Buc 'Em: FanPosts

History Says our Win will come in.....

2009-11-06T01:25:41Z

Out of curiosity I traced all of the teams that went 0-7 in the last 20 years. I wanted to know what the average week they got their win was and how many games (on average) they won. I know this has no implications on our season, but my thought behind this was there has to be a breaking point. I wanted to find that. At some point teams are able to put it together enough to come out on top for at least 1 week. Below is a chart that tracks all of these teams.

Year	Team	Game Won	Total Wins
89	Cowboys	9th Game	1
91	Colts	10th Game	1
93	Bengals	11th Game	3
94	Bengals	9	3
96	Falcons	9	3
96	Jets	9	1
97	Bears	8	4
97	Colts	11	3
98	Panthers	8	4
99	Browns	8	2
00	Chargers	12	1
02	Bengals	8	2
07	Dolphins	9	3
07	Rams	14	1
08	Bengals	9	4.5
08	Lions	0	0
Avg		10	2

The Lions skew the averages a bit, but if the averages tell us anything it says the Bucs will get their win in Week 11 (10th game) against the Saints. Obviously, I wouldn't play the averages on this, but it gives us an expectation that we should win a game between Weeks 10-13. The numbers also say that the average team to go 0-7, wins at least two games. I don't think this is unreasonable.

Again, I do think their is a tipping point. It obviously includes a lot of variables (opponent, injuries, etc), but we'll see it come at some point. Just be patient.

Marcus Jones on TUF

2009-11-05T19:06:16Z

In case any you haven't been watching this season's "The Ultimate Fighter" on Spike TV, former Buccaneers' first round draft pick Marcus Jones is participating in this year's competition. Jones was selected 22nd overall out of the University of North Carolina as a Defensive End.

Although Jones was huge (6'6 270) he never really panned out for the Bucs. His career lasted seven seasons, but the only two years he was really productive were 1999 and 2000, in which he tallied 7 and 13 sacks respectively. I think it would be fair to say that he was a pretty gigantic bust. The reason for this may have been found on last night's episode.

SPOILERS AHEAD

In an interview prior to Jones' absolute destruction of a man 6 inches shorter than him (Mike Wessel)on last night's episode, Jones stated that he "never developed a head for the game" and never really loved to play football. He went on to state that he has put all of his life into being the best MMA Fighter he can be.

As a Bucs fan, I was pretty taken aback by this admission. It explained so much. I guess part of me realizes that you can't blame the guy for entering the draft, and obviously he can't help where he gets picked. But he strung us Bucs fans along for seven long years while we waited for him to live up to his potential. Obviously that day never came. Now to sit there and hear him pretty much just say that he was just never that into it is extremely disappointing. Was he that good of an actor? Is he just making excuses for a failed NFL career or did the coaching staff keep rewarding a player with a roster spot that didn't really have his heart set on producing on the field.

Just something to think about. Obviously this old news, and has nothing to do with the current plight of our beloved Buccaneers, but it still bothered me and I thought I would do a little write up about it. What do you guys think?

For the record, Jones did really impress me his Jiu Jitsu skills, he arm barred Wessel in about 30 seconds. It would have been nice to see what he could have done on the gridiron had his heart been in it.

Bucs of Days Gone By

2009-11-05T16:44:54Z

So, I was reading about the Chiefs and their poor record today, and noticed that during one of the Chiefs' "legacy games", the coach was wearing the coach's polo for the Dallas Texans. Would you want Raheem Morris to wear the old orange, white and red too this Sunday? There's more past the jump...

This brings up something interesting, in my mind. Back in 1976, my mother was one of the early Bucs fans, one of the folks who still watched or showed up to games during Ye Grande Olde 0-26. She was telling me about that season, and I noticed a few parallels. Back in 1976, the Buccaneers had a coach with a lack of previous NFL experience (Raheem Morris was a coordinator for a couple of years, coached college ball before that). The Bucs had difficulty picking a starting quarterback. The defense couldn't decide whether it would bite down or give up long touchdown plays. And of course, they were 0-7 in week 8 of that 1976 season, but they had scored touchdowns by then.

So why is this interesting or otherwise unusual? I just thought I'd point out how ironic the game on Sunday will be. That 1976 had its moments of lacking in discipline, but more specifically, the sorry play in spite of the talent on the team (some of those guys played their way into the Pro Bowl and the 1979 NFC title game...can't really deny they had some talent), the seeming ineptitude in particular of the offense, and the lack of stability at the quarterback position are the most glaring similarities. It almost seems fitting that the game the Bucs bring back the orange and white is in the middle of an 0-7 season. It almost would be wrong otherwise.

Fortunately, we've not had such bad things happen as, say, Aqib Talib being thrown out of a game for fighting (which would hark back to Mike Washington doing the same in week 4 against the Baltimore Colts in '76). The difference, perhaps, would be that whereas Rich McKay was often finding biting humor in the Bucs' poor 1976 performance, Raheem really seems to think it's just going to get better. But if Raheem's post-game comments are any indicator, our poor Bucs have a long ways to go yet.

So, in summation–should Raheem wear the orange, red, and white to go with the old Bucs uniforms on Sunday?

Week 9 Preview: Green Bay Packers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2009-11-04T03:01:19Z

vs.

Overview: After a much-needed week off to nurse some bumps and try to get the nightmare of the London Massacre out of their domes, the Buccaneers return to the field this Sunday at Raymond James Stadium for a tilt with their former NFC Central rival, the Green Bay Packers. The Bay of Pigs, as Chris Berman donned it. Both teams come in looking to turn their seasons around, but for different reasons. The Packers come to town fresh off of the receiving end of a William Gay-esque trucking courtesy of Adrian Peterson and the Vikings. The Packers actually held up ok against AP and the Viking rushing attack on Sunday (allowed 110 yards), but surrendered 4 TD passes to the ol' gunslinger in an emotional homecoming at Lambeau. The Bucs come in looking for something, anything, to spark a fading, winless team following a curbstomping on the other side of the pond at the hands of the Patriots. Moreover, there are growing rumors among media outlets of off the field issues between the head coach and certain players. Well, the future is now in Tampa, as the Bucs have given the keys to the offense to rookie QB Josh Freeman in what will be his first career start. However, the Bucs are going to have to establish a consistent running attack to have any chance to sustain drives against the Packer defense.

3 Brief Keys to a Packer Victory:

1. Stick to the basics - run the ball. With the talent Green Bay has under center and at WR, the Packers have had success through the air. However, as will be discussed later, they have had major protection problems this month, with Rodgers winding up on his back far too often. No need to put Rodgers in harm's way too much this week. If the Packers feed the ball to Ryan Grant, they should find success against a Buccaneer defense that ranks dead last statistically against the run in the NFL.

