Setting the Bar: Buccaneers Face an Uphill Climb in 2009

(Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Undoubtedly, the D-line's depth will be tested again this season, and whether or not that depth can come through in big games will be a big factor in Tampa Bay's success.

From there, it’ll be up to the linebackers. The Bucs have all the confidence in the world in middle linebacker Barrett Ruud, but newly acquired Angelo Crowell is coming off a knee injury and Jermaine Phillips is making the move to outside linebacker from strong safety.

If they do their job, the Buccaneer defense stands a good chance. If they struggle, the 2009 season could very well resemble last year’s 38-23 loss to Carolina in which the Panther’s ran rampant for 300 yards and four touchdowns.

The x-factor for the defense is the secondary. Aging veteran Ronde Barber and 2008 first-round draft pick Aqib Talib will start on the corners, but they’ll be tested in Bates’s scheme and must live up to the challenge.

Sabby Piscitelli, who often found himself out of position last season, will likely get the start at strong safety, and will be called upon to clean up anything that slips through the linebackers.

Overall, the Tampa Bay secondary lacks depth and experience—especially with Phillips moving to linebacker. However, if a few of the team’s young guns can step up and contribute and the secondary overachieves, the Bucs’ defense should follow suit.

The same could be said for Gaines Adams and Greg White at defensive end. If Bates can get Adams to live up to his billing and become a forceful pass rusher off the edge, the Bucs could make bigger strides defensively.

Last but not least, if I had to name three other factors that could make or break the Buccaneers this season, it would be coaching, leadership, and injuries.

At 32, Morris is the youngest head coach in the National Football League.

While I think the players have bought into his attitude and coaching style, he’ll have to tackle a steep learning curve when it comes to preparation and play calling in order to compete with the more experienced headsets on the opposite sideline.

The Bucs will also need some guys to step up in the locker room and in the huddle after parting ways with several veteran players. Without guys like Derrick Brooks, Warrick Dunn, and Joey Galloway, the team will need to find new leaders in 2009.

Finally, whether Tampa Bay is going to exceed, meet, or fall below expectations, injuries will play a role this season. An injury to the wrong player at the wrong time is all it takes for a team to take a tumble down the division standings.

For the Bucs to surpass expectations this season, the must-keep-healthy list would include McCown, Bryant, Ruud, and Barber, among others.

But regardless of what happens this season, Buccaneer fans should keep the big picture in mind.

Without a doubt, Morris and company will endure their share of growing pains in 2009, and any success this season will be just an added bonus to what the franchise hopes to build for the future.

So for now, sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

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