Bleacher Report - Articles by Tanner Flowers

Angelo Crowell Injured: Tampa Bay Bucs Take A Hit On Defense — Again

Tanner Flowers — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 00:22:10 -0400

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' defense is going to be missing an important piece.

No, I'm not rehashing a story about Tanard Jackson or Aqib Talib. This time the Buc defender will be out because of something on the field.

Angelo Crowell will miss the 2009 season with a torn biceps muscle. He injured the arm on Saturday night in the Bucs' 24-23 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

In my opinion, this is the biggest development of this year's training camp.

Yes, bigger than the indecisions at the quarterback position, positive urine tests or late night fight clubs in the back of a taxi.

The loss of the talented linebacker will leave a huge hole in the Bucs defense.

Admittedly, when the Bucs signed the former Buffalo Bill linebacker this offseason, they were banking on potential that may or may not have panned out.

However, Crowell provided results on the field in a few years in Buffalo. In his last season with the Bills, Crowell lead the team with 126 tackles, and he tallied two sacks, an interception and a forced fumble.

That year was 2007. Crowell missed last season with a knee injury. He also battled injuries in the 2006 season that included a torn triceps muscle that required surgery.

Had he been healthy, I think Crowell would have lead the Bucs in tackles this season. He has great athletic ability and football acumen.

As it is, Crowell will be out of football for two years, 29 years old next season and probably tagged with an "injury-prone" label. That is a tough assignment for a comeback.

This defense will be without a starting safety for four games, a starting linebacker for the year and, perhaps, a starting cornerback for a game or two.

Little-utilized Quincy Black will now move into the starting role at the strong linebacker position.

For a defense that faltered down the stretch last year, the losses in the offseason and now in training camp do not bode well at all.

Tampa faithful must hope that the switch in defensive systems can make up for a loss of talent and decline in productivity.

Stat Of The Weak: Tampa Bay QB Byron Leftwich's Completion Percentage

Tanner Flowers — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 21:29:24 -0400

Writer's note: My column "Stat of the Weak" will be a weekly feature here at B/R during the season (unless it bombs).

The idea here is to take a look at one statistic from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' game of the week or the season at large. Statistics can certainly lie about performance, and this is where I want to show how that happens.

It's a preseason game. It is the first preseason game. Stats are, admittedly, meaningless in these games.

But just as the players are warming up for the season, I, too, am warming up.

(That's why this article is a bit late. But, hey, I got it out before the second game, right? That's something?)

This week's Stat of the Weak is Bucs' quarterback Byron Leftwich's completion percentage.

If a fan were to look at Leftwich's 43 percent completion percentage from last week's game on it's own, he or she might assume that Leftwich is trailing in the race to win the starting quarterback role.

Last season the lowest completion percentage in the league among qualified passers belonged to Cleveland's Derek Anderson. He completed 50.2 percent of his passes.

Last season's leaders were Chad Pennington, Kurt Warner, and Peyton Manning—all above 66 percent.

Leftwich completed 43 percent of his passes.

The league's rules say that to be a qualified passer the quarterback must average 14 pass attempts per game. Leftwich threw 14 attempts.

So Leftwich threw the lowest completion percentage on the Bucs' roster in the game; it's not what he did in those eight incompletions that is helping Leftwich's close in on being named Tampa's starter. It's what he did in his six completions.

Leftwich averaged just more than 10 yards per completion and led a touchdown-scoring drive.

Luke McCown, the only other quarterback on the roster with an honest chance of starting on opening day, completed 50 percent of his passes for 19 yards—an average of just less than five yards per completion.

Leftwich also has been praised by this coaching staff—and St. Petersburg Times writer Rick Stroud—for his work in red zone drills in practice.

Experience and production are what you expect from a NFL starting quarterback, and that is what Leftwich brings to Raymond James.

Completion percentage can be an important stat, but it, like all stats, can lie about performance.

So what do you think? How important is completion percentage for a quarterback and an offense?

I promise the quality of this column will pick up when the stats actually count, I think!

Aqib Talib Arrested: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Take Another Hit on Defense

Tanner Flowers — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 19:54:38 -0400

Tampa Bay's starting cornerback Aqib Talib has been arrested on suspicion of simple battery and resisting arrest without violence.

Allegedly, Talib attacked a cab driver Wednesday night in St. Petersburg, FL. When state troopers arrived, Talib refused to get out of the taxi. It has been reported that Talib was drunk at the time.

