The Tampa Bay Buccaneers season will be playing their 33rd season this year and will be attempting to improve upon 2007's fair performance of 9-7. They actually played a good season last year, capturing the NFC South Title and returning to the playoffs. The team eventually lost to the New York Giants (as everybody seemed to underestimate this team in 2007) but left Tampa fans excited over the Buccaneers' potential for upcoming seasons. What does the future hold for this former Super Bowl champion?
The team quickly took care of their own early in the year by re-signing free agent Michael Bennett, Antoine Cash, Kevin Carter, Sammy Davis, and Jerramy Stevens. As recently as June 11th, the team was still settling contracts and keeping important players like quarterback Jake Plummer. There were also two notable free agent acquisitions in Warrick Dunn, of the Atlanta Falcons and Brian Griese, of the Chicago Bears. However, the team also had its share of damaging losses. The team had to say goodbye to six regular players including Brian Kelly, John Wade, Matt Lehr, Anthony Becht, Kalvin Pearson and Bruce Gradkowski.
Now, just after head coach Jon Gruden and general manager Bruce Allen have been resigned to a new deal, the team eyes its uncertain future. The draft was a telling sign of what to expect from Tampa this year and the team chose seven big name rookies for development. Their first draft pick was cornerback Aqib Talib from Kansas, followed by wide receiver Dexter Jackson from Appalachian State, and offensive lineman Jeremy Zuttah from Rutgers. The list was rounded off with defensive tackle Dre Moore from Maryland, quarterback Josh Johnson from San Diego, linebacker Geno Hayes from Florida State, and running back Cory Boyd from South Carolina.
Some speculated that the Buccaneers might make a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles for Lito Sheppard. However, the team chose to stick with Talib, who some experts describe as an athlete of high risk as well as high rewards. Another object was to enhance the wide receiving position, but Dexter Jackson didn't impress many because of his small size. Fans were more satisfied with the picks of Zuttah, Moore and Hayes. There are mixed feelings to the signing of Josh Johnson; many believe he will eventually become a starter, but there remains question as to whether Tampa can afford to cut their other quarterbacks in order to keep him happy. Boyd was less impressive, and many fans were disappointed by the team's efforts to create a greater pass rushing group.
The consensus is that Talib and Jackson are bankable but at the same time, also carry some heavy risks. Their team's strength will be immediately tested when they face off in preseason games against the Miami Dolphins and then the vengeful New England Patriots in the second week. The regular season begins at the Louisiana Superdome as they take on the New Orleans Saints. It's clear that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a strategy coming into this season. Now fans speculate as to whether it's enough to ward off intense competition.
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