2. Force Caddy off the road. With a rookie QB at the helm and two great cover corners, it's no doubt the Packers will try to take the Buccaneer running game out of play and force the Bucs to use Josh Freeman's untested arm to move the ball. Also, I doubt Freeman will be given much flex to audible at the line, so the Bucs could be looking at an aggressive set of run blitzes and unblocked safeties on a regular basis.

3. Your defense is quicksand... bury the new kid early. If the Pack can drop Freeman a few times early or force a turnover or two, the playbook will likely tighten up quickly and the young QB will become more and more timid to make another mistake. Doing so will force the Bucs into more predictable running plays early and into the Packer defensive front, which is playing well lately.

3 Brief Keys to a Buccaneer Victory:

1. Finally live up to that "we're going to be a violent team" moniker. For a team that has a healthy, impressive stable of backs and an O-line line chock full of returning starters, they sure don't do much to show them off. Take the fight to the Green Bay front 7 and run the ball early and often. Dive plays, misdirections, off-tackle runs, end arounds. For every running play, every down and distance, this team has a back for it. Finally use them all properly.

2. Baby steps... manage the game efficiently and stay out of 3rd and longs. Easier said than done, but sticking with the running game more than they have so far on 2nd down and 6-8 yds should make for more manageable 3rd down opportunities. Running the ball early will help establish play action at key times as well. Also, RB screen passes and WR hitches and screens are effective against the right defensive sets. Use them much more than you have so far. Remember, baby steps for your baby QB.

3. Continue to make life miserable for Rodgers. 19. That's how many times poor Aaron Rodgers has been sacked the past four games, averaging almost five per game. Rodgers and his stable of talented wideouts can decimate a defense if given time, so it'll be essential for Jimmy and Stylez to generate consistent pressure out of 4 and 5 man rushes, disrupt Rodgers, and put the Packers in a fair number of 2nd/3rd and long situations.

Buccaneer Offense vs. Packer Defense

The 2009 Packer defense ranks statistically as one of the league's best, although part of those stats come from holding the inept Lion and Brown offenses to 3 total points. They rank 2nd in total YPG at 283.4 and 10th against the run at 99.4 YPG. What's more impressive about that defensive statistic is that they've held the great Adrian Peterson to under 100 yards rushing in each game. The Packers employ a 3-4 front. A great part of the success of this scheme lies in their magnificent set of linebackers. Aaron Kampman moved to OLB from his 4-3 DE position and has held his own against the run, but is not generating much of a pass rush, totaling 2.5 sacks in '09. 1st round pick Clay Matthews mans the opposite side OLB. Matthews has already made impact plays as a rookie, stripping Peterson and returning it for a TD in the Pack's first matchup with Minny. Headhunters AJ Hawk and Nick Barnett man the middle of the line. All in all, this front 7 is big, physical, and very capable of stopping the run, but is susceptible in the passing game. There are opportunities for Winslow and Stevens to take advantage of some one-one-one matchups in man coverage on shorter routes.

That being said, everything starts up front for the Green Bay defense with their massive Nose Tackle, 340 lb Ryan Pickett. He's a space eater than commands double teams. The question is whether the center and guard can hold him in place or whether he can step into the A-gap and push the linemen back a few steps, closing the lane and forcing the RB outside towards the OLBs. If the Bucs want to establish a power interior running game (which are primary fakes for play-action), Jeff Faine and Zuttah/Joseph will have their hands full. They will have to at least hold the big guy at bay and create some narrow interior lanes for the backs.

Where the Buccaneers might find success running the football is off-tackle on the left side. RDE Cullin Jenkins is about 20 pounds lighter than his LDE counterpart, Johnny Jolly, and has generally been a more effective pass rusher than run-stopper. Big Donald Penn and Stevens can knock holes between the RDE and ROLB, with Earnest Graham opening up a hole to the secondary with a kickout block on the ILB.

In the secondary, veterans Al Harris and Charles Woodson are as good a pair of cover corners as a coach could hope for. They love to crowd the WR at the line and jam him off his routes. Although not as young as spring chickens anymore, both have seen it all and should be able to stick with the Buccaneer wideouts, although Bryant still can create some opportunities deep. However, as we've seen this season so far, if there's one spot where the Packer defense is soft, it's in the secondary right down the middle of the field. The Vikings exposed this weakness in both matchups, with Favre torching the secondary right down the middle. Moreover, both starting Packer safeties have missed time this year due to injury and SS Nick Collins left Sunday's game after colliding with FS Atari Bigby and is expected to be listed as questionable on this week's injury report. If the Bucs run the ball and work the short passing game as they should, the opportunity should be there to mix in shots to Antonio Bryant on a deep post in play action or the occassional seam/deep-in patterns to Winslow.

It's worth noting that the Defensive Coordinator Dom Caper has gone under scrutiny from his own players for questions of his schemes in recent games, namely their last 2 matchups with the Vikings. Charles Woodson and DEs Johnny Jolly and Cullen Jenkins have spoken out against the Packers' lack of aggressiveness against QB Brett Favre, and both have received private conversations from coaching for their dissent. Another team with internal turmoil... not a bad thing for the Bucs. With a first-time QB taking the reins for the Bucs, Capers would be foolish not to bring more pressure.

Packer Offense vs. Buccaneer Defense

The Packers' passing offense may rank 9th in the NFL, but Rodgers is having an MVP-calibur season. For the great numbers that Peyton Manning and Brett Favre have put up so far, Aaron Rodgers actually leads the NFL in pass efficiency at just over 110. He's been nothing short of great, especially with him having to continually check for pressure due to suspect offensive line play. He can scan the field, read the defense, and find the open receiver, spreading the ball around early and often to James Jones, Jennings, Driver, Finley, Havner, Donald Lee, and Ryan Grant.

However, the Green Bay offensive line, as noted, has been violated by opposing defenses this month, allowing 19 sacks in 4 games and a league-high 31 sacks on the season. The news isn't great for the Packers, as both tackles are fighting the injury bug. LT Chad Clifton is questionable for Sunday's game with a bum ankle, with RT Mark Tauscher fighting a sore knee. Although the Bucs haven't been confused recently as a team with a consistent pass rush, they should be able to reach double digits in QB hits on Sunday and hopefully tally 3 or 4 sacks. Heck, they'd better or else...