This is a huge setback to the Buccaneers' defense. After the four game suspension of safety Tanard Jackson earlier this week, Tampa is now missing two starters from a secondary that needs physical players like Jackson and Talib in the lineup.

While it has not come down yet, I assure you that Talib will be suspended by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for this most recent transgression.

For those that don't remember, this isn't Talib's first time on the league's radar. Last year at the rookie symposium, Talib got in a fight during a meeting.

With the change in Tampa from Monte Kiffin's Tampa-2 defense to Jim Bates' press coverage, the Bucs were relying on bigger, more physical players like Talib and Jackson in the secondary.

Talib was supposed to start all year and continue his development as a corner in the NFL. Last year, Talib had 23 tackles and four interceptions. His best games came in the first half of the year, and he needed to develop consistency. But the raw talent was there.

Ronde Barber is still the leader of this defense and the No. 1 corner on the team, but changes in defensive and drafting strategy have shown that the Bucs are moving away from their Super Bowl era.

Talib was an off-the-field question mark even before he was drafted. While at Kansas, it was reported that Talib tested positive for marijuana.There were also some questions about his character after the combine.

But Talib wasn't the first questionable character that the Bucs drafted. In 1995, Tampa took Warren Sapp in the first round despite questions about his use of marijuana. Sapp fell down some draft boards.

That worked out all right for the Bucs, didn't it?

Whatever the issue, the Bucs must hope that Talib will take his time off and learn from this. Especially this year, Tampa needs Talib on the field developing, not at home watching.

Tell me what you think. How much will the Bucs' defense miss Talib should he be suspended? Are you worried about the character of this team? Is character more important or scrutinized if the team is losing?

'Twas the Night Before Tampa Bay Buccaneers Training Camp

Tanner Flowers — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 00:52:01 -0400

On this the eve of training camp reporting day for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, I have three fantastic pieces of news for Bucs fans.

First, as we speak, players are moving about this country in order to report to NFL training camps on Friday. The first practices are Saturday.

I hope you have your tickets to this weekend’s practices. If not, you are out of luck as the free tickets have all been distributed for all sessions until Tuesday. That is, of course, except for the night practice on Saturday at Raymond James.

That’s right, the Bucs are offering a no-ticket-required open practice “under the lights.” More importantly, they are giving the fans an opportunity to get in shape for the season as well. The parking lots are opening early, and you may tailgate before the practice.

There is clearly some buzz among the fans to see some football this weekend. Buzz to see the beginning of the quarterback battle; buzz to see Kellen Winslow in a pewter helmet; and buzz to witness the first Bucs defense to take the field in 13 years that won’t line up in the Tampa 2.

That unfortunately, may be the only buzz that the Bucs are receiving early this season. The prognosticators and NFL analysts are not predicting a happy year at One Buc Place.

I, for one, hope for a quiet training camp this summer. There are too many untied shoelaces in Bucs camp for the media to be on this dance floor.

A rookie head coach, a quarterback battle, a new defense and a historically volatile tight end could make this summer even hotter by the Bay. This is a topic that I will touch on this weekend in my next column, as the practices move forward.

But on to the second piece of great news. According to the Stephen Holder of the St. Petersburg Times, the Bucs and first-round pick Josh Freeman are close on a contract. Holder says he expects Freeman to be signed and report on time.

It is great to have all rookies in camp. As previously stated, this team cannot afford distractions this summer.

While I will not advocate Josh Freeman getting anywhere near the starting quarterback role this season, he does need to be in camp learning the system.

The best situation for the Bucs and the rookie is to let him go through this year on the third unit, try to get the most out of the two veterans and then compete in earnest next summer.

Since camp hasn’t actually started yet, there will be plenty of time to discuss Freeman’s progress as we approach exhibition games and the season opener.

Thirdly, and perhaps the best thing I have heard all week: Get your creamsicle gear out of the closet and have it dry-cleaned. Scrape off that old barbecue crust and prepare for November 8.

The team has announced that Tampa’s squad will be wearing their 1976 throwback jerseys against Green Bay after the Bucs get back from London and rest up during the bye.

My biggest question is this: Why do they have to announce them as the ’76 jerseys?

They wore these fantastic pieces of history until 1997, and yet they want to bring up the expansion year? Is the front office afraid that one 0-16 Lions team will make NFL fans forget the 33-year love affair with McKay’s 0-14 swashbucklers?

