Namath accomplished the feat.
Upon signing the deal, Brady posted a photo on Instagram with a statement.
“Excited, humble and hungry ...if there is one thing I have learned about football, it’s that nobody cares what you did last year or the year before that...you earn the trust and respect of those around through your commitment every single day,” he wrote on Instagram.
“I’m starting a new football journey and thankful for the @buccaneers for giving me an opportunity to do what I love to do. I look forward to meeting all my new teammates and coaches and proving to them that they can believe and trust in me...I have always believed that well done is better than well said, so I’m gonna not gonna say much more - I’m just gonna get to work!”
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PROJECTED STARTERS
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2020 first-round draft pick offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs works against a blocking sled during an NFL football training camp practice Monday, Aug. 24, 2020, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Offense: Tom Brady (QB), Ronald Jones III (RB), Mike Evans (WR), Chris Godwin (WR), Scotty Miller (WR), Rob Gronkowski (TE), Donovan Smith (OT), Ali Marpet (OG), Ryan Jensen (C), Alex Cappa (OG), Tristan Wirfs (OT)
Defense: Ndamukong Suh (DE), Vita Vea (NT), William Gholston (DE), Jason Pierre-Paul (LB), Devin White (LB), Lavonte David (LB), Shaq Barrett (LB), Carlton Davis (CB), Antoine Winfield Jr. (S), Jordan Whitehead (S), Sean Murphy-Bunting (CB)
Special Teams: Ryan Succop (K), Bradley Pinion (P)
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2020 BUCCANEERS SCHEDULE (all times Eastern)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) makes a catch during an NFL football training camp practice Friday, Aug. 28, 2020, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Week 1: @ Saints (9/13; 4:25 pm)
Week 2: Panthers (9/20; 1 pm)
Week 3: @ Broncos (9/27; 4:25 pm)
Week 4: Chargers (10/4; 1 pm)
Week 5: @ Bears (10/8; 8:20 pm)
Week 6: Packers (10/18; 4:25 pm)
Week 7: @ Raiders (10/25; 8:20 pm)
Week 8: @ Giants (11/2; 8:15 pm)
Week 9: Saints (11/8; 8:20 pm)
Week 10: @ Panthers (11/15; 1 pm)
Week 11: Rams (11/23; 8:15 pm)
Week 12: Chiefs (11/29; 4:25 pm)
Week 13: BYE
Week 14: Vikings (12/13; 1 pm)
Week 15: @ Falcons (12/20; 1 pm)
Week 16: @ Lions (12/27; TBD)
Week 17: Falcons (1/3; 1 pm)
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ODDS
To win the Super Bowl: +1400
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Odds courtesy of Vegas Insider.
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