Freeman is the key to Tampa Bay's hopes for improvement

Second-year quarterback Josh Freeman is the key to Tampa Bay's chances to improve this season. (Icon SMI)

 

As they embark on the second year of a PG-Rated (Post-Gruden) rebuilding plan, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are hoping quarterback Josh Freeman and a potential draft harvest can help them avoid blackouts and blowouts this fall.

 

Freeman had 18 interceptions as a rookie as the Bucs went 3-13 under first-year coach Raheem Morris, but offensive coordinator Greg Olson and new quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt are confident he will take major strides in 2010. 

 

The league’s most porous run defense was addressed with Tampa Bay’s first two draft picks and one of the NFL’s youngest rosters will need a strong September start to stir fan interest in a team lacking star quality.

 

The Bucs are 48-64 since current ESPN analyst Jon Gruden hoisted the Vince Lombardi Trophy and Tampa Bay failed to land a prime-time matchup for the second consecutive season. For the first time since 1995 — the year the franchise was purchased by the Glazer family — Tampa Bay did not place a player on the NFC Pro Bowl roster.

 

Given the economy and the state of the franchise, the club’s marketing department faces a difficult challenge generating ticket sales. Ownership is already on record saying Raymond James Stadium could face NFL blackouts for the first time since the facility opened in 1998.

 

COACHING

Morris and general manager Mark Dominik made their share of mistakes in 2009 as Tampa Bay posted its worst record since ‘91 amid plunging attendance. Offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski was fired on the brink of the season opener and Morris became so frustrated with the team’s performance under the guidance of Jim Bates, he assumed the duties of defensive coordinator for the final six games. With Morris returning to Tampa Bay’s traditional Cover 2 principles, the Bucs showed marked improvement on defense down the stretch and the club continued to play hard, winning two of the final three games. Morris needs to improve his clock management and game-day decisions, but he works well with Dominik and embraces the franchise’s youth movement.

RATING: 6.5

 

QUARTERBACKS

By the sheer numbers, Freeman endured a rocky first season after the Bucs traded up in the opening round to draft the former Kansas State standout. Freeman’s 59.8 passer rating indicates his obvious struggles with reading pro defenses, but he has natural leadership skills and a big arm. Freeman also boasts impressive mobility for his 6-6 frame and the Bucs believe he will enjoy a breakthrough season in 2010 after coming to camp as the uncontested starter. The key is establishing himself as a leader, and there were signs that was happening after he became the starter during the season. Veteran Byron Leftwich was traded to Pittsburgh, leaving inexperienced Josh Johnson as Freeman’s primary backup. Johnson started four games last season before Freeman took over.

RATING: 6

 

RUNNING BACKS

Morris had ambitious plans about splitting up carries between Derrick Ward, Earnest Graham and Cadillac Williams, but Williams emerged as the clear No. 1 option after making a historic comeback from torn patellar tendons in both knees. Ward, a coveted free-agent pickup from the Giants in 2009, averaged only seven carries per game and ended up with 409 yards and one touchdown. Graham quickly became an afterthought; carried just 14 times and ended the season on injured reserve. Tampa Bay scored only five rushing touchdowns and the longest run was a 35-yard gain by Williams. Look for Ward to receive more of a workload this fall, but the Bucs sorely need a change-of-pace back with breakaway speed. The Bucs like the potential of fullback Chris Pressley, who started three games as a rookie.

RATING: 7

 

RECEIVERS

Tight end Kellen Winslow, acquired from Cleveland for a second-round pick, played up to his lucrative contract with 77 receptions and 884 yards in his first season with the Bucs, but Tampa Bay lacks proven weapons for Freeman on the flanks. Michael Clayton, still looking to recapture his outstanding 2004 rookie form, remains a chronic underachiever. Maurice Stovall lacks speed and Antonio Bryant signed with the Bengals, leaving second-year pro Sammie Stroughter as one of the few dependable options. Stroughter was beginning to make an impact when he was hurt and spent the final two games on injured reserve. After trading for Eagles veteran Reggie Brown, the Bucs drafted Arrelious Benn and Mike Williams, looking for significant big-play upgrades.

RATING: 7

 

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN

When Morris spoke often last year about building an identity as an aggressive, violent football club, he regarded his offensive line as a team strength. But that was before left guard Arron Sears went AWOL due to depression issues. Sears was released in April and the group appeared to regress in 2009 under new line coach Pete Mangurian. Tackles Donald Penn and Jeremy Trueblood were each restricted free agents and Jeremy Zuttah, who started all 16 games in place of Sears, looked overmatched at times. Center Jeff Faine remains a solid anchor, but right guard Davin Joseph took a step back from his Pro Bowl form and depth is a lingering issue.