Anyway, I am very excited to see those uni’s on the field this year.

Be safe at the practices this weekend. We’ll talk soon.

Ronde Barber: 20 Questions With The Buccaneers Star

Tanner Flowers — Fri, 29 May 2009 00:31:43 -0400

Understanding that good journalism and interviews are born from a conversation between two people, it is always important to be prepared.

Should I get the opportunity to interview Ronde Barber, my favorite player on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, here is a list of 20 questions around which I would base my interview.

1. Other than Tampa, what is your favorite city to play a game in the NFL? Favorite city to visit?

2. What is the proudest moment you have experienced in your career thus far? Other than the Super Bowl, what would it be?

3. With the change in defensive philosophy from a zone coverage to man coverage, have you set any personal goals for the season?

4. How do your goals this season differ from goals you might have set in previous seasons?

5. Which of you defensive teammates are you counting on having the best season this year?

6. After 2007, when you had your lowest tackle total since 1999, you came back and had 100 tackles and four interceptions in 2008. To what can you attribute your return in production?

7. After watching Derrick Brooks, Cato June, and Philip Buchanon leave this offseason, how has your role on the team changed this season?

8. With the departure of the previously mentioned players, how do you think about your future with this team will play out?

9. If you felt this team was entering a rebuilding stage, would you want to find a team that would have the possibility of another Super Bowl victory?

10. You have four career Pro Bowl selections, how many more do you believe you have left in your career?

11. Of your more than 1,000 tackles, nearly 200 passes deflected, 37 interceptions, 23 sacks, and 11 touchdowns, which statistic would you want to define your career if you could only choose one?

12. You need two more touchdowns to tie the NFL record holder for defensive touchdowns, Rod Woodson. If you could choose the opponent you scored it on, who would that be?

13. You have played for five years under Tony Dungy, seven years under Jon Gruden, and this is your first year under Raheem Morris. How would you compare and contrast their coaching styles?

14. How would these coaches compare with your legendary college coach, George Welsh?

15. What did coach Welsh teach you to prepare you for the NFL?

16. What would it take for you to convince Tiki to come out of retirement for one season as your teammate?

17. You have a business degree from the University of Virginia. You have championed literacy charities during your career. You could probably get a coaching or television job when you are finished playing. What would be your dream job after your career is over?

18. You’ve written three children’s books and are supposedly preparing a young adult novel with your brother. Are there any plans for more books? Perhaps to an even older audience?

19. You’re a golfer, if you could put together a foursome to play 18 holes with any historical figures, who would you choose?

20. When the rookies walk into camp, do you, as the longest tenured teammate, lead the hazing rituals, or do you leave that to the other players? What can Josh Freeman expect this year?

OK, so some follow up questions were built in, kind of messing up my whole 20 questions theme, but you get the idea.

I would truly appreciate the opportunity to cover the Buccaneers, and I thank you all for taking the time to read this.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers' New Coordinator Brings Change after 12 Seasons

Tanner Flowers — Thu, 28 May 2009 18:40:10 -0400

Derrick Brooks is no longer in Tampa; neither is Jon Gruden or Jeff Garcia. Of all the changes to the Buccaneers’ personnel and staff this offseason, however, none will have as much impact as the switch at defensive coordinator.

Monte Kiffin is gone, following his son to the University of Tennessee, and he took his "Tampa 2" defense with him.

The "Tampa 2," which began with the Bucs hiring Tony Dungy in 1996, has been a tweaked version of the basic cover two defense since Kiffin was brought in as defensive coordinator in 1998.

The "Tampa 2" was an aggressive cover two defense that relied on undersized, speedy linebackers that created pressure and covered the middle.

Undersized defensive backs with an explosive first step covered specific zones down field; specifically, the defense got its name from the two safeties that each covered half of the deepest part of the field.

The opportunistic and talented backs like Ronde Barber were counted on to cover their zone and step in and break up or intercept passes.

Kiffin and the "Tampa 2" relied on strong, rushing defensive tackles, such as Warren Sapp, to create pressure in the backfield up the middle, while the fast linebackers, like Derrick Brooks and Shelton Quarles, created pressure and containment on the outside edges.

This system produced seven top-five defenses since 1998 and, most importantly, one Vince Lombardi Trophy.

Now, Jim Bates has taken over for the departed Kiffin, and he brings a new defensive style with him that relies on speed and pressure to create turnovers and stop offenses.

