Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2005 season preview

Updated: September 2, 2005, 11:31 AM ET

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THE BOTTOM LINE

By Len Pasquarelli, ESPN.com

How long does it take for the statute of limitations on a Super Bowl victory to expire? What is the shelf-life for all the good will, civic pride and positive energy generated by a championship? When are fond memories purged from a city's collective consciousness?

Entering the third season since their Super Bowl XXXVII victory, and having posted just a 12-20 record in the two years following their championship, the Bucs and coach Jon Gruden are confronted by those questions. Certainly the "Super Bowl Champions 2002" banner that stretched across the bleachers at camp was beginning to show some signs of wear. And there is a suspicion that the Bucs, hamstrung in part by the salary cap and lacking depth in key areas, are equally tattered.

The veteran players have argued that the situation isn't as grim as portrayed. Gruden, whose golden boy image is showing some signs of tarnish, bristles at suggestions that he has lost his Midas Touch. Both contentions shouldn't be totally ignored. The Bucs, after all, still have some standouts on defense and first-round tailback Carnell "Cadillac" Williams has a chance to be the rookie of the year, if the line provides him any holes. This franchise is, though, a long way from the glory days of three seasons ago.

ESPN's TAKE

By Joe Theismann, ESPN.com

The Big Question?
The quarterback situation is the key for the Bucs. They need to get consistent production from starter Brian Griese to support their running game and to give the defense a break. That might be easier said than done, though.

FANTASY TAKE

By Scott Engel, ESPN.com

Sleeper: RB Carnell Williams
He will very likely be the best rookie RB in this year's class, and he could simply bust out as a terrific fantasy starter. Williams has cutback ability and can also run inside. Williams has drawn comparisons to Priest Holmes, and could become one of the best No. 2 RBs in fantasy football this year.
Bust: RB Michael Pittman
With the expected emergence of rookie Williams, Pittman could officially become reduced to fantasy free-agent material. Pittman has been occasionally productive in the past, but he has never been dependable. He could become a wasted fantasy pick, so avoid him on draft day. Pittman is simply veteran insurance for the Buccaneers in case Williams struggles.

From ESPN the MAGAZINE

The Big Number

.579 Martin Gramatica's field-goal rate (11-for-19) got him cut. Now Tampa Bay has a tough choice. Todd France hit 31 straight in camp; Matt Bryant hit a preseason game-winner vs. the Titans.

STRENGTH --> ROCK CARRIERS

This is a talented and deep group. Cadillac is tough, shifty and ready for a premier role as a rookie. Pittman (926 yards in 2004) still provides nice change-of-pace running and are so sure-handed that Jon Gruden can use him as a receiver. And with a full season behind him after neck surgery, Alstott (left) might again prove effective in short yardage.

WEAKNESS --> BLOCKS OF GRANITE

If the running game stumbles, point the finger up front. In 2004, the Bucs finished 29th in the NFL in rushing and surrendered 45 sacks. Cause for hope: Gruden plans an overhaul. Cause for concern: the plan might require easing in as many as three first-year starters -- Jeb Terry (left) and T Anthony Davis and rookie G Dan Buenning. Don't expect a quick turnaround.

PROSPECTS

At Bucs FanFest this summer, Gruden -- loser of 20 games since Super Bowl XXXVII -- grabbed a mike and growled, "Are you ready to win some damn football games?"

With the NFL legislating against defense, Gruden and GM Bruce Allen decided to rebuild on offense. Williams joins last year's No. 1 pick, Michael Clayton (80 catches, 1,193 yards, 7 TDs), and Brian Griese (franchise-best 97.5 passer rating) now has a $32 million contract. But 12 different O-linemen missed training camp practices with injuries, and with only $9.6 million in dealing space, the Bucs didn't have enough coin for fixes.

Even the D is thin once you look past Rice; the aging unit (all three linebackers are older than 30) can't carry the team. Who's ready to win some damn games? Not the Bucs.

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