tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34745219669294573942024-02-19T17:41:36.800-05:00The StowawayA chronicle of the Third Era of the Pewter Age of the Tampa Bay BuccaneersUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger238125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3474521966929457394.post-22965711165315443132014-09-21T00:20:00.000-04:002014-09-21T00:25:30.991-04:00Mark Dominik Should Still Be Bucs GM, Part 1<b id="docs-internal-guid-678efceb-9662-af61-867d-c078915af795" style="font-weight: normal;"></b>When the Allen/Gruden Era ended in Tampa Bay, ownership hired Raheem Morris and Mark Dominik on January 17, 2009. Nobody except Jay Glazer knows how much input Dominik had in the decision. Although the Buccaneers went 3-13 in Morris’ first year (2009), the team bounced back the following season to reach 10-6 in 2010. The 2010 season stands out in the history of the franchise as the only time a double-digit winner in Tampa Bay did not get into the playoffs. Instead, the 10-6 Giants and 10-6 Packers went into the playoffs based on tiebreakers. The odd circumstances can be traced to every team in the NFC West having a losing season that year, skewing the numbers and resulting in 7-9 Seattle getting a playoff berth -- the same Seattle team the Buccaneers trounced 24-7 in Week 15. <br />
<br />
Historically, each of the six other 10-win Buccaneer teams went into the playoffs, as did 3 of the 9-win Buccaneer teams. For all intents and purposes, 2010 was a playoff caliber team for the Buccaneers, even if it was not a playoff year.<br />
<br />
The fact that the Buccaneers were playoff caliber in 2010 with the youngest head coach and youngest GM in the NFL is outstanding enough, but if you also consider that the Buccaneers were coming off a horribly managed cap and (essentially) did not participate in free agency in either of the first two years of Dominik’s tenure, the achievement is quite unbelievable.<br />
<br />
What exactly had Morris and Dominik inherited? Remember <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3933807" target="_blank">the purge of players in 2009</a> which included Derrick Brooks, Ike Hilliard, Warrick Dunn, and Joey Galloway? The fans were upset, but the fact is Dunn, Hilliard, and Brooks did not see a regular season game again and Galloway played for three different teams in the following three years, making a total of 19 catches. Cato June, also cut during the same offseason, played one game the following season for the Chicago Bears and did not play again. Dominik may have gutted the team at that point, but the cuts were precise and correct opening cap space to begin a turnaround.<br />
<br />
The Buccaneers were also incredibly free-agent heavy, which meant a thick salary cap with little immediate relief except drastic veteran cuts. How did it get this way? Dominik’s predecessor (Bruce Allen, now GM of the Washington Redskins) oversaw 51 draft picks from 2004 until his departure: <a href="http://www.tampabay.com/sports/football/bucs/the-bruce-allen-era-as-general-manager-of-the-tampa-bay-buccaneers/968391" target="_blank">only 23 were still with the Bucs at the end of the 2008 season</a>. Dominik also successfully navigated the troubled waters of an uncapped year and a new players agreement without penalty, something Bruce Allen was unable to do.<br />
<br />
Based on what he inherited, how he handled a team going the wrong direction, and the way a playoff-caliber team was created in such a short time are three reasons why Mark Dominik should still be the Buccaneer's General Manager.<br />
<br />
More to come. . .Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3474521966929457394.post-75544115055649351862012-06-27T08:25:00.000-04:002012-06-27T08:27:10.041-04:00Scarlet Knights flock to Tampa<div>
Head Coach Greg Schiano was brought to Tampa Bay to instill a new "Buccaneer Way" with the players, emphasizing discipline, accountability, and commitment. Will Schiano's style and methods carry over to the NFL game?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Clearly his former players from Rutgers don't have a problem with it.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
With the draft and summer practice sessions in the books, there are a total of 28 former Rutgers Scarlet Knights in the NFL. Tampa Bay now counts seven (one fourth) of those players on it's roster. The next highest concentration of Rutgers players? Three each for Cincinnati, New England, and Tennessee.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here are the Scarlet Knights turned Buccaneers:</div>
<div>
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cols="5" frame="VOID" rules="NONE">
<colgroup><col width="143"></col><col width="39"></col><col width="46"></col><col width="38"></col><col width="36"></col></colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="19" width="143"><b>Player</b></td>
<td align="CENTER" width="39"><b>Pos</b></td>
<td align="CENTER" width="46"><b>Ht</b></td>
<td align="CENTER" width="38"><b>Wt</b></td>
<td align="CENTER" width="36"><b>Yrs</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="19">Gibson, Gary</td>
<td align="CENTER">DT</td>
<td align="CENTER">6'3"</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="312">312</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="7">7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="19">Johnson, George</td>
<td align="CENTER">DE</td>
<td align="CENTER">6'4"</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="265">265</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="2">2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="19">LeGrand, Eric</td>
<td align="CENTER">DT</td>
<td align="CENTER">6'2"</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="275">275</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="0">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="21">Underwood, Tiquan</td>
<td align="CENTER">WR</td>
<td align="CENTER">6'1"</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="183">183</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="4">4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="19">Wynn, Desmond</td>
<td align="CENTER">G</td>
<td align="CENTER">6'5"</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="295">295</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="0">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="21">Zuttah, Jeremy</td>
<td align="CENTER">OG</td>
<td align="CENTER">6'4"</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="308">308</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="5">5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="19">Roberson, Derrick</td>
<td align="CENTER">DB</td>
<td align="CENTER">5'10"</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="180">180</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="2">2</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<div>
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>Gary Gibson</b> entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2005 with the Baltimore Ravens and was on IR before his first season was complete. In 2007 he signed with the Carolina Panthers and spent two seasons there, appearing in 12 games. For the past three seasons, Gibson has been with the Saint Louis Rams and has appeared in 37 games with 22 starts. He is a native of Plant City, Florida.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>George Johnson</b> entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2010 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was an NFL sack leader during the 2011 preseason and appeared in four games for the Buccaneers last season.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Eric LeGrand</b> entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2011. LeGrand was paralyzed while playing at Rutgers and, in a powerful display of dedication,<a href="http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7881254/tampa-bay-buccaneers-sign-injured-rutgers-dt-eric-legrand-symbolic-gesture" target="_blank"> Schiano and GM Mark Dominik have provided LeGrand with access to Tampa Bay Buccaneer team facilities to assist in his rehab</a>, while the charismatic <a href="http://www.buccaneers.com/multimedia/videos/Eric-LeGrand-Introductory-Press-Conference-/38be54fc-2ce0-4ba5-a232-96c5e7bf41e8" target="_blank">LeGrand brings his message about spinal cord injury to the Bay area</a>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Tiquan Underwood</b> entered the NFL as a 7th round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2009 and appeared in 13 games over two years with the Jags. Underwood spent the 2010 season with the New England Patriots, appearing in six games.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Desmond Wynn</b> entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2012 with Tampa Bay.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Jeremy Zuttah</b> entered the NFL as a third round pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2008 and has been a member of the team ever since. Zuttah has been a backup interior offensive linemen and has 44 starts at Guard, but with the departure of Jeff Faine this offseason should move into the starting lineup at center this year. Zuttah has played in 15 or more games each of the past three seasons.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Derrick Roberson</b> entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Houston Texans in 2007 and has practice squad time with the Baltimore Ravens and Minnesota Vikings as well. In 2009, Roberson signed with Tampa Bay, appearing in six games. In 2010, Roberson signed with the Cleveland Browns and appeared in two games. Roberson is a native of Pompano Beach. Florida.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
These players understand Schiano's style, and Schiano understands the talents of these players. While it is unlikely they all make the 53-man roster post-camp this season, they will have contributed significantly to the team this summer by advancing the understanding of what the Head Coach wants from his players.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, for this season at least, these Scarlet Knights bring more than just a camp body to the roster. No wonder the Buccaneers have cornered the market on Scarlet Knights in 2012.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3474521966929457394.post-43669787150620399512012-06-21T08:54:00.001-04:002012-06-21T08:58:03.390-04:00Buccaneer wideouts ready for breakoutWith the drafting of Josh Freeman in 2009, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers embarked on a complete renovation of the ball handlers on offense. The first target was the wide receivers group, starting with Sammie Stroughter a few rounds later. In 2010, WRs Mike Williams and Arrelious Benn were drafted. Those three have taken more than the lions share of starts at wideout for the past two seasons. Add in Preston Parker (2010 undrafted free agent) and Dezmon Briscoe (plundered from the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad in 2010) and you have a set of highly productive pass-catchers. However, injury and youth have conspired to keep this group from reaching their potential.<br />
<br />
The most productive pass-catcher in 2011 (and 2010) was TE Kellen Winslow, now departed in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks. Enter Vincent Jackson, free agent from San Diego and one of the most coveted players in the 2012 free agent pool. Winslow caught 75 passes for 763 yards in 2011; Jackson caught 60 passes for 1,106 yards. Winslow produced 2 touchdowns in 2011; Jackson scored 9 touchdowns in 2011.<br />
<br />
Based on statistics, the Winslow and Jackson moves appear to shift the emphasis from the Tight End position out to the Wide Receivers for 2012. This does not imply the Tampa Bay Tight End squad will not be productive, it just means the proven playmakers are now on the edge. In theory, this should force opposing defenses to play from the inside out instead of from the outside to the middle. There is no doubt the Buccaneers will be looking for a new, younger TE to emerge in 2012 (a story for another day), but that person will not be option #1 for Josh Freeman down after down after down.<br />
<br />
When going to training camp on July 29th, the Buccaneer's Wide Reciever group will bring the following 2011 production (sorted by Receiving Yards):<br />
<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cols="11" frame="VOID" rules="NONE">
<colgroup><col width="146"></col><col width="49"></col><col width="42"></col><col width="61"></col><col width="52"></col><col width="40"></col><col width="39"></col><col width="42"></col><col width="38"></col><col width="33"></col><col width="124"></col></colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="21" width="146"><b>Wideout</b></td>
<td align="CENTER" width="49"><b>Ht</b></td>
<td align="CENTER" width="42"><b>Wt</b></td>
<td align="CENTER" width="61"><b>Games</b></td>
<td align="CENTER" width="52"><b>Starts</b></td>
<td align="CENTER" width="40"><b>Rec</b></td>
<td align="CENTER" width="39"><b>Yds</b></td>
<td align="CENTER" width="42"><b>Avg</b></td>
<td align="CENTER" width="38"><b>Lng</b></td>
<td align="CENTER" width="33"><b>TD</b></td>
<td align="LEFT" width="124"><b>Notes</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="19">Jackson, Vincent</td>
<td align="CENTER">6'5"</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="230">230</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="16">16</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="16">16</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="60">60</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="1106">1106</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="18.4">18.4</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="58">58</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="9">9</td>
<td align="LEFT">FA (SD)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="19">Williams, Mike</td>
<td align="CENTER">6'2"</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="212">212</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="16">16</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="15">15</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="65">65</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="771">771</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="11.9">11.9</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="42">42</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="3">3</td>
<td align="LEFT"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="19">Parker, Preston</td>
<td align="CENTER">6'0"</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="200">200</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="16">16</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="0">0</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="40">40</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="554">554</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="13.9">13.9</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="51">51</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="3">3</td>
<td align="LEFT"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="21">Benn, Arrelious</td>
<td align="CENTER">6'2"</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="220">220</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="14">14</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="14">14</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="30">30</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="441">441</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="14.7">14.7</td>
<td align="CENTER">65T</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="3">3</td>
<td align="LEFT"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="21">Briscoe, Dezmon</td>
<td align="CENTER">6'2"</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="210">210</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="16">16</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="2">2</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="35">35</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="387">387</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="11.1">11.1</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="46">46</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="6">6</td>
<td align="LEFT"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="21">Stroughter, Sammie</td>
<td align="CENTER">5'10"</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="189">189</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="6">6</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="0">0</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="4">4</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="52">52</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="13">13</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="29">29</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="0">0</td>
<td align="LEFT"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="21">Underwood, Tiquan</td>
<td align="CENTER">6'1"</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="183">183</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="6">6</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="0">0</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="3">3</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="30">30</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="10">10</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="13">13</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="0">0</td>
<td align="LEFT">FA (NE)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="19">Wright, Wallace</td>
<td align="CENTER">6'1"</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="197">197</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="16">16</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="0">0</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="2">2</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="21">21</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="10.5">10.5</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="14">14</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="0">0</td>
<td align="LEFT">FA (NYJ)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="21">Gant, Ed</td>
<td align="CENTER">6'3"</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="200">200</td>
<td align="CENTER">4*</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="0">0</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="5">5</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="164">164</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="32.8">32.8</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="96">96</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="1">1</td>
