Considering how much John Gruden likes to tinker, this offseason should be like Christmas for him.
The Buccaneers have plenty of money available and if it is not spent on at least a couple marquee individuals, a repeat of this past season would appear to be inevitable.
The Bucs definitely have many decisions to make in both free-agency and in the draft, but the first task is to figure out which players to hang on to.
It is obvious that re-signing Antonio Bryant is priority No. 1. Joey Galloway is almost done and who knows what Michael Clayton will bring to a game, let alone an entire season. The availability of T.J. Houshmandzadeh should not be passed over by Bruce Allen and the Bucs.
We all know that the Panthers like to go to battle with a “two-headed-monster” in DeAngelo Williams and Jonathon Stewart. Fans in Tampa probably hope that the Bucs don’t try to duplicate this philosophy with Earnest Graham and Warrick Dunn.
While both are serviceable running backs, the Bucs have not had a 1,000-yard running back since Cadillac’s rookie season in 2005—and his career is currently up in the air. He will not be running in 2009.
The Bucs have many choices relating to this position. With Brandon Jacobs available, Tampa must at least put forth an effort to acquire the bruiser--a type of player who is definitely needed in the NFC South.
Darren Sproles is also available, but there has to be a limit on sub-5’10” running backs on one team. At 5’11”, Maurice Morris may be the cheaper option as a full-time contributor.
When considering Gruden’s infatuation with quarterbacks, it is only a little far-fetched to think he may have Kerry Collins, Kurt Warner, and Jeff Garcia all at training camp together to battle with Brian Griese and Josh Johnson.
A more realistic scenario would probably see Tampa aggressively pursuing Garcia as Johnson, a project Gruden wants to work with, gains another clipboard year.
In order for this team to rise to the top in the South, they must stop the run and put some pressure on the QB with a ferocious defensive line. The emergence of Michael Turner and the work-horses in Carolina prove that the ground game success translates into playoff appearances.
4 comments Last one added 5 months ago — Leave a Comment
Reuben Cohen 6 months ago
A few points to make:
1) I was shocked after Shanahan got fired, but after he did, I wouldn't be surprised to see the same thing happen to Gruden. It's the same situation, really, they had the division lead and they lost the last 4 games to miss the playoffs. I actually consider the Bucs' collapse greater than the Jets' or the Broncos'.
2) I think Julius Peppers would be a great fit for the Bucs, but I think that the Panthers will do anything to keep him, even if it comes down to a choice between him and Jordan Gross.
3) I don't see the Bucs getting Haynesworth. He could stay in Tennessee, but if he does leave, it will be to a big market city. He won't leave Nashville just to go to Tampa.
4) I sure hope the Bucs don't get Kenny Britt, because I would love to see him in the midnight green next year, but I agree WR would be a great position to address in the draft. They need some youth at that position, because Joey Galloway does not have much left in the tank.
Great article, I enjoyed reading it.
Edit Comment Cancel
Bill Wright 6 months ago
Hey Reuben,
Thanks a lot for the read and comments.
I totally agree with your points. I still feel, however, that the ownership in Tampa is sweet on Gruden. I'm not too sure how long that will last, though.
I think Peppers is gone. He'll be too expensive and if Carolina lays the franchise tag on him, he will not be a happy player.
Haynesworth is a long-shot for the Bucs.
Edit Comment Cancel
Dawn Jackson 5 months ago
Okay I cant believe they fired my favoite coach , --- I want to know where Mr Gruden will be heading so I can change to a new favoite team
Dawn
Edit Comment Cancel
Dawn Jackson 5 months ago
Where is John Gruden going to go from here so I can change my favorite team
Edit Comment Cancel
Leave a Comment
You must register to post a comment.