| 2007 Buccaneers Re-Tool for the Future
Bucs Many are calling this season the last for Jon Gruden, the much maligned head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Never before has a Buccaneers head coach gone from being so beloved to so disliked, in such a short period of time. In the not so distant past this man could walk on water across Tampa Bay.
Gruden was treated by the city and its fans as its No. 1 son. A true rags to riches story, if there was ever one. From working at one of the local Hooters as a kid, to bringing home the Lombardi trophy in his first year as head coach. My, how times have changed.
Gruden has fallen hard from "Genius" status in the bay area. By posting a losing record in two of the last three seasons, Gruden has found himself on the hot seat with the Tampa Bay organization and its fans. One thing is for certain, Jon Gruden and his staff have taken a win now approach to this offseason, leading one to believe it’s win now or his tenure as Buccaneers’ head coach will soon be over.
Considering the quarterback carousel that started last season, the Bucs made the quarterback position their No. 1 priority this offseason. Without any hesitation they went out and signed possibly the No. 1 free agent quarterback available, in the veteran Jeff Garcia. They also retained the rights to last year's opening day starter Chris Simms and traded for now retired veteran Jake Plummer.
Also on the roster were two of last year’s starters, in Bruce Gradkowski and Tim Rattay. Not to mention returning is Luke McCown along with free agent signing Zac Taylor from Nebraska.
Possibly the most intriguing quarterback on the roster is rookie Bruce Eugene who has been dubbed the "round mound of touchdown" because he stands 6'0" tall and weighs approx. 280 lbs. Sure, now that is what the Bucs need a 280 lb. quarterback. At 280 lbs. he is bigger than some of the linemen that we have been around here in the past. If he can move his feet and not hold or trip anyone he will be an improvement over Kenyatta Walker, who was FINALLY released this offseason.
With the signing of Zac Taylor that makes eight, count them eight, quarterbacks on the roster. At least with that many quarterbacks to choose from it seems remotely possible Gruden will find one to his liking.
I wonder if he is going to put all their names on a large roulette wheel and spin it to see who starts opening day.
Come on Jon what is going on around here?
I guess we will have to just wait and see.
Despite some Buccaneers’ fans questioning Jon Gruden’s sanity of late, he made a wise decision in my opinion, addressing an aging defense in the Draft. Having their hand somewhat forced at the No. 4 pick, they chose defensive end Gaines Adams. The buzz around Tampa Bay is that ownership advised General Manager Bruce Allen and Jon Gruden not to trade away picks to move up in the Draft to pick Calvin Johnson.
Picking at No. 4, with the two players they most coveted off the board, Gruden reluctantly addressed the defense. Spending there early second round pick on Arron Sears, who many Bucs’ fans hope to be a cornerstone left guard for years to come. Joining last year’s standout rookies Davin Joseph and Jeremy Trueblood and free agent acquisition Luke Petitgout this year’s version of a NFL line should be much improved from years past.
Continuing their trend of thinking defensively the Buccaneers spent seven out of ten total picks on the defensive side of the ball. Most notably they added a hard hitting, quick safety in Sabby Piscitelli out of Oregon State. Buccaneers’ fans hope that Piscitelli may finally be the safety that they have been looking for since the departure of John Lynch. Piscitelli will join Will Allen and Jermaine Phillips at a much scrutinized safety position.
Returning from injury this season will be Simeon Rice to anchor a pass rush that needs some help in the most desperate way. With the addition of free agent Kevin Carter and trading for Ryan Sims from Kansas City the Buccaneers’ defensive line should be much improved. All Tampa Bay fans know that the key to their effectiveness on defense is a strong pass rush from the front four which allows defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin to sit back and play seven men in coverage. With Pro Bowl corners Ronde Barber and Brian Kelly who is returning from injury this year’s secondary should be much improved also.
One of Tampa Bay’s biggest offseason signings was the acquisition of Cato June, linebacker from the Indianapolis Colts. There is some speculation to where June will play this season but with the release of long time and fan favorite Shelton Quarles many speculate that he will be starting side by side with All Pro linebacker Derrick Brooks. June, a Pro Bowler himself, brings speed and down the field coverage, that is essential to play cover 2, the Buccaneers staple defense. Hopefully, with the Buccaneers key free agent acquisitions along with the players acquired in the Draft the Buccaneers’ defense will be able to return to form in 2007.
Like most teams that went 4-12 the previous season the 2007 Buccaneers enter a season of uncertainty.
Who will be the starting quarterback: Simms, Garcia, Plummer or even Rattay or Gradkowski? Does Kevin Carter and Simeon Rice have any sacks left in their aging bodies? Will Brian Kelly and Ronde Barber return to pro bowl form? Can Cato June fill the shoes of now departed Shelton Quarles?
These are the questions that Buccaneers’ fans want answered and only time will tell. I can tell you that this Buccaneer fan will be there until the end. Just like I was in the old "Sombrero" watching a team full of no name players with limited talent get their asses handed to them week in and week out. If I could endure the 100 degree heat, the metal bleachers and what some wouldn't call professional football, I am confident that I can endure whatever the 2007 Buccaneers season has to bring. Being a Buccaneers fan hasn't always been easy but it has always been an adventure!
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