While it may sound very similar, the differences are in the details.

Bates’ system relies heavily on larger, but exceptionally fast cornerbacks and safeties that will play bump-and-run coverage.

Quarterback pressure in Bates’ system comes from the defensive ends on the outside and some blitzing linebackers up the middle.

Bates’ resumé includes some highly rated defenses, especially passing defenses, during his stints in Miami, Green Bay, and Denver.

Bates is a fiery coach that demands perfection and has led some great NFL talent to Pro Bowl seasons. He’s coached Patrick Surtain, Jason Taylor, Zach Thomas, Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, Champ Bailey, and John Lynch.

With the change in defensive philosophy will come a change in personnel.

The Bucs have already seen this first hand with the departure of long time fan favorite Derrick Brooks, as well as starters Philip Buchanon and Cato June.

These losses can be attributed to declining production and salary cap consideration, however, the switch to a bump-and-run coverage might hasten the departure of another fan favorite, Ronde Barber, as soon as next season.

However, for the 2009 season, barring any pick-ups after the June 1 cuts, the defensive roster will look very similar, save for the two new outside linebackers.

One of those outside linebackers will certainly be Angelo Crowell, who tallied 126 tackles in Buffalo in 2007 before missing the ’08 season because of injury.

Crowell is a fast, aggressive linebacker who will fill in nicely in Brooks’ spot in the lineup, even if not the fans’ hearts and minds.

In the secondary, 2008 first-round draft pick Aqib Talib will likely flourish in the new bump-and-run defense; while at Kansas Talib was a feared “shut-down” corner.

He has a large frame and incredible anticipation of the ball. In his first year, Talib led all rookies with four interceptions on the season.

However, Talib will have to grow emotionally before the Bucs can rely on him week-to-week to lead the secondary.

Recently, Talib was involved in a fight at practice with tackle Donald Penn, in which Talib swung his helmet as a weapon, striking fellow corner Torrie Cox.

Cox needed stitches to close his facial wounds.

This is not the first time that Talib was involved in an off-the-field incident. He was first reprimanded for a fight with the Denver Broncos’ running back Cory Boyd at a rookie orientation event last year.

While aggression and fire can be positive on the playing field, they can also lead to pass interference calls that hurt the team if not controlled.

The Bucs must get Talib under control or risk him washing out, like another Bates corner, 2005 Packers first rounder Ahmad Carroll.

Off the field incidences and an abundance of pass interference calls have severely limited his once-promising career.

Luckily for both Talib and the Bucs, Barber can prove to be a positive influence on Talib if he desires.

The last member of the Bucs’ defense that should see changes to his role is defensive end Gaines Adams.

As previously stated, Bates’ system will rely heavily on pressure coming from the end position; think about the sack totals of Taylor, Gbaja-Biamila, and Adewale Ogunleye.

This is the type of presence that the Bucs defense needs from Adams. The former first round pick has totaled a respectable six sacks in each of his first two seasons, but his performances always left the fans and coaching staff expecting more.

With a new, more aggressive role in the defense, expect Adams to as much as double his previous season’s total.

Bates’ previous stops in the NFL have been very successful, producing some of the best defenses in the league. The Bucs should not expect any drop off from the defensive side of the ball with the departure of Kiffin.

With a clock-eating running game and this aggressive defense, expect this year’s Bucs to exceed some of the experts’ low expectations.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Season May Hinge on Result of QB Competition

Tanner Flowers — Wed, 27 May 2009 23:59:07 -0400

Of all the position battles in football, none have shown the ability to bring a team together or tear a team apart like a quarterback controversy.

Unfortunately this summer in Tampa, the Buccaneers will have to choose one quarterback from a group of five.

But wait, this doesn’t mean that the Bucs are in a horrible situation. This training camp competition is unlikely to tear the team apart as there is no returning veteran starter to cause problems.

Luke McCown, Byron Leftwich, Josh Freeman, Josh Johnson, and Brian Griese will each take repetitions with the offense to decide who will lead the Buccaneers onto the field this fall.

“One bone, five dogs,” said head coach Raheem Morris. “Let the best man win.”

With all due respect to coach Morris, his quote would more accurately represent the situation if he said: “One bone, three dogs, two of you will be holding a clipboard as soon as our first round pick is ready.”

To better understand the competition and get a good idea who should have the early lead, let us take a closer look at each of the quarterbacks.

