Colts vs. Buccaneers: Young Bucs Not Missing a Beat After Comeback Season

Even after a 10-6 campaign last season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers still weren't getting the credit they deserved.

I should know—I was one of their biggest doubters coming into this season.

While others have failed to acknowledge the impressive performances by franchise quarterback Josh Freeman, or breakout receiver Mike Williams, or rumbling running back LeGarrette Blount, I was more focused on the lack of help the Buccaneers brought in during the offseason. Sure, they were a 10-win team, but would that be enough in the NFC? It wasn't in 2010.

It appears that the pure development of this young team may push it over the edge regardless, sparked more by the emergence of rookie defensive end Adrian Clayborn, who picked up his first sack and first forced fumble of his career in Week 3 against the Atlanta Falcons.

Last season, the Buccaneers lost two close games to the Falcons. In their first test this season, they were the ones that squeaked out a victory.

The Buccaneers aren't an elite team on offense yet, with Freeman, Williams and Blount still developing. But their defense—led by cornerbacks Aqib Talib and Ronde Barber, linebacker Quincy Black, emerging third-round pick Mason Foster and a defensive line that could be scary down the line—has the ability to lift this team to the playoffs.

There aren't any stats that jump out at you. They're averaging 20 points per game this season and allowing 20 points per game. What makes the Buccaneers so dangerous in the NFC is that they play as a team.

A lot of that has to do with the job done by head coach Raheem Morris, who is making a name for himself at just 35 years of age. Morris has this team believing it can make a run for the postseason.

At 2-1, the Buccaneers have an opportunity to tie the New Orleans Saints for the NFC South lead on Monday against the battered Indianapolis Colts.

This team is making the most of its opportunities thus far. Why would it be any different Monday night?