Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2005 Preview

By John Onan  |   Wednesday, August 03, 2005  |  Comments( 0 )

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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It's very weird to see this team at the bottom end of the league only two years removed from their Super Bowl title. "Chucky" a.k.a. John Gruden will see if he can turn around the Tampa Bay Buccaneers fortunes before he begins to enter the NFL hot seat. The good news is that this team may not be far away from another playoff birth.

Strengths: Considered a weakness or question mark by some experts, I believe with Cadillac Williams and Michael Pittman in the backfield, this becomes a lethal position for the Bucs. Looks as though Williams has already surpassed Pittman on the depth chart, but I do see this as a two headed set-up. Pittman rushed for nearly 1,000 yards in 2004 despite having to sit out the first 3 games due to suspension.

The Corners: Tampa Bay boasts one of the best CB duos in the league, Brian Kelly and Ronde Barber. You never hear much about these two, but they continue to go out every Sunday and play solid football. Juran Bolden comes over from Jacksonville to help provide depth in nickel situations.

As has been the case for years, since the Hardy Nickerson days, the linebacker position remains strong with perennial tackles leader Derrick Brooks still going strong in this, his 11th season. He will be joined by Jeff Gooch and Shelton Quarles, two solid guys to help plug gaps. Critics questioned the drafting of Barrett Ruud in the 2nd round of the draft out of Nebraska, but this guy is one good ballplayer. Second-year man Marquis Cooper could also see some valuable time this season spelling Gooch.

Exciting young DB Torrie Cox will be returning punts as well as kicks this season; he did a spectacular job last season once he got the KR job. He is a true break-away threat.

Weaknesses: The offensive guard position will be a question mark early on with Cosey Coleman and Matt O'Dwyer moving on to Cleveland and Green Bay, respectively. Gruden has been impressed early in camp by the job youngsters Anthony Davis and Dan Buenning have done. They will be a key since the fiery coach wants to run the ball more, especially between the tackles. Sean Mahan could provide depth at guard, moving over from center.

The place-kicking game was atrocious last season, which led to Martin Gramatica being let go during the season. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been dead last in kicking percentage the last two years, which will kill you in close games. Former Giants Matt Bryant and Todd France will be battling it out to replace the departed Jay Taylor.

The Buccaneers are looking for depth at the wide receiver position. Mark Clayton had a great rookie season and looks like the real deal. Tim Brown has retired and it looks like veterans Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard will be called upon to capture past glory and become factors in the receiving game. TE Anthony Becht comes over from the Jets to hopefully boost production at that position. RB Pittman is also a good pass catcher out of the backfield.

Critics still wonder if Quarterback Brian Greise is the long term answer as the field general. Going by last years performance, it looks like the problems he had in has last few seasons in Denver and Miami are behind him and he's returning to his peak form right now.

Outlook: This team isn't that far from being a playoff team again. They could have been one the last two years if not for the horrible kicking game and injuries to the departed QB Brad Johnson. Greise was named starting QB by Gruden from day one at camp; its obvious the coach believes in him. Look for Tampa Bay to become one of the better rushing teams in the NFL this season. They still have a stout defense and will have a chance to win every week. They are an 8-8 team in my view, but with a break here or there as well as no significant injuries, this squad could fight with Carolina and Atlanta for the NFC South title and a playoff birth this season.
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