Tampa Bay Buccaneers Have Offensive Changes in Store

A new quarterback, an added running back, and some good additions at tight end will be at the forefront as the Bucs' offensive attack changes this coming season.

No longer will they have to depend solely on Earnest Graham to slug out the tough yardage game after game.

Instead, they added a proven running back in Derrick Ward from the New York Giants.

Byron Leftwich should provide leadership, as well as a consistent approach at quarterback. He won't make risky decisions and he'll keep the risk factor for turnovers minimal.

Kellen Winslow Jr. should be a great target in a new West Coast-type offensive system that new offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski might put into place.

A good double prong running attack, coupled with controlled passing may be just what the Bucs need to keep their opponents guessing this season.

You probably won't see 20-30 pass plays down the sideline like we're used to. Instead, we should see quick timing patterns, controlled drives, and probably a bit more scoring than last year's sometimes anemic offense.

The defense will have to learn a different kind of system under Mr. Bates. This may take a few games, and Tampa Bay will come out of it with a faster, more physical defense hopefully.

I think this will be the biggest question in this coming season.

Jeff Jagodzinski is proven to be very good with young quarterbacks, and this should help Josh Freeman develop into a top-notch NFL quarterback.

He will be ready most likely by midseason, in case of trouble with Byron Leftwich or Luke McCown.

The quarterback battle this fall for the starting job could be very interesting. I would start Leftwich—without question. He has started before, with success, and has a Super Bowl Ring.

He played very well last season in relief of Roethlisberger in Pittsburgh.

Tampa Bay could be very good at times, but inexperience at the head coaching level may hurt early in the season.

The whole team must refocus after last years disappointing finish, and strive to come together as fast as possible to be competitive in the very strong NFC South Division.

Good luck to the Bucs as they develop new talents and invite other veteran players into the fold. It should be an interesting season for the fans, watching this team try to reach a new level of maturity and potential.