... Aaron Rodgers will pick them apart. The Packers love to run 3 and 4 wide in one back sets, creating opportunities on deep drag/in routes and timing patterns with their athetic receivers, presenting matchup problems for many teams in one-on-one situations. With Elbert Mack struggling this season, the Bucs will have trouble matching up against the Packers' slot receivers. TE Jermichael Finley, who is considered 50/50 to play Sunday, is a big target and a true threat down the field. If he's unable to go, Donald Lee is not much of a drop off and is a big weapon in play action between the backers and safeties and even more so in the red zone when matched up against a linebacker.

The Packers employ a zone blocking run scheme. Although their offensive line has been battered in the pass rush, they are agile and capable of getting outside in run blocking and getting to the secondary for the extra downfield block, making the offtackle runs and outside stretch plays a significant part of their running attack. It will be important for Hayes, Black, Piscitelli, Talib, and Barber to get off blocks and prevent Grant from getting a big lane outside and away from the middle of the defense.

What Will Happen: With a young QB at the helm, the Bucs will finally come out running the football effectively, mixing in an assortment of short passes early. However, the Packers defensive front will bend in the red zone and hold the Bucs to field goal attempts much of the day. The Bucs will get a strong push on Rodgers in the first half, but will tire in the 2nd half, as Rodgers finds more time to connect with Driver and Jennings, with Ryan Grant putting the game away in the 4th quarter late.

Line: Green Bay -10.5

Final Score: Packers 27, Buccaneers 16

Freeman's First Season?

2009-11-04T16:41:28Z

I'll be honest–I didn't like Freeman from the get-go, when he was drafted, and that was probably a mistake on my part. But, that's not really important at this stage. Skip past the jump for more...

Josh Freeman, if you weren't aware, was the Buccaneers' first draft pick of 2009. He came out of Kansas State in what ended up being a good bit of pomp and circumstance. A media circus in the Tampa area swirled around him fairly quickly after some of his comments on being drafted by the Buccaneers. This was a bit of an issue for me, having not even heard of Freeman before, and his comments circulated around Matthew Stafford and Mark Sanchez, a pair of quarterbacks with experience on the national stage. Freeman's comments seemed quite misplaced, but, it's his choice to say what he wants. If someone wants to say something they'll regret later, it's not really my problem.

However, in the preseason, although we had but small tastes of Freeman's ability, I for one certainly had yet to see the quarterback deserving of being picked ahead of Stafford and Sanchez. However, at this stage, Freeman's career is hardly over–he just has ground to make up. If he can go out there and win a game or two this season, he's on the right track. If even he can't win games, then we have one of the classic four problems facing the Buccaneers. Continued defeat could mean that there is simply no skill under center. This is entirely possible, but the fact that Byron Leftwich, an experienced and fairly talented quarterback, couldn't win a game, suggests that this probably isn't the case. I'd even go so far as to say Freeman could do quite well, given the mentoring and playing time he needs. The next possibility would be a bad receiving corps. This isn't really the problem either, seeing as there are receivers catching passes and scoring the occasional touchdown. The tight ends are getting the job done as well, however, they might be used as much as they ought, in spite of their numbers. There's of course coaching. But even this can't fully be the answer, because the coaches aren't on the field, making the decisions. The players are. I feel that the coaching most certainly is playing a role right now, however, I wouldn't dare say that is the problem. Then, lastly, we have the defense. If I had to pick a single problem, I would most likely pick the defense. Between the lack of pressure up front, and the lack of stopping power deep, the defense is simply not up to the task. Many teams can get away with a mediocre defense, but at times, it seems the Buccaneers don't even have that much.

The fault with the defense is not just at one position. It's more like an epidemic through each position. I don't think that a total change in defensive scheme helps matters much at all. Much like the sudden and constant changes at quarterback, a change in defensive schemes isn't going to make things easy for the guys already in the defensive unit. Most teams in the league don't use the scheme Bates uses. They're just not ready for it, they're not mentally prepared for that style of defending. Now, how does all of this tie into Freeman?

Well, the problem is that a lot of people are going to pin the blame on Josh if the Bucs continue to lose, and chances are that most likely, that won't actually be the case. Sure, I don't think he really will be a franchise QB. No, I don't think he's going to win any games either. But from one Josh un-fan to any others out there, if we keep losing with Josh under center, it's probably not going to be (entirely) his fault. There's twenty-two guys on a starting lineup, not one. If football was one-on-one, then, sure. It would be Josh's fault. But I think we need to cut Josh a bit of slack and realize that there are in truth deeper problems with the Bucs than the quarterback they probably shouldn't have drafted.

As a final criticism of the choice to take Freeman...why would the Buccaneers take Freeman if the Leftwich deal was lined up, and we had Leftwich, McCown, and Johnson? I don't know if anyone can explain that to me or not. It seems like a confusing decision, in retrospect, considering that this year's upcoming crop of QBs is going to be much richer than last year's was (which does indeed say something!)

Draft 2010

2009-11-04T05:43:17Z

Well, I've noticed a certain tendency among fans recently to rate draft picks for the Bucs next year. Being one part college football fan and one part pro ball fan, I'd like to hazard my guesses at what the Bucs should consider for next season. Go on past the jump...

Most Buc fans will likely agree with me in saying that one of the primary problems this season has been quarterback-receiver connections. It's one of the focal points of an explosive offense, and the Buccaneers have not had it this season. Whether it be Leftwich or Johnson (and shoot, why should Freeman be any better? Any reasons to believe he's better?) there is just no chemistry apparent in the Bucs offense so far. However, this is often shelved, due to a glaring problem. Tampa's defense. We've seen it since the first regular season game. Although the Bucs haven't faced a mass number of solid offensive units, there have been a lot of torch runs for touchdowns, both through the air and on the ground. So, which should the Bucs focus on? Fact is, it's not so simple. But, we can look at some possibilities.

First and foremost that come to mind are the likes of Tim Tebow, Colt McCoy, Brandon Spikes, and the outside possibility of Sam Bradford, who, due to injury troubles, plans on entering the draft in April. These four are the most immediately apparent not only for their abilities on the field, but also for their on- and off-field leadership, something the Buccaneers sorely lack. If we're going to base a first-round pick simply based on leadership off the field, Tebow seems to be the immediate choice. But there are defense concerns. Here would be my top three picks.

#1: Tim Tebow (QB, Florida)

Come on, you should have seen this coming. I'm a Gator to the end. But the fact is, Tebow is not just a Gator favorite–he's EVERYONE'S favorite. Although he is regularly overrated, his leadership and playing abilities are not to be quickly discounted. Don't be fooled into thinking he has no arm, either, just because he has underthrown his few passes this season. Tim's shown us more than once that he's got an arm. That said, his successor, John Brantley, seems more likely to be a thrower.

