NFL team needs: Preseason week 3

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Aug 24, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) throws a pass after being hit by Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Josh Shaw (26) as Geno Atkins (97) tries to block the pass during the second quarter of a preseason NFL football game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Offensive Line

Last night’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals exposed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive line issues. The starting group struggled to provide Jameis Winston with proper time in the pocket.

They also had a large number of penalties which put the offense behind the chains. These problems along the offensive line do not create an ideal situation for a young quarterback. Winston already started to show some poor habits after he took a hit that caused some limping.

After that hit, Winston let the pressure impact his mechanics and decision making. On one play, he failed to step into his throw releasing the ball too early and into coverage.

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The problem areas along the offensive line start with rookies Donovan Smith and Ali Marpet. Both are talented players with upside, but need time to adjust. The only real hope the Buccaneers have for in-season improvement is the development of the young starters and eventual return of the injured Demar Dotson.

They recently signed veteran Gosder Cherilus as a potential fill in for Dotson, but it’s unknown how much he has left in the tank.

The 2016 draft features several strong offensive tackle prospects such as Ole Miss’s Laremy Tunsil and Notre Dame’s Ronnie Stanley who’d be welcomed additions in Tampa Bay. Adding a stud left tackle prospect would allow the Buccaneers to slide Donovan Smith inside to guard or over to right tackle where his skills better project.

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