Changing of the Guard
by Buc Wild on Oct 27, 2010 10:01 AM EDT
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PrintTampa Two. Derrick Brooks. Warren Sapp. Ronde Barber. Monte Kiffin. Tony Dungy. These are most likely the names you think about when you hear someone talk about the Bucs and the turnaround that took place in the mid 1990's. The most obvious part of that list? It's an all defensive list. It's no secret the Tampa Bay Buccaneers turnaround took place on the shoulders of a revamped defense and a monster draft that featured two soon-to-be Hall of Famers. Bucs fans got used to hearing all about the defense and how they took our team from laughingstock to perennial contender to Super Bowl Champion.
While no team can win solely on the performance of one unit or another over the long term, the Bucs were bailed out by their defense for the better part of 10 years. That's a long time to rely on the defense, but they were up to the challenge for the late 90's and early 00's.
The Bucs are under going a similar change now. The only difference? Instead of Sapp, Brooks and Barber, the names will be Freeman, Williams, Blount, and Benn. All offensive names. The identity is changing.
While years past were spent hoping our offense could put up 14+ points and the defense would do the rest, these days are spent hoping the defense can keep us within two scores heading into the fourth quarter, leaving the offense a chance to go to work. The days of hoping for a key sack or pick are over with dreams of late TD passes and big runs taking over. The dynasty that was built on an aggressive defense that ruled with speed is now being built on a second year quarterback who is begging us to call him the franchise with a new toy in rookie wide receiver Mike Williams. The days of struggling offense are fading away. A new era of hope is being ushered in, buoyed by the Bucs knack for late game comebacks.
I was always a big fan of defense. I still am. And while defense will always be part of the past, it looks like the future of the Bucs lie with Free and the gang. The Bucs aren't there yet. We're about a half dozen playoff appearances and a Lombardi Trophy shy, but the changing of the guard is underway. The Tampa Two will always be our foundation, the system that led to the start of a relevant Tampa Bay team. But it's quietly giving way to a new line of thinking that ends with a 4th quarter TD pass. Remember the roots, but make way for the change. It's time.
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I'm really excited about the shift. I'm hoping for more of a balance.
Simply put the rules are in favor of offense and especially passing. We have the QB and WR to take advantage and the FO is building on it.
Preaching to the choir. I'm a big defensive guy.
Just noting the changes in the Bucs here.
As you can always expect come from behind victory is when you least expect it.
I believe in balance, can't win if you can't score and you can't win if you can't keep the other from scoring.
I'm not negative, I'm just telling you how it is.
I think we are going to be balanced
We do seem to be splitting top picks between both sides. Unlike before though everything won’t be on the Def and or QB will be able to take over games.
by Pirate25 on Oct 27, 2010 11:13 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
The important thing is that we're pretty much set at the wideout position
I can’t remember the last time a rebuilding team had its receiving corps sussed out this quickly.
Adrian Clayborn and Janoris Jenkins in 2011!
I'm not sure I agree with this entirely
What you say is accurate, for now. However, we didn’t neglect the defense. McCoy/Price haven’t lived up to expectations yet, but we clearly went into the last draft looking for defense first (and receivers second). I suspect next offseason will see us take a DE with the first pick.
Who's the cornerstone of the franchise at this point?
The FO has said they are building around one guy. Doesnt mean we are going all offense and no defense, but the FO seems to indicate they want to build around Freeman. Both sides of the ball will always be addressed, but it seems obvious that offense is the main focus.
As you can always expect come from behind victory is when you least expect it.
Spending the first 2 picks on defense
doesn’t suggest to me that offense is the “main focus”. Yes, they’re building around Freeman. He looks good, and we’re definitely putting a lot of effort into offense. However, like I said, we spent our first 2 picks on defense and likely will spend the first next offseason on defense. If McCoy and Price end up as a twin headed beast (I know, quite a ways to go) then I don’t think this piece adds up. I think the focus is on balance more-so than offense. It just looks like offense right now because Freeman and Williams are shining bright.
What did Rah and Dominik say leading into the draft? Their focus was on building around Freeman.
When you’re 32nd against the run, you have to address it, but their acquisitions and efforts to build around Freeman while maintaining an average D.
