Go Big or Go Home: Leftwich Takes the Lead in Tampa

The Buccaneers new head coach Raheem said after the game Saturday night against the Titans, "I was really happy with the tempo, It was a great start and we were flying around the field with great intensity.

"The defense played well in the first half and were really getting after it. We looked very fast and that's why we like the younger guys. It was a good start."

Under Pressure:

Jim Bates:

The New Defensive Coordinator has gone away from the "tampa 2" which has been a staple in Tampa for many years under Monte Kiffen. Bates (with the direction of Raheem Morris) has moved Jermaine Phillips from safety to linebacker in an effort to keep him in the box all the time.

Phillips, known for being a big hitter, looked relatively comfortable at his new position making sure tackles and helping in run support.

Phillips said during the game, "I still did not get the contact I wanted being that I like to hit hard but felt good. Last year I was unaccounted for but this year the lineman call out my number and it is a new feeling for me. I am adjusting well and just am waiting for that contact."

Another main focus for the new defense is the pass rush and the defensive line pressure. Since the corners of the Bucs now play press coverage it is very difficult to stay with their man for long periods of time.

The pressure from the defensive line must force bad throws from the opposing QB for the defensive scheme to be effective. Key members of the defensive line stepped up during the game on Saturday night. Stylez G. White showed up in a big way as well as the rookie who plugs the middle, Roy Miller.

Stylez G. White showed up big for his first action against an angry opponent. He recorded an amazing interception that showed his athletic ability tipping a pass to himself. He also recorded a sack the following series and looked very comfortable at his Defensive End spot.

This should be very encouraging for the coaching staff because both White and Gaines Adams have been challenged by head coach Raheem Morris who said to them, "If you do not record double digit sacks your season is a failure." White looks to be healthy and fit and ready to make an impact off the edge.

Roy Miller who is a rookie from Texas, weighs 310lb while only being 6'2. He is a great size for his position at defensive Tackle and is quickly becoming known as the run clogger.

Miller looked good in last night's game causing confusion and helping other members of the defense have free shots at opposing running backs by taking on multiple blockers. The Bucs are very excited about the progress that has been made by this young man and he is expected to do big things.

Overall Tackling looked sharp from the first to the third teams, besides a few missed tackles, one of which led to a Titan score. Barber and Ruud looked solid in the two series they were in the game.

Barber made two good open field tackles and covered well. Talib also looked good in coverage and Sabby Piscitelli came up with an early interception in the end zone.

Quarterback Battle:

Luke McCown:

McCown received the start on Saturday night against the Titans in Pre-Season Game 1 for the Buccaneers. McCown looked solid converting a couple third downs on short throws and hot reads.

Mccown controlled the offense but really did not get anything going. He however did show some mobility in gaining a first down with his legs escaping the pocket for a five-yard scamper. McCown finished the game 4-8 for 19 yards only.

Byron Leftwich:

Leftwich came into the game and immediately provided a spark. After the interception by White, the Bucs had great field position. Leftwich came in and on his second play from scrimmage threw a strike to Bryan Clark for a 24 yard Buccaneers touchdown.

Leftwich looked sharp throwing the deep ball and looked to be accurate on his passes. His stats were hurt by a few drops from second team Wide Receivers but he finished 6/14 for 61 yards and a Touchdown.

Leftwich seems to have taken the lead after Game One in this QB battle. With Byron getting the start in Game Two vs. Houston, Byron really has a chance to widen the gap between he and McCown.

Josh Freeman:

Freeman looked good coming out for his first action in the NFL. Josh looked comfortable handing the ball off and making changes in the plays at the line.

He completed a few short passes and looked okay until a bad decision led to an interception which was returned for a touchdown. Freeman ended his first action going 5-9 for 52 yards and one interception.

Freeman still has a long way to go to become the starting Quarterback of the Bucs. His performance should be comforting however as he did look comfortable and not overly anxious in the pocket. For now it is safe to say he will not be starting day 1 and he has a lot more to learn about the speed difference from College to the NFL.

Josh Johnson:

Johnson, the fourth QB for the Bucs, seems to not get a lot of attention and seems to be counted out from the beginning. However Johnson has a very good skill set. He is athletic, good arm and very fast. Johnson the second year man out of San Diego, turned a busted play into a 43-yard touchdown run.

Johnson also completed a third down and 12 on a good throw down the middle to rookie Sammie Stroughter, as well as the two-point conversion on a nice fade route to Ryan Purvis. Johnson finished 3-5 for 15 yards and a 43-yard touchdown run.

Johnson, who may have nothing to lose, showed great ability with his legs and also a great arm. He made a touch pass for the tw-point conversion and also good vision in the middle of the field. Johnson could be a sleeper for the wild cat offense and should not be counted out at all.

On the Way out:

Unfortunately a few players are looking as if their season with the Bucs is close to being over. Some because of injury, others because of missed opportunities.

Kareem Huggins:

Given the opportunity late in the game Huggins looked effective earning 43 yards on 9 carries. He also looked good blocking and catching the ball even though he had a drop on third down.

All that said, Huggins is probably looking at spending the year on the practice squad with the wealth of talent in front of him. There are four quality backs in front of him on the roster and despite his strong showing he probably will find himself on the practice squad.

As a rookie, though, he will be able to learn from some great backs and get great experience in the preseason.

Cortez Hankton:

Hankton a veteran of six years looked a bit shaky in his first game action of 2009. He dropped two passes that were crucial on third downs. Hankton could not afford to drop passes with the opportunity given to all the wide receivers with injuries to Clayton and Bryant.

Hankton needs to step up in the next preseason game and prove he has the hands to contribute. Hankton would be very good to teach all the young receivers about the league if he can hang on.

Matt Bryant:

Bryant who has been sitting out with a hamstring, is hurting his chances against Mike Nugent by simply not being on the field. Most likely the Bucs will keep one kicker on the roster and if he does not compete, he will be cut.

While Bryant sat on the side Saturday night, Mike Nugent connected on a 51 yard field goal to end the first half. Nugent also missed a 50-yard field goal in the second half but proved he had the leg to get the ball there.

Matt Bryant should be expecting to be let go soon and the Buc faithful will probably be very upset with that result as he is a fan favorite.

Final Thoughts:

Ball security seemed to be a huge issue and after being stressed as crucial by the Coaching Staff and Raheem Morris, he can not be happy with the sloppy ball control. The Bucs had fumbles/sloppy ball control from Jackson, McCown, Graham, Clark, and Huggins.

The Bucs can expect to be getting back to basics and doing a lot of ball security drills in Monday's practice back at One Buc Place.

Raheem Morris seemed pleased with his teams first effort but had to be disappointed with the semi let down in play in the second half. Granted it was the second and third teams but Morris would have liked the win in his first action as the Head Coach of the Buccaneers.

Morris and the Coaching staff seem to be headed in the right direction, but this season may be rough with the tough schedule ahead. The true test will come in week 1 of the regular season. The Bucs need to not only be judged on this season but looked at as growing this year and hopefully doing well in years to come.