TAMPA, Fla. -- With Friday here, it's time to revisit some of the major themes around the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this week:
1. Jameis Winston's youthful energy is an asset. Sure, his outlook could change as he evolves from a wide-eyed rookie to a bruised, grizzled veteran. Sure, he doesn't know what he doesn't know about NFL life, which only can be learned through time. But there's something about his excitement in playing against J.J. Watt -- and opposite Drew Brees this past Sunday -- that seems fresh and interesting, no matter what you think of Winston's off-the-field baggage. Good for coach Lovie Smith to admit this Thursday, when he said, "It's just raw emotion that you're hearing. Jameis is a football fan." For a franchise that has seen questionable commitment in recent years from one quarterback (Josh Freeman) and tears from another (Josh McCown), Winston's demeanor is like a gust of wind through a stale room.
2. We'll learn much more about the Bucs' offensive line in Houston. If Watt, Vince Wilfork and others are allowed to become comfortable in the backfield, the Bucs' offense might melt faster than a scoop of ice cream in the searing Texas heat. There are reasons to wonder if Tampa Bay's line will be up for what should be one of its stiffest challenges of the season. The Bucs have allowed Winston to be sacked seven times and hit on 11 occasions. Only the Titans (nine), Bills (eight) and Seahawks (eight) have allowed their quarterbacks to be dropped more often. On Wednesday, offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter stressed the need to protect the rookie, a theme that should linger throughout the fall. The Texans have four sacks, with three from Watt. Don't be surprised to see that total jump in a noticeable way Sunday. The Bucs' success will hinge on the offensive line's ability to deflect ample threats.
3. Mike Evans' improving health is good news for Tampa Bay. We won't learn the full scope of Koetter's offense until the second-year wide receiver can be used at max capacity. Evans revealed he was on a "pitch count" in Week 2 as his recovery from a hamstring injury continued. He was limited to 40 of his team's 66 snaps in a victory over the Saints. Obviously, a "full-go" Evans will be more of a threat that what he showed at the Superdome, where he was held without a catch. This season, Evans' task should be displaying an ability to evolve as defenses give him more respect. After totaling a combined 458 yards receiving in Weeks 9 through 11 last year, he was held to 54 or fewer yards receiving in each of his last six games. The Bucs must discover ways to make him leave an impression.
4. The Bucs' defense must be wary of becoming complacent. With running back Arian Foster ruled out for Sunday because of a lingering groin injury, the Bucs must still give the Texans' offense the respect it deserves. Yes, Houston's running game is 24th in the NFL with just 79.5 rushing yards per game. But the Texans rank eighth in passing, averaging 268.5 yards. Cornerback Alterraun Verner put it best Thursday when he said the Bucs aren't in a position to take anyone lightly. Houston quarterback Ryan Mallett isn't Brees, and Chris Polk and Alfred Blue aren't on Foster's level. But Tampa Bay's defense can't afford to be caught sleepwalking.
5. A 2-1 record might not be a reason to drop confetti, but winning Sunday would provide the Bucs with a psychological boost. It's hard to believe, but Tampa Bay last held a winning record within a season when it was 6-5 before playing the Broncos in Week 13 of the 2012 campaign. The Bucs were 6-4 that year, only to lose five of their next six games in coach Greg Schiano's first season. Since, the Bucs have bumbled below the .500 mark, a span of surreal struggle that has seen Schiano and general manager Mark Dominik fired, coach Lovie Smith and general manager Jason Licht hired and a hot-mess 2-14 campaign last year. No one will peg Tampa Bay as a Super Bowl contender if the Bucs win Sunday. But overcoming this mental hurdle would be significant.