Didn't get him? The next choice would be: Brandon Spikes (MLB/ILB, Florida)

#2: Major Wright (S, Florida)

Yep, I'm going with a second Florida pick. Fact is, Florida has the highest NFL potential coming out this season, and Major Wright has been considered by many Gator fans to be Reggie Nelson's successor. We doubted anyone could replace Reggie, but Major has done his duty. He will be a senior next year, should he stay out of the draft.

Didn't get him? The next choice would be: Colt McCoy (QB, Texas. Only applies if Tebow was not acquired)

#3: Jermaine Gresham (TE, Oklahoma)

Fact: The Buccaneers need something substantial at TE. I can't remember when the Bucs last had a solid set of TEs. Gresham will become a weapon in the pros. The question is, can the Bucs get him?

Didn't get him? The next choice would be any other decent tight end. Because we still need one.

Funny story about Michael Clayton

2009-11-03T04:10:59Z

Training Camp, 2006.

Setting: Outside the hotel at Celebration in Orlando, Florida.

Characters: My friend Jay, Cadillac Williams, Joey Galloway, A Shuttle Bus and Michael Clayton.

The players were leaving the hotel and heading toward the shuttle van which was sent to take them to the Wide World of Sports, where the Buccaneers held training camp before moving to the new facility at One Buc Place. We experienced three noteworthy players, the rest were scout team and backup players. Here's how it went down:

Wide receiver Joey Galloway walks over to a crowd of about twenty or so fans stand along the sidewalk behind ropes and security. He signs a few autographs, waves and gets on the bus.

Cadillac Williams walks out the front door and toward the shuttle, approximately 30 yards. As fans plead for autographs, he walks to the van, clearly gearing up for practice with his studio-style headphones covering his ears.

Michael Clayton walks out the front door and to the bus, ignoring the crowd. He is not wearing headphones.

Jay: Hey, Michael!

Clayton doesn't even turn and boards the van.

Jay: Hey, Michael, you'd better come sign something . . . I spent half my season tickets last year watching you drop crucial passes!

The fans go silent. Clayton pokes his head out the double doors of the van and glares at Jay, saying nothing.

After about ten seconds of an akward stare, Clayton realizes Jay has a point, and takes his seat on the bus.

It's possible that it was one of those "I guess you had to be there" stories. But if you were there, and you saw Clayton's face, you could tell that he was reasoning in his own head why he should just sit down and go to practice, because Jay was right, and Clayton knew it.

A lot can happen in ten seconds. A human brain can process almost a hundred thoughts. An Olympic sprinter can run 100 meters. A ball can go from a center's snap to a quarterback's grip and through Michael Clayton's hands.

I wish I had taken a picture of his face. Too funny.

More stories to come from the same historic trip. The next will be a story about Josh Bidwell, a lobster, three Washington Apples, a police officer and Doug Williams.

Stay tuned!

My introduction!

2009-11-03T03:14:45Z

This first entry will simply an introduction to me.

I've been a football fan since I was about ten years old. The first time I watched football was on a hot October afternoon at my grandfather's house. He taught me some things about football as the game went on, and my mom filled in the rest. By the end of 2002, I understood how football worked, in a rudimentary sense. In 2006, I actually played pads-and-helmets ball for the first time, and really understood how the game worked after that. What it means to be the guy with some pressures.

I've been a Gator fan since 2006. That was my first real exposure to college football. The first game I watched was the LSU-Florida game that year. In that game, this kid named Tim Tebow threw a wacky touchdown pass. I was enthralled by this guy. He was a backup of sorts, playing almost like a third down QB. I liked his unusual style. So, I can rightfully say I was a fan of Tebow before everyone was heaping all the praises on him.

Now that I've told you these pressing details, I will go over my views of the Buccaneers organization as it stands. Firstly, I am part of the RAHEEM MUST GO camp,( EDITED FOR CONTENT). I didn't agree with firing Gruden last year, because although he wasn't getting us to the playoffs, I had sneaking suspicions that the real problems were under the surface, and had more to do with Monte leaving than a lack of talent. I think the problems now consist of Raheem being completely unable to control his team, and that he has no business mind at all–why else would he get rid of the team leader, Derrick Brooks? A guy with a track record. So what if he's old. You have to have a mentor, and now all the Bucs have is the good, though somewhat reserved Ronde Barber. Ronde may be a good guy, but he's just not that outspoken. Raheem clearly thinks that Ronde WILL be outspoken, but it never happens.

The next fault I see is the fellow I like to call Jawsh Fweeman. I call him this because in my view, Freeman is little more than a kid with no ambitions and minimal talent. As much as I'd like him to be good, the facts do not support this idea. Freeman is another brick in the wall along with the likes of Carson Palmer and Tim Couch. Fact is, going over his college highlights, nothing suggested so much as a fourth-round quarterback pick. Even in college, he was a time-waster, didn't really try to get rid of the ball, tended to make mental errors, and so on. Also, he wanted so badly to be Vince Young, but the facts are he isn't Vince. I'm already predicting 0-16, even if it is a bit premature, because really, I don't see a way up or out for the Bucs, I just see bad things in the immediate future.

Freeman's Future

2009-11-02T23:07:59Z

If any of you gentlemen (and perhaps ladies) ever read my fanposts and comments, I think I have made it pretty clear about what I think about Josh Freeman. Now, let me begin this post by saying that I hope Freeman will succeed. I just don't expect him to.

I have stated many times that I thought the pick was idiotic. That we should have started Leftwich or Johnson this year, and drafted one of the premier QB's coming out in 2010's draft. No use crying over spilled milk though, what's done is done as they say.

My question I pose to you, Bucs fans, is this: how long are you willing to trust the future of the franchise to Freeman? He is most likely going to go out there and stink it up. How badly though? What if he pulls a Ryan Leaf, who was benched after nine games with the San Diego Chargers. As bad as it sounds, I don't think it's out of the realm of possiblity that Freeman could put up similar numbers. Leaf actually won his first two games in San Diego.

I guess I'm just worried that if Freeman goes out there and does horribly, that the team will go ahead and write off next season as Josh Freeman learning experience 2.0. At what point can you pull a first round draft pick and say "This kid just doesn't have it." Do they turn their backs on Freeman after nine games as a starter if he posts a 39.0 passer rating (as Leaf did). Leaf was also notorious for his problems off the field and with the San Diego media. It would seem that Freeman is above that thus far, so we have to remove that negativity from the equation.