As you can always expect come from behind victory is when you least expect it.
That is definitely what I see happening.
Even though I see a DE with our first pick I could see a heavy OL draft to protect Freeman.
by Pirate25 on Oct 27, 2010 2:03 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
We really should think about improving OL depth in this draft
There’s not many stud linemen available this year, but there are plenty of solid prospects to choose from.
Still, I think it’ll be a game-changing pass rusher in the first round. And I do believe McCoy and Price will become franchise guys for us.
Adrian Clayborn and Janoris Jenkins in 2011!
What did Rah just say tihs week?
We’re the best in the NFC? I take anything he says with a grain of salt. I prefer to look at what he does, and I see a balanced approach to offense and defense. I also see an offense that is ahead of the defense in development.
Yeah... uh, what was THAT all about?
I would totally agree that the offense is clearly ahead of the defense at this point, which is an odd feeling for a team that made its mark with defensive strength.
by Cracker Ball on Oct 28, 2010 8:20 AM EDT up reply actions
It is an odd feeling
I’m just happy Freeman and Williams have been such a bright spot this season. Hints at great things to come even though we clearly still have huge holes to fill.
I’ve never though that a franchise has to be tagged with a style. It can always change.
I would also say that the offense back then also had Warrick Dunn and Mike Alstott. Two big pieces in the turnaround. Hopefully our defense now has the two guys who are willing to carry the D. McCoy, Hayes, Black, Talib…. whoever it is.
...the Seminole guy from the other site.
Sure it can change. But our identity then was defense. Seems now we are building attempting to build an identity as an offense.
As you can always expect come from behind victory is when you least expect it.
Honestly...
Do you guys really think the Bucs will come to the Dome in two weeks and beat the Falcons? Just want a different perspective…because I just can’t see it happening.
by DirtyBirdTakeover on Oct 27, 2010 3:08 PM EDT reply actions
Anything is possible, but definitely not likely
You guys don’t lose at home very often anymore, and you guys have better players. Will need a lot of luck.
Not to mention Atlanta is coming off a bye
I was at the game in the dome in 07, when Ronde had that scoop and score. I think that was right before Petrino bolted for Arkansas
My only other memory from that game was a guy in a Bucs costume screaming out loud that Matt Bryant gave him his shoe, which was quite amusing.
Until your team can get one of these:
STFU.
I'm not negative, I'm just telling you how it is.
by bucnut1 on Oct 27, 2010 4:07 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
bucnut1, your simple and visual post is one of the best I’ve ever seen. Well done.
by HomerSimpsonRocks on Oct 27, 2010 9:12 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I would so buy one of those.
who would of thought we would be arguably the greatest of all time
around here we developed such a sound down here
but duplicate it off the steel it can only be found here
Is it just me
or is the name DirtyBirdTakeover slightly disturbing?
RUN THE BALL ON FIRST DOWN!!!!!!
by bucfanlostiniowa on Oct 27, 2010 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions
prob be a close game
but will finish with the best qb on the field leading a winning drive. Our boy Freeman
Hahaha!
LMAO! Gotta love it. Division rivalry is a beautiful thing. Can’t say much to that picture. But come on…best team in the NFC?!? That’s BS and we all know it. Raheem is smoking dope if he really believes that.
by DirtyBirdTakeover on Oct 27, 2010 5:12 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
It was meant to be a motivator for this team. Nothing more.
None of us are taking it serious. But hey, its a long season and the beauty of the NFL is how unpredictable it is. Especially this season.
"You have to play this game like somebody just hit your mother with a two-by-four."
-Dan Birdwell
You’re right…NFC is totallt up in the air right now. It will be very interesting.
by DirtyBirdTakeover on Oct 27, 2010 6:00 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
You’re right…NFC is totally up in the air right now. It will be very interesting.
by DirtyBirdTakeover on Oct 27, 2010 6:00 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
You’re right…NFC is totallt up in the air right now. It will be very interesting.
by 4QB on Oct 27, 2010 6:29 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
who would of thought we would be arguably the greatest of all time
around here we developed such a sound down here
but duplicate it off the steel it can only be found here
Go Bucs....
