Last Year:
Mirror, mirror on the wall, who?s the fairest of them all? After checking the reflection and seeing a Super Bowl champ in week one, the mirror image at the end of the season was a sub par club. The main difference was a healthy, consistent season in 2002, and an injury riddled incoherent season to in 2003. With a mass of new faces introduced including a couple Head Coach Jon Gruden may recognize, Tampa Bay is ready to contend once again.
What we Learned from Last Year:
A distant journey into the playoffs is virtually impossible with backups and replacements leading the way, and generally most Super Bowl teams have a clean bill of health season long.
Last year Tampa Bay?s symptoms surfaced early as a number of players were unable to play the mandatory 16 games. Starting cornerback Brian Kelly (5 games), starting safety John Lynch (14 games), starting fullback Mike Alstott (4 games), and wide receiver Joe Jurevicius (5 games) all missed time. Add to that a souring attitude from Keyshawn Johnson who was benched after 10 games, and the Bucs were minus 5 key players.
This team could be a poster boy as to why there is so much parity in the NFL. One year the players buy into the system, the bounces are favorable, close games result positively, and the injury list is short. The next year nothing goes your way. The dilemma is that three out of the four variables mentioned are for the most part uncontrollable.
When observing the drop-off between the two contradicting seasons the fingers are generally pointed to the offense but that part of the game didn?t falter. The Bucs ranked higher in sacks allowed, total offense, passing offense, and ranked comparably in rush offense. So where?s the cream filling?
For starters, how about the discipline. In 2002 the Bucs totaled the 14th lowest amount of penalties with 103. The following year they attracted 14 extra yellow flags on the offense while adding 315 yards to their total. But that?s where the filling ends.
The defensive statistics all imitate the numbers in 2002. The pass defense, and run defense strike a disturbing resemblance to the numbers in the Super Bowl season yet the records were not the same.
The only other waning stat was offensive giveaways, which grew considerably in 2003. The defense maintained its job with takeaways, but the 22 interceptions thrown by Tampa Bay quarterbacks were an influential figure.
Take a look at four of the Buccaneers losses in 2003, and then you?ll understand that every championship team has a horseshoe and a four-leaf clover in their back pocket:
Week 2: A game-winning extra point is blocked, game goes to OT, Carolina wins.
Week 5: Up by 3 touchdowns with 4 minutes left, Indy makes an improbably comeback to push the game to overtime, and then wins.
Week 9: Last second field-goal loss to New Orleans
Week 10: A late 4th quarter touchdown gives Carolina the win.
And that?s all it really took. It may only seem like a couple of losses, but when you lose everything from coaching, to play-calling, to effort is magnified. When you win, nobody cares how you did it, but your confidence does grow.
Many looked passed the 2002 Super Bowl champions but this team is closer to a ring than most people think.
What Has Changed?:
Now, if you're blue, and you don't know where to go to, why don't you go where fashion sits, puttin' on the Ritz.
Off-season rubies like Terrell Owens, and Clinton Portis did change hands, but the moves that the Buccaneers made are not nearly as ritzy. Although the Keyshawn Johnson ordeal, then trade, headlines Tampa Bay?s downtime in between seasons, the main acquisitions were to strengthen an offensive line. Take notice Cleveland.
Derrick Deese, Matt Stinchcomb, and Todd Steussie are not your average New York Giants-type offensive linemen signings. These are all quality starters that will protect starting quarterback Brad Johnson. All of Jon Gruden?s successful offenses start with a protecting structure. If that is not present, neither are the wins.
As Keyshawn Johnson departs for Dallas, Joey Galloway replaces his spot in the lineup. Gruden?s West-Coast offense is tailor-made for hasty pass-catchers opposed to the tough and rugged Keyshawn Johnson?s. Though Galloway has not pierced the 1000-yard receiving barrier in seven years, he will better suit this offense than the sluggish Johnson. Keenan McCardell?s talent was supposedly dwindling when he came over from Jacksonville, but with his Pro Bowl season last year dictates otherwise. Combined with rookie Michael Clayton, veteran Tim Brown, and the steady Bill Schroeder, this corps is very deep, even without the Keenan McCardell or Joe Jurevicius.
At running back Charlie Garner is reunited with his former coach, and in case you haven?t noticed Gruden loves running backs with dependable hands. Garner may be past the significant running back age of 30, but expect him to remain a central constituent in this offense. Garner has a career 4.6 yards per carry average, and because of his all around balance, Michael Pittman could be holding his Gatorade on the sidelines all season long.
