OffSeason Preview: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Offseason "To-Do" List

What happens to the head coach of a team when it exceeds expectations one year, only to fall stunningly short the next?  If "coach loses his job" was your answer, congratulations! You won the $6 million (minus $6 million) question.  That exactly what happened to Raheem Morris.  This Bucs team fell one game shy of the playoffs in 2010 behind young quarterback, Josh Freeman and running back Lagarrett Blount.  Most of their team was back, plus plenty of young draft picks, including first round selection Adrian Clayborn and fellow rookie defensive end DaQuan Bowers.  The Bucs ended the 2011 season losing nine straight games which handed them a "back to the beginning" 4-12 record.

Plenty of questions are still floating around.  Did they put too much on Josh Freeman?  Is the defense in need of a total re-haul or will getting defensive tackles Gerald McCoy and Brian Price restore enough order?  How much rebuilding needs to take place to have a solid offensive line?

The first order of business is selecting a new coach.  They've interviewed candidates from Packers' OC Joe Philbin to ex-Chargers coach Marty Schottenheimer.  With the fifith overall pick in this April's draft and a potential stud at quarterback, you'd think Tampa Bay would be a very attractive job. What seems clear to me, is that it is unclear to the Tampa Bay organization in the direction they want to go.  I get the feeling they'd want a young coach to match this young team, but given how the Morris experiment turned out, they could shy away from that possibility.  So, other than a coaching staff, what does Tampa's "To Do" list look like? 

Let Ronde Walk: I like Barber as much as the next guy.  He's still an instinctive corner who might have gas left in that 15-year veteran tank of his.  The problem with keep him is if you pay him what he's worth, you may end up being stuck with a bad contract.  It's always better to let a cornerback go a year early, as opposed to a year late.  Tampa could draft a cornerback like Morris Claiborne of LSU or Alabama's Dre Kirkpatrick with their top pick.  Tracy Porter, Carlos Rogers and Brandon Carr are all unrestricted free agents and would be considered an upgraded over Barber.

Fix Running Back Stable: After a superb rookie season in which Lagarrett Blount was able to amass over a thousand yards and average 3.5 yards per carry AFTER CONTACT, he had a lack luster performance of only 781 yards in his sophomore campaign.  It was partly due to falling behind early in games.  He also needs to work on pass protection and receiving skills to earn more third down opportunities.  Most rushing attacks in this era are two-headed.  Finding another back should be in the game plan going into the NFL Draft.  If they could re-sign Graham at a decent price, it's not a bad idea considered how consistent he is, he makes a nice third option.

Shore Up Middle of D: Defensive tackles Gerald McCoy and Brian Price haven't shown they are the answer.  They need to show they can stay healthy first and foremost.  The Bucs brought in Albert Haynesworth who didn't play terrible but he was on the team for the last seven of the season ending nine-game skid.  If his condition and attitude are in order, he could be worth bringing back.  Also, they experienced issues at middle line backer.  They need to decide whether or not Mason Foster is going to be the guy moving forward.  Also, safety has been an issue.  This Bucs defense gave up plenty of big plays during the season.  They have three talented safeties in Tanard Jackson, Sean Jones and Ahmad Black but all are more natural strong safeties.  They need to find the "center fielder" free safety to limit those big plays.

Add a Red Zone Target: Mike Williams is a solid deep threat, but undersized.  Desmond Briscoe is turning into a good pro.  Arrelious Benn has a good frame (although health is an issue with him).  Neither is a consistent red zone threat.  Kellen Winslow, Jr. is a good threat but he's not good enough to beat double coverage.  I expect Tampa to attempt to get Freeman a reliable target to line up outside the numbers through draft or free agency.

Final Thoughts

Tampa Bay is looking to head in a new direction.  This is a young team.  One season ago, they looked to be on the doorstep of a playoff berth.  A new regime and some confidence may be just what this organization needs.  Can Josh Freeman and Lagarett Blount lead this team to be competitive once again?  Will the defense play consistently, and give itself a chance to get after the quarterback with a ferocious pass rush?  It may not take much to get back on track, but it will take focus.