A new beginning is guaranteed for every team in sports, and in the NFL. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are about to start their 39th NFL season and Ive been around for 36 of them.
So what kind of year is no.36 going to be? Lets take a look at what we know, and what the Question are, and how it compares to history.
QUESTIONS:
Quarterback Josh McCown was simply the best QB in the summers Free Agency period. But the truth is, he’s been a back up his entire life. Last year he got a chance and produced excellent results, but as the saying goes; That was so “Last Year”. Not only is McCown a question mark, but the blocking for him is too.
History: The Bucs have gone into a season with a Question Mark at QB on many occasions! Most recently in 2009 when Rookie Josh Freeman was going to be the QB of the future, but not quite ready for week 1. We didn’t know what kind of Jeff Garcia we were getting in 2007, or how Steve DeBerg’s age would hold up in 1993 (answer, one half. Second had he gave way to Craig Erickson for the rest of the year!)!
Offensive Line- If not for the signing last week of Guard Logan Mankins the overall feeling would have been a negative one. There was little blocking in the preseason for pass protection, and seldom any running lanes were opened. Luke Stocker is a good blocker and will help out in this regard. Don’t be surprised if the Bucs don’t pick up some practice squad players today or tomorrow.
History? The Bucs O line last year was supposed to be its best ever. That was originated with the O line picks in 2006 that brought in Davin Joseph and Jeremy Trueblood. But 2005 the Bucs had come off a terrible O line year in 04 and patched together some players both drafted and veterans. The line responded with a Thousand Yard back in Cadillac Williams. This is the first real rebuild since then.
The Whole Offense!!
Seriously, what are we going to see Sunday? No huddle? Fun N Gun? Mike Shula? We have no idea, and kudos to the Bucs for doing so, because if we don’t know, the Carolina Pathers probably don’t either. Under Tony Dungy the Bucs tried multiple OCs, Shula was first, and under pressure from the Glazers to make a change, Dungy brought in Les Steckel. The difference was like going from Vanilla to French Vanilla. The next year Tight Ends coach Clyde Christensen. One featured Warrick Dunn at the expense of Mike Alstott, the other was the opposite, with neither knowing how to use both like Shula did. The result was the next Offensive Coordinator who also happened to be the head coach.
Kicker- Bucs choose to go with the young distance kicker in Patrick Murray. Throughout Bucs history the team has gone with the young deep leg over the accurate veteran. By week three he should have won Bucs fans hearts over.
WHAT WE KNOW!
The defense will be competitive and tough. Last year it provided turnovers for the offense. This year should be no exception, with Gerald McCoy and Lavonte David.
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