<td align="LEFT">* All Preseason</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="21">Ellingson, Greg</td>
<td align="CENTER">6'3"</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="197">197</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="0">0</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="0">0</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="0">0</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="0">0</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="0">0</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="0">0</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="0">0</td>
<td align="LEFT">2012 College FA</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="21">Lewis, Armahd</td>
<td align="CENTER">5'8"</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="171">171</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="0">0</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="0">0</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="0">0</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="0">0</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="0">0</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="0">0</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="0">0</td>
<td align="LEFT">2012 College FA</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<br />
Williams and Benn have been on the field for a great majority of snaps in each of their two seasons in the NFL. Parker and Briscoe broke out last season to demonstrate they can be productive players. Stroughter was slowed by injury in 2011. Gant wowed during the 2011 preseason with a 96 yard touchdown catch and his NFL size.<br />
<br />
If I had to build a depth chart today, it would probably shake out this way:<br />
<br />
<u><b>Right side WR</b></u> (Freeman's Right Hand, Primary Receiver)<br />
Vincent Jackson - The big paycheck means make him #1<br />
Mike Williams - Won't learn anything from Jackson if he's learning some other position<br />
<br />
<u><b>Left Side WR</b></u> (Freeman's Back, Secondary Receiver)<br />
Arrelious Benn - Can be a deep threat<br />
Dezmon Briscoe - Extremely productive in the red zone last season<br />
<br />
<u><b>Slot</b></u><br />
Preston Parker - Slot is a 3rd down position; Parker is Mr. Third Down<br />
Sammie Stroughter - He may also have some kick/punt return duties<br />
<br />
Of those six, Stroughter is the player most in jeopardy to be replaced by one of the free agents, but his punt returning skills are hard to ignore. Gant and Ellingson have the physical size to play into the interior from the slot. Armahd is a burner, and Underwood and Wright bring experience from playoff-caliber teams.<br />
<br />
How good <i>could</i> this group be? Here are the best seasons of the players in this group with NFL game experience:<br />
<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cols="9" frame="VOID" rules="NONE">
<colgroup><col width="146"></col><col width="50"></col><col width="38"></col><col width="41"></col><col width="41"></col><col width="42"></col><col width="41"></col><col width="33"></col><col width="45"></col></colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="21" width="146"><b>Wideout</b></td>
<td align="CENTER" width="50"><b>Ht</b></td>
<td align="CENTER" width="38"><b>Wt</b></td>
<td align="CENTER" width="41"><b>Rec</b></td>
<td align="CENTER" width="41"><b>Yds</b></td>
<td align="CENTER" width="42"><b>Avg</b></td>
<td align="CENTER" width="41"><b>Lng</b></td>
<td align="CENTER" width="33"><b>TD</b></td>
<td align="LEFT" width="45"><b>Year</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="19">Jackson, Vincent</td>
<td align="CENTER">6'5"</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="230">230</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="68">68</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="1167">1167</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="17.2">17.2</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="55">55</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="9">9</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="2009">2009</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="19">Williams, Mike</td>
<td align="CENTER">6'2"</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="212">212</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="65">65</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="964">964</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="14.8">14.8</td>
<td align="CENTER">58T</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="11">11</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="2010">2010</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="19">Parker, Preston</td>
<td align="CENTER">6'0"</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="200">200</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="40">40</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="554">554</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="13.9">13.9</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="51">51</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="3">3</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="2011">2011</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="21">Benn, Arrelious</td>
<td align="CENTER">6'2"</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="220">220</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="30">30</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="441">441</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="14.7">14.7</td>
<td align="CENTER">65T</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="3">3</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="2011">2011</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="21">Briscoe, Dezmon</td>
<td align="CENTER">6'2"</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="210">210</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="35">35</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="387">387</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="11.1">11.1</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="46">46</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="6">6</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="2011">2011</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="21">Stroughter, Sammie</td>
<td align="CENTER">5'10"</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="189">189</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="31">31</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="334">334</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="10.8">10.8</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="35">35</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="1">1</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="2009">2009</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="21">Underwood, Tiquan</td>
<td align="CENTER">6'1"</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="183">183</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="8">8</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="111">111</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="13.9">13.9</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="22">22</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="0">0</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="2010">2010</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="19">Wright, Wallace</td>
<td align="CENTER">6'1"</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="197">197</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="6">6</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="87">87</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="14.5">14.5</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="36">36</td>
<td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="0">0</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="2007">2007</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<br />
It is a very solid group when playing to their potential. A running game which opposing teams have to respect can only make this group more productive.<br />
<br />
It is entirely possible for the Buccaneers to open the season with more than six WRs on the roster. New offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan will make that call. In any case, this looks like one of the more polished groups on the pre-camp roster. Look for a breakout year!<br />
<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3474521966929457394.post-43257464037648431322012-06-14T07:35:00.000-04:002012-06-14T07:35:00.353-04:00Buccaneers still seeking height up frontThe Buccaneers <a href="http://bucsstowaway.blogspot.com/2011/02/freeman-changing-mold-up-front.html" target="_blank">have continued to seek out one specific trait more than others in offensive linemen</a>: height. This offseason is no different as there are four <em>rookie</em> offensive linemen on the practice fields at One Buccaneer place 6'5" or taller, with <em>three</em> measuring 6'7"!<br />
<br />
For comparison, the World Champion New York Giants have two offensive linemen listed at 6'7". The other Super Bowl team, the New England Patriots, have four offensive linemen listed at 6'7" or 6'8". The Buccaneers appear to be taking it to the next level with five players currently listed at 6'7" or higher.<br />
<br />
Here are the measurables for the offensive linemen currently on the Tampa Bay Buccaneer offense:<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cols="5" frame="VOID" rules="NONE"> <colgroup><col width="37"></col><col width="168"></col><col width="38"></col><col width="38"></col><col width="34"></col></colgroup> <tbody>
<tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19" width="37"><strong>Pos</strong></td> <td align="LEFT" width="168"><strong>Name</strong></td> <td align="LEFT" width="38"><strong>Ht</strong></td> <td align="LEFT" width="38"><strong>Wt</strong></td> <td align="RIGHT" width="34"><strong>Yrs</strong></td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="LEFT" height="21">C</td> <td align="LEFT">Economos, Andrew</td> <td align="LEFT">6'1"</td> <td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="250">250</td> <td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="7">7</td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="LEFT" height="21">C</td> <td align="LEFT">Petrus, Moe</td> <td align="LEFT">6'2"</td> <td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="302">302</td> <td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="0">0</td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">C</td> <td align="LEFT">Larsen, Ted</td> <td align="LEFT">6'2"</td> <td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="305">305</td> <td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="3">3</td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="LEFT" height="21">G</td> <td align="LEFT">Joseph, Davin</td> <td align="LEFT">6'3"</td> <td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="313">313</td> <td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="7">7</td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="LEFT" height="21">G</td> <td align="LEFT">Zuttah, Jeremy</td> <td align="LEFT">6'4"</td> <td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="308">308</td> <td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="5">5</td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">G</td> <td align="LEFT">Wynn, Desmond</td> <td align="LEFT">6'5"</td> <td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="295">295</td> <td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="0">0</td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">G</td> <td align="LEFT">Nicks, Carl</td> <td align="LEFT">6'5"</td> <td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="343">343</td> <td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="5">5</td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="LEFT" height="21">T</td> <td align="LEFT">Meredith, Jamon</td> <td align="LEFT">6'5"</td> <td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="312">312</td> <td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="4">4</td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19">T</td> <td align="LEFT">Penn, Donald</td> <td align="LEFT">6'5"</td> <td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="305">305</td> <td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="7">7</td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="LEFT" height="21">T</td> <td align="LEFT">Hardman, Derek</td> <td align="LEFT">6'6"</td> <td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="300">300</td> <td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="3">3</td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="LEFT" height="21">T</td> <td align="LEFT">Sowell, Bradley</td> <td align="LEFT">6'7"</td> <td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="320">320</td> <td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="0">0</td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="LEFT" height="21">T</td> <td align="LEFT">Hardrick, Jermarcus</td> <td align="LEFT">6'7"</td> <td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="320">320</td> <td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="0">0</td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="LEFT" height="21">G</td> <td align="LEFT">VanDerMeulen, Mike</td> <td align="LEFT">6'7"</td> <td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="304">304</td> <td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="0">0</td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="LEFT" height="21">T</td> <td align="LEFT">Trueblood, Jeremy</td> <td align="LEFT">6'8"</td> <td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="320">320</td> <td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="7">7</td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="LEFT" height="21">T</td> <td align="LEFT">Dotson, Demar</td> <td align="LEFT">6'9"</td> <td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="315">315</td> <td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="4">4</td> </tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Is this a new trend in the NFL? Possibly, but more likely it's a tactical maneuver. Big and heavy has been around for a while. For example, Carl Nicks is 6'5" and a whopping 340+ lbs, plenty big to stop a bull rush with good technique. But what about a speed rush? It's difficult to get in front of a guy who's legs are just as long as yours but 30 lbs lighter, and that is how defensive ends have been making a living for the past few years. Defensive ends run forward, offensive linemen backpedal; if you have to be bigger than a defensive end to stop a bull rush, how do you find an advantage against speed? The answer is genetics, specifically height. Longer legs cover more ground in the same number of steps; longer arms impede speed by forcing the defensive end to take a wider track to the quarterback.<br />
<br />
Tampa Bay is looking for players who are heavier than most NFL Defensive Ends (to counter a bull rush) and who have long legs (to counter a speed rush). Apparently the Buccaneers are not having much trouble finding them.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3474521966929457394.post-20536777584962439102012-06-08T07:49:00.003-04:002012-06-08T07:49:34.172-04:00GM Mark Dominik shows he can do it allFormer Pro Personnel Director Mark Dominik was promoted to General Manager of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers just after the 2008 season was completed. At the time, he was the youngest GM in the NFL. And he still is. But you know what?<br />
<br />
He's got game.<br />
<br />
The first part of Dominik's game is <a href="http://bucsstowaway.blogspot.com/2012/01/rule-1-never-embarrass-your-gm.html" target="_blank">knowing his target</a>. Dominik has been steadfast since he was first introduced at One Buccaneer Place: he wants a team that is physical, excercises ball control, and plays the kind of Buccaneer defense fans have learned to expect. After the 2010 season, it seemed the formula was on target, with a Top 10 running game on offense and a Top 10 fewest points allowed defense. The 2011 season <a href="http://bucsstowaway.blogspot.com/2012/03/avoiding-repeat-of-2011-may-depend-on.html" target="_blank">deviated from the target and Dominik took action</a>, so now it falls to new Head Coach Greg Schiano to bring the formula back in 2012.<br />
<br />
The second part of Dominik's game is drafting. Dominik has spent his draft capital wisely. He rarely gives up picks and has had a full slate of picks each season except his first. His choices have been in line with his target, and he hasn't reached or under drafted his pick, with his overall draft grades well above average. He <a href="http://bucsstowaway.blogspot.com/2012/01/dominik-vs-nfc-champions-offense.html" target="_blank">made the</a> <a href="http://bucsstowaway.blogspot.com/2012/01/dominik-vs-nfc-champions-defense.html" target="_blank">team younger</a> as part of his rebuilding instead of trolling for players at the twilight of their careers - a significant and key difference between Dominik and his predecessor Bruce Allen.<br />
<br />
The third part of Dominik's game is working the waiver wire and utilizing college free agents. Dominik <a href="http://bucsstowaway.blogspot.com/2010/10/did-buccaneers-general-manager-mark.html" target="_blank">has done well in this area</a> in the past - RB Legarette Blount, G Ted Larson, DE Micheal Bennett, and WR Dezmond Briscoe to name a few. The time Dominik spent as Pro Personnel director serves him well in this area (during which he pulled T Donald Penn from the Vikings practice squad). After watching players come across his desk for years, Dominik knows how to stay up to date as well as understand the quality of players on the wire.<br />
<br />
The last part of Dominik's game is free agency. Since arriving at the General Manger's office, Dominik has been focused on developing a strong young core of drafted players to build around. 2009 was, by default, learning what the team already had, and 2010 was not a great free agent market due to an extremely deep college draft. The lockout during the summer of 2011 prevented any real movement in the free agency market. So 2012 is the first season Dominik was able to flex his abilities in free agency - and he showed he can land some big fish. Top flight free agents like Vincent Jackson and Carl Nicks as well as Dallas Clark and Eric Wright don't just fill holes, they improve the team. And that is how Dominik has stated he will always view free agency - a place to find a significant <em>upgrade</em> when appropriate.<br />
<br />
