My 10 Buccaneers predictions for the upcoming 2010 Season
by Tiny iZ Boss on May 6, 2010 3:07 PM EDT
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1) Mike Clayton will be cut. The Buccaneers drafted two receivers in the first four rounds of the Draft for a reason. Benn and Williams will start with Stroughter at the slot. Brown and Stovall will be rotational receivers, but 4th and 5th on the depth chart respectively. Preston Parker and Mario Urrutia will be on the practice squad on make occasional appearances due to injury.
2) Josh Freeman will throw more touchdowns than interceptions this season. The entire offseason with his coaches and teammates will greatly benefit him. He also has a whole season under his belt. Just remember... Two of his three wins came against the Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints and the playoff-bound Green Bay Packers.
3) The Buccaneers will win the first game of the season. It's not that bold of a prediction. The Browns are still the Browns after all.
4) The McCoy-Price-Miller DT rotation will boost the Buccaneers back into the top 15 rush defenses.The Panthers and Steelers will be huge, early tests to gauge this. Don't count out that you may see all three on the line at the same time.
5) Donald Penn will gain at least 30 pounds during the season. Dude, put down the fork and get yourself the contract you deserve. I would offer "6 years/$40 Million/$15 MIllion guaranteed" with escalators for keeping his weight down. LOL... Just kidding.
6) Sabby Piscitelli will be cut. He has shown that he was a poor draft choice by the previous regime and needs to go. He misses tackles by taking horrible angles. Strong safeties should be able to step up to the line scrimmage on occasion and help in run support. He might be a special teamer somewhere.
7) The Buccaneers will win "8" games this year. This is a little bold for my own tastes, but I have faith. Carolina's defense will suffer greatly this year will the loss of Julius Peppers. Atlanta's secondary doesn't strike fear into anyone. Dunta Robinson can't do it all by himself. Pittsburgh is a possible win Big Ben being gone, but it's kind of a long shot with how good their defense always is. Plus, we got Detroit and St. Louis on the schedule.
8) Barrett Ruud will play out his mind this year. Think about it. Everything is in his favor. He has two new toys in the middle of the defensive line (McCoy and Price). He won't be learning a new defense, but be sticking with the familiar Tampa 2 style. He has solid players all around him. Plus, he will be playing for a new contract. Hopefully, the Buccaneers don't let it get all the way to free agency. "5 years/ $35 Million/$15 Million guaranteed" has a good ring to it. Do not give him "Patrick Willis" money.
9) My cut list... (Notables)
S Sabby Piscitelli
DT Dre Moore (practice squad)
WR Mike Clayton "the blocking icon"
LB Rod Wilson (practice squad)
LB Adam Hayward (practice squad)
DE Michael Bennett
DE Tim Crowder (practice squad)
WR Mark Bradley (practice squad)
WR Mario Urrutia (practice squad)
WR Preston Parker (practice squad)
TE John Gilmore
QB Rudy Carpenter (practice squad)
OL James Lee (practice squad)
WR Terrance Nunn (practice squad)
10) My 53-Man Depth Chart going into the year...
Offense
QB - J. Freeman / J. Johnson / J. Snead
RB - C. Williams / D. Ward / K. Huggins / C. Smith
FB - E. Graham / R. Taylor
WR - M. Williams / A. Benn / S. Stroughter / R. Brown / M. Stovall
TE - K. Winslow / J. Stevens / R. Purvis
LT - D. Penn / X. Fulton
LG - J. Zuttah / M. Dile / X. Fulton
C - J. Faine / J. Compas
RG - D. Joseph / M. Dile
RT - J. Trueblood / D. Dotson
Defense
LE - M. Evans / K. Moore
UT - G. McCoy / R. Miller / R. Sims
NT - B. Price / R. Miller / R. Sims
RE - S. White / E. Lorig
WLB - G. Hayes / A. Crowell
MLB - B. Ruud / N. Koutouvides
SLB - Q. Black / J. Alston / D. Watson
LCB - A. Talib / E.J. Biggers / E. Mack
RCB - R. Barber / M. Lewis / E. Mack
FS - T. Jackson / C. Lynch
SS - S. Jones / C. Grimm
Special Teams
K - H. Lawrence
P - B. Bowden
LS - A. Economos
KR - C. Smith
PR - S. Stroughter
These are just my thoughts. Feedback?
