2010 NFL Predictions: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneer organization didn't realize how good they had it during the Jon Gruden era
. Now they do. First year head coach Raheem Morris only managed three wins in his first season at the helm.
Morris made key in-game mistakes early in the year, and he called out his players publicly, but he gained respect later in the season when he took over the defense and re-installed the Tampa 2.
The organization doesn't expect an NFC South title in 2010, but it does expect progress to be made. Morris has the task of proving that he is the right guy to lead this team long-term.
Offense: The Buccaneer offense struggled mightily in 2009, ranking No. 30 in scoring offense (15.2 ppg) and No. 28 in total offense (287.5 ypg). The organization is hopeful that this side of the football will show improvement in quarterback Josh Freeman's second season.
Freeman is big, strong and athletic. He has a strong arm, and he is mobile. He was inconsistent in his rookie season, throwing 18 interceptions compared to 10 touchdowns, but he showed potential. He led the Bucs to all three of their wins, including a dazzling three-touchdown performance against the Green Bay Packers.
Led by guard Davin Joseph and center Jeff Faine, the Bucs have a strong offensive line to protect their franchise quarterback. These boys will be able to create some running room for Cadillac Williams and Derrick Ward as well, as long as the the Bucs can stretch the field this season. Every yard these two got in 2009 was hard earned as opposing defenses stacked the box.
Tampa Bay has a good playmaking tight end in Kellen Winslow, who led the team with 77 grabs, but they need their wideouts to make more big plays. After saying goodbye to Antonio Bryant, the Bucs need someone to step up. Second-year wideout Sammie Stroughter, who hauled in 31 passes last year, could be poised for a breakout season.
Defense: The Tampa Bay defense ranked No. 27 in the league in both scoring (25.0 ppg) and total (365.6 ypg) defense last season, but there is reason to believe this unit will be much better in 2010.
After Morris switched to the Tampa 2, the Bucks held five of their final six opponents to 20 or less points.
The key to making further progress is improving against the run. Tampa Bay finished dead last in rushing defense in 2009, allowing 158.2 yards per game. It was such a problem that the Bucs spent their first two draft picks on defensive tackles Gerald McCoy and Brian Price. The Bucs need these guys to produce right away.
Off consecutive 100-tackle seasons, Barrett Ruud leads the linebacker unit, and Aqib Talib and Tanard Jackson, who each picked off five passes last season, anchor the defensive backfield.
Prediction: 4th NFC South - With the Falcons, Panthers and Saints all ready to win now, The Bucs, which are in rebuilding mode, will bring up the rear in the South. The Buccaneers are listed as a +2000 long shot to win the NFC South. Find out which team I have winning the division in my
2010 NFL predictions article.
The
NFL odds makers don't stand a chance against Jimmy Boyd's NFL expert picks this season!
2010 NFL Predictions: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
By: Jimmy Boyd
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