Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Is This Team Really Ready To Go?

September 9th seemed so far away in June, now, it's basically here.

If you watched the third preseason game for these Tampa Bay Buccaneers this past Saturday, the 19-13 loss to Jacksonville, surely by now you've got to be asking yourself: "Is this team really ready to play Cleveland in a mere 14 days?

For the most part, if you took a long hard look at it, the third preseason game had to create some cause for concern.

Humor me while I throw these quick thoughts at you:

Does this team have any sort of running game?

Sure didn't appear that way Saturday night. Take away that near-fumble/accidental scramble by Josh Johnson for 18 yards and the ground game created 24 yards on 14 carries. Ouch! If this team cannot run the football, then it doesn't matter. It is in serious trouble. Period, no room for debate.

Do you think teams will simply let Mike Williams run around with single coverage?

Yes, Williams has been incredible in preseason. We all know that and so will opposing defensive coordinators. A simple fact of life in the NFL is that a team CAN take away one guy from your passing attack. So when Williams gets those double-teams, who will step up? If you can answer that than you know more than Raheem Morris.

Will Josh Freeman be ready for opening day?

Now there is the $10 million question.  Suppose, just suppose he isn't. Sure you can say Josh Johnson has looked decent in the preseason, at times, anyway, but face it -- J.J. is winless as the starting QB for this team.

What about the special teams?

Special teams play has been one of the few bright spots for this team but suddenly, after watching the game, you'd have to agree that there appears some major cause for concern here, which leads us to the next question:

What happens if punter Brent Bowden has a game like he did against Jacksonville?

Brent simply stunk the stadium up against Jacksonville. And you have to think that perhaps that might happen to a rookie and who knows if/and/or how many times it could happen in the regular season. A performance like that will definitely lead to a loss.

Is the defense ready?

The defensive line is getting better, getting some push, getting some pressure on the quarterback but it is not yet where it needs to be. Gerald McCoy and Brian Price are improving with each game but they are still rookies. Linebacker Quincy Black is the one man who appears ready to go, ready to be a force. Barrett Ruud was the main offensive weapon Saturday. His huge interception return set up the only touchdown. The secondary looks good at times, at times it doesn't.

Can Kellen Winslow Jr.'s knees hold up for an entire season?

That is anyone's guess.

Connors Barth looks ready.

He's the one guy who looks ready to go if the season started Sunday. He did just fine with 51 and 40-yard field goals on Saturday.

Next question:

Are those enough reasons for concern?

You tell me.