The Buccaneers' 2-14 record the year before delivered them the top pick in the 2015 draft and they used it on a potential franchise quarterback in Florida State's Jameis Winston. The team also gave their rookie quarterback, who would take every offensive snap, improved protection with the second-round selections of tackle Donovan Smith and guard Ali Marpet. Running back Doug Martin returned to his rookie form with a 1,400-yard season that earned him All-Pro honors and Mike Evans had his second 1,000-yard season in as many years. Overall, Tampa Bay's offense ranked fifth in the NFL, at the time the highest finish in franchise history, producing over 6,000 total yards. The Bucs' defense also ranked 10th in yards allowed but that was a misleading statistic as the unit struggled mightily on third downs and in the red zone and allowed the seventh most points in the league. Gerald McCoy landed in the Pro Bowl yet again with an 8.5-sack season and the linebacking duo of Lavonte David and Kwon Alexander was among the most productive in the league, but the return of the Cover Two defense under Head Coach Lovie Smith failed to reproduce the glory days. After a 3-5 start, the Buccaneers won three of four to get back into the playoff race at 6-6. However, the season ended with a four-game losing streak and Smith was let go after just two seasons at the helm.