I know it's ridiculous to compare Freeman, who hasn't even taken a snap yet, to Leaf. Yet you have to remember though, Leaf was drafted right after Peyton Manning, and many scouts thought he would actually be a much better NFL QB. Let's not forget that Leaf's pedigree coming into the NFL was MUCH better than Freeman's. He was actually a winner in college (took Washington State to the Rose Bowl) and almost won the Heisman Trophy. Freeman doesn't have any of these stats, but does have the same "tools".

While going the route of Leaf is obviously the worst case scenario; what is the best? I would say that if Freeman could come out and play like Jay Cutler did as a rookie I would absolutely love it. Cutler also came from a bad team (Vandy, though in a much more competitive conference), impressed scouts with his natural abilities, and was considered by some scouts to be superior to both Vince Young and Matt Leinart (those guys should have given raises). He was inserted into the Broncos line up late in November, 2006. His first game was a bit rough. He went 10-21 for 143 yards, two TD's and two INTs. Cutler looked a little better the next week, and got a win in his 3rd start. Obviously, we all know what happened after that. He became a pro bowler in his 3rd year in the NFL and brought two first round pick value in trade to Denver.

Obviously this years Buccaneers are a far cry from the 2006 Denver Broncos, we don't have anywhere close to their core set of players. Yet, I still think that Freeman could possibly follow the career path taken by Cutler. Recent reports about Freeman's weight gain and lack of preparation ring a bell as well. Similar things were being whispered amongst Cutler's doubters in 2006.

So which will it be Bucs fans? Do you think Freeman will follow the career path of Ryan Leaf or Jay Cutler? I'm sure it will be somewhere in the middle. If Freeman does stink it up like Leaf, would you be willing to sit and watch him continue to fail next season, only to have to address the QB situation in 2011? Should the Buc's consider taking a more proven college comodity like Clausen, Bradford, or McCoy and trying to trade Freeman to a team that can afford to let him sit and learn for a few years?

I know it's crazy, but it might be the best move if he goes out there and looks completely overwhelmed. This situation grows even stronger legs if Morris is let go after this season.

A Historical Look at Kickers Drafted in Rds 1-3

2009-11-02T17:43:46Z

The staff at Buc 'Em got into a little debate over the weekend regarding the merits of selecting kickers in the early rounds of the NFL draft. I thought it might be wise to bring some facts to the table. Here is a list of all kickers drafted in Rounds 1-3 since 1989 and their FG% for ranges 30-39, 40-49, and 50+.

Kicker	Year	Rd	Pick	30-39	40-49	50+	PB
Sebastian Janikowski	2000	1	17	89.2%	70.0%	47.6%	0
Mike Nugent	2005	2	47	82.4%	68.0%	33.3%	0
Jason Hanson	1992	2	56	93.3%	73.0%	54.7%	2
Nate Kaeding	2004	3	65	95.0%	69.6%	63.6%	1
Martin Gramatica	1999	3	80	83.1%	59.3%	63.0%	1
Brett Conway	1997	3	90	75.0%	73.1%	45.5%	0
Steve McLaughlin	1995	3	82	33.3%	33.3%	0.0%	0
Doug Brien	1994	3	85	84.9%	73.9%	53.6%	0
Jason Elam	1993	3	70	91.5%	66.1%	60.9%	3
2008 League Average				89.1%	74.5%	63.5%
1999 League Average				79.9%	67.5%	48.3%
1989 League Average				82.8%	66.8%	71.0%

This was meant only as a brief look and not a true scientific study. Some caveats to keep in mind:

*Not all kicking environments are equal. Most of these kickers however, were drafted into good kicking environments. That makes sense from the standpoint of drafting into your teams home-field strength.

*I included 3 years worth of averages to show the trend. Its not fair to compare elder statesmen Hanson and Elam to just the 2008 league average.

*A good chunk of the huge increase in league average is due to modern day strength and conditioning and a deeper talent pool. Remember, these are league averages. You might expect early picks (projected as elite) from 10 or 20 years ago to come closer to 2008 league averages. (Yesterday's best = Today's Average Theory).

*I included Pro Bowls just for fun. Not a great track record for the drafted elite. Pro Bowls are not at all a great measure for properly evaluating talent however.

My take: Given the huge increase in the league average, I do not deem it a wise use of an early round draft pick for a kicker. The median and even bottom tiered kickers are far closer to the best kickers than they were 10 and 20 years ago. The track record of this sample is a truly mixed bag, so project-ability is no sure thing.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2010 1st Round Draft Preview: First Half Edition.

2009-11-02T04:57:31Z

If the season were to end today, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would have the first overall pick for the first time since taking Vinny Testaverde out of the University of Miami in 1987. Needless to say, having the first overall pick is a blessing and a burden. The blessing is (depending on your selection) the Bucs will have an immediate impact player on either side of the ball. The burden is the financial obligations that come into play with the first overall pick (not to mention the agony of being the worst team in the NFL) as well as the high risk for making an unwise selection.

More than any other sport, the first overall pick in the NFL draft is the most risk/reward decision a franchise can make. Teams can either be propelled into success like the New York Jets, who selected Keyshawn Johnson out of USC number one overall after going 1-15. The next year, they were 9-7 and the year after 12-4. Or your team can sink lower like the Cleveland Browns after selecting Tim Couch number one overall over Donovan McNabb (for the record that Cleveland Browns team would go from 2-14 to 3-13 and 7-9 afterwards). Note: Obviously neither Couch or Johnson alone made either of these teams win I'm just trying to prove a point that first overall selections can make an impact.

In this post I'm going to take a look at three possible targets for the Buccaneers in the number one spot. Naturally, every player is available at number one so I'm going to try to limit the possible selections to three in order to avoid carpal tunnel syndrome. With the first overall selection in the 2010 NFL Draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (could) select....

Target #1) Eric Berry* - S - Tennessee - Running a 4.40 40, Berry is listed at around 5-11, 203 lbs. Eric Berry is a Ed Reed 2.0. With 215 career tackles, 2 forced fumbles and 13 career interceptions, Eric Berry is the top defensive back in this years draft and will be a premier player in the NFL. Playing under defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin for one season, the Bucs should be able to get good information from former defensive guru Kiffin about Berry. Berry most likely will not be available past the 5th spot.

Why the Bucs should target him: With Jermaine Phillips' glass-like forearms and his impending free agency this year, the Bucs are going to have a spot open at starting safety alongside Tanard Jackson. Assuming the oft-injured Phillips is gone, the Bucs could turn to Sabby Piscatelli or Will Allen to fill the void. But with a future pro-bowler on the board, Berry could be too tempting.