Content provided by a member of Bucs Nation and does not necessarily reflect the view or opinions of Bucs Nation.
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I like everything you have said
But i’m not sure about how i feel About how Ben and Mike will be starting at WR for us this season. I mean it would be nice, But lets face it, WR is one of the hardest positions to transition from college to the Pros….the Speed of the DB’s and lets not forget just the monster playbook. I can totally see throwing to a WR who was supposed to curl and instead ran a post.
My guess is that Freeman may not even have the entire playbook
absorbed yet, so running an abbreviated route tree to allow the most talented, but green, WRs on the field seems reasonable. Its not like our playbook looks like the Colts playbook.
A bar napkin?
I say this because I may need several drinks this season my own self.
by Cracker Ball on May 7, 2010 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions
Not a bar napkin
One with balloons to keep Freeman’s attention. (I’m kidding, no lynch mob please)
As you can always expect come from behind victory is when you least expect it.
Olson throws the ball
It was evident during the whole season last year . He is gearing up Freeman to push the ball down the field . Cracker you know that he is a Mike Martz disciple , say what you want but there were 300 yard passing games for QBs on this team last year against some good secondaries .
by keysersoze19 on May 7, 2010 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Mike Martz had Marshall Faulk, we do not. HUGE difference.
He made the offense go. Without him (aka a solid running game), the passing offense was nada.
As you can always expect come from behind victory is when you least expect it.
Martz was also with
the Lions and 49ers who did not have Faulk, and they threw the ball more cause of that matter . When Jag was here we were going to the pound game when he left that plan left.
How successful was Martz with other teams who did not possess a Warner or Faulk?
As you can always expect come from behind victory is when you least expect it.
Offense was not those teams problems
Lions and 49ers offense was productive while he was there but you can only get so far with just offense
How productive were their offenses? They weren't '99 Rams good (I think it was '99 at least)
Martz can run a good offense, but the parts have to be there.
As you can always expect come from behind victory is when you least expect it.
Take this into account
How long was Martz on those teams, more important how long did it take Martz offense to be effective without his personnel. Numbers don’t lie and the numbers say Martz offense is effective where ever he goes
The Martz style team does not fit with every team.
Our personnel does not set up for us to throw it 40+ times a game right now. Martz was at his best when he had a mix of pass/run. He used Faulk as a WR out of the backfield with a lot of swing passes that doubled as runs.
As you can always expect come from behind victory is when you least expect it.
The Rams offered
players for Mike O to be great, you can’t deny that he was ineffective in other places he went
Yes I can
And in fact, I already did so. I’ll quote myself
He didn’t get to the playoffs, but he definitely improved their offenses. A lot. The Lions went from 254 the year before Martz was there to 305 points 346 in the two years Martz was there. Once he left, the offense regressed to 268 points and the team went 0-16. The 49ers went from 219 to 339. Those are some really significant improvements.
And yes, turnovers went up in both cases – but not at the rate that the points scored went up. Not anywhere close.
The idea that Martz’ offenses were bad elsewhere stem from the fact that he was working with much worse personnel, but he brought marked improvements to each team.
It takes 3 years
To fully implement a system with the personnel you want . Some get it done in less than 3 and kudos to them some don’t get it done in 3 years and are usually fired . The thing with Martz he can go to any team and the first year you would see a difference
That's not true
He didn’t get to the playoffs, but he definitely improved their offenses. A lot. The Lions went from 254 the year before Martz was there to 305 points 346 in the two years Martz was there. Once he left, the offense regressed to 268 points and the team went 0-16. The 49ers went from 219 to 339. Those are some really significant improvements.
And yes, turnovers went up in both cases – but not at the rate that the points scored went up. Not anywhere close.
If Olson used and kept Martz' playbook, which I doubt he did.
I’m sure he took some from it, but everybody has their own ideas they want to put in. And just looking at the formations last year, it was nothing near what Martz does, more like Mike Shula.
Stay thirsty my friends.
Even if Olson kept Martzs' playbook
we clearly do not have the horses to run it.
by Cracker Ball on May 11, 2010 9:00 PM EDT up reply actions
I kind of think
Olson is more of a Gruden guy than Martz. By the accounts I have heard Martz and Olson were not very close.
There is a segment on Buccaneers .com
called Behind The Flag they interviewed Olson and he went in depth on how our offense will be ran, and it sound like a Mike Martz offense
I agree with everything.. except...