Josh Johnson

Drafted in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft, Johnson was the “Quarterback of the Future” that former head coach Jon Gruden waited to long to acquire.

Coming out of San Diego, Johnson impressed NFL scouts with his athleticism and work ethic. However, there were questions about his arm strength and delivery.

Johnson is a tall, skinny quarterback who played well in mop-up duty during the preseason last year. He completed 10 of 15 passes in limited time, including a 29-yard strike that impressed the coaching staff at the time.

Unfortunately, Johnson found himself at the back end of a log jam of veteran quarterbacks in Tampa at the end of the preseason, and he was relegated to the practice squad.

Johnson will find himself at the back end of a log jam again this season unless his work ethic can make up for the gaps in development between himself and the rest of the quarterbacks on the roster.

Brian Griese

Griese, a 12-year veteran who rejoined the Bucs last year after a two-year stint in Chicago, is a fine locker room presence at this point in his career.

He has taken several steps backward since his 20-touchdown, 70-percent completion performance in 2004, his first year with the Buccaneers.

Last year, Griese appeared in five games, throwing more interceptions than touchdowns while struggling to a 69.4 QB rating.

Griese really does not have a role on the Bucs’ roster this year. Look for him to be cut, possibly as soon as June 1, to give him time to look for a backup role on a contender.

Luke McCown

McCown believed that he was the heir apparent to the starting quarterback position when Jeff Garcia was let go in the offseason, but he has watched the team bring in veteran Byron Leftwich and first round draft pick Josh Freeman since.

This is where the competition gets interesting because McCown should get every opportunity to earn that starting role.

He has a strong arm and a quick delivery, and he showed flashes of solid play in 2007, his first season with the Buccaneers.

That season, in five games, McCown completed 67 percent of his passes for five touchdowns and rushed for nearly 10 yards per carry in limited attempts.

However, while McCown has shown, at times, the physical tools to be a starter in the NFL, he has not produced results. He has compiled a 1-6 record as a starter in his career.

To be fair, four of those starts did come in his rookie year with the 2004 Cleveland Browns, who were 4-12 that season and had the 27th-ranked offense.

If McCown can demonstrate that his skills can translate into wins in the fall, he can certainly win the starting position.

Josh Freeman

At 6’6” and 250 pounds, Freeman is a physical specimen. He has a strong arm and is very mobile.

However, Freeman should not be confused with Michael Vick or Tarvaris Jackson.

Freeman is very comfortable in the pocket and can accentuate his game with the run if needed, but he will be at his best when he uses his mobility to avoid pressure and deliver a strong pass.

Many of the running plays that were designed for Freeman at Kansas State, were done because he was the best athlete on the team.

His low completion percentage and high interception rate in college—which got better through the years—can be attributed to a lack of talent in his supporting cast with the Wildcats.

That being said, given the low success rate of first-year starters and Freeman’s early entry into the draft, the Buccaneers would benefit from letting Freeman take one year on the sidelines learning how to be an NFL quarterback.

Unless injuries to Bucs quarterbacks hasten his debut, Freeman should lead this team for at least a few years to come beginning in the 2010 season.

Byron Leftwich

The third of the trio of quarterbacks with a legitimate shot at the starting role in Tampa this year, Byron Leftwich brings the most winning experience in the NFL.

A former first-round pick, Leftwich lost his starting position in Jacksonville to David Garrard and recurring ankle injuries, despite an 89.3 QB rating and a 3:1 TD to INT ratio in 2005, his last season as a starter.

Leftwich was never a mobile quarterback, but he became a sitting duck in the pocket behind offensive lines that were getting older (Jacksonville) and much worse (Atlanta).

This season, Leftwich should benefit from starting behind the best line he has played with since 2005, not to mention a very strong running attack with the combination of Derek Ward, Ernest Graham, and Carnell Williams behind him.

Leftwich has also had a season to get healthier, hungrier, and more experienced while backing up Ben Roethlisberger and winning a Super Bowl in Pittsburgh last year.

That is a feat that no other quarterback on this roster—not named Brian Griese and not being shown the door—can claim.

A season of transition

While they wait for Josh Freeman to develop into a starting quarterback, the Buccaneers must rely on a solid rushing offense and a conservative passing attack.

This season Luke McCown or Byron Leftwich will lead this team onto the field.

To avoid a down or rebuilding season, either one of these quarterbacks must be able to cull their skills and maintain a consistent effort throughout the season.

