New Coach, New Scheme for the Bucs

(Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

The 2009 Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive game plan should be quite different from a year ago.

Out is pass-happy Jon Gruden. In is rookie head coach Raheem Morris, who loves downhill running.

Judging from the makeup of Tampa’s current roster, they’re going to have to run the ball to be successful this season.

The Bucs will start either Byron Leftwich or Luke McCown at QB, so running the ball might be a good idea, especially with Earnest Graham, Derrick Ward, and possibly Cadillac Williams all in the backfield.

Both QBs have strong arms, but Tampa only has one WR that can stretch the field in Antonio Bryant. But will Bryant play like the Bryant of old instead of the one that had his career year in ‘08?

The Bucs did trade for a dynamic TE in Kellen Winslow Jr., so that will help the air attack somewhat. But being without a consistent No. 2 or No. 3 WR will be a huge problem for Tampa this season, as many teams will put eight defenders in the box.

One positive is that Bryant, Winslow Jr., and Williams (when healthy, whenever that is) do give the Bucs a trio of home run hitters capable of stretching the field at any time.

You can also expect a lot of dump-offs to the RBs and FBs—something the Bucs have been known for over the years.

All in all, don’t expect too much excitement from the Tampa offense this season, but I do believe they can finish around the middle of the pack in total offense if everything clicks.

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