Whatever the expectations Bucs followers have of the workforce this season, there’s one former participant who has loads of optimism about their outlook. That participant is famous Bucs cornerback – and one of many latest members of the Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame – Ronde Barber. 

On the Pewter Report Podcast three weeks in the past, Barber dived into many subjects about his time with the workforce and the present state of the Buccaneers. In discussing the workforce, he nonetheless sees them as being greater than capable of compete primarily based on all of the expertise that continues to be in Tampa Bay.

Ronde Barber Sees Bucs In A Place “To Win – And Win Now”

The purpose of the Bucs not being a Tremendous Bowl contender anymore has been all however drilled into the fan base. However regardless of the lack of Tom Brady, Ronde Barber believes there are many components to piece collectively a profitable soccer workforce.

Bucs QB Tom Brady – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR

“Let’s be sincere, this workforce mortgaged themselves fairly closely to be within the place they have been within the final three years,” Barber mentioned.” They gained a Tremendous Bowl, made the playoffs – they might have gone back-to-back. It labored; this has been a franchise that has been on the low finish of expectations for a very long time. The strikes that Jason and his guys made actually put this workforce ready to win – and win now. That’s what they wanted to do. So dropping one of the best quarterback of all time would presumably imply that they’re going to take a step again.”

Common supervisor Jason Licht lately admitted that he did some Greenback Retailer buying to usher in some gamers on upside offers. The largest of these being quarterback Baker Mayfield, security Ryan Neal, defensive sort out Greg Gaines, and offensive linemen Matt Feiler, amongst others. Every has an opportunity at being a starter or a key contributor at a low price.

Even Licht’s greater expenditures – cornerback Jamel Dean and outdoors linebacker Anthony Nelson – can doubtlessly present surplus worth. The hope is that these additions and re-signings will complement the core already in place.

Ronde Barber: “There’s Nonetheless A Complete Lot Of Proficient Gamers On This Group”

Bucs WRs Mike Evans and Chris Godwin – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR

“As I have a look at it, there’s nonetheless an entire lot of gifted gamers on this workforce,” Ronde Barber mentioned. “Lots of gifted gamers. I imply, on offense, you possibly can identify [about] 5 guys that could possibly be thought of the tops of their positions.

“Each extensive receivers [Mike Evans and Chris Godwin], clearly if Tristan Wirfs is pretty much as good at left sort out as he’s at proper sort out. He’s the most effective gamers within the league of all positions. Ryan Jensen was coming off a Professional Bowl 12 months earlier than he acquired damage.”

That isn’t to say there aren’t any considerations on the offensive facet of the ball. The offense had Evans, Godwin, and Wirfs surrounding Tom Brady final season – and people have been the one actual vibrant spots. The hope is that the quarterback scenario doesn’t sink the ship and that the Bucs are really adequate to beat the query marks.

“I have a look at the quarterback scenario and say – if that place will get proper, if Dave Canales figures out the right way to make this pleasant for whoever is enjoying quarterback there – this could possibly be a very good offensive workforce” Barber mentioned.”I do know they’ve questions upfront. 4 guys enjoying new positions. Who cares? This workforce is sweet sufficient to determine this out. I believe Luke Goedeke going to proper sort out might be a profit for him. He was in all probability extra suited to that place regardless that he didn’t match that “mould.” He is perhaps actually good at sort out, and we’ll get an opportunity to see that.”

Might There Be Devin White-Ronde Barber Parallels?

Bucs LB Devin White – Picture courtesy of Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Ronde Barber dove deeper in evaluating a facet of the ball he is aware of only a bit higher – the protection.

“Then you definitely have a look at the opposite facet of the ball, a [combination of] two of one of the best center linebackers in soccer,” Barber mentioned. “Devin [White] didn’t play his finest 12 months final 12 months, however he’s a hell of a participant. Nice athlete, and when he figures out when he desires to be one of the best linebacker in soccer, he would be the finest linebacker in soccer. I mentioned that going into final 12 months’s preseason, I’ll say the identical factor. Lavonte [David] is so constant, and if Shaq Barrett is available in and a minimum of will get midway again to what he was, they’re higher up entrance.”

