2008 NFL Preview > Tampa Bay Buccaneers Preview

2008 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Football Preview

Head Coach: Jon Gruden

2007 Record: 9-7

Key Additions: WR Antonio Bryant, RB Warrick Dunn, C Jeff Faine, QB Brian Griese, WR Dexter Jackson, CB Aquib Talib, TE Ben Troupe, DB Eugene Wilson, G Jeremy Zuttah

Key Losses: TE Anthony Becht, QB Bruce Gradkowksi, CB Brian Kelly, G Matt Lehr, DE Greg Spires, C John Wade

There isn’t much sass to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers these days. The days of Warren Sapp’s loquacious tongue and flabby gyrations are long gone. Jon Gruden, once a media darling during his days with the Raiders and his first couple years in Tampa Bay due to his youth and personality, is now looked upon as one of the old guard in the coaching ranks. What has remained constant is the Bucs commitment to excellence on defense and mistake free football on offense, a philosophy which helped propel Tampa Bay back into the playoffs in 2007.

2008 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Offense:

The Bucs offense was conservative but efficient last season, featuring a short, accurate passing game and a strong running game that was surprisingly buoyed by backup running back Earnest Graham, who carried the bulk of the burden after Cadillac Williams was lost for the season due to a knee injury. Tampa’s running game should be strong once again, provided the passing game can make enough plays to keep defenses honest. While Jeff Garcia remains accurate and mobile even at age 38, the veteran signal caller has difficulty throwing the ball down field. Also, Bucs receiver Joey Galloway is way past his prime, and starter Ike Hilliard never had one. Tampa’s offense may find it hard to consistently score points this season.

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2008 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Defense:

The Bucs defense finished third overall in the NFL last year in points allowed and will return nearly every major contributor from last year’s squad. The defensive line features the talented Gaines Adams, the 4 th overall pick in last year’s draft, who notched six sacks in his rookie season and should improve that total significantly this year. The linebackers may the strength of the defensive unit. At 35, Derek Brooks is still among the best in the game, and Cato June and Barrett Ruud have established solid reputations for themselves as well. Rhonde Barber continues to provide talent and experience in the secondary which ranked first against the pass last year. However, the Bucs are undersized upfront and therefore vulnerable to the power running game.

2008 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Special Teams:

Kicker Matt Bryant and punter Josh Bidwell are both back in their respective roles. Michael Spurlock handles return duties and averaged 27.8 yards on kickoffs last year.

2008 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Expectations:

The Bucs will most likely be right in the mix for the NFC South division title once again. However, they will have to compete with improved division rivals Carolina and New Orleans, which could cost the Bucs a couple victories.

2008 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Prediction: 3rd place in the NFC South

By Glenn Katzman
ProFootball-fans.com Staff Writer

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