The Tampa Bay Buccaneers finished last in the NFC South last season, their fifth consecutive year at the bottom of the division. At 6-10, the Bucs improved four games in 2015 but it wasn’t enough to keep head coach Lovie Smith, offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter has been named as Smith’s replacement.

Initially set up for a much improved season, Tampa Bay was 6-6 in Week 12 but dropped the final four games of the year. Tampa Bay was however decent in divisional play, defeating the Falcons twice and splitting with the Saints to go 3-3 overall. The Falcons lost two close games to the Bucs in 2015, in overtime at home and via a late game touchdown on the road; hopefully the tides turn in 2016. As we conclude our trip around the NFC South we examine the Buccaneers and take a close look at what to expect in 2016.

LAST YEAR: 6-10, NFC South (3-3) 4th Place

KEY DEPARTURES: G-Logan Mankins, K-Connor Barth, CB-Sterling Moore, CB-Mike Jenkins

KEY ADDITIONS: G-J.R. Sweezy, DE-Robert Ayers Jr., CB-Brent Grimes, CB-Josh Robinson

DRAFT PICKS: CB-Vernon Hargreaves III, DE-Noah Spence, K-Roberto Aguayo, DB-Ryan Smith, T-Caleb Benenoch, LB-Devonte Bond, FB-Dan Vitale

AROUND COVER32

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The Buccaneers improved last year with a rookie quarterback that has drawn comparison to a fellow divisional quarterback who just happened to be the league MVP last season. Keeping Jameis Winston with a familiar coach following his successful rookie year aided in Koetter landing the head coaching vacancy. That said, Koetter now has a more experienced Winston and an improving defense to help keep them in games. The Buccaneers also return a dominating run game that will aid not only in production but both wearing down opponents and the clock.

There are some high expectations for the new head coach and Winston as they enter their second season together but improving in the division will be tough. Unfortunately, a tough out of conference schedule with the AFC West (Denver, Kansas City, San Diego, Oakland) and in the NFC (Seattle, Los Angeles, Arizona, San Francisco) won’t improve the record regardless of team improvement. The Falcons should avenge at least one of their two losses this season contributing to the Buccaneers’ sixth consecutive season at the bottom of the division.

PROJECTION: 6-10, NFC South (3-3) 4th Place

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