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have the youngest GM in the NFL in Mark Dominik and he's shown he has all the tools needed to direct the team. This sets the stage for a long period of stability in the front office for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, setting the foundation for good things to come.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3474521966929457394.post-16882191998558760742012-06-05T07:30:00.000-04:002012-06-05T10:09:45.637-04:00Buccaneer linebackers have productive shoes to fillTwo years ago the Buccaneers went 10-6. The leading tacklers on the squad were Barrett Ruud (85 tackles, 33 assists) and Geno Hayes (72 tackles, 10 assists).<br><br>After the 2010 season, Ruud entered free agency and left Tampa Bay for the Titans.<br><br>After the 2011 season, Hayes entered free agency and has left Tampa Bay for the Bears.<br><br>Since the retirement of Derrick Brooks in after the 2008 season, Hayes and Ruud were #1 and #2 in tackles until Ruud departed. That's a great deal of production out the door in just two seasons. However, the timing may have been exactly right.<br><br>Ruud signed a one year deal with the Tennessee Titans but only played in 9 games before going on injured reserve. He entered free agency again this offseason and was not resigned. Apparently, the Titans fans <a href="http://www.musiccitymiracles.com/2012/4/6/2931228/barrett-ruud-signs-with-the-seattle-seahawks" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">also were not extremely impressed with his play</a>. Ruud has now signed a one year pact with the Seattle Seahawks. It appears the Buccaneers may have released him for good reason and at an appropriate time.<br><br>After starting all 16 games in 2010, Hayes was benched in Week 9 of the 2011 season for three games, making the 2011 season his least productive since his rookie year of 2008. The statistics show a sharp drop-off in performance: appearing in 16 games in 2011, Hayes recorded 45 tackles and 19 assists compared to 72 tackles and 10 assists in 2010 (also 16 games) and 80 tackles and 18 assists in 2011 (his best season and only 15 games). The Bears have given Hayes a one-year contract.<br><br>Training camp will open this year with many young faces in the linebacking corps. To replace the productivity above, the Buccaneers have spent three draft picks in two years on linebackers: Mason Foster in 2011 and Najee Goode and Lavonte David in 2012.<br><br>Foster was extremely production last season, finishing the season with 58 tackles and 28 assists, <a href="http://www.nfl.com/stats/categorystats?archive=false&conference=null&statisticCategory=TACKLES&season=2011&seasonType=REG&experience=0&tabSeq=0&qualified=true&Submit=Go" target="_blank">leading all NFL rookie linebackers last season</a>. <a href="http://bucsdraft.blogspot.com/2011/05/tampa-bay-drafts-mason-foster-lb.html" target="_blank">The third rounder (#84 overall)</a> was the third most productive tackler on the Tampa Bay squad last season behind veterans S Sean Jones and CB Ronde Barber. Foster, an extremely productive player in college, has shown flashes of being the type of player you can build around. Clearly, Foster will be on the field for the opening snap of the 2012 NFL season.<br><br>Goode and David, drafted with the third and fourth picks by the Buccaneers this past April, will have to climb past three veterans to reach the starting lineup. Dekoda Watson, Quincy Black, and Adam Hayward all appeared in at least 14 games last season (Watson and Hayward had two starts; Black had 12). These players will have experience on their side when camp opens.<br><br>And there will be three new faces: <a href="http://bucsstowaway.blogspot.com/2012/01/new-year-brings-new-buccaneers.html" target="_blank">Rennie Curran was a midseason waiver wire pickup last season</a>, Jacob Cutrera was signed last October and finished the season on IR, and Antonio Leak is a 2012 undrafted college free agent from Henderson State (Arkansas, Div II).<br><br>Linebacker could be the make-or-break position for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2012. They have a lot of experience and productivity to replace. They have a lot of draft picks invested. They play an even front scheme, which means linebackers have to make tackles while the linemen up front take up gaps.<br><br>And they need some young players to grow up quickly.<br><br><br><br><p> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3474521966929457394.post-42437259558493140062012-06-01T00:26:00.000-04:002012-06-01T08:48:21.320-04:00Buccaneers put their money up frontGeneral Manager Mark Dominik has made one thing clear since taking the reins of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2009: if you can protect the quarterback, you'll get a top flight salary.<br />
<br />
The 2012 offseason has only solidified how much value Dominik puts on the offensive line. Even with the free agent contracts for WR Vincent Jackson and CB Eric Wright landing in the Top 5 of the current team payroll, the <em>entire</em> starting offensive still occupies half of the Top 10 slots:<br />
<br />
#2 G<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Davin Joseph<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>$9,500,000<br />
#6 G Carl Nicks<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>$6,500,000<br />
#8 T Donald Penn<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>$5,100,000<br />
#9 T Jeremy Trueblood<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>$5,000,000<br />
#10 C Jeremy Zuttah<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>$3,375,000<br />
<br />
This is not something new this offseason. Center Jeff Faine, who was recently released, spent his entire Buccaneers career in the Top 5 of the team payroll, and Davin Joeseph has been a fixture there as well. How much Dominik valued Faine also shows in his buyout: $2.4 million for this year.<br />
<br />
There are young players up and coming in the persons of Ted Larson and Derek Hardman (as was Zuttah until this offseason). Thus far, Dominik has been fortunate to not need to spend a significnat amount of draft capital on the offensive line. Except for recently signed Carl Nicks the starting squad is made of players remaining from the old regime.<br />
<br />
At some point the defense-heavy drafting by Dominik will have to give way; one would think OL will be where picks will need to be spent. But there is another angle which is in play: If Tampa Bay becomes known for spending big bucks in the trenches, the best young linemen may beat a path to the door of One Buccaneer Place (like Carl Nicks). With the salary structure of the team already built to pay big along the line, Tampa Bay is well positioned to take advantage of anyone who comes knocking.<br />
<br />
This could allow the drafting of young talent into the defensive unit to continue for a couple more seasons, resulting in a very talented young defense which can grow together for years to come. In essence, spending along the offensive front may allow for more opportunities on both sides of the ball in the near future.<br />
<br />
And that is exactly where this team needs to be.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3474521966929457394.post-11251782408560648822012-05-29T07:38:00.000-04:002012-05-30T08:40:36.067-04:002012 Summer of Change: The DepartedWhat an offseason, and we're still over a month away from training camps opening!<br />
<br />
The Buccaneers have been as active this offseason as any in recent memory. There have been dozens of transactions including free agent signings, draft picks, college free agents, waiver pickups, and even street signings. Where is all this going and why? What can we determine are points of emphasis of Head Coach Greg Shiano and the new coaching staff? What can we find out about the current thoughts in the head of General Manager Mark Dominik? And finally, what can we see which shows us progress away from a repeat of last season?<br />
<br />
Today we start with a list of who's gone. In order of occurrence:<br />
<br />
<strong><u>The Departed</u></strong><br />
<br />
<strong>2012.01.02</strong> - Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator <strong>Raheem Morris</strong>, Offensive Coordinator <strong>Greg Olson</strong>, and the entire coaching staff are dismissed. <br />
This included everything, all the way to strength and conditioning coaches and their staff. It was, truly, a purge of nearly everything related to regular season execution at One Buccaneer Place. All that remained was the regular season roster of players. It was a powerful statement by the executives of the organization that performances like 2011 will not be tolerated. Remember, this was shortly after watching the team cap the season by starting off down 21-0 to Atlanta <em>after the first quarter</em>.<br />
<br />
<strong>2012.02.15</strong> - <strong>Albert Haynesworth</strong> released. <br />
While not a surprise considering the locker-room baggage which has been hung on Haynesworth since leaving the Titans, I have since heard indirectly from a couple sources Albert's time in the weight room was not exactly impressive, both from a conduct and an effort standpoint. As such, it's doubtful his on-field play would have improved next season and he has not played a 16 game season in several years. This one was probably just a matter of time, and General Manager Mark Dominik and newly hired Head Coach Greg Schiano probably figured better sooner than later applied.<br />
<br />
<strong>2012.03.13 </strong>- Free Agency Begins.<br />
The following players became free agents and have not been resigned by the Buccaneers:<br />
<br />
<strong>Earnest Graham</strong> - A longtime performer in the Buccaneers' backfield, Graham has had a solid career and may show up elsewhere this fall, but now is probably a long shot to return to Tampa Bay.<br />
<strong>Kregg Lumpkin</strong> - Lumpkin was starting to come on as a third down back after coming to Tampa Bay from the Packers via the waiver wire a couple seasons ago. This season's draft, however, may mean the team does not require his services at this time. Certainly young enough to get a chance somewhere else this fall.<br />
<strong>Geno Hayes</strong> - Hayes was picked up by the Chicago Bears on a one-year contract on April 19th. We'll dive deeper here another day.<br />
<strong>Sean Jones, </strong><strong>Corey Lynch, </strong><strong>Elbert Mack</strong> - There has been big change in the defensive backfield this offseason. This is a big pile of experience to lose. More on this upcoming.<br />
<strong>Micheal Spurlock</strong> - Spurlock was the veteran of the receivers group last season and was a solid return man. But the amount of youth behind him means he'll probably have to look for work elsewhere.<br />
<strong>James Lee</strong> - The big offensive tackle made the starting lineup during the injury plagued 2010 campaign but could not hold on. We'll dive deeper here another day as well.<br />
<strong>Josh Johnson</strong> - When the NFL and Players Union decided to remove the "third QB" rule in the new CBA, Johnson's value skyrocketed to the rest of the NFL. He's been a solid backup, and now he'll get to compete in San Francisco for his college coach Jim Harbaugh.<br />
<strong>Jovan Haye</strong> - Haye left Tampa Bay for the Titans a few years ago. His return was mostly as a known commodity to fill injury holes. He may get a chance to get into training camp if recently signed vets along the defensive line do not work out. I would not count on it.<br />
<br />
<strong>2012.03.14</strong> - <strong>Jeff Faine</strong> released.<br />
While this looked to be due to the signing of free agent G Carl Nick as far as timing, this is probably more about just plain old time. Faine has been outstanding for a long, long time. He has had a couple serious injuries the past two years plus the Buccaneers have been grooming Jeremy Zuttah for a while. This is probably the natural NFL process of where two players cross. In one aspect, it's good when the pipeline works. In another aspect, there is no way to know the value of Faine until the first game of the regular season (which is commonly known as "risk") and it will be an important position to watch all preseason.<br />
<br />
<strong>2012.03.22</strong> - <strong>Tim Crowder</strong>, <strong>Nick Reed</strong> released.<br />
Crowder, a DE pulled from the Broncos waiver wire in 2009, was part of the early rebuilding of the DE squad by GM Mark Dominik. He played in 40 of 47 games for Tampa Bay (including 13 starts) and scored three or more sacks in 2009 and 2012. Only a fifth year player, Crowder may find it rough to return to the youthful Buccaneers squad. DE Reed signed in December as injury insurance; since being release he has signed with Minnesota.<br />
<br />
<strong>2012.04.04</strong> - <strong>Rudy Carpenter</strong> released.<br />
Carpenter was the #3 guy on a team which is no longer planning on keeping three quarterbacks on the roster. The young undrafted college free agent (2009) showed occasional promise in very limited play but is not likely to return to Tampa Bay.<br />
<br />
<strong>2012.04.10</strong> - <strong>Tanard Jackson</strong> released.<br />
This is the third safety released (see 2012.03.13 above) this offseason. With the youth on this team, his inability to stay out of the Commissioners office, and draft picks spent at the safety position the past two drafts, Jackson was facing an uphill battle.<br />
<br />
<strong>2012.05.04</strong> - <strong>John McCargo</strong> and <strong>Raymond Webber</strong> released.<br />
DT John McCargo had a bizzarre Tampa Bay experience. The day after he signed (11/8) as a replacement for the injured Gerald McCoy he was cut to create a roster spot for Albert Haynesworth. The following week, McCargo was signed again after DE George Johnson was placed on IR. Around a month later, McCargo himself went on IR. It's worth noting he played in all four games he was on the roster but as a sixth year player he probably did not have a roster spot with all the youth Tampa Bay has playing in the defensive interior. McCargo has since signed with the Chicago Bears.<br />
WR Raymond Webber was an undrafted college free agent last summer but spent the year on the disabled list after an injury in camp. He led the NCAA in receiving yardage his senior year at Arkansas -Pine Bluff.<br />
<br />
<b>2012.05.21</b> - <b>Kellen Winslow</b> traded to Seattle.<br />
This could be the most unexpected event of the summer (so far). Since signing one of the most lucrative Tight End contracts in NFL History, Winslow has been a favorite target of young QB Josh Freeman. He gained over 725 yards per season and caught more than 65 passes each year. Now he's gone, and in his place is a different veteran, Dallas Clark, the longtime target of Peyton Manning. Former Head Coach Raheem Morris treated Winslow very differently from the rest of the team; could it be new Head Coach Greg Schiano was not willing to soft shoe with Winslow? Regardless of the reason, this is another strong Schiano fingerprint on the roster.<br />
<br />
The rookie mini camp on May 7th generated a large number of signings, leading into more typical offseason roster churn. As the mini camp and OTAs start to show the coaches what they have and what they are missing there will continue to be a rotation of players in and out of One Buccaneer Place. Those are stories for another day. The players listed above represent a remarkable amount of talent and production for a team to release (mostly) prior to draft day.<br />
<br />
How much change has occurred? Today, exactly half the offseason roster of 90 players were not with the team last season.<br />
<br />
It is going to be a very different looking Buccaneers team this fall.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3474521966929457394.post-41627022024550830602012-03-09T08:03:00.001-05:002012-04-08T00:24:13.656-04:00Avoiding a repeat of 2011 may depend on Coach Sullivan<em>Acknowledgement: This article inspired by the passion of #bucnation, particularly a conversation with @BillBeck27. Join us on Twitter!</em><br><br>Coming off a 10-6 season in 2010 where the team nearly made the playoffs, no Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan was ready for the disappointment of the 4-12 season in 2011. A 4-2 start to the season seemed very promising -- then nothing went right the rest of the season. How could this happen? How can a team compete with the best of the best in 2010, but look so lost the next season with a large number of the same players in place <em>with an additional year of experience</em>?<br><br>For football stats geeks, you go to the numbers. And I've been raking through the past two years until I actually started dreaming about them (then I took a break -- no need to go insane). Finally, I think I have a decent grip on the problem. And I feel very good about how it's being addressed.<br><br>In short, I think this is still a team with double-digit win talent. I believe in 2011 the problem was not the players, it was the game plan, and those responsible have already been replaced.