Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Acquisitions and Talent No Big Surprise

The word "surprise" certainly defines the 2010 season, with 10 wins by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after securing a dismal three wins during the 2009 campaign.  Few predicted such a strong showing. 

Still, Tampa Bay fans rightfully wanted the Buccaneers to make the playoffs. But they shouldn’t be too unhappy that they didn't, as they did achieve a 10-6 season. 

Already four playoff teams, the Saints, Chiefs, Eagles and Colts, have tidied up their lockers and look now to the preseason.  Four more teams will join them in defeat this weekend.

Playoffs sort out the winners fast, but it was the season that sorted out the contenders.

The record turnaround by head coach Raheem Morris and Mark Dominick started when Morris urged the drafting of now-franchise quarterback Josh Freeman, who proved he is a fast study.      

The 2010 draft was another successful step because the rookie acquisitions made remarkable contributions to the team effort—Gerald McCoy, Mike Williams, Arrelious Benn, Cody Grimm and Erik Lorig, to name a few.

Prior to injuries, Aqib Talib and Quincy Black both had outstanding seasons, with E.J. Biggers and Geno Hayes contributing often also.  All are early in their careers and have developed rapidly.

Ten rookies were signed from the end of the preseason to the end of the season, including running back LeGarrette Blount, punter Robert Malone, guard Ted Larsen, wide receiver Dezmon Briscoe, guard Brandon Carter, tackle Will Barker, tight end Nathan Overby, defensive tackle Al Woods, safety Larry Asante and safety Dominque Harris.  Blount, Malone and Larsen have become standouts in short order.

It’s no secret that the Buccaneers raided the practice squads of teams around the NFL and that has proven fruitful.

Already thinking ahead to next season, the Buccaneers re-signed present practice squad members to future contracts, meaning they will be on the roster during the offseason.  Perhaps a few of those dedicated and eager players will make an impact next year also—like safety Vince Anderson, guard Marc Dile, linebacker J.D. Folsom, wide receiver Ed Gant, linebacker Simoni Lawrence, center/guard John Malecki, fullback Rendrick Taylor and defensive end E.J Wilson.

The 2010 Buccaneers never hesitated to promote and utilize the available youth which gave the team the youngest roster in the NFL. 

Fans often say, “Wait till next year.” But for Tampa Bay supporters, taking a good record with a roster of talent into preseason 2011 has to have some hoping for fast days and nights until August.