The Tampa Bay Buccaneers parted ways with former head coach Lovie Smith because ownership didn't believe his defense was cutting the mustard. They were one of the worst teams in the league last year on third down (46 percent conversion rate) and allowed a 70 percent completion percentage by opposing quarterbacks. They did, however, allow opposing running backs just 3.4 yards per carry, which was second-best in the NFL. This team finished 17th in fantasy points last year because of impact plays like tackles for loss and fumble recoveries.
ESPN Fantasy projection: 35.6 sacks, 18.7 INTs, 8.5 FRs, 4.3 TDs, 395.4 points allowed, 5,795.2 yards allowed, 102.4 points
Over or under: I'm taking the over on sacks, fumble recoveries, points allowed and yards allowed. I think 18.7 interceptions feels about right. This defense already looks vastly improved under Mike Smith. Kwon Alexander and Lavonte David have been turned loose. Robert Ayers, who lines up all across the defensive line, is the X factor. Alterraun Verner is also looking more like the Pro Bowler he was with the Titans in 2013; he's flying to the ball. This group should show quite a bit of improvement over last year, but from a pure fantasy perspective, it's a work in progress.
Special teams-wise, they have not looked good in the preseason. They're still very unsettled at the kick and punt returner positions and Kenny Bell fumbled the first kickoff return of preseason. Then, Roberto Aguayo missed an extra point. Aguayo struggled during his final college season on field goals beyond 40 yards out, going 5-for-10. This is a very shaky group right now, and because of that, I'd steer clear of selecting the Bucs' defense/STs for fantasy.
