Tampa Bay Buccaneers Training Camp: What We've Learned

The first week of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp is in the books. Here are some of the important things we've learned about this team and its head coach, Raheem Morris:

Raheem Morris has captured the minds and hearts of his men. Regarded as a "players coach," he communicates well and has their complete focus and attention with his outspoken honesty.

He is not afraid to take a player to the proverbial woodshed. He has admonished and encouraged defensive end Gaines Adams and reminded Adams that without a huge season, he'd be regarded as a bust—regarding his fourth overall pick in the draft.

Raheem has focused on the attitude of new tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. Morris is concerned that Winslow gets too excited when he makes a big play and sulks when he drops a pass. Morris wants him on an even keel and needs him to be that way as Winslow plays a prominent part in the offense.

With 29 days to go before the NFL-mandated cut to a 53-man roster, Morris emphasizes that this is a camp of equal opportunity:

"There's nobody who will leave this team and be able to say they didn't get a chance," he pointed out.

Davin Joseph is emerging as a leader on the offensive line. His camp performance to date has been outstanding. "He's a hard-nosed guy, a leadership figure," says Morris. "I knew that when he started talking and acting like a coach."

Cadillac Williams has been a pleasant surprise this team needed. He appears 100 percent recovered from his patella tendon tear. He's working hard, running hard, and his presence is nothing short of good news for this offense. Per quarterback Luke McCown's observations: "There's not a stable like this in the NFL," he said. "We have four beasts for running backs (Graham, Ward, Williams, Smith)." 

The quarterback sweepstakes are still up for grabs. McCown started in the lead but Byron Leftwich has been looking better and better as workouts progress. This competition will be determined under actual fire in the exhibition games. One thing for sure, rookie Josh Freeman WILL NOT be the opening day starter.

The injury bug is something this team absolutely needs to avoid. The wounded include franchise wide receiver Antonio Bryant (knee), Winslow (ankle), receiver Michael Clayton (hamstring). Take those three out of a game-day lineup and the offensive production would be nil.

Running back Derrick Ward suffered a foot sprain, linebacker Angelo Crowell has sat more than he has played and his stock is falling like a rock. Rookie Kyle Moore has a sore shoulder, center Jeff Faine has a groin problem, Louis Holmes hasn't practiced much, neither has receiver Joel Filani. Receiver Kelly Campbell strained a quadriceps.

With Filani's lack of play, the team cut running back Josh Vaughn and bought in former Louisville receiver Mario Urrutia on Friday. Urrutia is 6'6", 230 pounds and walked right into the action.

Ronde Barber has been the best corner back in camp.

Place kicker Matt Bryant is fighting for his job and is trailing in the competition with the younger Mike Nugent.

Many of the 2009 draft choices will earn roster spots. Defensive tackle Roy Miller has been the best of the bunch.

Clifton Smith has looked outstanding and appears ready to return to his 2008 Pro Bowl return form.

Quincy Black has been a standout  among the team's best group—the linebackers. "We have guys who have all played in the NFL," says their coach, Joe Barry. "We'll end up cutting a veteran linebacker."

This appears to be a well-conditioned team, a Morris mandate.

First live test for these players will be in eight days when they face the Tennessee Titans in the first exhibition game.

We'll learn even more by then.