What stands out on this remark is the potential parallel White has to Barber. It was not till Bucs defensive backs coach Mike Tomlin helped propel Barber by embedding inside him the idea that he might turn into greater than he thought was potential earlier than the 2001 season.

Earlier than that 12 months, Barber was nonetheless making an attempt to hold on, and whereas the buds have been there, he had not really blossomed. When he determined to flip the swap and develop into one of the best model of himself, he set the stage for his Corridor of Fame profession.

He recorded a league-leading ten interceptions in 2001 and was key to placing the Bucs’ protection on the map. In doing so, he additionally turned a “prototype” for his place.

Connecting this again to White, there is no such thing as a doubt he could possibly be a particular participant and have his finest soccer nonetheless forward of him. He has proven it in flashes, however like Barber pre-2001, it has not all come collectively simply but.

Taking part in on the fifth 12 months possibility of his rookie contract, it will serve White properly to raise his play to a different stage and get his payday. All of these instruments are in his toolbox to develop into one of the best inside linebacker in soccer. He has lately been humbled, and his focus is now on the season after his commerce request didn’t result in a brand new deal or vacation spot.

Legendary Bucs CB Ronde Barber – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR

The query that looms massive concerning White is: How badly does he need to be one of the best? Is he greater than only a flickering gentle bulb, or can his skills illuminate and keep on for each recreation this season? That may decide his trajectory, identical to it did for Barber when he noticed himself at a profession crossroads.

Discussing the secondary, Barber thinks that “Carlton Davis and Jamel Dean are an important mixture at nook. Can they get extra turnovers? Completely. You possibly can considerably depend on them to be sturdy game-in and game-out. Antoine Winfield Jr. might be a top-ten security within the league.” 

Barber concluded by mentioning how the latest sky-high expectations must some extent distorted the predictions that the workforce will crash and burn again to Earth.

“There are good gamers on this roster, it’s simply the expectations of Tremendous Bowl, playoffs, playoffs have everyone considering they’re in for a significant [regression],” Barber mentioned.”

Ronde Barber Is Bullish On Baker Mayfield’s Expertise

When the Bucs come out of the tunnel at Raymond James Stadium for his or her preseason opener towards the Steelers, will probably be Baker Mayfield’s time to shine underneath the Tampa Bay solar that he thinks is hotter than Cancun. Whereas some see Mayfield as a bust who didn’t pan out in Cleveland, struggled mightily in Carolina, and had a short cup of espresso in Los Angeles, Barber doesn’t see it that method.

Bucs OC Dave Canales and QB Baker Mayfield – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR

As a substitute, he sees a participant coming into a extra favorable scenario than he had in earlier stops. Not solely is he enjoying in a extra quarterback-friendly offense, however his supporting forged and assured character could enable him to completely showcase what made him the primary total choose again in 2018.

“Baker Mayfield, to be sincere with you, might be in a greater scenario than he was in, not solely in Carolina however perhaps in Cleveland,” Barber mentioned. “He performed for an important coach for a month when he was in L.A. [in Sean McVay], and I believe we noticed on the finish of the 12 months, Baker’s a gamer. You simply acquired to place him ready to work along with his strengths. I don’t assume they did that in Cleveland. I didn’t research him sufficient to actually know, however I understand how gifted he’s.

“He’s a gifted man, and he’s acquired an important character. A dude’s dude. He’s gained over the locker room, it looks like he’s as comfy right here as he’s ever been in some other place. I don’t know that for a truth, nevertheless it looks as if he’s comfy right here. I believe he’s prepared for this competitors with Kyle, and I wouldn’t be shocked if he comes out on high of it, however that’s what preseason is for. I’m trying ahead to overlaying that side of this workforce.”

Whether or not it’s Mayfield or Kyle Trask who comes out victorious within the quarterback competitors, the speak of the Bucs reverting again to dropping is one thing Barber doesn’t see. He has a legitimate case.

“My primary level is – who else within the NFC South can take this by the horns and go?” Barber mentioned.

Watch Ronde Barber On The Pewter Report Podcast

Bucs legend Ronde Barber joined Scott Reynolds and Matt Matera to debate his Corridor of Fame profession in addition to the present 2023 Bucs on a latest episode of the Pewter Report Podcast.