Bucs Must Show Improvement
(September 4, 2007)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Jon Gruden is on the hot seat. After a dismal 2006 season finished with a 4-12 record, the team must show improvement. Gruden, who is 27-37 since winning the Super Bowl said of the pressure, "I've always liked the kitchen a little bit hotter. I wouldn't bet against this team."

Meet Jeff Garcia

Born: February 24, 1970 (Gilroy, CA)

College: San Jose State

Three year starter at San Jose State who played four seasons (1994-98) with the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League. Was MVP of 1998 Grey Cup and threw 111 career CFL TD passes. Was with San Francisco for five seasons (1999-2003) and went to three straight Pro Bowls while with the 49ers. Was with three different teams, Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia, the last three years. In eight year NFL career has thrown for 20,385 yards with 136 TD passes and 73 interceptions. Garcia is married to Carmella DeCesare, the 2004 Playboy Playmate of the Year.

The quarterback position has gotten most of the publicity this off-season. At age 37, Jeff Garcia will be the starter and Luke McCown had a good preseason to edge out Bruce Gradkowski as the backup. Chris Simms' slower than expected recovery form last September's splenectomy has been discussed almost daily. The Bucs are hanging on to Simms and are in the unusual position of having four quarterbacks on the roster. There was also the deal for Jake Plummer, but he retired rather than move to Tampa Bay. Considering last year Simms was lost for the season in week three, and two years ago Brian Griese was knocked out in game five, there is reason to be nervous.

There are other questions on offense. While Joey Galloway is set as the number one receiver, beyond that time will tell. Michael Clayton is in a two year slump with just one TD catch over that period. David Boston has not played in a couple years. Second year pro Maurice Stovall is a 6-4 target that quarterbacks like and Jerramy Stevens could make an impact. With Mike Alstott out, Michael Pittman or fullback B.J. Askew will hopefully open some holes for Cadillac Williams. Free agent Luke Petitgout should strengthen what continues to be a young offensive line and second round pick Aaron Sears should be in that mix.

Defensively, Shelton Quarles and Simeon Rice are gone. There will be pressure on Gaines Adams, the number four pick in the draft, to start at defensive end. Free agent acquisition Kevin Carter should continue his streak of 192 straight starts on the Bucs defensive line. Derrick Brooks and Barrett Rudd will be joined by strongside linebacker Cato June, a free agent who likely will take the spot of Ryan Nece. Late signee Jeremiah Trotter will add depth to the linebacker corps. Second round pick Sabby Piscitelli will give Jermaine Phillips, Will Allen and Phillip Buchanon some much needed competition in defensive backfield. Torrie Cox will miss the first four game due to suspension, but a healthy Brian Kelly goes a long way to improving that group.

With Matt Bryant and Josh Bidwell doing the kicking, special teams is the one area where the Bucs have no question marks.

Every year since being formed in 2002, the last place team in the NFC South Division has won the division the following season. The Bucs were winless in the division last year, so it may be difficult to continue that trend. The experts are nearly unanimous in picking New Orleans as the first NFC South team to defend its title. Carolina may not be the team it once was, but appears to be the only team that might take it from the Saints. The Michael Vick distraction will likely drag on all season for Atlanta. Unless Jeff Garcia has a career season, the prognosticators may be right in picking the Bucs last.

Opening day always brings promise and the Bucs should improve on last season. While only the Glazers know, and they are not talking, most believe the Bucs will have to contend for a playoff spot to save the job of Jon Gruden. There does not seem to be enough improvement to make that possible.