On defense, there have been two major deductions. Stalwarts Warren Sapp and John Lynch have jumped the pirate ship for more money elsewhere. By passing on both of these veterans, Bucs fans should not be too concerned. True, the two savvy leaders were contributors, but their contributions are regressing and overpaying for locker-room presence is not advisable. See Lawyer Milloy. Jermaine Phillips will replace Lynch and Chatric Darby will sub for Sapp. I?ll trust Jon Gruden. How much have Donnie Abraham and Dexter Jackson been missed? Exactly.
Even with the changes, a cornerstone in all three defensive categories is still in place. On the line Simeon Rice is still a force, Ronde Barber bounces with the best of ?em in the secondary, and Derrick Brooks is a top-tier linebacker. To supplement the diamonds, Anthony McFarland is a returning menace, while ex-Broncos standout linebacker Ian Gold will supplement Shelton Quarles and Derrick Brooks. Brian Kelly?s return to start opposite of Ronde Barber is critical. This defense is still in the top five in the league.
With Warren Sapp and Keyshawn Johnson heading out the door, and management playing hardball with Keenan McCardell?s contract, the demonstration is that Gruden is eliminating egos to build a complete team atmosphere. Generally speaking, Coach Gruden also gets solid contributions out of his drafts. Sound familiar? The work here is reminiscent of Jeff Fisher?s and Bill Belichick?s respective jobs in their own towns so don?t be surprised if Tampa Bay is back in office this year.
O/U 9.5:
After a year vacation, the NFC South should resurface as the toughest division in the NFL. 2 years ago Tampa swept Atlanta, New Orleans swept Tampa, and Atlanta swept both Carolina and New Orleans. Expect the rivalries to be renewed, as Tampa Bay and Carolina in turning into one of the best rivalries in the NFL. This division?s winner likely won?t have a bye, but will factor greatly in the outcome of the playoffs. TB plays: @WAS, SEA, @OAK, DEN, @STL, CHI, KC, SF, @SD, and @ARZ.
Fantasy Sleeper:
Two years ago Brad Johnson was fantasy gold, last year he was fantasy garbage. Gruden?s offenses, once again a la Tennessee and New England, emphasize the pass more than the run. With a completely reorganized line in front of him, and 4 consistent targets at his disposal, expect Johnson to conjure up something similar to 22 touchdowns and 6 interceptions.
Mirror, mirror on the wall, who?s the fairest of them all? After checking the reflection and seeing a Super Bowl champ in week one, the mirror image at the end of the season was a sub par club. The main difference was a healthy, consistent season in 2002, and an injury riddled incoherent season to in 2003. With a mass of new faces introduced including a couple Head Coach Jon Gruden may recognize, Tampa Bay is ready to contend once again.
What we Learned from Last Year:
A distant journey into the playoffs is virtually impossible with backups and replacements leading the way, and generally most Super Bowl teams have a clean bill of health season long.
Last year Tampa Bay?s symptoms surfaced early as a number of players were unable to play the mandatory 16 games. Starting cornerback Brian Kelly (5 games), starting safety John Lynch (14 games), starting fullback Mike Alstott (4 games), and wide receiver Joe Jurevicius (5 games) all missed time. Add to that a souring attitude from Keyshawn Johnson who was benched after 10 games, and the Bucs were minus 5 key players.
This team could be a poster boy as to why there is so much parity in the NFL. One year the players buy into the system, the bounces are favorable, close games result positively, and the injury list is short. The next year nothing goes your way. The dilemma is that three out of the four variables mentioned are for the most part uncontrollable.
When observing the drop-off between the two contradicting seasons the fingers are generally pointed to the offense but that part of the game didn?t falter. The Bucs ranked higher in sacks allowed, total offense, passing offense, and ranked comparably in rush offense. So where?s the cream filling?
For starters, how about the discipline. In 2002 the Bucs totaled the 14th lowest amount of penalties with 103. The following year they attracted 14 extra yellow flags on the offense while adding 315 yards to their total. But that?s where the filling ends.
The defensive statistics all imitate the numbers in 2002. The pass defense, and run defense strike a disturbing resemblance to the numbers in the Super Bowl season yet the records were not the same.
The only other waning stat was offensive giveaways, which grew considerably in 2003. The defense maintained its job with takeaways, but the 22 interceptions thrown by Tampa Bay quarterbacks were an influential figure.
Take a look at four of the Buccaneers losses in 2003, and then you?ll understand that every championship team has a horseshoe and a four-leaf clover in their back pocket:
Week 2: A game-winning extra point is blocked, game goes to OT, Carolina wins.
