One thing they do have going for themselves, however, is a healthy Deuce McAllister and an improved offensive line. Their performance is critical to keeping the chains moving and keeping the defense off the field as much as possible. Despite finishing the season near the bottom of the league in most defensive categories, the Saints did little, other than add safety Dwight Smith, to shore up one of the league’s poorer units. Perhaps a revived ground game will settle down Brooks, and the defense can build on a little momentum from late last season, but I won’t believe it from this club until I see it.
Tampa Bay - The Buccaneers are a team in transition. Some of the high-priced veterans from their Super Bowl year are still around, but a new young core of talent is slowly evolving. However, there are just too many problems facing this club to think that they will compete for the division this season. A tough early schedule might be the least of the team‘s worries if quarterback Brian Griese doesn’t follow up his 2004 campaign with an equally-impressive performance this year. Chris Simms is his main competition for the starting job, but he doesn’t appear ready to be the long-term starter, nor does Luke McCown. And the fact that they play behind a less-than-average offensive line doesn’t bode well for their success this year.
Rookie running back Carnell Williams was a nice addition, and his skills are a perfect fit for Gruden’s offense. He has the size and quickness be effective both as a ball carrier and as a receiver. Michael Clayton was a nice find at receiver last year, but with the aging Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard as the team’s next-best options at wideout, opposing defenses will be keying on the second-year player, which might make it tough to match his rookie year. Defensively, the Bucs are still a talented group, but they are another year older, softer up the middle, and no longer have the depth they once possessed. They’ll continue to keep the Bucs in games, but they won’t win many for them.
