With training camp finally underway, I find that I have a feeling of optimism that has eluded me for the last several years. It's not just that the media is finally showing some attention to the team, it's that the core players that are going to make up this team this year seem 'ready' to make that next step.
Trying to focus down on this feeling, I'm more confident in the coaching staff than I have been since Gruden and Kiffen walked the sidelines. I believe in Mike Smith's defense, I believe in Dirk's offense. I see accountability on both sides of the ball. There is enough talent to compete with any team on our schedule. If I have any worries, it's about having enough experienced depth.
Having talent isn't the only thing that gets teams to the post season, it's experienced coaches that understand the system and can get players to play within that system trusting each other to be where they need to be. I saw that happen in the second half of last season and see no reason why that won't continue. Mike Smith isn't a coach that will allow players to slip back into old habits. He was successful in Atlanta for a reason. His defense will be successful again this year, but where the players were unsure of the system at the start last year, they trust it now.
The offense had to deal with a lot of injuries last season, offensive line issues, lack of quality wide receivers and a lack of a running game as our all pro running back from 2015 looked like a shell of himself most of last season. This year, we still might have injuries, but I do see more quality depth than we had last season. We upgraded the talent and our quarterback has a burning desire to be better.
Some say our schedule is too tough, we will have a hard time matching the number of wins from last season, but I look at that same schedule and say, there isn't a game that we can't win. Yes, some of those teams have been perennial winners or had winning seasons last year, but this is this year. We are better, our players more experienced and confident and our coaching staff has everyone on the same page.
Nobody thought the 2002 Bucs would win 12 games and go to the superbowl that year, too many player changes, Gruden came in too late, we would need at least a year to be productive, but it happened.
This is the year I choose to believe again. I have always been an optimist, but I think it is warranted this year. We can win the division, we can make the playoffs. From there, lets see what happens.
Go Bucs!
And for the nay sayers, yes this is basically a fluff post, I'll own it. Just wanted to get it out. YMMV :)
