Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 4 Biggest Takeaways from the 1st Week of Training Camp

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have gotten off to a great start at training camp, beating the heat as they prepare for their first season with Greg Schiano as head coach. 

The reports from One Buc Place have been largely positive, besides for a few minor injuries. 

Here are the four biggest takeaways from the first week of training camp.

Vincent Jackson Is a Monster

Like we already didn't know. 

When the Bucs signed the former Charger for $11 million a year, many were skeptical about the value in the contract. Jackson has broken 1,000 yards receiving only three times in seven years, and never reached 10 touchdowns. 

At the same time, Jackson was one of the best deep threats in the NFL. Over his career, he has averaged 17.5 yards per catch, which is more than Arizona WR Larry Fitzgerald managed in a single season. 

Since training camp began, Jackson has been wowing fans and coaches alike with his size and his hands. He and quarterback Josh Freeman are already showing chemistry.

Freeman has never had a true No.1 wideout, a man who can stretch the field and catch it short. Heck, Freeman hasn't even had a vertical threat. 

In addition to on-field play, Jackson has been setting an example for the young Buccaneer wide receivers. Tampa Bay has a lot of third- and fourth-year WRs who have struggled in the past due to the lack of a veteran presence among the receivers.

Put all this together, and the Bucs might actually have gotten a bargain.

Myron Lewis Impresses

Although the Bucs grabbed Eric Wright in the offseason and will return Aqib Talib, a common concern for fans was a lack depth at the cornerback position. 

This concern was amplified when fourth-year man EJ Biggers broke his foot early in training camp. 

Fortunately, Myron Lewis really stepped up in Biggers' absence. 

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The most impressive of the DBs, however, had to be Myron Lewis. The third-year corner, who has battled injuries his first two seasons, was strong on Thursday, knocking down a pass, then leaping to make an interception on a pass intended for Vincent Jackson. BucsScene.blogs.theledger.com

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Myron Lewis hasn't shown much potential thus far into his NFL career, but he's starting to make a name for himself.

He might even make a push for nickelback.

As Does Demar Dotson

Biggers' injury didn't affect the starting lineup at all. 

But when Donald Penn fell to a calf injury, someone had to take his starting job at left tackle.

That someone was Demar Dotson, a fourth-year OT out of Southern Mississippi.

Dotson has stepped up to the plate, performing admirably in a position at which he has limited experience. 

If he can do this well at left tackle, it would make sense for him to challenge Jeremy Trueblood on the right side once Penn returns.

Doug Martin Lives Up to First-Round Status

When Ray Rice's former coach gives you a thumbs-up, you know you've got it made.

Let it be said that Greg Schiano did not make the Ray Rice-Doug Martin comparisons himself; those came from teammate Davin Joseph.

Still, the praise is very noteworthy.

Since leaving Rutgers for the NFL, Rice has accumulated over 6,500 total yards in just four seasons. His yards-per-carry average is a very impressive 4.6.

Martin is currently in the middle of a RB battle with two-year veteran LeGarrette Blount, the Bucs' leading rusher for the past two seasons.

A victory for Martin would be great for the Bucs, as it would mean that Martin is better than Blount, who is a solid running back in his own right.

With two good RBs on the roster, Tampa Bay would be set up for years of ground domination.