Week 5: Up by 3 touchdowns with 4 minutes left, Indy makes an improbably comeback to push the game to overtime, and then wins.
Week 9: Last second field-goal loss to New Orleans
Week 10: A late 4th quarter touchdown gives Carolina the win.
And that?s all it really took. It may only seem like a couple of losses, but when you lose everything from coaching, to play-calling, to effort is magnified. When you win, nobody cares how you did it, but your confidence does grow.
Many looked passed the 2002 Super Bowl champions but this team is closer to a ring than most people think.
What Has Changed?:
Now, if you're blue, and you don't know where to go to, why don't you go where fashion sits, puttin' on the Ritz.
Off-season rubies like Terrell Owens, and Clinton Portis did change hands, but the moves that the Buccaneers made are not nearly as ritzy. Although the Keyshawn Johnson ordeal, then trade, headlines Tampa Bay?s downtime in between seasons, the main acquisitions were to strengthen an offensive line. Take notice Cleveland.
Derrick Deese, Matt Stinchcomb, and Todd Steussie are not your average New York Giants-type offensive linemen signings. These are all quality starters that will protect starting quarterback Brad Johnson. All of Jon Gruden?s successful offenses start with a protecting structure. If that is not present, neither are the wins.
As Keyshawn Johnson departs for Dallas, Joey Galloway replaces his spot in the lineup. Gruden?s West-Coast offense is tailor-made for hasty pass-catchers opposed to the tough and rugged Keyshawn Johnson?s. Though Galloway has not pierced the 1000-yard receiving barrier in seven years, he will better suit this offense than the sluggish Johnson. Keenan McCardell?s talent was supposedly dwindling when he came over from Jacksonville, but with his Pro Bowl season last year dictates otherwise. Combined with rookie Michael Clayton, veteran Tim Brown, and the steady Bill Schroeder, this corps is very deep, even without the Keenan McCardell or Joe Jurevicius.
At running back Charlie Garner is reunited with his former coach, and in case you haven?t noticed Gruden loves running backs with dependable hands. Garner may be past the significant running back age of 30, but expect him to remain a central constituent in this offense. Garner has a career 4.6 yards per carry average, and because of his all around balance, Michael Pittman could be holding his Gatorade on the sidelines all season long.
On defense, there have been two major deductions. Stalwarts Warren Sapp and John Lynch have jumped the pirate ship for more money elsewhere. By passing on both of these veterans, Bucs fans should not be too concerned. True, the two savvy leaders were contributors, but their contributions are regressing and overpaying for locker-room presence is not advisable. See Lawyer Milloy. Jermaine Phillips will replace Lynch and Chatric Darby will sub for Sapp. I?ll trust Jon Gruden. How much have Donnie Abraham and Dexter Jackson been missed? Exactly.
Even with the changes, a cornerstone in all three defensive categories is still in place. On the line Simeon Rice is still a force, Ronde Barber bounces with the best of ?em in the secondary, and Derrick Brooks is a top-tier linebacker. To supplement the diamonds, Anthony McFarland is a returning menace, while ex-Broncos standout linebacker Ian Gold will supplement Shelton Quarles and Derrick Brooks. Brian Kelly?s return to start opposite of Ronde Barber is critical. This defense is still in the top five in the league.
With Warren Sapp and Keyshawn Johnson heading out the door, and management playing hardball with Keenan McCardell?s contract, the demonstration is that Gruden is eliminating egos to build a complete team atmosphere. Generally speaking, Coach Gruden also gets solid contributions out of his drafts. Sound familiar? The work here is reminiscent of Jeff Fisher?s and Bill Belichick?s respective jobs in their own towns so don?t be surprised if Tampa Bay is back in office this year.
O/U 9.5:
After a year vacation, the NFC South should resurface as the toughest division in the NFL. 2 years ago Tampa swept Atlanta, New Orleans swept Tampa, and Atlanta swept both Carolina and New Orleans. Expect the rivalries to be renewed, as Tampa Bay and Carolina in turning into one of the best rivalries in the NFL. This division?s winner likely won?t have a bye, but will factor greatly in the outcome of the playoffs. TB plays: @WAS, SEA, @OAK, DEN, @STL, CHI, KC, SF, @SD, and @ARZ.
Fantasy Sleeper:
Two years ago Brad Johnson was fantasy gold, last year he was fantasy garbage. Gruden?s offenses, once again a la Tennessee and New England, emphasize the pass more than the run. With a completely reorganized line in front of him, and 4 consistent targets at his disposal, expect Johnson to conjure up something similar to 22 touchdowns and 6 interceptions.