<br><br>It is said that pictures are worth 1,000 words, and I agree. But for number hackers, a table is evenbetter. Here are what I believe to be the key numbers regarding the Tampa Bay 2011 season:<br><br><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cols="7" frame="VOID" rules="NONE"> <colgroup><col width="108"><col width="51"><col width="56"><col width="61"><col width="65"><col width="67"><col width="54"></colgroup> <tbody><tr> <td align="LEFT" height="30" width="108"><strong><em><span style="font-size: medium;">2011 (4-12)</span></em></strong></td> <td align="LEFT" width="51"><br></td> <td align="LEFT" width="56"><br></td> <td align="LEFT" sdnum="1033;0;0" width="61"><br></td> <td align="LEFT" width="65"><br></td> <td align="LEFT" width="67"><br></td> <td align="CENTER" width="54"><br></td> </tr><tr> <td align="CENTER" height="39" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;"><strong>Opponent</strong></td> <td align="CENTER" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;"><strong>Run Plays</strong></td> <td align="CENTER" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;"><strong>Pass Plays</strong></td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;"><strong>Total Plays</strong></td> <td align="CENTER" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;"><strong>Run %</strong></td> <td align="CENTER" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;"><strong>Pass %</strong></td> <td align="CENTER" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;"><strong>Result</strong></td> </tr><tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">Detroit</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="16" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">16</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="46" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">46</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0" sdval="62" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">62</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.258064516129032" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">25.8%</td> <td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#FF3333" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.741935483870968" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">74.2%</td> <td align="CENTER" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">L</td> </tr><tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">Minnesota</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="19" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">19</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="31" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">31</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0" sdval="50" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">50</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.38" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">38.0%</td> <td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#FF3333" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.62" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">62.0%</td> <td align="CENTER" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">W</td> </tr><tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">Atlanta</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="36" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">36</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="32" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">32</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0" sdval="68" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">68</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.529411764705882" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">52.9%</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.470588235294118" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">47.1%</td> <td align="CENTER" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">W</td> </tr><tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">Indianapolis</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="36" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">36</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="39" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">39</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0" sdval="75" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">75</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.48" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">48.0%</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.52" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">52.0%</td> <td align="CENTER" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">W</td> </tr><tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">San Francisco</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="23" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">23</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="33" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">33</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0" sdval="56" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">56</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.410714285714286" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">41.1%</td> <td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#FF3333" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.589285714285714" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">58.9%</td> <td align="CENTER" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">L</td> </tr><tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">New Orleans</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="25" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">25</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="41" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">41</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0" sdval="66" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">66</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.378787878787879" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">37.9%</td> <td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#FF3333" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.621212121212121" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">62.1%</td> <td align="CENTER" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">W</td> </tr><tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">Chicago</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="11" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">11</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="52" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">52</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0" sdval="63" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">63</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.174603174603175" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">17.5%</td> <td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#FF3333" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.825396825396825" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">82.5%</td> <td align="CENTER" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">L</td> </tr><tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">New Orleans</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="20" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">20</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="37" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">37</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0" sdval="57" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">57</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.350877192982456" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">35.1%</td> <td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#FF3333" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.649122807017544" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">64.9%</td> <td align="CENTER" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">L</td> </tr><tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">Houston</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="18" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">18</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="35" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">35</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0" sdval="53" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">53</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.339622641509434" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">34.0%</td> <td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#FF3333" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.660377358490566" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">66.0%</td> <td align="CENTER" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">L</td> </tr><tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">Green Bay</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="20" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">20</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="38" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">38</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0" sdval="58" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">58</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.344827586206897" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">34.5%</td> <td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#FF3333" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.655172413793103" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">65.5%</td> <td align="CENTER" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">L</td> </tr><tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">Tennessee</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="25" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">25</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="33" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">33</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0" sdval="58" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">58</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.431034482758621" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">43.1%</td> <td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#FF3333" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.568965517241379" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">56.9%</td> <td align="CENTER" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">L</td> </tr><tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">Carolina</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="27" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">27</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="27" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">27</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0" sdval="54" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">54</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.5" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">50.0%</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.5" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">50.0%</td> <td align="CENTER" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">L</td> </tr><tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">Jacksonville</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="24" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">24</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="32" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">32</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0" sdval="56" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">56</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.428571428571429" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">42.9%</td> <td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#FF3333" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.571428571428571" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">57.1%</td> <td align="CENTER" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">L</td> </tr><tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">Dallas</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="13" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">13</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="27" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">27</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0" sdval="40" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">40</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.325" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">32.5%</td> <td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#FF3333" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.675" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">67.5%</td> <td align="CENTER" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">L</td> </tr><tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">Carolina</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="19" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">19</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="38" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">38</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0" sdval="57" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">57</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.333333333333333" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">33.3%</td> <td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#FF3333" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.666666666666667" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">66.7%</td> <td align="CENTER" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">L</td> </tr><tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">Atlanta</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="14" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">14</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="45" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">45</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0" sdval="59" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">59</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.23728813559322" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">23.7%</td> <td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#FF3333" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.76271186440678" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">76.3%</td> <td align="CENTER" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">L</td> </tr><tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;"><strong>Season Avg:</strong></td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0.0" sdval="21.625" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;"><strong>21.6</strong></td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0.0" sdval="36.625" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;"><strong>36.6</strong></td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0.0" sdval="58.25" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;"><strong>58.3</strong></td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.371244635193133" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;"><strong>37.1%</strong></td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.628755364806867" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;"><strong>62.9%</strong></td> <td align="LEFT" sdnum="1033;0;@" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;"><strong><br></strong></td></tr></tbody></table><br>The red marks are not losses. Those are the games where the Buccaneers passed on 55% or more of their offensive plays. Look at all that red, and remember this was a 4-12 season.<br><br>Now the same information for the 2010 season:<br><br><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cols="7" frame="VOID" rules="NONE"> <colgroup><col width="108"><col width="51"><col width="56"><col width="61"><col width="65"><col width="67"><col width="54"></colgroup> <tbody><tr> <td align="LEFT" height="30" width="108"><strong><em><span style="font-size: medium;">2010 (10-6)</span></em></strong></td> <td align="LEFT" width="51"><br></td> <td align="LEFT" width="56"><br></td> <td align="LEFT" sdnum="1033;0;0" width="61"><br></td> <td align="LEFT" width="65"><br></td> <td align="LEFT" width="67"><br></td> <td align="CENTER" width="54"><br></td> </tr><tr> <td align="CENTER" height="39" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;"><strong>Opponent</strong></td> <td align="CENTER" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;"><strong>Run Plays</strong></td> <td align="CENTER" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;"><strong>Pass Plays</strong></td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;"><strong>Total Plays</strong></td> <td align="CENTER" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;"><strong>Run %</strong></td> <td align="CENTER" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;"><strong>Pass %</strong></td> <td align="CENTER" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;"><strong>Result</strong></td> </tr><tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">Cleveland</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="30" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">30</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="28" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">28</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0" sdval="58" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">58</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.517241379310345" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">51.7%</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.482758620689655" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">48.3%</td> <td align="CENTER" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">W</td> </tr><tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">Carolina</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="34" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">34</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="25" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">25</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0" sdval="59" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">59</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.576271186440678" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">57.6%</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.423728813559322" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">42.4%</td> <td align="CENTER" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">W</td> </tr><tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">Pittsburgh</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="21" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">21</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="31" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">31</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0" sdval="52" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">52</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.403846153846154" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">40.4%</td> <td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#FF3333" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.596153846153846" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">59.6%</td> <td align="CENTER" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">L</td> </tr><tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">Cincinnati</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="22" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">22</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="33" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">33</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0" sdval="55" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">55</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.4" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">40.0%</td> <td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#FF3333" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.6" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">60.0%</td> <td align="CENTER" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">W</td> </tr><tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">New