Target #2) Ndamukong Suh - DT - Nebraska - Running a 5.02 40, Suh is listed at around 6-4, 302 lbs. Ndamukong Suh is a big boy in the middle. With 16 career sacks and 169 career tackles, Suh is the top defensive tackle in this years draft. Suh can be a run-stuffer as well as a sack finder. He's not quite the sacking ghost of Warren Sapp but the quarterback isn't the foreign object that Chris Hovan seems to think it is. Suh could be available within the top 15 spots.

Why the Bucs should target him: Can anyone disagree that we need defensive line help? Chris Hovan is 31 and not getting any better and Ryan Sims isn't as good as Hovan. Dre Moore and Roy Miller are young and should be cycled at best for the time being. As of the half way point, the Bucs rank 29th in rushing yards allowed. Suh would provide an almost immediate impact against the run as well as the pass.

Target #3) Carlos Dunlap* - DE - Florida - Running a 4.78 40, Dunlap is a listed at around 6-6, 290 lbs. Carlos Dunlap is a linebacker stuck in a lineman's body. With 65 career tackes and 16 career sacks, Dunlap can be a game changer. Dunlap is, however somewhat of a mystery. He has all the potential to become an elite playmaker on defense but seems to take plays off at times. He'll be a monster one game and invisible the next. Still, Dunlap could be an interesting selection if taken. Possibly more suited for the 3-4 scheme, Dunlap could be more of a product of his surroundings (most notably fellow Gator DE Jermaine Cunningham) than an individual playmaker. Dunlap should be available in the top 10 picks.

Why the Bucs should target him: Again, defensive line help is a must in this draft. The Buccaneers simply must get to the quarterback and stop the run to be successful in 2010. Selecting Dunlap could help solve this problem. Again, personally I believe that Dunlap is more of a risk than a reward at this point. But we need DL help and we need it bad enough to take a chance. Drafting Dunlap number one overall isn't ideal. In fact, it's downright dumb. If Dunlap holds the red and pewter on draft day it will be after a trade-down or if the Bucs somehow end up with a 5-15th pick.

Outside of those three players, I would be hard pressed to believe the Bucs would take anyone else without trading down. Let's not kid ourselves, the Bucs have absolutely been pitiful on draft days under Bruce Allen and Jon Gruden and we need picks to make up for it. Poor drafting is why we are in the position we are. Since 2002, how many players that the Bucs have drafted have made a significant impact? How many if you take away day one picks where you're supposed to draft an impact player? Exactly. Trading down makes the most sense and it's what I see happening in April. Somebody (Cleveland, St. Louis, Seattle....) is going to want Sam Bradford or Eric Berry more than fat kids want cake and they will overpay to move up. We get extra picks and hopefully an impact player outside of the 1-5 range (where the money is too rich for the Glazers blood if you believe in that sort of thing). Now the following targets I'm going to assume the Bucs look at after a trade-down in position. Potentially, depending on the trade-down, the players listed above may still be available to which the Bucs would strongly consider them as well.

Target #4) Taylor Mays - S - USC

Why the Bucs should target him: For the same reasons as Eric Berry. Jermaine Phillips has the forearms of a 4 year old girl and is going to hit the free agent market. Mays is a big safety at 6-3, 235 lbs with a 4.47 40. Not the ball-hawk like Berry, Mays is a good cover safety with great tackle ability.

Target #5) Terrence Cody - DT - Alabama

Why the Bucs should target him: Defensive line help is a must. Terrence Cody is more of a safe pick over Ndamukong Suh. Slower but bigger, Cody is a mountain on the inside. May not get after the quarterback as much but he will instantly help the run defense. Hovan and Sims are average at best. Depth is questionable.

Target #6) Brandon Spikes - LB - Florida

Why the Bucs should target him: With Ruud in the center Spikes could be moved to the outside but not without some question. His 4.76 40 time may hinder his ability to move to OLB. If for some reason Ruud is no longer a Buccaneer, Spikes would be a great fit for Jim Bates system. Regardless of his position, Spikes is a very good tackler against the run and decent in coverage against the pass. With unproven linebackers in Quincy Black and Geno Hayes refusing to claim a stronghold a starting position, linebacker is stil a possibilty.

Of course there are a million different outcomes for draft day and you and I know about as much as anybody right now. In my opinion, if the Bucs aren't blown away by a trade-down offer they should take Eric Berry first overall. If the Bucs are able to trade down, either Suh or Cody would be optimal along with another defensive pick in the second round.

*Players in their Junior Year

Freeman to Start. About time or Bad Decision?

2009-11-01T00:15:11Z

I Haven't been online and posting in awhile but when i heard the news about Josh Freeman Starting i made sure to find time in my day to log on and speak my mind.

Of course we all know the big uproar about our Tampa Bay Buc's trading up and drafting Josh Freeman. Alot of us were against it and a few of us were proud of the decision( Me being one of those proud fans). I honestly don't wanna sit here and talk stats with everyone like i have in the past, But from what i seen him do during Preseason i think Freeman will HELP bring us our first win. I would discuss more about the situation but it Being Halloween, i'm short on time.I just wanna know What everyone's opinion is on the decision and When i hear those is when i bring out my Big guns. lol

Happy Halloween!!!

New Coaching??

2009-10-30T18:42:31Z

Now i like Reheem; It is not completely his fault that we are 0-7 right now. And our secondary is starting to look good again, and even though we traded Adams our Line is kind of getting pressure on the QB (kinda) but i look around the league and another great coach is 0-6....Yes Jeff Fisher. Now maybe it's the 0-7 talking but Jeff Fisher is a vet. and he knows how to change a football team. Again, we can't really blame Reheem because it's obvious the Glazers are looking to sell and went on a huge Fire sale (get ride of vets. higher a cheep young HC) I'm sure they are looking to sell before we sign that number 2 over all pick. Whoever ends up buying the Bucs i hope they see Fisher and that cap space and feel that we can easily turn this team around. I want to hear from you guys. If Jeff Fisher is available would you want the Bucs (who ever owns the team) to go out and higher him or should we stay with Reheem and hopefully he can do something with he cap space and the high draft pick?

A historical season in the making?

2009-10-27T15:25:07Z

There looks to be quite a big separation from the most talented/highest record teams to the least talented/lowest record teams this year. There have only been two teams in NFL history that have finished the regular season undefeated, and only one finish the entire regular season and post season without a loss.

As we all know, the Bucs were wiped from the record books last year, in a good way. The 1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers were the only team to go an entire regular season (then 14 games) without a win. That is, until we were graciously outdone by the 2008 Detroit Lions who went 0-16 to become the first NFL team in history to lose all 16 games in a season. The Lions last year lost 5 games by a touchdown or less and 3 games by 4 points or less. The opportunities were there.