RATING: 7

 

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

Nowhere is Tampa Bay’s youth movement more evident than on the defensive line, where top draft picks Gerald McCoy and Brian Price could both start at tackle, backed by second-year pro Roy Miller. The Bucs were determined to get bigger and tougher in the middle and they felt Price was too talented a prospect to bypass early in the second round — even with McCoy already in the fold after he was selected with the third overall pick in the draft. Chris Hovan, a five-year starter at defensive tackle, was released two days after the draft. Stylez G. White is the only experienced defensive end, and he led the team with a mere 6.5 sacks last season. Still, the Bucs are encouraged by the progress of youngsters Kyle Moore and Tim Crowder, who had 3.5 sacks after joining the team following his release by the Denver Broncos. Don’t be shocked if Price gets some snaps at the right-end spot.

RATING: 6.5

 

LINEBACKERS

Despite easily topping the Bucs in tackles with 205, middle linebacker Barrett Ruud found himself criticized for a lack of physical play. Tampa Bay coaches believe Ruud will be far more effective with McCoy and Price in front of him, occupying blockers and knifing into the backfield. Geno Hayes proved a pleasant surprise on the weak side, where Derrick Brooks carved out a Hall of Fame legacy before his departure after the 2008 season. Hayes may be undersized, but he boasts rare speed and he led the club with 14 stops for losses and had three sacks. On the strong side, fourth-year pro Quincy Black made enough plays to return as a starter, although he may be pushed by injury-plagued Angelo Crowell. Black was second on the team with 90 tackles last season.

RATING: 7

 

SECONDARY

If Aqib Talib matures off the field, he has the size and athleticism to rank with the best cornerbacks in the NFL. Tampa Bay’s first-round pick in 2008 is saddled with behavioral issues and the Bucs are hoping he learns how to be a pro by emulating 35-year-old corner Ronde Barber, who is still playing at a high level. Talib tied for the team lead with five interceptions last season. Safety Tanard Jackson, suspended by the league for the first month after violating the NFL’s drug policy, is an emerging playmaker, who also had five interceptions with two returned for touchdowns. The Bucs dipped into free agency for veteran safety Sean Jones, hoping he can unseat disappointing Sabby Piscitelli, a second-round pick in 2007. Tampa Bay would like third-round draft choice Myron Lewis to win the job as the nickel back, grooming him to replace the durable Barber down the line.

RATING: 7.5

 

SPECIAL TEAMS

Rich Bisaccia enjoyed a sensational year as special teams coach as the Bucs paced the NFL with six blocked kicks and averaged 26.3 yards per kickoff return. Connor Barth, Tampa Bay’s third kicker of the season, made three-of-four field-goal attempts from the 50 or beyond to earn Bisaccia’s trust. Rookie punter Brent Bowden replaces Sam Paulescu and Dirk Johnson, while reliable long snapper Andrew Economos returns. Clifton Smith is one of the league’s premier return specialists, averaging 29.1 yards per kickoff return and 10.1 yards bringing back punts.

RATING: 9

 

INTANGIBLES

Dominik and Morris have overhauled an aging roster, but new leaders have yet to emerge. The veteran purge of 2008 saw the release of Brooks, Ike Hilliard and Warrick Dunn while Hovan was one of the few Bucs with a powerful voice in the locker room last season. Adding a few veterans who lead by example could accelerate the learning curve for Tampa Bay’s talented youngsters.

RATING: Minus 1

 

Aug. 14 at Miami (Sat.) 7:00

Aug. 21 KANSAS CITY (Sat.) 7:30

Aug. 28 JACKSONVILLE (Sat.) 7:30

Sep. 2 at Hosuton (Thu.) 7:00

 

Sep. 12 CLEVELAND 1:00

Sep. 19 at Carolina 1:00

Sep. 26 PITTSBURGH 1:00

Oct. 3 OPEN DATE

Oct. 10 at Cincinnati 1:00

Oct. 17 NEW ORLEANS 1:00

Oct. 24 ST. LOUIS 1:00

Oct. 31 at Arizona 1:15

Nov. 7 at Atlanta 1:00

Nov. 14 CAROLINA 1:00

Nov. 21 at San Francisco 1:05

Nov. 28 at Baltimore 1:00

Dec. 5 ATLANTA 1:00

Dec. 12 at Washington 1:00

Dec. 19 DETROIT 1:00

Dec. 26 SEATTLE 1:00

Jan. 2 at New Orleans 12:00

 

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