What's New?
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were the owners of one of the more anemic offenses in the league in 2006, which was reflected in their 4-12 record. A gradual decline on offense since the team’s Super Bowl XXXVII has “offensive genius” Jon Gruden on the hot seat, so the team invested in some veterans they hope can help turn things around quickly.
The key acquisition was quarterback Jeff Garcia, who showed he can still play a little in the right system with the right supporting cast. I’m not so sure he’ll have the players around him here that he needs, but some of the other free-agent pickups will help. Luke Petitgout was brought in to protect Garcia’s blind side, and tight end Jerramy Stevens adds another weapon to the passing attack, although he has a disturbing habit of dropping balls on a consistent basis.
The team also made a couple nice moves on defense, probably the biggest being the signing of linebacker Cato June. Right now June is penciled in as the starter on the strong side, but he’s a better fit on the weakside and will probably be Derrick Brooks’ replacement some day. The addition of Kevin Carter gives Tampa Bay a nice three-man rotation at defensive end with the rookie Adams and veteran Greg Spires. Also added was former Chiefs defensive tackle Ryan Sims.
NFL Draft Picks
1st Round - Gaines Adams, DE Clemson
2nd Round - Aaron Sears, OG Tennessee
2nd Round - Sabby Piscatelli, S Oregon State
3rd Round - Quincy Black, LB New Mexico
4th Round - Tanard Jackson, CB Syracuse
5th Round - Greg Peterson, North Carolina Central
6th Round - Adam Hayward, LB Portland State
7th Round - Chris Denman, OT Fresno State
7th Round - Marcus Hamilton, CB Virginia
7th Round - Ken Darby, RB Alabama
Who's Gone?
The release of Simeon Rice came as a bit of a surprise, especially considering Dwayne White had been dealt earlier to the Detroit Lions. But considering the fact that the Bucs used their top pick on a defensive end, it’s not a huge shocker that Rice is no longer with the team. Other defenders who were shown the exit include MLB Shelton Quarles and cornerback Juron Bolden.
Backup quarterback Tim Rattay was allowed to leave via free agency, which isn’t a huge loss as long as Chris Simms is healthy. And even though he never played for Tampa Bay, the Buccaneers lost Jake Plummer to retirement shortly after acquiring him from the Denver Broncos in a trade. Also gone is offensive tackle Kenyatta Walker.
What Needs to Change?
Having a veteran like Garcia at quarterback should give the offense a big boost, but at some point the Buccaneers need to commit to running the ball. Gruden seems to fall in love with the pass, and often abandons the running game way too early. He’d be doing his defense a favor as well if he avoided games with 50+ passing attempts.
Under Pressure to Perform
Jon Gruden - The head coach came in with a reputation as an offensive mastermind, but the team's performance seems to slip every year. Gruden is already on the hot seat, and it may take a playoff appearance to save his job.
Cadillac Williams - As much as the Buccaneers need to commit to the run, Williams needs to prove he can hold up to the grind and pounding of a 16-game NFL schedule. Despite his size, he tends to get better as the game goes on and he gets in a rhythm. Unfortunately, the bucs tend to get away from the running game before he gets to that point.
Gaines Adams - The Buccaneers felt comfortable releasing veteran Simeon Rice and putting Adams in his starting right defensive end position. Adams may be a rookie, but he is going to be expected to produce from the start. With a fantastic first step, he should be effective as a pass rusher, but at 260 pounds, will he be able to hold up against the run?
2006 Rankings
Overall Offense - 29th (270.1)
Rushing Offense - 28th (95.2)
Passing Offense - 25th (174.9)
Overall Defense - 17th (329.4)
Rushing Defense - 17th (119.8)
Passing Defense - 19th (209.6)
Prediction - If Garcia fails to play to the level that he did in relief of Donovan McNabb last season, this team is in huge trouble again. At 37-years old, Garcia has certainly seen his best days. And while the veteran adds a little more respectability to this team, I don’t see the Buccaneers faring much better in 2007. There are serious issues with both the running and passing games, and I just don’t see them getting a whole lot better with the current personnel.
Record: 7-9 and third in the NFC South
