2011 Tampa Bay Bucs Predictions
Written by Steve Janus
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers weren’t expected to even be competitive in 2010 after finishing just 3-13 in 2009, but head coach Raheem Morris led his team to a 10-6 finish. Tampa Bay finished third in the NFC South behind the Falcons and Saints, but still just missed out on the playoffs, losing a tie-breaker to the Green Bay Packers. Tampa Bay is extremely young and should only continue to get better with more experience. They didn’t make hardly any moves this offseason, which says a lot about the trust they have in their young players. Here is a closer look at what the Buccaneers will send to the field on both sides of the ball, plus my prediction on where they finish they year in the South.
Offense:
The huge turnaround last season was a big result of the improved play of quarterback Josh Freeman, who made tremendous strides in his second year in the league. Freeman threw for 3,451 yards with 25 touchdowns to just six interceptions, but what really has everyone talking is his ability to win games in the 4th quarter. His performance is going to likely decide whether Tampa Bay fights for the division crown or takes a step back in 2011.
A big positive for Freeman is all the young weapons the organization has surrounded him with. They took a chance on running back LeGarrette Blount, and he responded by rushing for 1,007 yards and six touchdowns in just seven starts. With the departure of Cadillac Williams, Blount could be in for a breakout season that puts him with the top backs in the league.
Tampa Bay went out and drafted Arrelious Benn and Mike Williams to bolster the receiving corps in 2010, and the rookie duo did just that. Williams had 65 catches for 964 yards and 11 touchdowns, while Benn caught 25 passes for 395 yards and two scores. They added wide out Desmond Briscoe late in the year, and really feel like he is going to give them a dynamic receiving corps. Tampa Bay has one of the premier tight ends in Kellen Winslow, but decided to trade up in the draft to take Tennessee tight end Luke Stocker, who could help out right away.
The offensive line had to overcome a number of injuries last year, but this unit still played at a pretty high level. A big reason for that is they got 16 starts out of Pro Bowl left tackle Donald Penn. The positive about having to deal with injuries last year, is they now have a lot of experience and depth that should allow this unit to really improve this season.
Defense:
The Buccaneers finished 28th against the run and 30th in sacks (26), which made improving the defensive line a huge focus point this offseason. Tampa Bay believes they have done just that by drafting defensive ends Adrian Clayborn and Da’Quan Bowers. Clayborn figures to step in and start right away, and Bowers might not be far behind. These two will join forces with 2010 first round pick Gerald McCoy, who was a beast at defensive tackle in his rookie season. The other starting tackle would likely be Roy Miller or Brian Price, but both are battling injuries that may keep them out to start the season. This unit has a ton of potential, but it may take a couple years before it really shows.
The biggest loss from last year was starting middle linebacker Barrett Rudd, who led the team in tackles for a fourth straight season. Rudd will likely be replaced by rookie linebacker Mason Foster, who has impressed so far in training camp. Foster will join outside linebackers Geno Hayes and Quincy Black. This unit is a bit of a concern heading into the season without Rudd to run the show.
Tampa Bay is waiting to see if starting corner Aqib Talib will be suspended, and more than likely he is going to miss a few games. If Talib is out, look for Myron Lewis and E.J. Biggers to compete for the starting spot opposite of veteran corner Ronde Barber. Tampa is excited about second-year safety Cody Grimm, as he returns to play alongside veteran Sean Jones. Tampa also drafted Florida safety Ahmad Black, who should be ready to start if needed.
Prediction: T-2nd NFC South, 10-6 Overall – I don’t think there is any denying that the Buccaneers are coming along a lot faster than anyone expected. The fact that they are so young and so good, makes them a dangerous threat to win the South in 2011. My biggest concern with this team is they won a number of close games in 2010, which could set them up for a disappointing season. I think it will be more in the middle, as they should come very close to making the playoffs as a wild card again this season.
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