There is no controversy as to whom will be the starting quarterback next season, but to avoid ripping this team apart, one quarterback will have to become a reliable NFL starter this year.

Bucs' Path to Super Bowl Starts in Tough NFC South

Tanner Flowers — Mon, 25 May 2009 20:26:33 -0400

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will open this season with a new head coach for the first time since 2002 and a new defensive coordinator and new defense for the first time since 1996.

Jon Gruden will be talking for a living on Monday Night Football this season while first-year head coach Raheem Morris, who made the progression from defensive backs coach to defensive coordinator to head coach this offseason, will take over the top job in Tampa.

Jim Bates will take over for Morris—and Monte Kiffin—at defensive coordinator. Bates’ defense requires his players to attack more than the Tampa 2, and the coaches have used this offseason to remove some older star players from the system.

The new coaching staff will look to overcome the late season collapses that have doomed the past two seasons in Tampa, while competing in one of the toughest divisions in the NFL, the NFC South.

This season may be very tumultuous in the division, as there are many questions for each squad, and any team could win the division.

Atlanta Falcons

If Morris should want a blueprint for success as a first-year head coach, he should look to Mike Smith and his Falcons. The Falcons won 11 games last year with dominant rushing attack and a good—but not great—defense.

In the offseason, the offense lost veteran right tackle Todd Wiener but gained future Hall of Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez. The addition of Gonzalez will certainly improve last year’s sixth-ranked offense, and he should only help quarterback Matt Ryan develop as a passer.

The turnover on defense was much greater this offseason for the Falcons. Lawyer Milloy, Keith Brooking, Michael Boley, and Grady Jackson are all gone, replaced by rookie William Moore, Mike Peterson, Stephen Nicholas, and rookie Peria Jerry, respectively.

The Falcons have traded a lot of leadership and experience from last year’s defense for speed and youth this year. It is entirely possible that the defense will be more talented this year, but a lack of experience may lead to a step backwards.

The final word on the Falcons is this: If the Bucs want to catch them, they may want to do it now. Atlanta may struggle to reach 11 wins and a Wild Card again this year.

Carolina Panthers

The Panthers return as division champions with new questions surrounding their defense and still licking their wounded ego after a home drubbing by the Cardinals in the playoffs.

The most pressing issue in Charlotte is what to do with Julius Peppers. The Pro-Bowl defensive end has not signed his franchise tender and has said that he does not want to play for the team anymore.

So far, the Panthers are not budging, instead restating their desire to have Peppers in opponents’ backfields wearing the bluish teal, black, silver, and white this year.

If necessary, the Panthers could possibly ask their first of two second round picks, Florida State defensive end Everette Brown, to pick up some of the slack left by a possible Peppers departure—if that happens, which is still doubtful.

The problem is that Brown slid down draft boards, from a mid-first round pick to a mid-second round pick, apparently because teams saw him as only a situational pass rusher.

The Panthers must also find a replacement for salary-cap casualty and former starting cornerback Ken Lucas. Richard Marshall—who had a fine résumé with 75 tackles, two sacks, and an interception last year—would appear to be the leading contender for that spot.

If Peppers plays with passion for Carolina, who still has a strong rushing attack in place, the Panthers should be the favorites to win the NFC South again this year.

New Orleans Saints

The Saints were a model of consistency—but not excellence—last year. The Saints only had one two-game losing streak last year, but they also only had one two-game winning streak.

They alternated wins and losses throughout their schedule on the way to an eight-win season.

The top-ranked offense definitely was not the problem. The team led the league in total yards, passing yards, and points scored.

Drew Brees came a mere 15 yards shy of breaking Dan Marino’s single-season passing yards record. While a repeat performance may be too much to ask, Brees should still be one of the highest-rated quarterbacks in the league this year.

For the Saints to take the next step and challenge in the tough NFC South, they must improve their running game and defense.

Pierre Thomas is the primary and power back in this offense, but there are rumors that the Saints are interested in free agent Edgerrin James.

James, while not the same back he was in Indianapolis, would lend this attack credibility and keep opposing defenses from keying on Brees.

The defense is in the process of a major overhaul, adding cornerback Jabari Greer, safety Darren Sharper, and rookie cornerback Malcolm Jenkins among others. If this works and the defense is appreciably better this year, the Saints will be a contender.

However, if this defensive plan doesn’t pan out, head coach Sean Payton will be fired, and the Saints will sit at the bottom of the division again.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Bucs lost out on an opportunity at the playoffs last year and then lost defensive leaders Derrick Brooks, Cato June, and Phillip Buchanon in the offseason.