Orleans</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="18" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">18</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="43" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">43</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0" sdval="61" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">61</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.295081967213115" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">29.5%</td> <td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#FF3333" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.704918032786885" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">70.5%</td> <td align="CENTER" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">L</td> </tr><tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">Saint Louis</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="21" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">21</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="40" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">40</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0" sdval="61" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">61</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.344262295081967" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">34.4%</td> <td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#FF3333" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.655737704918033" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">65.6%</td> <td align="CENTER" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">W</td> </tr><tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">Arizona</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="30" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">30</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="25" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">25</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0" sdval="55" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">55</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.545454545454545" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">54.5%</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.454545454545455" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">45.5%</td> <td align="CENTER" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">W</td> </tr><tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">Atlanta</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="27" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">27</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="22" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">22</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0" sdval="49" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">49</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.551020408163265" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">55.1%</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.448979591836735" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">44.9%</td> <td align="CENTER" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">L</td> </tr><tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">Carolina</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="30" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">30</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="24" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">24</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0" sdval="54" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">54</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.555555555555556" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">55.6%</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.444444444444444" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">44.4%</td> <td align="CENTER" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">W</td> </tr><tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">San Francisco</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="42" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">42</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="22" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">22</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0" sdval="64" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">64</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.65625" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">65.6%</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.34375" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">34.4%</td> <td align="CENTER" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">W</td> </tr><tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">Baltimore</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="23" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">23</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="37" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">37</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0" sdval="60" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">60</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.383333333333333" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">38.3%</td> <td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#FF3333" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.616666666666667" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">61.7%</td> <td align="CENTER" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">L</td> </tr><tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">Atlanta</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="29" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">29</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="39" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">39</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0" sdval="68" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">68</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.426470588235294" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">42.6%</td> <td align="CENTER" bgcolor="#FF3333" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.573529411764706" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">57.4%</td> <td align="CENTER" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">L</td> </tr><tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">Washington</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="26" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">26</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="25" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">25</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0" sdval="51" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">51</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.509803921568627" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">51.0%</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.490196078431373" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">49.0%</td> <td align="CENTER" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">W</td> </tr><tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">Detroit</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="28" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">28</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="32" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">32</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0" sdval="60" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">60</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.466666666666667" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">46.7%</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.533333333333333" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">53.3%</td> <td align="CENTER" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">L</td> </tr><tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">Seattle</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="26" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">26</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="26" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">26</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0" sdval="52" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">52</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.5" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">50.0%</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.5" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">50.0%</td> <td align="CENTER" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">W</td> </tr><tr> <td align="LEFT" height="19" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">New Orleans</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="24" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">24</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;" sdval="26" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">26</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0" sdval="50" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">50</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.48" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">48.0%</td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.52" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">52.0%</td> <td align="CENTER" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;">W</td> </tr><tr> <td align="RIGHT" height="19" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;"><strong>Season Avg:</strong></td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0.0" sdval="26.9375" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;"><strong>26.9</strong></td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0.0" sdval="29.875" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;"><strong>29.9</strong></td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0.0" sdval="56.8125" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;"><strong>56.8</strong></td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.474147414741474" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;"><strong>47.4%</strong></td> <td align="CENTER" sdnum="1033;0;0.0%" sdval="0.525852585258526" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;"><strong>52.6%</strong></td> <td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;0;@" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000;"><strong><br></strong></td></tr></tbody></table><br>And hopefully you can see where I'm going here. Over the past two seasons, when the Buccaneers pass the ball <em>more than 55%</em> of their offensive plays, they are a miserable 4-15. However, when the Buccaneers pass the ball <em>less than 55%</em> of their offensive plays, they are an amazing 10-3. Said another way: when the Buccaneers play balanced offense or emphasize the running game, they win much more often than they lose. Period.<br><br>When General Manager Mark Dominik and then Head Coach Raheem Morris were introduced as the new leadership team in 2009, they talked about the kind of team they were looking to create. They stated they would be building a physical, powerful, team emphasizing defense and the running game. In 2009, the roster was retooled in many ways. In 2010, the plan started to show itself, with the Buccaneers finishing in the top 10 in the NFL in two significant statistics:<a href="http://www.nfl.com/stats/categorystats?tabSeq=2&offensiveStatisticCategory=RUSHING&conference=ALL&role=TM&season=2010&seasonType=REG&d-447263-s=RUSHING_YARDS_PER_GAME_AVG&d-447263-o=2&d-447263-n=1" target="_blank"> rushing yards per game</a> and <a href="http://www.nfl.com/stats/categorystats?tabSeq=2&season=2010&seasonType=REG&role=OPP&d-447263-n=1&d-447263-o=1&d-447263-p=1&conference=ALL&defensiveStatisticCategory=GAME_STATS&d-447263-s=TOTAL_POINTS_GAME_AVG" target="_blank">defensive points allowed</a>.<br><br>Then the 2011 season came along and the Buccaneers went pass happy. In my opinion, then OC Greg Olson returned to his Saint Louis mindset and the offensive approach of former head coach John Gruden, which somewhat resembles a West Coast offense but with some "Gruden original" formations (the bunch formation and others). In other words, he believed he had a group which would flourish in such a system. But he was wrong: it worked for six games, then the NFL adjusted to it, and from then on it did not work. Head Coach Raheem Morris did not step in and put the team back on track with the formula which worked in 2010. And things seemed to accelerate in the wrong direction as the season went on, with quarterback Josh Freeman regressing in his development.<br><br>I have met Coach Morris in person, and I like that guy an awful lot. I have a lot of respect for a person who can take one of the youngest rosters in the NFL and go 10-6 in his second year as head coach. I believe he should get a fair share of the credit for the 2010 season. But, unfortunately, he gets the lions share of the blame for 2011 for not making the corrections I would expect a head coach to make. I believe that is the reason why, after the season was over, he and his entire staff had to be released.<br><br>The release of the coaching staff after last season is why I believe the Buccaneers will get back on track in 2012. Not only is new Offensive Coordinator Mike Sullivan coming from a team with an offense which has demonstrated good balance and effectively runs the ball, so does new Head Coach Greg Schiano. Also, the front office has provided Coach Sullivan <a href="http://www.buccaneers.com/news/article-1/Raye-Brings-Experience-to-Bucs-Staff/d9861221-83be-44ba-a947-b6a894c2224a" target="_blank">a run-game guru in Jimmy Raye</a> to help develop the punishing ground game the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are built for. This could be the single key factor in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers success next season.<br><br>In 2010, with a ball control offense, the Buccaneers Defense finished in the Top 10 in the NFL for least points allowed. I believe the defense can be improved this offseason. But I do not believe it is broken.<br><br>I have confidence the correct moves have been made in response to the disappointing season which was 2011. I have great hope that the 2012 NFL season will have the Tampa Bay Buccaneers back on the right track. How quickly the team can mentally shake the collapse of 2011 off their shoulders and move on will be something to watch closely as the season unfolds. <br><br>Will the Buccaneers return to the NFL playoffs next season? Many factors are in play, but if they utilize their offense in line with the vision with which it was assembled they could find themselves in another playoff hunt in 2012.<br><br><p> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3474521966929457394.post-24728174063841371012012-03-07T07:29:00.000-05:002012-03-07T07:47:48.925-05:00Buccaneers wrap up TE position before draftThe Tampa Bay Buccaneers appear to have the Tight End position wrapped up for the next few seasons.<br />
<br />
With the signing of Chase Coffman late last month, Tampa Bay now has a squad of five tight ends already set for the 2012 training camp. Depending on how new Head Coach Greg Schiano wants the offense to run, <a href="http://couragescorner.com/2012/02/20/two-tights/" target="_blank">up to four of these men</a> could be on the roster when the regular season starts. What Tampa Bay needs is someone to emerge behind Kellen Winslow as the next-in-line when Winslow (entering his 9th season) decides to hang it up. Tampa Bay also needs quality depth at this position, plus the opportunities provided by two tight end sets.<br />
<br />
<b>Kellen Winslow (6'4", 240 lbs)</b><br />
- drafted by Cleveland in Round 1 (#6 overall) in 2003 from Miami<br />
- acquired via free agency from Cleveland<br />
<br />
<b>Chase Coffman (6'6", 250 lbs)</b><br />
- drafted by Cincinnati in Round 3 (#98 overall) in 2007 from Missouri<br />
- acquired via free agency from Cincinnati<br />
<br />
<b>Luke Stocker (6'5", 253 lbs)</b><br />
- drafted by Tampa Bay in Round 4 (#104 overall) in 2011 from Tennessee<br />
<br />
<b>Collin Franklin (6'6", 256 lbs)</b><br />
- undrafted from Iowa State in 2011<br />
- acquired via waiver (Jets) on August 8th, 2011<br />
<br />
<b>Zack Pianalto (6'4", 250 lbs)</b><br />
- undrafted from North Carolina) in 2011<br />
- acquired via waiver (Buffalo) on September 5th, 2011<br />
<br />
Coffman and Stocker, strictly by the fact they were drafted players, will be expected to lead the competition this offseason. Stocker not only gets the benefit of being at One Buccaneer Place since getting drafted last year, he appeared in 14 games (starting 9) and gathering 12 receptions for 92 yards. Coffman, once expected to be the long term answer for the Bengals, arrives with a grand total of 3 career catches for 30 yards since being drafted in 2007.<br />
<br />
Franklin was released after training camp last season. A week later, Pianalto was claimed from waivers and was on the active roster throughout 2011, appearing in 13 games and snaring 4 passes for 40 yards.<br />
<br />
With this set of players, the Buccaneers can ignore this position during the 2012 NFL Draft and let the competition play out. Having these men in the fold already provides additional flexibility to seek the best players available when the Buccaneers are on the clock.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3474521966929457394.post-81858415714293674082012-03-06T07:44:00.002-05:002012-03-06T07:44:17.427-05:00Free Agent cornerbacks updateLast month, I took <a href="http://bucsstowaway.blogspot.com/2012/02/possible-free-agent-cb-targets-for.html" target="_blank">a look at possible cornerback free agent targets</a> for
the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the 2012 free agency period. The prospects of those players being
removed from the market with the franchise tag were listed as well. All teams which have elected to use their franchise tags have assigned them, so here is the update:
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<b>CB Lardarius Webb, Age 25, Ravens</b></div>
<div>
The Ravens franchised RB Ray Rice as expected, so Webb will be a free agent.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>CB Brandon Carr, Age 26, Chiefs</b></div>
<div>
As expected, the Chiefs franchised WR Dwayne Bowe so Carr will become a free agent.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<b>CB Tracy Porter, Age 26, Saints</b></div>
<div>
The Saints franchised QB Drew Brees, meaning Porter will be a free agent.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>CB William Middleton, Age 26, Jaguars</b></div>
<div>
The
Jaguars, like the Buccaneers, franchised their outstanding placekicker
