10 Reasons the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Can Take the NFC South by Storm

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers disappointed in 2011, to say the least.

After winning 10 games in 2010, the Bucs finished in the cellar of the NFC South with a record of 4-12.

Quarterback Josh Freeman's passer rating dipped more than 21 points from 2010, running back LeGarrette Blount did not even surpass 800 yards rushing and the defense was dreadful.

Still, for a variety of reasons, the Bucs have the potential to do a complete 180 from 2011 and wreak havoc in the South in 2012.

They Hired Greg Schiano

The Bucs had little choice but to make a change at head coach. If you had not realized the players quit on Raheem Morris before the team's week 17 matchup against the Falcons, you knew about five minutes in.

Schiano comes to the Bucs from Rutgers where he experienced great success. He is known for his great defensive mind, which will definitely be useful in Tampa, given the team's defensive struggles last season when they finished 21st in passing yardage and 32nd in rushing yardage.

And, according to Ronde Barber, he is already getting through to his players.

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"(The new coaches) have a very direct purpose. The ship's a little tighter than it was last year, but that's a good thing. We needed direction. We have a bunch of young men that need guidance, and (Schiano) is giving it to them...I like the approach and I think it will work for us."

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Even though it's still the offseason, the Schiano era seems to be off to a good start.

Josh Freeman Will Bounce Back

Put me in the group of people who believe Freeman's 2011 campaign was a fluke. 

Freeman showed us in 2010 how excellent of a quarterback he is. There were reasons, none having to do with his talent, for his performance in 2011.

First of all, he was injured for much of the season. He first injured his right thumb, and then when that healed, Freeman had issues with his right shoulder as well.

Also, the Bucs had little semblance of a running game, forcing Freeman to carry the offense (77 more attempts than 2010). Defenses had to pay less attention to the run, and it hindered Freeman's efficiency.

And lastly, Freeman's receivers let him down at times, as they had trouble getting separation and also dropped 30 passes.

Freeman is still the accurate, laser-armed quarterback he was in 2010, and now that he has an improved supporting cast (I'll get to them shortly), he will be able to prove it.

Gerald McCoy Is Healthy

The third-overall draft pick in 2010 draft, DT Gerald McCoy has not lived up to expectations, mostly due to his health.

McCoy has missed significant time, playing in only six games last season and missing the end of the 2010 season as well.

If he can stay healthy, he can be a very productive player. He is incredibly quick and strong, which obviously translates to success at tackle.

Schiano agrees.

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“He plays defensive tackle the way I like,’’ Schiano said at the NFL owners meetings last week. “He’s a penetrating guy who can change direction. We’ve got to keep him healthy because I think he can be a dominant force in this league.’’ 

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Hearing the new coach saying McCoy can be "dominant" has to make every Bucs fan excited. 

They Signed Vincent Jackson

The Bucs made one of the biggest moves of the offseason when they signed Jackson to a five-year deal worth $55.5 million.

Jackson possesses the ability to completely transform the Bucs offense.

As of late, the Bucs have lacked a receiver who is able to get constant separation and is a red zone threat. Well, they added both in Jackson.

Jackson is money in the bank for 1,000 yards and should be able to reach at least 10 touchdowns as Freeman's primary target. Also, the attention he will command from opposing defenses should open things up for the rest of the Bucs' wideouts.

They Have the 5th Overall Pick in the Draft

The Bucs finished 30th in rushing yards last season with 91.1 per game.

On April 26th, they can make sure they rank higher then that in 2012 by drafting Alabama running back Trent Richardson, who should be available come the fifth pick.

He is a special type of player, a freakish athlete, possessing both great strength and speed. Some are labeling him the best running back prospect since Adrian Peterson in 2007. He would make an immediate impact, giving the Bucs a great 1-2 punch at running back.

And if T-Rich is not available,  LSU corner back Morris Claiborne will be, who's not a bad backup plan in the slightest given his skill and the Bucs secondary issues. 

One way or another, the Bucs will address a big need.

Added Eric Wright

One of the reasons I would be comfortable with the Bucs grabbing Richardson if he's still on the board is because of the signing of Wright.

Entering the offseason, the secondary had some questions to begin with, as they finished last season 21st in the league in opposing passing yardage, but the uncertainty surrounding Aqib Talib's playing status for 2012 gave the Bucs no other choice but to improve at corner. 

With the return of Ronde Barber and the signing of the quick and physical, often underrated, Wright, the Bucs can enter 2012 a whole lot more comfortable with their secondary.

Signed Carl Nicks

The Bucs' signing of the 343 pound 6'5" guard is HUGE!

While admittedly that pun was pretty bad, Nicks is not. ESPN's Scouts, Inc rates Nicks as the third-best guard in all of football. With Nicks on board, the team has a truly formidable line.

The Bucs now have two Pro Bowl players at guard with Nicks and Davin Joseph—and one at tackle with Donald Penn.

Even if the Bucs aren't able to grab Richardson, Nicks alone should help the run game improve. Plus, Nicks' presence helps Freeman tremendously, as he should now have a little more time in the pocket.

The New Orleans Saints Had a Rough Offseason

Losing Sean Payton for the entire season is a damaging blow for the Saints. He is the play-caller and has proven to be one heck of an offensive mind. 

On top of that, as we have already established, Carl Nicks is no longer in New Orleans. The Saints signed Ben Grubbs, and he is a solid player, but not of Nicks' caliber. 

Tracy Porter and Robert Meachem are also gone as well.

The Saints will enter the 2012 season in far worse shape than they finished in last season. With the personnel loses and the drama surrounding the team with the bounty fiasco, a regression in wins is almost a certainty. 

The Carolina Panthers Have the Same Issues

Cam Newton is really good. And as a whole, the Panthers' offense is formidable. The problem with the Panthers is that their defense is not in the least bit.

Carolina finished last season 24th in opposing passing yardage and 25th in rushing yardage, yet there biggest offseason move was acquiring Mike Tolbert.

Tolbert helps the Panthers, but they were already third in the league in rushing yardage. With Deangelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart on the squad, they did not really need to make that move.

They needed to improve their defense, and maybe they will during the draft; however, at this point, they are pretty much the same team that went 6-10 a year ago. 

The Atlanta Falcons Stood Pat

Like the Panthers, the Falcons have not really made too many moves this offseason. Not saying that it is the end of the world, as they are still a very talented team, but I just do not see them winning more than nine or 10 games next season. 

With how competitive this division has become, and will continue to become with the draft, 10 wins are not enough for a division title. 

I understand we have not even seen the new-look Bucs play, but they have excellent potential, that is something the Falcons lack. If the Bucs reach that potential, they can soar by the Falcons and the rest of the NFC South.