While I predicted the Bucs would go 10-6 in July, the way we have been winning games has suprised me. I expected the defense to be a little better and to carry us more than the offense. That said Wins are wins and the Bucs are building depth if anything. People want to doubt the Bucs and they can go right ahead. The Chargers, Broncos, Cowboys, Bengals among other teams had a lot of d_ckriders in the offseason and still do in the media. They all are way worst off then the Bucs. Strength of schedule, overall unit rankings are all good for conversations but in reality, Raheem has it right." Stats are for losers" Would you rather be Chargers 1 and 1 overall on offense and defense or the Bucs, mediocre but 4-2?
There will be names added to that list
esp on the defensive side of the ball Talib is already 1 of those players, Mccoy and Price have the physical tools to be added to the list, Geno and Black are not to far away, and we don’t know hoe this thing with Grimm is going to work out.
The same things the offense went through last year our young guys are going through on defense this year 1 year under this defense belt and a fierce pass rusher on the edge either through the draft or free agency will help this D out a lot
Nice read man!
If Blount really is as good as he has looked early than our offense is close to being complete. It would be great to see a new left guard or middle linebacker, I just am skeptical of defensive ends after the whole gaines adams debacle. As a real fan here I seriously hope when we pick Quinn and Clayborn are off the board the decision comes down to either trading down or taking a MLB, LG, or a stud RB.
DE's are tought
I think getting the DT’s first will make it easier for a rookie DE. If McCoy and Price keep the double teams it’ll make it 1v1 and he can just speed rush every passing down. I would not be opposed to bringing in a vet DE if a good one is available.
And there are plenty of outstanding DEs available in this draft,
In fact, the 2011 draft is shaping up to be a virtual Toys ‘R’ Us for any team needing a defensive end or cornerback.
I agree that McCoy and Price will be the early cornerstones of this defensive line, and it’ll be fun to see a big-time D End added to the mix.
Adrian Clayborn and Janoris Jenkins in 2011!
Great post Buc Wild!
You have hit the nail on the head in talking about the future success we’ll have on offense. But in time I still have a feeling that the Bucs D will be feared yet again. After all we did draft two guys that will IMO develop into monsters that go by names of McCoy & Price.
And the secondary won’t be to bad off either with guys like Aqib, Biggers, Black, (cough) Rudd, Hayes, and maybe Grimm.
"1 - 2 - Freddy's coming for you, 3 - 4 - Better lock your door, 5 - 6 - Grab your crucifix, 7 - 8 - Better stay up late, 9 - 10 - Never sleep again..."
A little OT:
When exactly are we doing the Ring of Honor thing this year?
who would of thought we would be arguably the greatest of all time
around here we developed such a sound down here
but duplicate it off the steel it can only be found here
When the Falcons come to town Dec 5th
As you can always expect come from behind victory is when you least expect it.
3
More weeks till I get to see Tampa in action me and my bro are going to be at the game, my bro is a 9ers fan, I’m going to sit down were there is lots of 9ers fan while I be wearing a buc white jersey just can’t wait to see me standing and cheering my team of
while their only me standing hahaha…
IF U AIN'T A BUC GET THE BUC OUT OF HERE
by WE GOING TO THE SHIP on Oct 28, 2010 2:58 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Anybody else lol at the Captain Bootylicious and Sally Stink eye advertisement on the top right of the page?
I don’t know why we bother moderating the site so closely if SBN is just going to post ads like that on the front page.
"Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example." ~ Mark Twain
That's not what I'm seeing.
These ads are catered to each viewer based on what they tend to view. I see an ad from an online poster store, showing a Van Gogh that I was viewing not long ago. What sites have you been frequenting, man? (seriously, share the wealth….)
If you will it, dude, it is no dream.
Haha
I see a Troy Polamalu hair ad now. Every time you visit the page it reloads a new one I guess. I have reloaded it about ten times now and haven’t found a repeat of it, so maybe it was a mistake or something. This computer is a work comp so nobody better have been visiting any illicit sites on here or I’m gonna be pissed.
"Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example." ~ Mark Twain
Yeah, it's all about the cookies. I went to a shirt site ones, cause I really like the Sheldon shirts from Big Bang Theory
Then for the next month, those web sites were all over this site, so it goes by where you visit.
I'm not negative, I'm just telling you how it is.
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