Tampa Bay Buccaneers Begin Month of Judgement

Say what you want about how the 2009 version of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers might perform this season.

Go ahead and make the low-ball prediction on their victories. To say anything before the next four weeks is like going to court without a stitch of evidence.

It all changes Saturday night in Tennessee.

Go ahead and make your call as to who's winning that competition to start at quarterback: Luke McCown vs. Byron Leftwich.  They'll both play the first half. Raheem Morris hopes to get each of them "12 to 15 snaps. That should get us to halftime."

The second half will display the talents of Josh Freeman and the longshot that is Josh Johnson.

For McCown and Leftwich, the task will be tough without Antonio Freeman and Michael Clayton in the lineup.

Running the ball will be Earnest Graham and Derrick Ward. Cadillac Williams will sit out the first two preseason games, Morris doesn't want to rush him back quite so soon. He  knows what a healthy Cadillac brings to the field and he wants him healthy.

This inexperienced defense will be tested early, as the Titans were the seventh best rushing team in the NFL last year.  Make no mistake, this is a strong Tennessee offense that will give you an idea of what Jim Bates has accomplished during camp.

Clifton Smith may be limited from a return standpoint. We all know what he can do and he's been among the walking wounded in camp. Seventh round draft pick Sammie Stroughter may get the call and will be able to showcase his talents and perhaps earn a spot on the 53-man roster.

It all begins Saturday night. How good are these Buccaneers? It's best to wait four games, then formulate an answer.

That way, at least there will be some evidence on the table.