Josh Scobee. Middleton will enter the free agent market.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>CB Richard Marshall, Age 27, Cardinals</b></div>
<div>
The Cardinals, as expected, franchised DE Calais Campbell, so Marshall will become a free agent.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<b>CB Terrell Thomas, Age 27, Giants</b></div>
<div>
The Giants franchised P Steve Weatherford, only the fourth time in
history a punter has been franchised. As such, Thomas will enter the
free agent market.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>CB William Gay, Age 27, Steelers</b></div>
<div>
The Steelers have not elected to use their franchise tag this
season as they work themselves into a more cap-friendly position. As a
result, Gay will become a free agent.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<b>CB Corey Graham, Age 27, Bears</b></div>
</div>
<div>
As expected, the Bears franchised RB Matt Forte, leaving Graham available to the free agent market.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
All
these experienced young corners will be available for the Tampa Bay
Buccaneers to negotiate with when the Free Agency market opens on March
13th. Tampa Bay could be looking for up to two new corners to take the place of Aqib Talib and/or Ronde Barber this offseason. The question now becomes Value: which of these players can be
signed for a price which matches their play on the field?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For comparison, the Atlanta Falcons have franchised CB
Brent Grimes to the tune of $10.6 million. Clearly these players will command some hefty payout.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers must be careful, however. They have some
pricey young players to re-sign next year (provided they confirm their
worth). Giving up a young, promising, on-the-roster talent because the
team signed a high-priced corner this year is trade-off which is hard to
balance. Expect the Buccaneers to be mentioned in negotiations for
some of these players. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Just don't expect them to overpay.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3474521966929457394.post-40773615815482185282012-02-23T09:00:00.000-05:002012-02-23T09:00:04.918-05:00Is Butch Davis The Turk for Tampa Bay?There is one thing and one thing only at the top of the list of Bad Things in the minds of all Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans about the 2011 season: the team played worse going down the stretch. This is completely unacceptable for <i>paying</i> fans watching <i>professional</i> football players.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There is no doubt the downward spiral played a large choice in the firing . . . no, housecleaning . . . of the coaching staff at the end of last year.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I do not expect the changes to end there; Albert Haynesworth is the first to go (consider the timing, before any Organized Team Activity sessions).<br />
<br />
Which brings me to thoughts I had watching <a href="http://www.buccaneers.com/multimedia/videos/Butch-Davis-Introductory-Press-Conference/0c58f29c-0b82-41db-ba8e-c0c2abca1fc4" target="_blank">the Butch Davis press conference last week</a>. Butch Davis was brought in to assist new Head Coach Greg Schiano as he gets his program installed. But I think there is another possible role for Davis to play this offseason.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Put yourself in the General Manager's chair: your team softened down the stretch, clearly not responding to your coaching staff anymore. Perhaps you have that sick feeling in your gut some players actually gave up on the team, the season, and the fans. And you have the youngest roster in the NFL, so you don't want this to become a part of the fabric of the team. You clean out the coaching staff because you see the relationship has gone toxic. So you're sitting at One Buccaneer place with a solid young coach and some experienced position coaches making the transition to coordinators.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But there is still that sick feeling in your gut. You've got to cut the rot from the roster after it stunk up the State of Florida last season.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You and your rookie coach can go through the film. You can be pretty sure you know who needs to go. But you want to be sure, absolutely sure. And you want your new coach to have the respect of the players so there better be reasons the veterans on the team understand.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Enter experienced NFL coach Butch Davis. Davis spoke at his introductory press conference about his extensive experience in talent evaluation. Remember, Davis has a couple rings from time with the Dallas Cowboys as coordinator under Jimmy Johnson, so this is a guy who knows what championship players are all about. You want a rubber stamp on who did and who did not give up last season? Roll tape with your Pro Personnel Director Shelton Quarles, your new Head Coach, your new coordinators, and Butch Davis. Now you have a room which can give you a bright light on the harsh decisions needed.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Make no mistake, Dominik will find many ways to make it perfectly clear to his team that last season was unacceptable. He has to, and there is no doubt he knew it before the season ended. Coach Schiano has already talked about T.B.A. (Trust, Belief, Accountability) and his plans to instill these core beliefs in the roster (<a href="http://www.buccaneers.com/multimedia/videos/Head-Coach-Greg-Schiano-Introductory-PC-Part-1/1d07e2d1-bb9e-4e5c-9e2d-01df933772f0" target="_blank">press conference, 3:30 in</a>). Any player which "gave up" last season does not and will not fit this mold. Those players have to go.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Butch Davis will help find them.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3474521966929457394.post-73910581250879564202012-02-15T08:46:00.000-05:002012-02-15T08:46:44.198-05:00Possible free agent CB targets for BuccaneersWhy wait until the draft?<br />
<br />
The first major milestone of the offseason will be when teams declare if they will use their franchise tag on February 20th. Many of the top free agent players will be unable to negotiate with other teams because they will receive the franchise tag.<br />
<br />
The top identified need for the Buccaneers this offseason (both <a href="http://bucsdraft.blogspot.com/2012/01/2012-buccaneer-draft-analysis-core.html" target="_blank">by myself</a> and <a href="http://bucsdraft.blogspot.com/2012/02/what-buccaneers-say-they-need.html" target="_blank">within One Buccaneer Place</a>) is cornerback. There is a long list of potential free agent corners, but if we follow the philosophy of Buccaneers GM Mark Dominik, we are looking for a young player to grow with the rest of the youth on the Tampa Bay Roster. I limited myself to the Top 20 available corners and ignored any player more than 27 years old. This created a list of 8 prospects which I would consider the highest value targets fot the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.<br />
<br />
A solid, young corner is a valuable prospect in the NFL, so don't expect the current teams of these players to just let them walk. In fact, the franchise tag could eliminate any of them. What are the chances of one of them being franchised? It depends on the other free agents on their team.<br />
<br />
To analyse this I have listed each of the eight potential candidates and the other free agents (unrestricted unless noted by RFA) on their teams. If these teams can't reach agreements with certain free agents they may use a franchise tag to avoid losing a solid performer. Each team gets one franchise tag, so will they use it on these young corners? Let's check it out from youngest to oldest.<br />
<br />
<b>CB Lardarius Webb, Age 25, Ravens</b><br />
Other free agents for the Ravens include RB Ray Rice, G Ben Grubbs, C Scott Birks, C Andre Gurode, DE Cory Redding, OLB Jarret Johnson, and ILB Jameel McClain. Certainly Rice is worth a franchise tag. Birks and Gurode are also starters up front. <br />
<br />
<b>CB Brandon Carr, Age 26, Chiefs</b><br />
Other Chiefs free agents include QB Kyle Orton, RB Jackie Battle, RB Thomas Jones, RB LeRon McClain, WR Dwayne Bowe, TE Leonard Pope, and C Casey Wiegmann. Bowe is the likely franchise tag recipient here unless the Chiefs can get an agreement in place.<br />
<br />
<b>CB Tracy Porter, Age 26, Saints</b><br />
Other free agents for New Orleans include QB Drew Brees, QB Chase Daniel (RFA), WR Marques Colston, WR Robert Meacham, and G Carl Nicks. Not only do the Saints have a lot of talented free agents this offseason, the Buccaneers can damage a division foe if they snare Porter.<br />
<br />
<b>CB William Middleton, Age 26, Jaguars</b><br />
Free agents on the Jaguars this offseason include TE Zach Potter, DE Jeremy Mincey, OLB Matt Roth, OLB Russell Allen (RFA), and FS Dwight Lowery. The Jaguars had a rough season and are a team undergoing a serious rebuilding. Keeping young talent is rule #1 for them this offseason, so it would not surprise me if Middleton gets the franchise tag.<br />
<br />
<b>CB Richard Marshall, Age 27, Cardinals</b><br />
The Cardinals also have free agents OT Brandon Keith and DE Calais Campbell. Campbell is widely considered to be the top DE prospect among the 2012 free agent crop. If the Cardinals can get him under contact, Marshall is likely to get the franchise tag.<br />
<br />
<b>CB Terrell Thomas, Age 27, Giants</b><br />
Other Giants free agents include WR Mario Manningham, OT Kareem McKenzie, G Stacy Andrews, ILB Chase Blackburn, and S Deon Grant. As good as Manningham is, the Giants have a great defense in place and may use their franchise tag to hold onto the youngster Thomas.<br />
<br />
<b>CB William Gay, Age 27, Steelers</b><br />
Steelers free agents include QB Dennis Dixon, QB Charlie Batch, QB Byron Leftwich, RB Mewelde Moore, WR Mike Wallace (RFA), WR Jerricho Cotchery, OT Max Starks, and G Ramon Foster (RFA). The Steelers have significant cap issues to deal with before next year; they may not even use their franchise tag to avoid the costs which go with it.<br />
<br />
<b>CB Corey Graham, Age 27, Bears</b><br />
Free agents on the Bears this offseason include QB Josh McCown, RB Matt Forte, RB Kahlil Bell, TE Kellen Davis, DE Israel Idonije, and DT Amobi Okoye. Forte is a franchise candidate here; after that it could be Graham.<br />
<br />
Looking at these lists, it appears the players the Buccaneers will most likely get a shot to bid for are Webb, Carr, Porter, and Gay. Any of these young players would be a fantastic addition to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive backfield.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3474521966929457394.post-57259222116951748162012-02-04T11:46:00.000-05:002012-02-04T11:46:49.173-05:00Is Haynesworth done?By the time Week 9 of the 2011 NFL season was in the books (a Tampa Bay loss at New Orleans), the Buccaneers were up against an interior defense thinned by the loss of DT Gerald McCoy. General Manager Mark Dominik elected to claim from waivers a player he had been seeking since ascending to the top spot in 2009: Albert Haynesworth. In fact, <a href="http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/bucs/2009/06/haynesworth-bucs-offered-more-money.html" target="_blank">Dominik outbid the team Haynesworth signed with that year</a> but the All-Pro defensive tackle went elsewhere. By Week 9 of 2011, Haynesworth was back on the waiver wire after disappointing stints in Washington and New England. This time, <a href="http://profootball.scout.com/a.z?s=127&p=9&c=2&cid=1127064&nid=5754211&fhn=1" target="_blank">Dominik was alone in the quest for Haynesworth</a> and brought him to Tampa Bay. Now Dominik has to decide if he wants to keep Albert Haynesworth on his roster.<br />
<br />
Upon arriving, Tampa Bay immediately gave Haynesworth his first start since the 2009 season. Of the remaining eight games in 2011, Haynesworth played in seven and started six, recording 18 tackles and 2 assists (no sacks) which surpassed his output with the Redskins in 2010 and with the Patriots for the first half of 2011 <i>combined</i>. He did miss the week 16 game completely and did not start for the final game of the season. From an output perspective, Haynesworth appeared to step up for Dominik and Tampa Bay. A odd tidbit to consider: after the waiver wire Tampa Bay did not win a game with Haynesworth, while the Patriots did not lose a game without Haynesworth. <br />
<br />
One drawback to signing Haynesworth up for additional service is the number of draft picks the Buccaneers have used on the defensive interior recently (three since 2009). All three have been productive players, along with free agent pickups John McCargo and Frank Okam:<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cols="6" frame="VOID" rules="NONE">
<colgroup><col width="144"></col><col width="45"></col><col width="43"></col><col width="46"></col><col width="54"></col><col width="98"></col></colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="RIGHT" height="21" width="144"><b><br /></b></td>
<td align="RIGHT" width="45"><b>Total</b></td>
<td align="RIGHT" width="43"><b>Solo</b></td>
<td align="RIGHT" width="46"><b>Asst</b></td>
<td align="RIGHT" width="54"><b>Sacks</b></td>
<td align="RIGHT" width="98"><b>2011 Games</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="19">Roy Miller</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="36">36</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="20">20</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="16">16</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="0">0</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="16">16</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="19">Brian Price</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="24">24</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="20">20</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="4">4</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="3">3</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="15">15</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="21">Albert Haynesworth</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="20">20</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="18">18</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="2">2</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="0">0</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="7">7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="21">Frank Okam</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="16">16</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="15">15</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="1">1</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="0">0</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="9">9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="19">Gerald McCoy</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="11">11</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="10">10</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="1">1</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="1">1</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="6">6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="19">John McCargo</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="5">5</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="3">3</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="2">2</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="0">0</td>
<td align="RIGHT" sdnum="1033;" sdval="4">4</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<br />
This brings us to the first Big IF for resigning Haynesworth: IF his production over the seven games he played in can be sustained over a 16 game season, he would record around 45 tackles, which would make him one of the 10 most productive Defensive Tackles in the NFL (<a href="http://www.nfl.com/stats/categorystats?archive=false&conference=null&statisticPositionCategory=DEFENSIVE_LINEMAN&season=2011&seasonType=REG&experience=null&tabSeq=1&qualified=true&Submit=Go" target="_blank">based on league-wide stats for 2011</a>). On the other hand, Tampa Bay is in the middle of rebuilding their team from the ground up, so every snap taken by Haynesworth is a snap lost by one of the young players. Should Tampa Bay keep Haynesworth and bring the youngsters along more slowly? Or is it likely that Haynesworth, having spent 10 seasons in the middle of trenches, cannot be highly productive over a 16 game season?<br />
<br />
The second Big IF is Haynesworth's cost to the team. <a href="http://www.steelersdepot.com/2011/07/2011-2014-nfl-minimum-base-salaries/" target="_blank">The league minimum for a player with 10+ years experience in 2012 is $925,000</a>. That's not much more than the $700K or so the Buccaneers paid for half a year's service this year. Would Haynesworth be willing to go year-to-year? If not, how long? And what price would he demand? And what expense to the salary cap can the team afford, with Josh Freeman, Roy Miller, and others coming up for contract renewal next year?<br />
<br />
These are the decisions which try the soul of the NFL GM, and Buccaneers GM Mark Dominik has a lot to consider, particularly with a new coaching staff.<br />
<br />
In the end, I do not see a roster spot available this fall for Haynesworth. He could surprise everyone and show up to OTAs 30-40 pounds slimmer and agree to play for reasonable to discounted price but I doubt it. A man with his career can leave the game with his head high, and I suspect that's just what Albert Haynesworth will do.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3474521966929457394.post-81359045302755472082012-01-27T15:01:00.000-05:002012-01-27T15:01:51.151-05:00Dominik vs. The NFC Champions: DefenseGeneral Manager Mark Dominik has stayed the path of building with youth and only adding the occasional free agent. Let's see if this philosophy lines up with the NFC Champion New York Giants defense.<br />
<div>
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
<b><u>NY Giants Defense</u></b></div>
<div>
The Defensive two-deep for the New York Giants:</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
DE Justin Tuck - <b>Drafted</b> (3rd Round, 2005); has only been a Giant</div>
<div>
DE Dave Tollefson -<b> Free Agent </b>(Green Bay, 2007)</div>
<div>
DE Osi Umenyiora - <b>Drafted</b> (2nd Round, 2003); has only been a Giant</div>
<div>
DE Jason Pierre-Paul - <b>Drafted</b> (1st Round, 2010); has only been a Giant</div>
<div>
DT Linval Joseph - <b>Drafted</b> (2nd Round, 2010); has only been a Giant</div>
