Cleveland Browns vs. Bucs: Q&A with The Pewter Plank

Aug 24, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) reacts against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Cleveland Browns will take to the road for the first time when they travel to Raymond James Stadium on Saturday night for a preseason friendly with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Tampa Bay is 1-1 so far in the preseason as they work to bring quarterback Jameis Winston, the No. 1 overall selection in this year’s NFL Draft, up to speed in time for the season opener on Sept. 13.

To learn a little bit more about the team the Browns will face at 7 p.m., we reached out to David Rumsey (@David_Bucs), co-editor of The Pewter Plank, for a Q&A on the current state of the Buccaneers.

Question: How is the Jameis Winston experience going?

David: Obviously everybody is really excited to have Jameis Winston playing quarterback for the Bucs. Everything during training camp was really positive, but then he struggled against the Vikings in his first preseason game. He managed a scoring drive, but that was against the second-string defense.

He looked a whole lot better against the Bengals, going 80 yards for a score on the opening drive. If not for a ton of offensive penalties, I think he would have had another touchdown drive. Overall, I’m pleased with his progress so far.

Question: Head coach Lovie Smith is taking over the defensive play calling this season. Will that be enough to help a defense that finished 25th overall in the 32-team and allowed an average of 25.6 points per game, eighth most in the NFL, in 2014?

David: The Bucs were learning a new defense last year and definitely struggled, although they did end up 18th in defensive DVOA by the end of the season. Defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier told the media on Thursday that he’s fine with Lovie Smith taking over the majority of the play calling because it is Smith’s defense, after all.

Rookie Kwon Alexander has really been impressing everyone and has earned the starting middle linebacker job. It really comes down to the pass rush, though. If the Bucs front four can create pressure, then the rest of the defense will look a whole lot better.

Question: With Josh McCown taking over as Cleveland’s starting quarterback we have to ask: How much of last season was on McCown, and how much was the poor offensive line and lack of running game?

David: The Bucs has a ton of issues surrounding their offense last year. Offensive coordinator Jef Tedford resigned right before the season, Doug Martin wasn’t healthy and the offensive line was dreadful.

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However, I can’t say that I would want Josh McCown back as quarterback even with better surroundings. Too often he tried to be the hero and force throws that weren’t there. He’s got a decent arm and he can actually scramble pretty well, but I don’t think he can make the team around him better.

If I was a Browns fan, I would definitely want to see Johnny Manziel start at quarterback if healthy.

Question: What can we expect to see from the Buccaneers on Saturday night?

David: The Buccaneers plan to play their starters into the third quarter on Saturday night, as is customary for most teams in the third preseason game. Mike Evans won’t be playing due to a hamstring injury, but the rest of the offense should be on display. Winston showed a lot of progress between games one and two, so we are expecting another jump this week.

Defensively, look to see if the Bucs can get pressure on McCown when only rushing four players. I think it should be a pretty evenly matched game.

Next: Did Buffalo reveal Josh McCown's kryptonite?

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Browns vs. Bucs: 4 questions with The Pewter Plank

By Thomas Moore | Aug 28, 2015

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