That brings us to this years Rams, Titansand our very own Buccaneers. Currently all three teams are sitting at the zero win mark. As painful as we have it, I think we are the team of the three with the least amount of complaining to do. St Louis has lost 17 games in a row and is 4-26 in their last 30 games. The Titans have gone from Super Bowl favorites after a 13-3 2008 regular season and are now in competition for the number one pick. The Bucs, well, we all know where we stand. It's not good, but I don't think it's as bad as these other two teams.

But the question remains, will one or any of these teams go winless one year after we saw a franchise set the record for futility in one season? Here's a look at the best opportunities for each team on their remaining schedule.

Titans

Week 8 - Home vs Jacksonville. Let's face it. Jax isn't a very strong team. They were shut out by Seattle who was shut out by Arizona. The transitive property doesn't work in sports, but this could be a potential win

Week 10 - Home vs Buffalo. The Bills haven't been a strong team, but have won a few games. I don't see the Bills posing a huge threat, which means Tennessee could have a shot.

Week 14 - Home vs Rams. Well here you go. If neither team has won a game by this point, and if by a miracle they avoid a tie, one team will walk out with a victory.

Rams

Week 8 - At Detroit. The Lions have improved, but they still aren't a world beater. The Rams took Washington to the wire in a 9-7 loss and lost by 3 to the Jags. This could be a win for the Rams.

Week 12 - Home vs Seattle. Seattle has some playmakers, but as we saw against Arizona, they can throw up a goose egg. Plus, you never know if Hasselback will be healthy.

Week 14 - at Tennessee. As discussed above, someone has to win

Bucs

Week 10 - at Miami. I know, I know, Miami can run the ball. I still think the Bucs have a chance here. This game should allow the Bucs to run the ball and with both teams running it (a lot), it shortens the game and maybe we get an early turnover and sit on the lead.

Week 13 - at Carolina. We came close once, though it was at home. We at least know we can play with them for three quarters. I'm hoping by the 4th quarter of this game that Jim Bates realizes the game plan of Fox and company.

Week 17 - Home vs Atlanta. If Atlanta has the playoff spot secure and sits some players, we might win. I don't think we beat them at full strength but maybe we catch them looking ahead. It's pretty sad when I resort to this.

There you go. Any team can win on any Sunday (or Monday), but if I had to predict a few games for each team, there they are. What do you think, how many teams will go winless in 2009.

Poll

How many teams will go winless in 2009?

Who were you talking to Raheem?

2009-10-26T17:36:55Z

If anyone was watching the game yesterday than you obviously saw head coach Raheem Morris talking on the phone to someone while on the sidelines. He then held up five fingers and said "five", as in put in #5 rookie Josh Freeman. My question is this; who was he talking to?

Was it Dominik? The Glazer brothers? His mom? I find it a little disconcerting that Morris is such a puppet of the front office. If he doesn't have the ultimate decision as to who is in the game at what time, then we really should just fire him after this season and find someone that knows what they are doing. If Morris was not ready for Freeman to start then who is really putting the pressure on in this situation.

To be honest, it didn't look like Freeman was ready. He took a delay of game penalty, took two sacks, and fumbled in a very short amount of time. I'm not saying he isn't the future, but maybe he is just really not ready.

Are the Glazers turning into a dual version of Daniel Snyder? Actually they would have to spend money in free agency to take that title. What is going on over there? Do they not have the confidence in Raheem and Dominik's plan? I thought we would see Freeman in Week 9 vs. Green Bay but I never imagined that he would be thrust into a blowout game for a few garbage snaps.

What did it accomplish? Nothing! I really hope that this move isn't about ticket sales, but I fear it is. The front office knows that the fans have seen enough of Johnson to know that he isn't the future, and he certainly isn't helping us win now. They have already benched Leftwich, so the only way to keep the fan base excited and buying tickets is to throw the rookie to the wolves. The fans will show up in droves, for awhile. They better hope that he shows promise though, because they don't have any more tricks up their sleeves after this one.

I suppose we could fire our offensive coordinator and promote the QB coach. Oh, too late, already used that one too.

This also pretty much condemns us to an 0 -16 season. Say what you will about Johnson or Leftwich, but either of them is much more likely to lead us to win than Freeman. We were already underdogs in every game for the rest of the year and this move will pretty much cement it.

I have mixed feelings on this one. On one hand I'm frustrated that this offense hasn't had the opportunity to have any consistency whatsoever behind center. On the other hand I'm happy because if Freeman really is the future then he might as well get in there and take his lumps now. That way he can get acclimated to the speed of the NFL game and hopefully get all of the rookie mistakes out of his system this year.

I am getting off tangent though. The reason for this post is to ask who is really making the decisions at One Buc Place? Who has the power to pull a QB mid-game in the NFL, and why doesn't Raheem take charge? It was like a baseball player getting called up from the bullpen.

This team is beyond dysfunctional at this point. It's actually a miracle that everyone has kept so quiet about it thus far. We haven't seen a lot of finger pointing and similar behavior that typically arises from situations such as this.

So what do you guys think? Is Morris just a puppet on a string as many of us suspected all along? Was he just a cheap hire until we can dump Gruden's salary?

Poll

Will Raheem Morris be the Buccaneers head coach in 2010?

" Big Red Shoes, a Clownface and a Windmill "

2009-10-26T14:56:17Z

Now that the debacle in London is over, we can go back to being our 'local' Bucs! But, I think in all fairness, we need someone on the sideline in Big Red Shoes wearing a Clownface, and a squirting flower on his lapel. So let's just enjoy the Bucs for what they are, sort of like , Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Glazer,,,, What a circus! But it is our circus, and one we should enjoy it. How about going back to the days when McDonald's gave away french fries when the Bucs lost ? Great idea, but the Glazer's won't give away anything. Sad but everytime I hear Coach Rah talk , I want to run out and buy a Bopeel Vegomatic,, whew, can that guy talk any faster? Anyway, let's just enjoy the Bucs for what they are, our own circus,,,,,

Both sides of the ball are failing

2009-10-26T14:23:30Z

If indeed these are growing pains for a young team, I hope they are over soon. It has been a tough year thus far, but it stems from more than the lack of wins to this point. Coming into the year, we knew a few things. We had a young coach, young team, new systems, and new direction. I'm sure most of us thought we would struggle, but didn't see a goose egg in the win column happening through 7 games. Particularly after how we opened the Dallas game.

What has been hard to watch and hard to swallow is the way the "0-fer" has happened. I've maintained from day one that when a team is failing like this, it's the entire organization from top to bottom failing. There may be certain instances where one play call or performance can swing the game one way or another, but with these blowout losses (save the Redskins game), it has been a failure of 2008 Lions proportions.