<div>
DT Rocky Bernard - <b>Free Agent</b> (Seattle, 2009)</div>
<div>
DT Chris Canty - <b>Free Agent</b> (Dallas, 2009)</div>
<div>
DT Jimmy Kennedy - <b>Free Agent</b> (Minnesota, 2011)</div>
<div>
LB Michael Boley - <b>Free Agent</b> (Atlanta, 2009)</div>
<div>
LB Jacquain Williams - <b>Drafted</b> (6th Round, 2011); has only been a Giant</div>
<div>
LB Mathias Kiwanuka - <b>Drafted</b> (1st Round, 2006); has only been a Giant</div>
<div>
LB Greg Jones - <b>Drafted</b> (6th Round, 2011); has only been a Giant</div>
<div>
S Antrel Rolle - <b>Free Agent</b> (Arizona, 2010)</div>
<div>
S Deon Grant - <b>Free Agent</b> (Seattle, 2010)</div>
<div>
S Kenny Phillips - <b>Drafted</b> (1st Round, 2008); has only been a Giant</div>
<div>
S Tyler Sash - <b>Drafted</b> (6th Round, 2011); has only been a Giant</div>
<div>
CB Aaron Ross - <b>Drafted</b> (1st Round, 2007); has only been a Giant</div>
<div>
CB Micheal Coe - <b>Free Agent </b>(Jacksonville, 2010)</div>
<div>
CB Corey Webster - <b>Drafted</b> (2nd Round, 2005)</div>
<div>
CB Brian Williams - <b>Free Agent</b> (Atlanta, 2011)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That is:</div>
<div>
1 Undrafted Free Agent</div>
<div>
9 Free Agents</div>
<div>
11 Drafted</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The drafted players breakdown like this:</div>
<div>
4 First Rounders</div>
<div>
2 Second Rounders</div>
<div>
1 Third Rounder</div>
<div>
3 Sixth Rounders</div>
<div>
<br />
Again, there is more drafted talent than free agent talent in this group, but much closer to half and half. There are more high-round draft picks on this side of the ball as well. Two members of this unit were drafted in 2005, meaning <i>it took seven years</i> to get the right group together.<br />
<br />
Clearly the New York Giants have leaned heavily on the draft to reach the SuperBowl in 2012. Buccaneers General Manager Mark Dominik shares this philosophy, and it is a philosophy which should (accounting for coaching, retention, team chemistry, etc) allow the Buccaneers to compete with playoff teams in the near future.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3474521966929457394.post-85160446649329494952012-01-27T14:38:00.002-05:002012-01-27T15:02:43.163-05:00Dominik vs. The NFC Champions: OffenseCongratulations to the New York Giants, NFC Champions for the 2011-2012 season! I am very jealous, and want the George Halas Trophy in Tampa so badly. Are the Buccaneers on track?<br />
<br />
General Manager Mark Dominik has stayed the path of building with youth and only adding the occasional free agent. Many fans have "Fantasy Football Syndrome", where free agents cost a few dollars, there is no salary cap, and statistics strictly determine the worth of a player. This season, all Tampa Bay Buccaneer fans got a good look at another factor which Fantasy Football does not consider: team chemistry.<br />
<br />
So, does real life NFL success match the philosophy of the Buccaneers GM? Time to dissect the 2012 NFC Champion New York Giants and see what we can learn.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><u>NY Giants Offense</u></b></div>
<div>
The Offensive two-deep for the New York Giants:<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
QB Eli Manning -<b> Draft Day Trade</b> (2004); has only been a Giant</div>
<div>
QB David Carr - <b>Free Agent </b>(from 49ers, 2010; 2nd stint with the Giants)</div>
<div>
RB Brandon Jacobs - <b>Drafted</b> (4th Round, 2005); has only been a Giant</div>
<div>
RB DJ Ware - <b>Undrafted, 2010</b>; has only been a Giant</div>
<div>
FB Henry Hynoski - <b>Undrafted, 2011</b>; has only been a Giant</div>
<div>
WR Mario Manningham - <b>Drafted</b> (3rd Round, 2008); has only been a Giant</div>
<div>
WR Hakeem Nicks - <b>Drafted</b> (1st Round, 2009); has only been a Giant</div>
<div>
WR Victor Cruz - <b>Undrafted, 2010</b>; has only been a Giant</div>
<div>
WR Jerrel Jernigan - <b>Drafted</b> (3rd Round, 2011); has only been a Giant</div>
<div>
TE Jake Ballard - <b>Undrafted, 2010</b>; has only been a Giant</div>
<div>
TE Travis Beckum - <b>Drafted</b> (3rd Round, 2009); has only been a Giant</div>
<div>
T Will Beatty - <b>Drafted</b> (2nd Round, 2009); has only been a Giant</div>
<div>
T James Brewer - <b>Drafted</b> (4th Round, 2011); has only been a Giant</div>
<div>
T Kareem McKenzie - <b>Free Agent</b> (from Jets, 2005)</div>
<div>
T Stacy Andrews - <b>Free Agent</b> (from Seattle, 2010)</div>
<div>
G Chris Snee - <b>Drafted</b> (2nd Round, 2004); has only been a Giant</div>
<div>
G Mitch Petrus - <b>Drafted</b> (5th Round, 2010); has only been a Giant</div>
<div>
G David Diehl - <b>Drafted</b> (5th Round, 2003); has only been a Giant</div>
<div>
G Kevin Boothe - <b>Free Agent</b> (from Oakland, 2006)</div>
<div>
C David Baas - <b>Free Agent</b> (from 49ers, 2010)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That is:</div>
<div>
1 Trade</div>
<div>
4 Undrafted (College) Free Agents</div>
<div>
<div>
5 Free Agents</div>
</div>
<div>
10 Drafted</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Of the <i>half</i> the players on the New York Giants offensive 2-deep who were drafted, only Hakeem Nicks was a first round draft choice. The draft choice breakdown is:</div>
<div>
1 First Rounder</div>
<div>
2 Second Rounders</div>
<div>
3 Third Rounders</div>
<div>
2 Fourth Rounders</div>
<div>
2 Fifth Rounders</div>
<div>
<br />
This is a unit built through the draft. With only five free agents and one traded player out of 20 players. Four of the five free agents are on the offensive line, while the fifth is the backup quarterback.</div>
<div>
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div>
Half the drafted players were "middle round" picks, and all of the draft picks were selected in the fifth round or earlier. None of the draft picks have more than eight years in the NFL; that is, this unit was <i>eight years in the making</i>.<br />
<br />
The composition of this group does follow the philosophy of General Manager Mark Dominik, starting with drafting a quarterback to build around in Josh Freeman: Eli Manning is the oldest draft pick on the Giant's two deep. Building through the draft and going light on free agents can (and does) produce a championship squad. Clearly, the Buccaneers are on the correct path. Sometimes this produces lightning in a bottle: <a href="http://bucsstowaway.blogspot.com/2010/03/tampa-media-and-must-spend-to-win-myth.html" target="_blank">In 2007, the New York Giants won the SuperBowl with the lowest payroll in the NFL</a>.<br />
<br />
But this is only half the story. Next up is <a href="http://bucsstowaway.blogspot.com/2012/01/dominik-vs-nfc-champions-defense.html" target="_blank">a look at the defense</a>.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3474521966929457394.post-26794314455424939982012-01-20T11:09:00.000-05:002012-01-20T11:09:45.465-05:00New Year Brings New BuccaneersIn early January, the Buccaneers signed their 8-man practice squad to the offseason roster. Among the group are three familiar names, two outside linebacker prospects, an experienced quarterback, and some bulk for the offensive line. These men are under NFL Futures Contracts, meaning they do not actually take effect (or count against the roster) until the new league year begins in March. They are (in alphabetical order):<br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>Mike Balogun: </b> 2nd year Linebacker from Oklahoma (6'0", 240 lbs). Balogun appeared in two games for the Buffalo Bills in 2010. Balogun spent time with the Cowboys in 2011 before arriving in Tampa.<br />
<br />
<b>Rennie Curran:</b> 2nd year Linebacker from Georgia (5'11", 230 lbs). Curran was drafted 97th overall (3rd round) by the Tennessee Titans in 2010 and was projected as one of the top outside linebackers in his class. He entered the draft after a junior year in which he led the SEC in tackles with 116. He played in 9 games for the Titans in 2010, totaling 4 tackels and 3 assists. He was released after the Titans training camp in 2011.<br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>Colin Franklin:</b> Rookie Tight End from Iowa State (6'6", 256 lbs). Started 2011 season on the Buccaneers practice squad. Was promoted to the active roster for two games before returning to the practice squad. Franklin did not post any statistics while on the roster.<br />
<br />
<b>Ed Gant:</b> 1st year Wide Receiver from North Alabama (6'3", 200 lbs; Fort Myers, FL). Gant started the 2011 preseason with Tampa Bay. In the fourth preseason game against the Redskins, Gant had 2 receptions for 121 yards and a touchdown (Buccaneer fans may remember the 96 yard catch and run for the touchdown). Suspended first four weeks of 2010 season for violation of NFL policy on performance-enhancing substances (substance not named) while in the Cardinals training camp.<br />
<br />
<b>Mike Ingersoll:</b> Undrafted rookie Tackle from North Carolina (6'5", 300 lbs)<br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>Brett Ratliff:</b> 3rd year Quarterback out of Utah (6'4", 224 lbs). Originally an undrafted free agent signed by the Jets, has spent time in Jacksonville, New England, and Tennessee; most recently with the Cleveland Browns. Notably, he was one component of the Jets/Cleveland trade which landed Mark Sanchez with the Jets.<br />
<br />
<b>Chris Riley:</b> Undrafted rookie Guard from Illinois State (6'5", 305 lbs). Most recently a Cincinnati Bengal. Projected as an offensive tackle at the combine.<br />
<br />
<b>Jacob Rogers:</b> Undrafted rookie kicker from Cincinnati (6'4", 217 lbs). Was in camp for Buccaneers 2011 preseason (six punts versus Washington in preseason game #4) but did not make 53-man roster. Rated #5 in his class by NFL Draft Scout. Most recently was waived by the New Orleans Saints.<br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3474521966929457394.post-3105850199030187592012-01-19T09:01:00.003-05:002012-01-19T09:01:26.742-05:00The Senior Bowl Is Not A DeadlineThe next big front office milestone for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is rapidly approaching.<br />
<br />
The senior bowl is an important chance for front office personnel to get their first good look at the talent which will be available in the 2012 NFL draft. It is also a place teeming with NFL coaching talent, and a great place for a new head coach to round out their staff.<br />
<br />
Tampa Bay is running short on time to have a coach in place for this off-season milestone. But is it critical to wrap up the search for a head coach by then?<br />
<br />
General manager Mark Dominik has come up on a bit of a fork in the road: you can either spend the Senior bowl week observing young talent to use on his upcoming fifth pick in the NFL draft, or he can spend a week interviewing a long line of possible coordinators and assistant coaches with his new head coach.<br />
<br />
It is no secret that Dominik believes that building through the draft is the correct way to get Tampa Bay to the Super Bowl. So I suspect this deadline is artificial to the Bucs coaching search. If all the potential candidates have been interviewed and the right decision can be made before the senior bowl, that makes sense. However, if there are candidates on the remaining 4 NFL teams still playing in the playoffs or if the list is simply too long to get through before the Senior bowl week, it may make sense for Dominik to just go ahead and proceed as normal for the next week or so. The coaching search can resume after the senior bowl.<br />
<br />
So while some may think that the deadline is important, the countdown timer on the <a href="http://www.seniorbowl.com/index.asp" target="_blank">Senior Bowl homepage</a> is not nearly as important as continuing to add talant to a roster where 7th round draft picks have been able to reach the 53 man roster each of the last 3 years.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3474521966929457394.post-41535785150947894282012-01-13T07:48:00.000-05:002012-01-13T07:49:34.273-05:00Rule #1: Never Embarrass Your GMThe 2011 Buccaneers entered their bye week at 4-3. They did not win another football game. However, it's not about <i>the fact</i> they lost, but <i>how</i> they lost which will shape the offseason.<br />
<br />
In short, the team forced the hand of General Manager Mark Dominik, not because he was disappointed, but because it was embarrassing. Horribly embarrassing. And the closer the team got to the end of the season, the more embarrassing the performances on the field.<br />
<br />
Never, ever embarrass your boss. Never.<br />
<br />
Dominik moved swiftly less than 24 hours after the end of the last game of the season, promptly sweeping the entire coaching staff away. And I mean <i>every</i> coach, right down and through to strength coaches and assistant coaches. And ownership stood with him in approval of the move. Gone are the last remnants of Jon Gruden's coaching staff (most prominently in the person of Greg Olson). The search for a replacement started quickly with coaches known for playoff appearances, discipline, and experience. The interview list hints at what Dominik perceives to be the problem: lack of discipline, toughness, and power. The team lacks a fine, steel edge and the Buccaneers are looking for someone with a grindstone.<br />
<br />
But there is another component of this housecleaning still looming over One Buccaneer Place like an approaching thunderhead: which players will also go? Which players embarrassed their boss on the field? Who fell apart in the locker room? Who was mentally unable to compete for 16 weeks come anything or high water?<br />
<br />
The molding of this, the youngest roster in the NFL, has taken a new turn. No longer is talent level the issue (10 wins in 2010 left no doubt). Now it's a matter of youth growing up and veterans standing up. Those who <i>couldn't</i> (it's far too late for can't) will stand out easily to an experienced, winning coach. They too will be swiftly cut away. The only mystery is how many and which ones.<br />
<br />
It's going to be one of the most intriguing off seasons in many years for the Buccaneers.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3474521966929457394.post-43867041109985953832011-11-22T00:47:00.001-05:002011-11-22T01:50:38.393-05:00Young Buccaneers Discover Higher GearThe Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost to the Green Bay Packers 35-26, falling to 4-6 on the season. The Buccaneers have now suffered a four game losing streak to teams with a combined record of 31-13. The biggest challenge of the four games was going to Lambeau Field to play the undefeated Green Bay Packers.<br />
<br />
The Buccaneers have been their own worst enemy in many ways during this downward swing, and last weekend was no different. Tampa Bay was called for nine penalties (losing 55 yards), lost a fumble, and had two costly interceptions.<br />
<br />
But this game featured something new: a resilience, combined with a competitive spirit which was not tangible in the past two games.<br />
<br />
Although the Buccaneers did not score in the first quarter, the defense showed early they were ready to compete. Green Bay's first possession stalled deep on their own end of the field, and Tampa Bay let their first opportunity slip by when pressure up the middle forced the Packer's punter to abort his kick. Although he fumbled twice on the way to the sidelines, he did get enough yards to pick up the first down. Instead of the Buccaneers getting a short field (maybe more), Green Bay would take the new opportunity and drive the length of the field for a touchdown to take the early lead 7-0.<br />
<br />
The second quarter opened with Green Bay driving to a touchdown and a 14-0 lead. On the next possession, LeGarrette Blount ripped off what could be the best running play in the NFL this season for 54 yards and a touchdown, helped by a crushing block by G Davin Josepth who removed a would-be tackler from Blount's back. The play narrowed the Green Bay lead down to 14-7.<br />
<br />
Tampa Bay scored on their next offensive possession as well, with a 23-yard Connor Barth field goal to reduce the deficit to 14-10.<br />
<br />
On the ensuing kickoff, the Buccaneers attempted an onside kick which failed on an illegal touch by the Buccaneers. The play appeared to catch the Packers off guard, but the opportunity was lost when Tampa did not allow the ball to travel 10-yards before touching the ball. Green Bay took advantage of the short field and scored a touchdown to push the lead to 21-10.<br />
<br />
The Buccaneers took the following kickoff from their own 24-yard line to the Green Bay 43 and were in a position to possibly get their own field goal attempt before halftime. But another opportunity was lost when Josh Freeman was intercepted on a second and 10 play, and the game went to halftime with the Buccaneers behind 21-10.<br />
<br />
Tampa Bay was able to get a field goal attempt on their first possession of the second half, bringing the score to 21-13. However, the story of the third quarter was the defense who, for the first time in Green Bay's previous 10 quarters, held Green Bay scoreless. In fact, the Buccaneer front four on defense kept pressure on the Packers all day, including sacks by DT Brian Price and DE Adrian Clayborn.<br />
<br />
Tampa Bay opened the fourth quarter by finishing a 91-yard drive from the third quarter with a touchdown. A failed two-point conversion left a two point deficit 21-19. The Buccaneers and Packers then traded blows with each scoring a touchdown, and with 2:43 remaining in the game, the Packers held just a two point lead at 28-26. Tampa Bay then attempted to steal the game away with another onside kick attempt, but did not recover the ball. Faced with another short field, the Packers took advantage and scored another touchdown to put the game out of reach at 26-35.<br />
<br />
Tampa Bay had their opportunities: two onside kicks, the possession before halftime, holding the opponent scoreless in the 3rd quarter. Green Bay is undefeated and has scored more points this season than any other team in the NFL. The Buccaneers stood toe-to-toe with them but were unable to take advantage when the opportunity presented itself.<br />
<br />
It's rough for fans, but when a young team gets a glimpse of how good they "could be", it's an important event. I guarantee none of the Buccaneers walked away from the game feeling Green Bay was a better team, just that the Packers were better that day.<br />
<br />
Clearly this team has talent. Last Sunday, they almost put it all together, but not quite. Instead, the youngest team in the league will have to grow for another week and then test themselves against the 5-5 Tennessee Titans.<br />
<br />
