A Season of Change for Bucs
(August 25, 2004)

You can't tell the players without a program. That may be one of the refrains as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers try to get back to the playoffs after a 7-9 season. Dozens of new players have been brought into camp and some mainstays of the team have moved on. A team that won a Super Bowl in 2002 has just about been dismantled. After quick goodbye to those who brought this area a champion, this article will take a position by position look at the 2004 Buccaneers, then try to predict what might be in store for this year's team.

When you talk about departures, you have to start with Warren Sapp and John Lynch. After 130 starts, Sapp is now with Oakland and Lynch ended up in Denver after starting 132 games with the Bucs. After all they have done for the franchise, most fans would have liked to see them finish their careers in Tampa Bay. Of course, that is not always possible in today's game. Other players no longer with the team, who were around here awhile, include Karl Williams, Nate Webster, Aaron Stecker and Shaun King. Thomas Jones and Tom Tupa have also moved on. Keyshawn Johnson was actually gone last year, but it became official this off-season.

Jon Gruden certainly has put his mark on this team. After his first losing season as a head coach, which followed his first championship, Gruden made wholesale changes. Position by position, plenty of new names will be on the 2004 version of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Quarterback - Brad Johnson is the obvious incumbent starter, but there is a battle for the backup spot. In his second year, Chris Simms has made good progress and may beat out Brain Greise for the position held by Shaun King last season.

Running Back - The injury to fullback Mike Alstott probably cost the Bucs a couple of games last year, so his return is a huge plus. Michael Pittman is still the top halfback, but he will serve a suspension over the first three games of the season. At times in career, Charlie Garner has been no less than brilliant, but after ten seasons you wonder how much is left. It may be interesting to see who ends up as the backup fullback, either Jameel Cook or newcomer Greg Comella. Jamel White may become the new Aaron Stecker of the team. White seems to have talent, but may not much chance to show it. Ernest Graham may be in the mix, but unless he becomes a standout on special teams it will be difficult to make the roster.

Wide Receiver - Keyshawn Johnson was traded, Karl Williams is gone, Keenan McCardell is a holdout, and there have been injuries, so there may plenty of new names catching balls this seasons. If Joe Jurevicius can return from injury, that would be a good start for the receiving corps. Future hall of famer Tim Brown spent sixteen seasons with the Raiders and could assume the possession receiver role. Joey Galloway should provide the deep threat the Bucs have been lacking. First round draft pick Michael Clayton has impressed and it will be hard to keep him off the field. Charles Lee and ten year NFL veteran Bill Schroeder should also fit into the mix. If they have a good camp, players like Frank Murphy and Danny Farmer could make the cut.

Tight End - After a year with Buffalo, Dave Moore has returned to Tampa Bay. Add in Ken Dilger and this position seems very solid. Either Rickey Dudley or Will Heller could make the team, but probably not both.

Offensive Line - This was where the Bucs concentrated this off-season. Eleven year veteran Todd Steussie, twelve year veteran Derrick Deese, nine year vet Matt O'Dwyer and five year man Matt Stinchcomb were free agent signing. Unfortunately, an injury to O'Dwyer will keep him out for most of the season. John Wade will return at center and Kerry Jenkins should see plenty of playing time. It is likely that Casey Coleman, Kenyatta Walker and Jason Whittle will also play a role. Anthony Davis and fifth round draft pick Jeb Terry may be headed to the practice squad.

Defensive Line - No more Warren Sapp, but plenty of talent remains. They do not come much better than Simeon Rice and Anthony McFarland is not that far behind. Chartric Darby, Greg Spires and Ellis Wyms will battle for starting positions, but second year player Dewayne White will keep the heat on. Corey Smith should also make the team.

Linebackers - Derrick Brooks is one of the best ever and Shelton Quarles has also been to the Pro Bowl. The Bucs are also expecting big things out of four year veteran Ian Gold. Jeff Gooch and Ryan Nece are pretty much locks to make the team, while ten year vet Keith Burns is on the bubble.

Defensive Backs - Rhonde Barber, Brian Kelly and Dwight Smith have loads of talent, but the Bucs are not especially deep here. Jermaine Phillips will take John Lynch's spot and Corey Ivy should see more playing time. There is four year veteran Mario Edwards, but not much other experience waiting in the wings. John Howell and Torrie Cox should make the team.

Special Teams - Martin Gramatica is back as the place kicker. Five year veteran punter Josh Bidwell will assume the punting duties from Tom Tupa. There will not be any competition at these positions.

There are a couple of things that have to be considered when trying to fiqure out what to expect from the 2004 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. First, we have to remember that the NFC South remains a tough division. Carolina is defending conference champions and a healthy Michael Vick elevates Atlanta to one of the league's top teams. New Orleans is no slouch and has been a consistent contender in recent years. Second, historicaly there is a transition period when teams make significant personnel changes. The nucleus of the Bucs team that won the Super Bowl, while it had a new head coach, basically grew-up together.

It is hard to be overly obstimistic about this year's team. They would have to get a lot of breaks to win the division and even the playoffs may be out of reach. Two seasons ago they were sitting on top of the football world, but the 2004 Buccaneers look average.