If the first episode of the 2017 version of Hard Knocks is any indication, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are ready to contend for a playoff berth.
"Teams are like rockets," head coach Dirk Koetter said in the film room during Tuesday's show. "Most of the work has to happen beforehand. Once the rocket launches, it's incredibly difficult to change its course midflight. That's what we're doing right now: We're launching the 2017 Tampa Bay Buccaneers."
No player is better equipped to launch the Buccaneers into the playoffs than quarterback Jameis Winston, and the episode quickly transitioned into a behind-the-scenes look at the franchise cornerstone.