I think we will run with one moe reciever.. prolly Parker, although I am curious about Nunn
by lilbunnywabbitt on May 9, 2010 8:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Not sure why we take NUnn
and cut Clayton.
"I'm not saying this is a blowout, but updated NBA schedule has ' * - if necessary' next to Games 3 and 4." John Hollinger
At this point, Clayton has so much bad karma and negative ju-ju from the fans, its almost worth it to cut him just for that.
As you can always expect come from behind victory is when you least expect it.
You must not of herd
but Penn lost the weight to get a new contract already . I am with ShadowChicken I feel Brown and Stovall is key to the rookie wideouts transition like Leftwich and JJ was for Freeman . Crowell plays the SLB . Crowder played better than Moore lats year so if you cut 1 you might as well cut the other . And Sabby will get bench but he still can contribute, and might be better served coming off the bench
I don't see Sabby being cut
He may be bad, but the Bucs are invested in him and they’re probably going to give him another year to play behind Sean Jones. Top 15 rush defense seems overly optimistic. They also may keep John Gilmore as a run-blocking tight end, as both Stevens and Winslow are lacking in that aspect.
Agree with some of your points, and your article is well-written.
Disagree on Tim Crowder to practice squad, as well as Gilmore getting cut for the reason Sander stated.
Cannons... fire them.
Buc'Em - SBNation's home for discussion of all things regarding the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
by Craig T on May 6, 2010 3:38 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Almost forgot about Crowder
No way is he getting moved, he’s projecting as the starter at LDE if Moore isn’t up to it.
2 thumbs up for the well written part...
I’ve seen enough ill-concieved posts, I am starting to agree with Craig
by lilbunnywabbitt on May 9, 2010 8:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Clayton will not be cut in 2010
They have a lot invested in Clayton, and will give him one more year. If for no other reason than to rasie his trade value…which at this time is not so much.
I doubt it
Every single report about what the Bucs think of Clayton has been negative this offseason. When mentioning the wideouts that are in competition for a starting position, they don’t even name Clayton. And Clayton has been on the trade block for a while.
They have a decent amount of depth at WR now and there’s really no reason to keep Clayton around.
Does he still have garunteed money coming his way?
I am really not sure, but if not I will agree with you. If they have to pay him 4 Mil or something, they might as well keep him around and see if he can improve for the same reason we think everyone else will improve…same system, QB, etc. If they keep him, I hope he improves. I tend to agree with a post I read by BW a while back. There are way too many indicaters over the years that say he will not…not word for word.
If they cut him, they owe him nothing
Guaranteed money has already been paid, so there’s no reason to keep him on the roster for that.
If they owe nothing
My opinion has been changed. Thanks Sander.
Only thing I dont see happening is Sabby being cut
Yeah he did terrible but he could still be the top backup safety.
Rah likes Maurice for some reason
Lorig over Crowder or Bennett I seriously doubt it . I herd nothing about Huggins I want to see what he is going to do with that 4.28 speed
I was a little more hopeful with that one.
I’m kinda partial to Big Ten defenders.
by Tiny iZ Boss on May 6, 2010 11:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Sabby might not get cut
compared to the rest of the safety depth, keeping him as a backup / special teamer makes sense. I have a question aboot the nickel spot, is that something Sabby can play or are they saving that for another player?
Witty's 2010 Draft review is full of meaty goodness. What you mean, you're vegan?! Sigh. Just read it.
Have a couple of issues, but most have already been stated.
It’s a little early for me to make 10 predictions.
Also, your only allowed to have 8 max on the practice squad. You have 10.
"I'm not saying this is a blowout, but updated NBA schedule has ' * - if necessary' next to Games 3 and 4." John Hollinger
I also don't think Snead will beat out Carpenter.
"I'm not saying this is a blowout, but updated NBA schedule has ' * - if necessary' next to Games 3 and 4." John Hollinger
My bad, I thought it was ten.
Just drop two receivers then.
by Tiny iZ Boss on May 7, 2010 12:00 AM EDT up reply actions
Fair Enough.
It was just a small point. Thanks for taking the time to put this together.
"I'm not saying this is a blowout, but updated NBA schedule has ' * - if necessary' next to Games 3 and 4." John Hollinger
I disagree with #4 & #7
- - I still think we’re going to see growing pains at the DT position
- - I think that we’ll win more than 8. Maybe 9.
