LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Standing on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' practice field, you are quickly reminded how solid this franchise has been over the last six years.
Not only did the Bucs win Super Bowl XXXVII, they also proudly display banners from NFC South titles in 2002, 2005 and 2007.
The debate is whether the Bucs are as good in 2008 as they were a year ago en route to a 9-7 mark. Winning another division title will be a challenge, as the NFC South champ typically finishes in the basement the following year.
In talking with the players, the veteran leadership in the locker room is clear. On a day trade rumors involving Brett Favre could have consumed the team, the loyalty to Jeff Garcia and the quiet confidence they keep allowed the Buccaneers to keep working in 100-degree heat.
With Favre now out of the picture, the Bucs will rely on Garcia to lead the offense, and they may have enough around him to raise another banner.
For all the talk about the quarterback, the Buccaneers are still a defensive team. If you throw out the 2007 regular-season finale, when the Bucs rested players for the playoffs, the defense held division opponents to 11 points a game and gave up just 11 points per game at home.
The first thing that jumps out while watching a full-padded practice is how game-ready the defense already is before even playing a preseason game. The unit has always been fast, but their pass drops, coverage adjustments and run fits seem to be better than they looked at this time last year. They should also get a boost from defensive end Gaines Adams, who said he feels much more comfortable heading into his second year. He can provide the pass rush that Tampa has missed since Simeon Rice was in his prime.
Two division games to start the season means a fast start is absolutely critical. The Bucs open with the New Orleans Saints. Drew Brees and his receivers will provide a big test, especially with the addition of tight end Jeremy Shockey. If Monte Kiffin's defense gets past New Orleans, the sky is the limit for this group. The Bucs were the second-ranked defense last year and it is realistic to think they can repeat that performance.
With a veteran quarterback who has brought three different franchises to the playoffs, an elite defense, a solid offensive line and some roster depth to survive injuries, the Bucs have the ingredients to make a playoff run.
Still, the Bucs have some questions that will need to be answered as they get ready for 2008.
Will Cadillac Williams be ready to go in September?
Jon Gruden calls Williams an inspiration to the whole team. No one can say Williams won't return because of a lack of effort coming off a serious knee injury. However, Tampa has insurance if Williams comes up short in his return bid. With Earnest Graham, a tough inside runner, Warrick Dunn, a tremendous third-down back, and Michael Bennett, a change-of-pace back with speed, the Bucs have depth. The best thing Tampa could do is put Williams on the in-season physically-unable-to-perform-list and wait until midseason to see if he's ready then. If the Bucs follow that plan, they could pick up a veteran back after the final cuts to bolster the bottom of the roster.
What is the story at left tackle?
Camp: Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
Preseason games:
Aug. 9:
at Miami, 7:30 p.m. ET
Aug. 17: New England, 8:00 p.m. ET
Aug. 23: Jacksonville, 7:30 p.m. ET
Aug. 28: at Houston, 8:00 p.m. ET
Starter Luke Petitgout remains on the sideline unable to practice as he recovers from a knee injury and seems to still have a slight limp. It could take Petitgout the rest of the summer to get ready. In the meantime, the team is counting heavily on Donald Penn, who replaced Petitgout last year and did a decent job. Gruden was quick to point out that Penn needed to come through for the team this year. It is worth monitoring his progress this season. If the Bucs need to help him in passing situations, look for one of the three tight ends (Alex Smith, John Gilmore or Ben Troupe) to provide support. The other ways to help Penn are the quick-pass and the bootleg, two things Tampa does very well.
Has there been too much damage to Garcia in the pursuit of Favre?
It has been a very difficult offseason for Garcia. He was looking for a contract extension and a raise, but instead had to deal with the Favre rumors. Garcia turned his frustration to a positive energy for his teammates. Garcia told one of my close friends he loves the game and respects his teammates so much that he will be fine this season. He is nursing a calf sprain and may not practice for another week. As for his contract situation, it wouldn't surprise me if he gets a decent bump before the start of the season.
With Garcia on the sideline, Gruden is getting a good look at the other quarterbacks in camp. Brian Griese has impressed with his knowledge of Gruden's complicated offense. It looks like Gruden likes the development of Luke McCown. Even though Gruden is hard on McCown during practice, there was a smile on the coach's face when he talked about the quarterback. The odd man out appears to be Chris Simms. Although Simms had a shaky start in camp, he is throwing the ball much better than he did last summer. Simms could have some trade value if he shines in some preseason action, which I expect the Bucs to provide in order to move him.
Is this team getting too old?
A lot of people paint the Buccaneers as an old team. There are eight players with 10 or more years of NFL experience and a number of them are critical components. But there is a nice blend of young players in the starting lineup and a number of others ready to push to get on the field. At least eight starters will come out of the 2005 through 2007 draft classes.
Who are the pleasant surprises in camp?
A good camp always brings some new players to the surface. In Tampa the two players that jumped out are wide receiver Maurice Stovall and safety Sabby Piscitelli. Stovall stoodout on special teams last year and came to camp this year to earn a starting wide receiver spot. At 6-foot-5, 220 pounds, he is big and could be a terrific red zone threat, something this team needs in order to advance in the playoffs. At least 10 players said Stovall was having the best camp on the team. Piscitelli is the only safety learning both the free and strong side and is up to the challenge. He's the top candidate for the third safety position and has made enough plays in camp to get noticed by a lot of people in the organization.
Have a football-related question for Pat that you would like answered in a future column? Email him at footballmentor@aol.com. "Movin' the Chains," Pat's SIRIUS NFL Radio show with co-host Tim Ryan, can be heard weekdays from 3-7 p.m. ET.
