Predicting Training Camp Headlines: Offense by Gil Arcia July 2, 2014 As we get closer to the start of training camp, the excitement and optimism continues to build for the new era of Buccaneers football under the new regime. But with excitement and optimism there is also anxiety and curiosity for how the roster will shape up as training camp develops. Once a week, in the weeks leading up to camp, TheBayCave.com will predict story lines that you may see for certain positions on each side of the ball in regards to who earns roster spots. This week we’ll take a look at the offensive positions that have been under a watchful eye.
Running Back: “Mike James earns spot in rotation.”When Doug Martin was lost for the season after Week 7, the team called on University of Miami product Mike James to carry the load. James ran for 84 yards on 24 carries in Weeks 7 and 8. The 2013 rookie would follow that up with a 158-yard performance against the NFL’s top defense in the Seattle Seahawks. However, after gaining 41 yards on five carries during the Bucs’ opening drive against the Miami Dolphins, James fractured his ankle and was lost for the season.The team then handed the running back duties to Bobby Rainey — who was acquired just weeks before. He rushed for 532 yards on 137 carries and reached the end zone five times. In the eight games he appeared in for Tampa Bay, Rainey reached the 100-yard plateau twice — in Week 11 for 163 yards and Week 14 for 127 yards. In those two games, Rainey had long runs of 80 and 43 Yards and if those two runs are taken away, his total is then 409 yards. That would bring his yards per rush average down to three yards per carry from 3.9.Rainey and James have two different running styles and it’s evident through their stats and game tape. James has the ability to create chunks of yardage at a time on his own while Rainey doesn’t have the size to do the same. However, Rainey is shifty in the open field which led to his two big runs for touchdowns.Head coach Lovie Smith talked about James and Rainey this offseason and how they are both in the mix to earn spots on the roster. But it’ll be James who joins Martin, Charles Sims and Jeff Demps on the running back depth chart even if some feel Rainey fits the offense more.
Wide Receiver: “Depth chart complete as Herron, Murphy and Owusu impress the staff.”Tampa Bay is set with their first two receivers in veteran Vincent Jackson and rookie Mike Evans but much is still left undecided after them. Fortunately for the team, some have stood out in mini camp and OTAs which could carry into training camp.Sixth-round draft pick Robert Herron has made several impressive plays this offseason. He plays bigger than his 5-foot-9-inch frame suggests and is explosive off the line. His route running ability has made some defenders lose early on, giving him space to catch the ball and make something happen.St. Petersburg native Louis Murphy has been highly touted by the staff and has also made plays consistently throughout the offseason. The six year veteran earned himself some time with the first-team offense while Jackson and Evans nursed minor injuries, further validating the notion that Murphy has a high chance of making it through camp and onto the roster.Third year receiver Chris Owusu has caught the ball well during workouts and head coach Lovie Smith has noticed. His speed also gives him the ability to return punts and kickoffs which gives him an advantage over others who are battling for roster spots at the position.Tampa Bay will in essence carry five receivers on the roster, but have two additional pass catching options in running backs Sims and Demps.The other big question is who among the three receivers earns the role as the third receiver. TheBayCave.com will give that title to Herron, however, it is likely that the team will rotate all three at that spot.
Guards: “Omameh carries momentum through training camp, named starter along with Meredith.”A once positive vibe surrounding veteran All-Pro guard Carl Nicks on a potential return to the field has fizzled since he has been unable to hit the practice fields this offseason. The circumstances have given others the opportunity to practice in his place and a couple have stood out.Guards Patrick Omameh and Jamon Meredith have gotten extensive looks with the first team offense through the offseason. Others like Oniel Cousins and rookie Kadeem Edwards has gotten good looks as well with Edwards receiving some praise from the staff. But head coach Lovie Smith views Omameh as a starter.When asked about Omameh getting first team reps, Smith responded by saying, “For him to be working with the group, tells you what we think of him and what he’s done right now.” Cousins may be a good option as well since he played under offensive line coach George Warhop in Cleveland, but general manager Jason Licht stated he provides the team with “added depth” at guard with no mention of starting.The competition at guard will probably feature a lot of rotation among the candidates. However, Omameh and Meredith seem to be the favorites heading into training camp and favorites to be named starters for Week 1.Worth Mentioning: At tight end, TheBayCave.com predicts the Buccaneers will carry Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Tim Wright and Brandon Myers for the regular season. That means Luke Stocker’s time with Tampa Bay will run out.link
