Tampa Bay Bucs: 10 Reasons Why the Team Is Having Fun...And Winning

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are 6-3 and making some serious noise in the National Football League.

They started seven rookies against Carolina, nearly eight as LeGarrette Blount was in after the first play. Raheem Morris is a young coach with a young team, and no one could have imagined that this team, the youngest in the league, could seriously contend for a playoff spot. But Morris has been cautious and he's taught his guys that every win is valuable, every win is difficult and that each NFL season is a "race to 10" for every team in the league.

His team heads to San Francisco, a place where they've had little success in the past. They have a chance to come home with a 7-3 record, but like their previous six victories, they know they'll have to earn it.

Here are 10 good reasons why the Bucs are winning...and having a lot of fun in the process.

Safety Cody Grimm

J. Meric/Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 14: Safety Cody Grimm #35 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers tackles running back Mike Goodson #33 of the Carolina Panthers during the game at Raymond James Stadium on November 14, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

Cody Grimm was forced into action, under, well, let's say "grim" circumstances when Tanard Jackson was suspended for the season for failing yet another drug test.

Grimm has come in and done an admirable job. He's one of the seven rookies who started last week against Carolina.

Right Tackle James Lee

James Lee has become a solid starter at right tackle.

James Lee started at right tackle when an injury forced Jeremy Trueblood to the sidelines.

Lee has been a quick study. There are many fans who hope that Trueblood will remain on the sidelines, even when he's healthy. Trueblood has constantly been called for penalties at the wrong time.

Lee has been steady, and it seems like this offensive line is starting to find some chemistry.

Cadillac Williams, Consummate Professional

Cadillac Williams showed his old speed against Carolina.

Cadillac Williams has been quiet and classy, and he's shown the other players on this team how to be a professional.

When LeGarrette Blount started getting more playing time, Caddy didn't even think about complaining. He says it's all about the team. If he's called upon to block for Josh Freeman, he does it well. If he's called on to catch passes out of the backfield, he does it, and that's something he couldn't do early in his career.

Most importantly, the Bucs may have found the complement to Blount's power, as Williams sealed the deal against Carolina with a 45-yard touchdown run late in the game. He showed a burst of speed. He looked like a rookie again.

He's one of the quiet leaders of this football team. 

Gerald McCoy Is Learning and Progressing

Gerald McCoy is starting to make his presence felt.

The Achilles' heel of the Buccaneers is their defensive line.

Fact is, Gerald McCoy is progressing, but it's starting to look like he doesn't have a lot of quality help around him on that front four. There are whispers that a better position coach would help.

McCoy got things rolling against the Panthers last week when he created a Carolina turnover on the first series. His talent is beginning to show. There is a learning curve with defensive linemen, and McCoy is climbing the curve.

The defense will need for him to continue his strong play if this team is hoping to work its way into the playoff hunt.

Rejus Benn

Arrelious Benn dives for the pylon and scores against Carolina.

My name is Marcus Arrelious Benn—call me Gladiator!

Rejus Benn is fast becoming a fan favorite and is giving Josh Freeman yet another big weapon in a big-play offense. He is starting to show the skill set that caught GM Mark Dominik's attention.

Benn has size and speed and is gaining confidence with every game. It shows. He's made some super catches and knows how to get into the end zone, as he did against Carolina.

The Bucs will need continued improvement from him, and that will open things up even more for guys like Kellen Winslow Jr. and Mike Williams.

Ronde Barber and Aqib Talib

Ronde Barber leads the way for Aqib Talib after an interception

Yes, the defensive line is suspect, but the Buccaneers have been getting great play from starting corners Ronde Barber and Aqib Talib.

Barber is an amazing physical specimen who has started more than 174 games in the National Football League at corner. He's the all-time record holder for consecutive starts. And he's still got game. Ronde may not be as fast as he once was, but he's as fast once as he ever was.  He can still get that key interception or that timely tackle for a loss.

Talib has gotten down to the business of football after his off-field shenanigans in the offseason. Keep him out of the nightclubs and he'll get better and better. He always draws the assignment of covering the other team's No. 1 receiver, and he's done an admirable job.

LeGarrette

LeGarrette Blount makes his incredible TD leap against Carolina.

If lack of a running game was the disease, LeGarrette Blount is the cure.

The Bucs simply could not run the football early in the season. There were indications that Blount might help, but he needed time to learn the offense after being claimed off Tennessee's waiver list.

He's been a major force, Blount Force, the past few games. He had a highlight reel score against the Panthers. He's a beast who can hurdle would-be tacklers. He can run over people. He runs with anger and attitude. If he continues to improve, he could be another steal by Dominik.

A solid running game will take the heat off Josh Freeman and give this offense even more weapons.

Special Teams and Micheal Spurlock

Micheal Spurlock is a solid threat in the return game.

Run Micheal, run!!

Micheal Spurlock has been the toast of the special teams for the Bucs. He's a genuine threat to take it to the house on kickoff returns. He didn't have a good day against Carolina, but he's a force that other teams must plan for.

Spurlock is also working his way into the receiving corps and is becoming yet another great target for Josh Freeman. He has speed and nice hands.

Mike Williams, Tampa Bay's Go-To Guy

Mike Williams is Josh Freeman's favorite target.

Three good reasons why Josh Freeman is having a good time—Mike Williams, Mike Williams, Mike Williams.

Mike Williams continues to impress and amaze, week-in and week-out. He's big, fast, elusive and can take it to the house from anywhere on the field.

Yes, he drops some passes he should catch, but he'll always make up for it with a huge play, a big catch, a dazzling touchdown run.

Fourth-round pick? Steal of the draft, no question about that.

Josh Freeman, Leader of the Pack

Josh Freeman is the heart and soul of the Tampa offense

Make no mistake about it. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are winning football game because Josh Freeman has emerged as an amazing performer and a superb field general. There is no doubt who's the Leader of the Pack on this football team.

Freeman commands respect with his play and his cool under pressure. He has the confidence of his teammates and they play hard for him. It's very much the same way it was for Doug Williams back in the 1979 season. The old Bucs were never out of a game thanks to Williams' big arm. Freeman has an amazing arm and he just keeps getting better. He's also unafraid to take off down the field and make a big play for a first down with his feet. He'd prefer to stay in the pocket, but his size and mobility make him tough to bring down.

This team will go as far as Josh Freeman takes it. Plain and simple, he has the talent and the work ethic.

He's making people understand why Raheem Morris was so high on him.