Other than that….great article. Good job.
To win 9 games....
our DT combo will have to be excellent.
"I'm not saying this is a blowout, but updated NBA schedule has ' * - if necessary' next to Games 3 and 4." John Hollinger
#10
I would bet money on this being our roster when it’s all said and done. Although I voted #5 not being a good bet. I don’t see Penn making the roster.
9th reason is wrong
I desagree with 9 the most mostly because your practice squad cant and wont happen the practice squad is only for rookies and first year players so guys like tim crowder,rod wilson,mark bradley, adam hayward, mario urrutia, and james lee wont be elgible for the practice squad. And why would u have Tim Crowder, and Adam Hayward on the practice squad anyways the are both proven players and crowder will compete with kyle moore for the starting nod. Also Hayward is a proven special teams player and will bring well needed depth. Also Barth will be are kicker this year mark my words! And lastly Evans and grimm wont make the cut this year grimm is too small and wont make it in the nfl count on it!
5th, 9th, 10th
Maurice Evans won’t be starter, Sergio Render will make the roster, Tim Crowder will make roster and is my choice to start at LDE, Barth will be kicker, Heyward has been the backup for the last 2 years so most likely he will maintain that role not be cut, Rod Wilson isn’t even on the team, Micheal Bennett will make the roster, Jon Alston won’t make the team, Lorig will either be practice squad or IR. Penn won’t gain any weight he has already slimmed down this year by like 20lbs.
Alston wont make the team
He was signed as an freeagent and will be key in Rah and Rich wefense
by keysersoze19 on May 7, 2010 11:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Bucs special teams
IF you look at the numbers we have 1 of the best special teams in the league, Rah took this serious and a hole OTA practice was based on special teams which Rah gave it the nickname WE-fense
Morris should stop trying to come up with silly nick names. That is just dumb.
Stay thirsty my friends.
Like the nickname or not
it was part of the Bucs buying in to what Morris was trying to do and it was effective as our We-fense is 1 of the best in the league
by keysersoze19 on May 12, 2010 12:04 AM EDT up reply actions
When a team goes through a rebuilding process it is not going to be pretty
with that being said Rah and Dom has done a good job at getting this team back on the right track. Compare our fist big Franchise to two other teams rebuilding, we have Josh Freeman as our franchise QB, the Broncos basically traded Cutler for Tebow and the Chiefs have Cassel tell me Buc nation who would you rather have
by keysersoze19 on May 12, 2010 2:39 PM EDT up reply actions
He shouldn't have been hired in the first place. And that's all I'm saying about it, had this conversation enough.
Stay thirsty my friends.
You do know though that any coach probably would have gotten only 3 wins
The team is re-building and any coach would have struggled with this group of players
exactly
but not every team would of got their guys to compete with no chance to make the playoffs, you credit that to the coaches and the payers believing in what the coach tells them
by keysersoze19 on May 12, 2010 9:33 PM EDT up reply actions
But I know that a team that is not packing it in for a lockout season would have actually done a HC search and not hire a guy with no experience for very cheap.
Don’t be surprised if Cowher is the next HC here for the next season we play after this year. There’s a reason he decided to wait a year, and I bet it’s to wait for here.
Stay thirsty my friends.
I do want us to win
but if we don’t (and me thinks we won’t), then… “Bring in the Chin”!
by Cracker Ball on May 12, 2010 10:41 PM EDT up reply actions
O yea and that set us back again
why build our Tampa 2 D, and Build around Olson offense which requires more throwing than power running for next year, then bring in someone who is going t run a 3-4 and power run offense sorry but if we planned to bring in Cower then the personnel for a Cower team would have started this year in the draft. If Cower come in after next year we will be an 3-13 team again his first year, even Romeo got 3 years to prove himself
by keysersoze19 on May 13, 2010 1:41 AM EDT up reply actions
Alston won't make the team
He was brought in as a free agent probably almost exclusively to be a big time contributor on the WE-fense! We lost some key components to our We-fense this off-season, and I believe that this move was the first of a series of moves to make sure that the BUCS special teams remained one of the elite units in the NFL. Cody Grim and Dekota Watson and drafting a Punter were some of the tail end moves to shore up the WE-fense! Long story short… Alston-Grim-Watson-Lynch all make the team for special teams first and depth at their respective positions second!
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