2008 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Offense: Infusion of Speed and playmakers needed

[yuccaneers]

Offensively, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ended the 2007 season on a roller coaster. Redzone scoring will be the number one priority in the off-season, finding a way to fix it will be a nightmare for Head Coach Jon Gruden but one he will be up for.

While the offensive faired better in 2007 then it did in 2006 improvement is still needed. Jeff Garcia proved to be invaluable in his first year with the team starting 13 games completing nearly 64% of his passes for 2,440 yards while throwing 13 touchdowns. His biggest attribute may be his veteran savvy leadership skill’s, while his on field awareness rates a close second evident by his 327 pass attempts to only four interceptions.

With the future of former first round pick Carnell Williams career in doubt. The team will try to effectively answer weather or not Earnest Graham can be an every down back. A clear indication of what the brain trust think of Graham should be decided early in free agency and or the NFL draft. If the team signs a free agent back that is viewed as a starter or spends a first day pick in the draft on a potential starter it will be a clear sign that the team views Graham is better suited as a reserve then a starter.

The teams inability to develop widereceivers is growing clearly evident over the last few seasons the team has spent a first round pick on Michael Clayton and a third round pick on Maurice Stovall with neither being able to crack the starting lineup in 2007. Receiver is clearly the sticking point with the offense, Other then Joey Galloway who turns a year old the cupboard looks bare to say the least. Down the stretch teams took Galloway out of plays an the offense found it hard to get in the endzone. With every passing play fans hold there breath as it could be the last for the ageless Galloway. As a player that has battled knee and leg injuries through out his career the last thing the team could afford is to be without Galloway or a proven receiver for a prolonged stretch during the 2008 season.

While the team has been holding out hope on Alex Smith to become a play making tight end, frustration is setting in with the former third round pick due to injuries. While Jeremy Stevens flashed late in the season off field issues and his pending free agent status could have the Bucs looking for a difference maker, a player that can effectively stretch the middle of the field to help open up the underneath and allow for better running lanes in the running game.

While young guns are emerging on the offensive line with players like Arron Sears, Davin Joseph, Donald Penn and Jeremy Trueblood the weak link still remains the center position. John Wade who has the chance to opt out of the final year of his contract could leave the team scrambling to find a replacement. Wade may not be physical enough to be a starter at this stage in his career he is still viewed as a team leader by the young guys on the line. The fact still remains that he is hindering the team ability to open up the offense to full capacity an reach it’s full potential under the master mind of Gruden.

[STULAAKE]

EG=starter

We NEED a Center almost as bad as a defensive Tackle. I wish we had some 6'5" 325 pound mauler at center.

[dbucfan]

We NEED a Center almost as bad as a defensive Tackle. I wish we had some 6'5" 325 pound mauler at center.

I think the spelling is FANECA, or BUENNING or perhaps SEARS.  Clearly a need to be addressed.

[bucsbum]

Yuccaneers I think you hit on a nerve. The Buccaneers are not producing catchers. Michael Clayton Morice Stovall land Alex Smith could catch the ball there first year but after spending a full year with the Bucs they seem to lose that ability. Even Stovall was considered a ball magnet that could catch anything thrown in his direction in college. So what is happening. Well you have got to point the fingers at the coaching staff. What are these kids focusing on in the off season. The coaching staff might want to emphasize going back to the basics on catching. Also might suggest to these kids to go back to school take some classes in mathematics, law degree or an MBA. Its not just about quick feet and hands but also a sharp quick mind. If there mind is mush they won’t have the wear with all to react quickly in the game hence catch the ball.

[bradentonian]

Faneca will be getting crazy money.  I can't believe he is even in the discussion.

[STULAAKE]

Faneca will be getting crazy money. I can't believe he is even in the discussion.

what is crazy $$$$?  it is all about the guaranteed $$$$? agreed...so is crazy 20 mill guaranteed, 30 mill, 40 mill...what did Steinbach receive last year, any idea?  that would be a pretty good starting point and add a % based on what the salary cap increased