Tampa Bay Buccaneers Have a Bleak Season Ahead

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers Ticket Sales department has been assaulting my email inbox. I keep getting emails offering half-season packages, no deposit required on cheap seats, and lower pricing for children.

The Bucs front office is saying something without actually saying anything. These types of offers mean that fans should not expect anything stellar on the field.

How does going six and 10 sound to you? To me, that is a far cry from the playoffs. At least in 2008, the Buccaneers couldn't finish strong enough for a playoff berth; in 2009, they will not even be able to get anything going.

The Bucs will record wins against Buffalo, Washington, Miami, New York (Jets), Seattle, and a win when Atlanta comes to Tampa. Other than that, it will be a cruel season for Raheem Morris and the Buccaneers.

The Bucs round out the top five in strength of schedule, and there is no way they will be able to compete with elite teams such as New York (Giants), Dallas, and New England.

Also, the Bucs are arguably in one of the toughest divisions in the NFL. Playing six games against Carolina, Atlanta, and New Orleans will take a toll on the team and leave the Bucs at the bottom of the NFC South.

It was my dream and wish that I would see Jay Cutler in a Bucs uniform. However, with the quarterback position being filled by Luke McCown, there is nothing to get excited about. 

McCown has won one game in a Bucs uniform and is most likely going to pave the way for a high draft pick next year. McCown starting will also likely lead to a quarterback controversy, with fans begging to see Byron Leftwich and, maybe even more so, Josh Freeman.

While the offense will be suspect this year, the defense probably has the biggest question mark. Monte Kiffin's departure will have a drastic effect on the Bucs' defense in 2009. Losing one of the NFL's best defensive minds will certainly have a negative impact on the team's performance.

In order for the Bucs to achieve six wins or better in 2009, Raheem Morris will have to pull some rabbits out of his hat. Three of those rabbits should have the last names Bryant, Winslow, and Ward. These three will have to have big games all season long to give McCown time to throw and for the defense to stay rested.

The Bucs may be working on a Super Bowl contender, but it won't be for Super Bowl XLIV. They will need a couple more draft picks and time to develop those players, as well as current players, to get to their second Super Bowl.