It's desperation time.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3474521966929457394.post-79999110463714817942011-11-16T16:57:00.001-05:002011-11-16T17:50:11.066-05:00Freeman's Thumb Clearly An IssueJosh Freeman has stated several times his thumb injury is small, not a problem, and no big deal.<br />
<br />
I have to disagree.<br />
<br />
According to Freeman via <a href="http://www.tampabay.com/sports/football/bucs/tampa-bay-buccaneers-josh-freeman-says-his-thumb-injury-has-affected-him/1201987" target="_blank">Rick Stroud of the Saint Petersberg Times</a>, the thumb is has affected his throwing "a little bit". I believe it has affected his throwing a great deal.<br />
<br />
Rewatching the Texans game from this past Sunday, Freeman mostly threw high (like above the receiver's head) and never achieved a tight spiral like his throws in 2010. A high throw means his release point has changed as his hand comes over after windup, a sign of a lack of grip on the ball. Bad grip (or a bad "feel" of the ball as it's released) makes for inaccuracy. Freeman put on clinics week after week last season on technique, ball speed, distance, and accuracy. Clearly not the same thing this season.<br />
<br />
A review of the Chicago game never showed Freeman gripping his hand or grimacing as the Buccaneers threw on their final six offensive plays to end the game. <a href="http://www.buccaneers.com/multimedia/videos/QB-Josh-Freeman-Post-Game-PC/a7d923e0-8a4c-4a54-b5f0-12a09d996919" target="_blank">In the post game press conference</a>, the first 10 seconds shows Freeman's hand with no type of wrap, bandage, or support. In fact, he unbuttons his jacket one handed using the thumb in question. Nor does Freeman mention it during questioning.<br />
<br />
So what is going on here? What type of injury occurred in the Chicago game where there is no visible swelling, no sign of pain, yet requires a near-cast for a week and tape support during game time? Is it a hairline fracture?<br />
<br />
If the injury is significant, which apparently it is, why are the Buccaneers calling 33 pass plays versus just 16 rushing plays against the Texans? Or 37 pass plays and only 16 running plays against New Orleans the week before?<br />
<br />
Either Freeman and offensive coordinator Greg Olson are in denial about the injury, Freeman is having a "sophomore slump" type of season, or quarterback play is going to be down somewhat until the thumb in healed.<br />
<br />
None of those cases bode well for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who already <a href="http://bucsstowaway.blogspot.com/2011/11/buccaneers-must-climb-hill-to-playoffs.html" target="_blank">face an uphill climb</a> to the playoffs this season.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3474521966929457394.post-44109989901559001322011-11-13T06:00:00.000-05:002011-11-13T06:00:03.186-05:00Buccaneers Building Home Field AdvantageFor years, NFL teams have enjoyed a home winning percentage of 55-60% on average (that's the bad included with the good). Winning at home is a hallmark of a good team. Winning on the road is the hallmark of a great team.<br />
<br />
Since the beginning of the 2010 season, the Buccaneers have compiled a 14-10 record. <span style="background-color: transparent;">Last season, the Buccaneers were 4-4 at home and an amazing 6-2 away from Raymond James Stadium. This season, Tampa Bay is 3-1 at home but just 1-3 away from home.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent;"><br /></span><br />
It's extremely odd for the youngest teams in the NFL to have a significantly better record away from home, and 2010 is clearly an exception to the norm in pro football. The 2011 season has swung the other way at the halfway mark. But it's the home record that is most important.<br />
<br />
A young team generally starts to win consistently at home <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/preview06/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=2565901" target="_blank">before getting used to the travel and environment of away games</a>. The home record this season will mark the team's progress now that rebuilding is (or is nearly) over.<br />
<br />
The remaining home games include 6-3 Houston this weekend (first game at home since October 16th), 4-4 Dallas on Saturday night, December 17th, and 2-6 Carolina on Christmas Eve. It will be a sign of great progress if Tampa Bay can continue to win at home this season.<br />
<br />
Another good sign: the Buccaneers are 2-0 in the division at home this season. Tampa Bay has not gone 3-0 at home against the division since 2008. The formula to win a division is to win at home <i>first</i>, then learn to beat those same teams on the road.<br />
<br />
It's all about experience and maturity now. The Buccaneers can't get any younger, and winning out at home would be a great way to show progress this season.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3474521966929457394.post-57546622151607207232011-11-11T09:00:00.000-05:002011-11-11T09:00:30.792-05:00Buccaneers Must Climb Hill To Playoffs<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">It's time for the Buccaneers to win at home!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">A peek ahead at the upcoming schedule of the 4-4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, currently ranked 18th in the <a href="http://fanrankings.nfl.com/results" target="_blank">NFL.com Expert Consensus Power Poll</a>: </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Past:</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">LOST 27-20 to Detroit</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">WON 24-20 against Minnesota</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">WON 16-13 against Atlanta</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">WON 24-17 against Indianapolis</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">LOST 48-3 to San Francisco</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">WON 26-20 against New Orleans</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">LOST 24-18 to Chicago</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">LOST 26-18 to New Orleans</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Up Next:</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Houston (6-3) #9</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Upcoming:</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">@Green Bay (8-0) #1</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">@Tennessee (4-4) #20</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Carolina (2-6) #23</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">@Jacksonville (2-6) #27</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dallas (3-3) #17</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">@Carolina (2-6) #23</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">@Atlanta (5-3) #14</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">Remaining Schedule Cumulative Record: 27-27</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">Based on the Power Poll, Tampa Bay should finish the 2011 season with an 8-8 record. The swing games appear to be against Dallas, Atlanta, and this weekend's game against Houston.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><b><u>The Playoff Picture</u></b></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">If the playoffs started this week: </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><u>Division Winners</u></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Green Bay Packers (8-0, NFC North)</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">- San Francisco 49ers (7-1, NFC West)</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">New York Giants (6-2, NFC East)</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">- New Orleans Saints (6-3, NFC South)</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><u>Wildcards</u></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">- Detroit Lions (6-2, NFC North)</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">- Chicago Bears (5-3, NFC North)</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><u>Outside Looking In</u></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">+ Atlanta Falcons (5-3, NFC South)</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">? Dallas Cowboys (4-4, NFC East)</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-4, NFC South)</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Philadelphia Eagles (3-5, NFC East)</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Washington Redskins (3-5, NFC East)</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">The rest of the NFC teams are more than three games out of the wildcard race at this time -- not eliminated, but getting there. Teams with a minus(-) in front of their name own a tiebreaker over Tampa Bay by defeating the Buccaneers during the 2011 regular season. Teams with a plus(+) in front of their name would lose a tiebreaker to the Buccaneers, and teams with a question mark(?) are still to come on the Buccaneers schedule.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Important games this weekend:</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Buccaneers to WIN over Houston (of course!)</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Detroit to WIN over Chicago</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">New Orleans to WIN over Atlanta</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Buffalo to WIN over Dallas</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Let's play football!</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">GO BUCS!!</span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3474521966929457394.post-90605459241952046792011-11-10T11:26:00.001-05:002011-11-10T12:31:58.467-05:00Buccaneers Give Haynesworth One Last ChanceThis is it for Albert Haynesworth.<br />
<br />
According to the NFL Network, <a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d823f1f57/article/bucs-claim-dt-haynesworth-off-waivers-hope-for-the-best" target="_blank">no other teams made a claim for Haynesworth</a>. Tampa Bay, who has publicly acknowledged their hopes on landing the All-Pro for two years, threw him a lifeline yesterday by claiming his rights via the waiver wire.<br />
<br />
Buccaneers GM Mark Dominik <a href="http://www.buccaneers.com/news/article-1/Bucs-Land-Haynesworth/6fb08577-1e47-4820-9380-144d5a935969" target="_blank">stated flatly Albert is here because of a season ending injury to 2010 first round draft pick DT Gerald McCoy</a>, not because the team was shopping for a position upgrade. Obviously, none of the other NFL teams were in the market either.<br />
<br />
Today could have been the first day of retirement for Albert. It could have been the day he decided to hang it up. Instead, Haynesworth is somewhere at or near One Buccaneer Place, getting ready for a day of preparations leading up to the Houston Texans coming to town Sunday. He's meeting his third team since Raheem Morris became head coach.<br />
<br />
And he has to realize this is it. Not just "it", this is IT.<br />
<br />
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have spent both first and both second round draft picks in the <a href="http://bucsdraft.blogspot.com/2010/10/tampa-bay-buccaneers-2010-nfl-draft.html" target="_blank">2010</a> and <a href="http://bucsdraft.blogspot.com/2011/11/tampa-bay-buccaneers-2011-nfl-draft.html" target="_blank">2011</a> drafts along their defensive line (<a href="http://bucsdraft.blogspot.com/2010/10/tampa-bay-buccaneers-2009-nfl-draft.html" target="_blank">plus a 3rd and 4th in 2009</a>). They <a href="http://bucsdraft.blogspot.com/2010/10/tampa-bay-buccaneers-2010-nfl-draft.html" target="_blank">plumbed the waiver wire</a> and <a href="http://bucsstowaway.blogspot.com/2010/11/dominik-reloads-practice-squad.html" target="_blank">plundered practice squads</a> (even <a href="http://bucsstowaway.blogspot.com/2010/10/buccaneers-get-another-piece-of-puzzle.html" target="_blank">pulled a trade</a>) for two years looking for players they believed would excel doing things "the Buccaneer way" up front. It's been a massive overhaul to return to a powerful Buccaneer defense Tampa Bay fans know will take the team deep into the playoffs. No stone has been left unturned. This is another one of those stones.<br />
<br />
Do they need Haynesworth? Right now they do. However, the Buccaneers had already filled the DT vacancy left by McCoy. Clearly there is a young player out there they are interested in. Only Dominik knows how short the leash will be on Haynesworth.<br />
<br />
Do they need Haynesworth next season? This is where it all comes down to Albert: it's all up to him. Play like a monster and get a new contract, fall in the rotation with young players like McCoy, Brian Price, or Roy Miller, teach, demonstrate, extend the career. Or give up, play out the season, and fade away as the youngry creatures lurking on the defensive line pass on by.<br />
<br />
If Haynesworth plays out the way GM Mark Dominik and Head Coach Raheem Morris see it playing out, the competition on the defensive front will be amazing next season. The Buccaneers will feature one of the most talented (yet least experienced, even with Haynesworth) defensive fronts in the NFL. Dominik will have to figure out how a new contract for Haynesworth figures into the mix with players like Josh Freeman and Roy Miller finishing up contracts while having big money invested up front on the offensive side.<br />
<br />
Dominik and Morris have taken on "challenging" players before: Mike Williams had questions coming out of Syracuse; LeGarrette Blount had questions coming out of Oregon. They recently got Tanard Jackson back from a one year substance abuse suspension, and have since extended his contract. Clearly Haynesworth has to believe, for a final run, this was the right place at the right time. <span style="background-color: transparent;">So it may work out just fine.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent;">Plans laid two years ago may finally be coming together in Tampa Bay. The proof will be in another playoff run this season. Only now, m</span><span style="background-color: transparent;">ore than just Tampa Bay fans will be watching. Everyone has their opinion on Haynesworth. The only real question is: what is Albert going to do?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3474521966929457394.post-33075678909058085482011-11-07T15:20:00.003-05:002011-11-07T15:20:56.497-05:00Buccaneers Battle Themselves To MediocrityI really hate being 4-4 in the middle of the season. It's like knowing what's in a present before you open it -- you're glad to have it, but there is no excitement in the moment.<br />
<br />
Such is where all of the Buccaneers Nation stands today after a never-quite-out-of-reach game with the New Orleans Saints. Having won in the Superdome the last two seasons, a 27-16 result feels pretty bad. Worst of all, it's not so much that New Orleans was a significantly better team, it's more about how the Buccaneers can be their own worst enemy. And two against one in the NFL is rarely a winning combination for the "one".<br />
<br />
The Buccaneers had the ball first, but were not able to start the game with a first down. New Orleans took the resulting punt and burned over four and a half minutes off the clock getting into field goal range. Saints kicker John Kasay then nailed the right upright to keep the game at 0-0.<br />
<br />
Tampa Bay took over and ran at New Orleans with LeGarrette Blount. Blount carred the ball on five of the next six plays, taking the Buccaneers to 4th and 1 at the New Orleans 29 yard line. Unfortunately, the Buccaneers did not convert on Bount's sixth run in the drive, and New Orleans took over on downs.<br />
<br />
Five plays later New Orleans scored their first touchdown on a Drew Brees to Lance Moore touchdown pass to break out to an early 7-0 lead.<br />
<br />
With 2:27 remaining in the first quarter, the Buccaneers offense imploded, with an Illegal Substitution penalty and two Offensive Pass Interference calls in the next 10 plays. Tampa Bay ended up with fourth and four at the New Orleans 38 yard line -- outside of field goal range -- and punted the ball away.<br />
<br />
Seven plays later, New Orleans scored their second touchdown on a pass from Brees to Sproles pushing their lead to 14-0.<br />
<br />
Preston Parker returned the ensuing kickoff 45 yards from four yards deep in the endzone, and Tampa Bay set up at their own 41 yard line. Three plays later they faced a 4th and four, but a New Orleans penalty converted the first down and the Buccaneers stayed alive, only to get a false start penalty before the next play from scrimmage. As a result, Tampa Bay found themselves again in 4th and 4 three plays later and were forced to punt.<br />
<br />
Pinned deep, New Orleans only converted one first down and punted from deep in their own territory. Tampa Bay took over with 2:37 to go in the half but only managed to get to the New Orleans 22 yard line, where the ever dependable Connor Barth kicked a field goal to get the Buccaneers on the board and closing the score to 14-3.<br />
<br />
The Saints countered, using 1:38 of the final 1:39 of the half to drive from their own 20 to the Buccaneers four yard line, kicking a field goal to push the margin back to 14 points at 17-3.<br />
<br />
The Buccaneers opened the second half on defense, but CB Ronde Barber picked off a Brees pass giving Tampa Bay the ball at the New Orleans 33 yard line. Yet again, the Buccaneers were not able to overcome themselves as a personal foul by RB LeGarrette Blount killed the drive. Barth kicked another field goal and the score narrowed to 17-6.<br />
<br />
New Orleans then consumed the next 6 minutes of the third quarter, driving for a touchdown and stretching the lead to the biggest margin of the game at 24-6.<br />
<br />
The Buccaneers returned the favor with a possession which ran out the 3rd quarter and went down to 11:08 remaining in the game. However, Tampa Bay again had to settle for a field goal after reaching the New Orleans 7-yard line making the score 24-9.<br />
<br />
With 5:35 remaining in the game, the Buccaneers finally reached the end zone (with an important Defensive Pass Interference call along the way) with a five yard Josh Freeman to Kellen Winslow pass making the score 24-16.<br />
<br />
The Saints received the ball with about five and a half minutes remaining in the game and went on another clock consuming drive, with the final dagger being a John Kasay field goal with 1:17 remaining. The Buccaneers were unable to reach scoring territory and the game ended at 27-16.<br />
<br />
Next up: Tampa Bay's first home game in more than a month as the 6-3 Houston Texans come to Raymond James Stadium.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0