Bates’ uses similar personnel as the Tampa 2—smaller, faster linebackers and defensive backs—but requires more pressure from the defensive ends on the quarterbacks and bump-and-run coverage from the secondary.

This new defense combined with diminishing returns and large contractual demands ushered these players out the door in Tampa.

Aqib Talib and free agent signing Angelo Crowell should be the new leaders on this defense, and Gaines Adams will be expected to nearly double his previous seasons’ sack totals.

On offense, the primary question will be who starts Week One, and will he also be starting Week 17 or beyond?

The Bucs gambled on quarterback Josh Freeman in the first round of the draft. He will be expected to be the Bucs’ quarterback of the future, but there is still some question as to when the future begins.

For now the quarterback position will be held down by either Byron Leftwich or Luke McCown.

Neither is a preferable starter in this league, but if either one can capture some of the flashes they’ve shown in previous seasons—Leftwich in 2005 and McCown in 2007—then they should serve as a fine placeholder for Freeman.

If either falters, then Freeman could be seeing playing time much earlier than expected.

No matter who takes the snaps, free agent running back Derrick Ward should be a major piece of this offense.

Like the Falcons last year, the Bucs will win or lose on the shoulders of their running backs.

With a little luck at quarterback, the Bucs could win nine games this year and battle Atlanta for second in the division and the final NFC Wild Card spot.

Greg Norman's 2008 British Open: Best Performance by an Aging Athlete

Tanner Flowers — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 16:35:51 -0400

He was 53 years old and on his honeymoon.

And yet, here was “The Shark,” a great golfer better known now for his clothing line, wines, and an epic collapse in the 1996 Masters, coming out of retirement and walking to the tee box on Sunday at Royal Birksdale holding the 54-hole lead at the 2008 British Open.

As a few of Bleacher Report’s writers have recently submitted articles on some of their favorite performances by older athletes, I feel that we would be remiss in omitting the performance of Greg Norman last July, especially as he prepares to tee off in this weekend’s Masters.

Norman, 14th on the PGA all-time money list, had not made a cut in a PGA tournament since the 2005 Open Championship going into the '08 British Open.

In fact, Norman’s inclusion in the field was due solely to his being a past champion, in 1993 and 1986.

And yet, when he showed up, there was something different about him. He was happier and cited his recent marriage to tennis great Chris Evert as a big reason why.

On Thursday of the 2008 Open, in nasty conditions, Norman played well as he balanced two bogies with two birdies and finished even on the day.

At that point, he was tied for fourth and only one shot off the lead.

Friday brought much of the same for the Shark. He made great shots throughout the day, and his star was shining. The coverage was turning more and more to this aging anomaly.

It was a nice story for the man who had not been more than a mention even on the Champions Tour.

Despite a near-disastrous double bogey on the par-four sixth, Norman sat alone in second, one shot behind K.J. Choi, heading into the weekend. Defending champion Padraig Harrington lurked just two shots back.

The weather was again a factor on Saturday.

Norman fell back two shots on the day, but so did the rest of the field. He was alone in first with Choi and Harrington two shots back heading into the final round.

Greg made history that evening when he became the oldest man to ever hold even a share of the 54-hole lead at a major championship.

It was an incredible feat for the aging star, and yet, there was Norman’s looming past casting a shadow over his accomplishment. While the media, perhaps, should have talked up the enormity of the event, they could not let go of Norman’s 1996 Masters’ performance.

Holding a six-shot 54-hole lead at Augusta National, Norman had fallen apart, dropping 11 shots in the greatest collapse in major history, and Nick Faldo had taken the Green Jacket.

The media could not let it go and, perhaps, neither could Norman: His final round at the 2008 Open included a heart-breaking eight bogies and only one birdie.

However, at the end of the day, it didn’t feel like Norman blew another tournament. He was tied for third and was enjoying the best result in a major by someone of his age.

It wasn't even so much that Norman lost this one; more like Harrington won it with a blistering back nine, as he compiled a final-round score of 69.

While Greg didn’t hoist the Claret Jug, he did revive his dormant career with a historic performance.

His play was so impressive that, though he arrived quietly at Royal Birksdale, he is now a player to watch at this weekend’s Masters.

The top story will of course be the return of Tiger Woods, but 54-year-old Greg Norman will be followed closely this week as he tries to pair another historic major performance to last year’s British Open.

