Team Previews: Buccaneers
The Buccaneers begin the season with a bit of intrigue. After all, they are probably the most underachieving team of the past four seasons (Washington is close, but
Tampa won a Super Bowl and has promptly done nothing since, save a lone playoff appearance due to a weak schedule.) So, before training camp begins, NFL 2007 will take a look at the Bucs as they stand for the rest of the off-season.
Defense
The
Tampa defense has been one of the best over the past decade, but their decline was noticeable last season. The age of their key players has been well documented, as has been their restocking during free agency and the draft. Whatever happens, one thing is for sure: A noticeably younger defense will take the field come opening day.
The defensive line will add two new faces: Kevin Carter and Gaines Adams. Most sites and columns have Carter penciled as the starter, but don’t expect it. The 4th picked player in the draft will start opening day, and Carter will be relegated to work on the interior, or to spell Adams or Simeon Rice. If Rice can come back from his off-season surgery and play at an elite level again, teams will have a lot of difficulty choosing who to double team. Chris Hovan is back from a solid year, and Ellis Wyms, although on shaky ground, is returning for another year. Aside from Carter, the Bucs also brought in Rien Sims from
Kansas City to push or replace Wyms. In short, this line has the ability to be one of the best in the league, if not the best. Expect to see Adams, Hovan, Carter and Rice lining up on opening day, while Sims is a darkhorse.
Not to be left out is the linebacking corps. Derrick Brooks returns in good shape, and his fire is burning as brightly as ever. Added to the mix is Cato June, a perfect compliment on the strong side who excels in the Tampa-2 scheme. The two will take away a lot of field for opposing quarterbacks and help the run defense well. The big question mark is the inside linebacker. Barrett Ruud takes the starting position by default, but don’t be surprised if Quincy Black wrests it away from him by opening day. Ruud is a bit slower than the coaching staff would like, but has decent awareness and skills. Black, though, might fit in perfectly for the defense. His speed is exactly what they have been looking for, and his athleticism is well-documented. He’s a bit small for most teams, but he fits well for the Bucs’ scheme. His mental skills will be tested extensively in training camp and the pre-season.
The Bucs’ defensive backfield is also going through some changes. Outside of the two starters, Ronde Barber and Brian Kelly, there is little talent – save Philip Buchanon. The issues arise mainly with Barber and Kelly being 32 and 31. Those aren’t exactly prime ages for the position. Another problem is Kelly’s discontent with his contract and his being vocal about wanting out of
Tampa. Both corners are still very good at what they do, even thought they’ve gotten a little slower over the years. Expect to see Buchanon given a chance to resurrect his career. If the coaches are comfortable with him, Kelly could be shipped off. Buchannon’s blazing speed would be a nice addition to an already quick defense.
As for the safeties, expect a lot of changes. For now, Will Allen and Jermaine Phillips are manning the safety positions. Neither have really lived up to their potential, but the coaches do seem to be more impressed with Allen. There have been reports that he may be moved back to strong safety to allow Sabby Piscitelli, a second round selection, to move into the starting free safety slot. Most think he is very ready to start and will provide an immediate upgrade at a spot that has been of concern since John Lynch left.
Offense
This unit is probably under even more scrutiny than the defense. Talent exists, for sure, but it’s the ability of each player to live up to their talent that seems to be lacking. Whether or not Gruden can finally get his offense to work remains to be seen. One thing is for sure, however: It’s going to be an interesting pre-season.
When Chris Simms went down with a ruptured spleen early last season, the Bucs’ season was lost. Not that it was any better while Simms was leading the team. But a clear lack of depth behind him sunk an already listing ship. To be sure that doesn’t happen again, the Bucs brought in Jake Plummer and Jeff Garcia. As we all know, Plummer says he’s finished. But Garcia may have something still left in the tank. He’s the type of quarterback Gruden loves – fairly mobile, accurate and old – so count on him living up to his word and winning the job.
Not much changed with the running back situation. Cadillac Williams is still around, and Mike Alstott has returned for what is seemingly his 90th season. Michael Pittman adds great depth and third down ability. Ken Darby, the Bucs’ 7th round pick, is a bit of a wild-card. He was a great runner at
Alabama, and anyone who saw his games knows that he could be a difference maker. He doesn’t have great speed, but his determination is what strikes most people – the kid never gives up. Don’t expect much from him this year, but keep an eye on him in the pre-season workouts and games. Pittman is 32, and Graham shouldn’t be a #2. If any injuries occur, Darby could be used.
The problem with the running game last year was centered around the passing game. In nearly every game eight men were in the box to stop Cadillac. The reason was two-fold: First, they never really had a quarterback that could deliver the ball consistently. Second, their receivers were hardly open. Joey Galloway is still around and still has speed. A 1000 yard, 7 touchdown season shows he can still play. But he’ll be turning 36 during the season, and you can’t count on him much longer. Michael Clayton was again the victim of nagging injuries, and he cannot afford to suffer from the injuries and mental mistakes he made last year. A team simply cannot live with a second receiver averaging under three receptions per game. He may be challenged this year by Maurice Stovall, who showed signs of progress in the four games that Clayton missed. Also returning is Ike Hilliard, who still has great hands but is no burner. David Boston was re-signed this year after being released before the pre-season last year. He may make an impact if he can make the team. The team does have capable, if unspectacular tight ends. Anthony Becht and Alex Smith are unheralded pieces of the offense. While not terribly quick, they each have good hands and handle their assignments well. Jerramy Stevens was signed for depth.
The line was also a concern for the team last year. However, experience and upgrades should help this year. Davin Joseph and Jeremy Trueblood, both on the right side, should benefit greatly from last year’s rookie season. Both showed signs of being solid starters, and the experience should turn them into pillars of the line. Luke Petitgout was signed from the Giants in hopes that he can solidify the left tackle position. If his back holds up, he should do so. Dan Beunning returns at left guard, and is developing into a decent starter. John Wade mans the center position. While there is some depth sitting behind these starters, don’t expect any to push for serious time.
Special Teams
Not a lot happened here during the off-season. Matt Bryant was retained after a decent season that included a 62-yard prayer of a field goal. Jeff Bidwell also returns as the punter. Michael Pittman should return as the kickoff returner. He averaged a mediocre 22 yards per return, but he may be pressed by Philip Buchanon for time. Torrie Cox provides depth. Punt return duties belong now to Ike Hilliard. He filled in well enough last year, but he, too, may be replaced by Buchanon, who offers more speed and better running ability.
Final Thoughts
The Bucs were very active this off-season, and the activity should pay off. Their schedule isn’t horribly tough, but they play in a very competitive NFC South. With renewed talent in the rest of the NFC and the AFC South on the schedule, I wouldn’t expect this team to make it into the Playoffs. In fact, another losing season is probably in the works. I have them pegged at 7-9, and that very well may cost Jon Gruden and Bruce Allen their job.
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