Panthers Coach Believes Bucs Will Be ‘Very Competitive’

When NFC South teams take the field against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2019, they’ll have a different site to see on the field and on the sidelines.

They’ll see a team more confident in knowing who their quarterback is for one. If all plans go right, they’ll also witness and face an improved rushing attack.

Defensively, the staff has already been upgraded and player additions are sure to come in the next few months via free-agency and the NFL Draft.

And at least one NFC South rival coach believes the addition of Bruce Arians and his staff is going to help the roster become as competitive as Bucs fans had hoped in years past.

Asked about what Arians’ presence brings to the division at the NFL Scouting Combine, Rivera said,

“Well, I think what he does - you saw what he did in Arizona - that’s a very dynamic offensive attack. I know that they’ve shored up their defensive staff as well. They’ve got some quality players. I think they’re going to become a very competitive team in an already competitive division. So I think he’s going to bring a lot to the table.”

Of course, expectations don’t always lead to results. But coming into 2019 with the expectation of improvement is a positive step forward no matter what.

Knowing that opposing coaches recognize the same potential displays the respect Arians has built through the league over his career, and can give fans of the franchise some confidence in their excitement.