Tampa Bay Buccaneers Turn to Fast Youths Quickly

With injuries and disappointing results, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are searching for solutions in their youthful roster.

Names not yet familiar to many Bucs fans such as Erik Lorig (FB/TE), Kregg Lumpkin (RB), Michael Bennett (DL), Ted Larsen (C/G) and newly acquired Alex Magee (DE) from the Kansas City Chiefs will soon see action.

Magee will be inactive for Sunday’s game against the Rams, but the 6-3, 298-pound defensive end can play inside and outside. 

Coach Raheem Morris commented on Magee’s arrival on www.Buccaneers.com.

"I'm really pleased with what he's been able to do and how he's been able to pick it up, and really with his overall attitude," Morris said. “I think he's come in and embraced his new opportunity so far. I don't want to speak about him too fast, but his first two days of practice were exciting." 

Morris is impressed with Lorig’s size and performance as full back/ tight end after his move from defensive end.

"Lorig's role increased very fast," Morris said. "He's earning his paycheck. He's gone from a little bit more than just an emergency guy to a guy you're starting to rely on.” 

Ted Larsen, recently elevated from the practice squad, is expected to add much-needed power to the offensive line.

"He's a sharp guy," Morris said. “He's also a tough, physical guy. He's been able to play center for us, play some guard. He's got a mean nature about him, and you need that up front. We definitely like those things about him and he's showing some versatility. We're excited to have the young man on our football team."

Promotions are necessary. Running back Kareem Huggins sustained a season-ending ACL injury. Veteran center Jeff Faine and rookie defensive tackle Brian Price have injuries that will keep them out against the Rams and likely for several more games.

Some fans are patient, but by past actions and comments it’s safe to assume that most fans are not patient. A young team getting on-the-job training in the brutally speedy NFL world will continually test even the most forgiving fans.

Winning cures most everything in sports. Avid Bucs fans will be buoyed by improved performance. Supportive fans welcome good results too. Casual fans won’t care until winning happens.

The Bucs are off to a good start, due in part to some defensive standouts and the relentless play of quarterback Josh Freeman.

Safety Cody Grimm was nominated for the NFL’s Rookie of the Week Award for his performance against the New Orleans Saints. 

Josh Freeman has the work ethic of a champion, and has improved his accuracy on the field. The Buccaneers are 18th in the NFL with 215.2 passing yards per game. If play by the offensive line and back field improves, that stat can rise to a level that produces wins.

The Bucs are definitely about youth movement in 2010 and they are wasting no time promoting and shifting personnel.

When the game starts to slow down for the young players as they gain experience, more wins can be expected.

For now, it’s patience and more patience. 

For some, the waiting is agonizing.

Photo credit: Dwight Drum @ Racetake.com.