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Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Overall: 91
Title track: T34
Ownership: 80
Coaching: T76
Players: 98
Fan relations: 97
Affordability: 57
Stadium experience: 84
Bang for the buck: 104
Change from last year: -7
Last year, the most interesting thing that was happening with the Bucs was the discussion of whom they'd take with the first pick in the NFL draft. That's what happens when your historically bad team is playing ... historically badly (the 2-14 record was worst since 1986). But despite a slight drop in our standings, the Bucs didn't bottom out like they did on the field. That's a start.
What's good
The Bucs ranked 91st overall, but they did finish strong in several categories. They tied for 34th in title track, which ranks how likely it is for a franchise to win a championship in the lifetime of its fans. That's likely in large part because most of our voters were alive in 2002, the year of the Bucs' only Super Bowl title. But there also is some optimism that the team's losing ways will change soon. The team believes it has its first franchise quarterback in Jameis Winston, and he's surrounded by a nucleus of young players. The other category in which the Bucs had a strong showing was affordability, at 57th (up 22 spots from last year). The Bucs' $63.59 average ticket price is more than $20 cheaper than the league average, and cheaper than all but two other seats in the league.
What's bad
The Bucs scored low in several areas. They finished 98th in player likability and effort on the field and 97th in fan relations. The likability rating is understandable given that the team doesn't have a true superstar (although Winston could develop into one). But team officials bristle at both of those rankings, and their points are valid. The Bucs are very fan-friendly. During training camp, the players sign autographs for 15 minutes after practice. The Bucs also are proud of their community-relations program. They're very active in the community and have a steady stream of events. But the Bucs can't really argue their low ranking in bang for the buck (104th). That's based on wins last year compared with fan dollars spent. It's hard to do well in this category when you win only two games.
What's new
The team's biggest decline from last year was in the coaching category, in which the Bucs fell 35 spots. Last year, there was excitement about the arrival of coach Lovie Smith, who once took the Bears to the Super Bowl. But last year's 2-14 record knocked Smith down quite a bit. He's still supported by ownership, but he needs to start winning soon, or he's going to be on the hot seat.
Next: Miami Dolphins | Full rankings