The easy place to point the finger is at Raheem Morris, and he surely does deserve some of the blame. But if are gonna cast the first stone at him, we better follow up with stones at Dominik, Jags, Olson, Bates, Glazer boys, players, towel boys, stadium attendants, and well, everyone short of the cheerleaders.

Offense

This has been largely swept under the rug for numerous reasons; Jeff Faine had been out of action, Jags we hired and fired before we played a meaningful game, we are paying a glorified tight end big bucks, Bryant has had knee issues, the list goes on for miles. But lets look at the facts. After Week 7, the offense is averaging 11.71 points a game. That is with the defensive and special team points (except field goals) removed. That is awful. The run game has been abandoned in 5 of the 7 games, the passing game lacks a deep threat or any consistency, dropped passes are the norm, there just isn't much bright side right now on the offensive side.

We hired Jags to install and run a zone blocking scheme and a new passing game that would supposedly open the field up. When it was discovered that he just wasn't that capable of doing what we hired him to do, we let him go. Since then Olson has come in and delivered on none of the promise. Raheem said Jags didn't have the vertical component of the passing game installed, but that Olson would. I think we all are still waiting to see it. The average yards per pass play is 5.5 yards. To give you a measure, our defense is allowing an average of 8.7 yards per pass play.

The players have figured into this group fail as well. We've seen the dropped passes, the missed blocks, the wrong routes, bad reads, overthrows, underthrows, fumbles and sacks. The execution has been lacking. For every big run play Caddy or Ward breaks, they have another where they are hit 5 yards in the backfield.

Defense

This has been the most talked about failure of the Bucs. Jim Bates was brought in to run a scheme that we all questioned how it would work with existing players. The simple answer is, it doesn't work. That's been very evident. Things have gotten better with Tanard Jackson returning, but we still lack the effectiveness to shut down any phase of the opponent's game. I still see very little game planning on the defensive side. To throw a number at you, the Bucs D is allowing 26.71 points per game (with special teams and pick 6's removed). I don't know of too many games you will win giving up an average of almost 27 points, particularly when your offense gives you 11 a game.

Special Teams

Nugent. Dirk Johnson. That is all that needs to be said here.

Coaching

This goes to all the coaches. The players don't seem prepared. Josh Johnson looked like he had little to no preparation for the many blitzes he saw against Philly. Our defense doesn't seem to understand a wrap up tackle nor do they understand an assignment or coverage responsibility. Penalties mount up, discipline isn't there, these are all player mistakes but the coaches are accountable.

And then we get to the double speak. We apparently are going to be a fast, ferocious, fearless team. Then why do we not go for the tie at Washington and why are we punting on 4th and 7 from the Patriot 35 as opposed to going for it or kicking a field goal? I'm not quite sure I understand.

Personnel

It's very obvious we don't have the personnel on either side to run the schemes we want. We may have the players in time, and we certainly do have some good players now, but the team is made up of guys that couldn't make most other teams second string. I'm completely on board with rebuilding and understand that it takes multiple years, but I'd like to at least be able to see the groundwork. Right now, I see a bad conglomeration of players and systems, almost like the Glazers and Dominik closed their eyes and used the ole Jump to Conclusions mat.

Stadium Attendants

Look, I know you are doing your job, but you don't need to check my ticket every single time I come back from getting a beer, food or the restroom.

I could go on for days with this list, but the point is, as over matched as everyone says Raheem is, as bad of a coach as they say he is and will be, this is the hand we've been dealt, and he's been dealt as a coach. Could he and the entire organization have done things better? Absolutely. But to single out any one player and/or coach and place the blame on them, outside of Dominik or the Glazers is ridiculous. The reason I single them out is they (the Glazers) could control all of this. It's their money, they could pull a Snyder or Jones and be in on every decision. They have seemingly deferred to Doug Williams and Dominik, so they should bear the brunt of this if anyone is going to.

I'm still on the fence with Raheem Morris. But when he has to take phone calls to tell him to start Freeman, you wonder how much latitude he has. This doesn;t forgive his mistakes, but if you are going to point fingers and antagonize people, at least do it with both eyes wide open. You only see Morris on the sidelines. The TV crews don't point out the other 10+ people involved in the decisions.

There is no conclusion to this problem at this point. It takes an entire organization to win or lose. The growing pains will continue and we may end up with a 1 or 2 win season (I hope). If those few wins, or moral victories along the way pave the road for something greater, than I'm onboard. If we are just blindly wandering through this season, then get me a new regime, from top to bottom. Rebuilding has to have a purpose and a goal, and right now, I know the goal (Super Bowl in 201X), but I don't see the purpose or the driving force right now. Let's hope I feel differently in 10 weeks.

We Need a lot of help

2009-10-24T23:45:26Z

With the Bucs going 0-6 so far this season, i really don't have confidence that we will be turning around our team this season, but i do feel we are a few players and experience away from becoming legit. For the first time since i can remember we have weapons on offense and like i said a few players away from having a legit Defense as well.

It's obvious we will have a top 5 draft pick; my question to you is, Do we draft Taylor Mays which will add to our lack of secondary; Have 2 beasts at safey will help for are lack of talent at CB (except for Talib) Or do we go with a DT such as Gerald McCoy, or Ndamukong Suh Or do we go with a DE to replace Gains Adams and move White to LE? Or Pick up another stud CB such as Joe Harden to go on the other side of Talib?

Please tell me what position we should draft, a name is not needed, just say why you feel the position needs the most help...Also i do believe we should trade our 3rd, and 4th for another 2ed round. As of right now we have a high first, and two 2ed. i feel if we can get 3 second round picks we can really help the depth on the OLine, the DLine and in our secondary.

Tell me what you think!!!

Olsen changing the offense...on the fly?

2009-10-24T05:35:03Z

I recentely heard on a local radio show that this was a possibility...

Apparentley Greg Olsen has been changing the offense through out the season. According with an interview with Jeramy Stevens he was quoted by saying " Sometimes we try the new play on GAME DAY for the first time". THEY don't even practice it!!! With this coming out along with the article about how we don't spend any money ( Wall Street Journal) its starting to really question my loyalty to this team. Any thoughts from everybody??

Fan Feedback: Ronde Barber; What to do in 2010?

2009-10-23T21:53:50Z

In camp, we felt it was going to be a no brainer; a system corner who had excelled in the Tampa Two, now being asked to run a Man to Man defense?... when he struggled in his old system last year, to some extent.

Your the GM. You've seen Barber's play this year...

What do you think? Has he struggled? Has he excelled?
Do you like it?
Is he coming back in 2010?
Should we bring him back?