Will 2005 Bucs Be Better?
(September 8, 2005)

There are questions about the 2005 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Has the team made enough off season moves to improve on last season's disappointing 5-11 record? Can they contend for a playoff spot? Will the Bucs thirtieth season, like so many before, be written off as a rebuilding year?

Frankly, while realizing the salary cap continues to be a problem, the Bucs did very little in the free agent market. The major signings were WR Ike Hilliard, an eight year veteran out of the University of Florida, TE Anthony Becht, who spent five years with the New York Jets, former New York Giants place kicker Matt Bryant and second year quarterback Luke McCown. Compare that to players lost including, QB Brad Johnson, WR Joe Jurevicius, DB Dwight Smith, OG Cosey Coleman and LB Ian Gold. It is hard to argue that there was any gain here.

The Buccaneers continue to distance themselves from the Super Bowl championship team and have gone to a youth movement. The team is really counting on first round pick Carnell "Cadillac" Williams, the Auburn RB was the fifth overall selection in the draft, but his experience is limited to around a dozen preseason carries. The Bucs are very high on second round pick Texas LB Barrett Ruud and third round selection Standford TE Alex Smith. Actually, the Bucs were pleased with the 2005 draft class and at last count ten of the twelve drafted players have made the team. The Bucs also released older veterans, such as, RB Charlie Garner, WR Tim Brown and OL Derrick Deese. Enough evidence of a rebuilding year?

The famed Tampa Bay defense should keep them in most games and an improved kicking game should help. The Bucs are thin at some positions, most notably wide receiver and offensive line, so injuries could create a downward spiral. Carolina and Atlanta are predicted to battle for the NFC South title. New Orleans and Tampa Bay are expected to be a step behind. However, in today's NFL, an 8-8 team could make the playoffs and nobody should be counted out.

It seems like the Bucs have not done enough to improve over last season, but league parity can make just about anybody a playoff contender. The Bucs will need plenty of breaks, or the franchise's thirtieth season may remind us more of Bucco Bruce than Pewter Power.