March Sanity: History Can Cure Madness in Your Bracket

Tanner Flowers — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 21:04:40 -0400

It is mid-March, a time when prayers are answered and dreams are crushed in American gyms. Fiery speeches and boisterous crowds mark this time of year. It is March Madness.

This weekend, conference tournaments wrap up across the nation. Some teams will earn an invitation to the most important dance they will ever attend, while others will watch their bubbles burst in frustrating manners.

However these conference tournaments end, 65 teams will have a chance at a national title after this weekend. Next week, these teams will garner more attention in offices across the nation than the ever-sinking Dow Jones.

Whether you fill out your bracket for an office pool, a Web site’s fantasy game or just among your friends, everyone has a strategy.

You’ve heard the stories about the administrative assistant who wins the office pool by picking LSU over Louisville because a tiger could beat up a cardinal, or picking Michigan State to win it all because their niece or nephew attends classes there.

This strategy won’t work. In fact, it’s not even a strategy; it is dumb luck. Sure, Western Kentucky’s mascot is cute, but that’s no reason to pick them to make the Elite Eight this year.

And while the head of marketing in your office has studied every college basketball game this season and has better reasoning behind his/her picks, he/she probably won’t pick it either. Invariably, this bracketologist will pick the higher seeds and the power conferences because of size and depth.

They forget why this is called March Madness.

So what is the best strategy for picking the winners of all 64 games this year? It takes a little skill and a little luck.

First, know the trends. History has a tendency to repeat itself in the NCAA tournament. If you follow the historical probabilities, you can find Cinderella in a field of evil stepsisters.

• Don’t pick a No. 16 seed. Since the tournament expanded in 1985, no 16th-seeded team has ever beaten a No. 1 seed.

• If you are feeling gutsy enough to pick a No. 15 seed in the first round, get them out early. No. 15 seeds aren’t typically the Cinderellas. Only four 15th-seeded teams have ever won a game in the tournament, the last being Hampton in 2001. None of those teams won in the weekend sessions.

• A No. 14 seed may be due this year. The last No. 14 to win a game was Northwestern State in 2006. There was a five-year gap between victorious No. 14 seeds between 1999 (Weber State) and 2005 (Bucknell), but that was the longest drought in tournament history. Only in 1995 did two No. 14 seeds (Weber State and Old Dominion) win in the same year. If you do pick the lucky No. 14, remember that only four of those winners have won a second round game. None have gotten any further.

• No. 13 seeds are feisty, but they aren’t going very deep either. 20 No. 13’s have won a first round game. Last year was only the second time two No. 13’s (Siena and San Diego) won in the same year. Four of these seeds have won a second round game. You probably won’t find the Bracket Buster in this seed either.

• Some No. 12 seed will probably ruin someone’s weekend. These are the teams that people warn you about. No. 12 seeds win about a third of their games. The No. 12 seed is ripe for upset because this is generally where the NCAA relegates the “last four teams in” or very strong mid-major teams.

The statistics also show that if a No. 12 wins the first game, it will win in the second round about half the time—16 of the 31 victorious No. 12’s won in the second round. But be careful. The slipper doesn’t often fit by the next weekend. Only the 2002 Missouri Tigers ever advanced to the Sweet 16 from the No. 12 slot.

• Cinderella usually gets the most bang for her buck out of the 11th seed. You can insert your George Mason memories here. The lowest seed to ever reach the Final Four is a No. 11. It happened twice – most recently in 2006 with George Mason and in 1986 with LSU. Oddly enough, while the No. 11’s last longer, they have a worse record in the first two rounds than the No. 12’s. Thirty No. 11’s have won in round one, and 11 have continued success in the second round.

• No. 10 seeds are only a little more successful than No. 12’s. Only a handful more No. 10 seeds have won in the first round than No. 11 or 12 seeds. Much like the No. 12 seeds, a No. 10 seed hasn’t made it past the Elite Eight.

While it is fun to find the upset-minded teams on your bracket, history says pick them early and then leave the championship to the big boys, but not always the biggest boys. Only twice have all four No. 1 seeds made it to the Final Four.

So that’s part of the skill—if you want to call it that—in picking your brackets. The other part is a general knowledge of the stronger teams.

The luck comes in deciding which eager lower-seeded team or teams will make a run this year. So good luck in picking the Cinderellas in the tournament this year—you’re going to need it.