2006 Buccaneers preview
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Tampa Bay stunned a lot of pundits, but not itself, by sneaking up on opponents and capturing the division title in 2005. Without the surprise element, can the Bucs repeat in an NFC South that might be even more competitive than a year ago? Certainly, there is plenty of talent on hand and quarterback Chris Simms, suddenly the apple of Jon Gruden's eye after the coach had serious reservations about him in the past, is much further advanced than when he was nudged into the starting lineup last year. Simms, in fact, could emerge as a breakout player in 2006.
There is a common perception that the Tampa Bay defense might take a step back this season. But as long as coordinator Monte Kiffin is around, opponents can still expect a lightning-quick, attacking unit that gets to the football. There are still enough veterans around -- end Simeon Rice, tackle Anthony McFarland, cornerbacks Ronde Barber and Brian Kelly, and weakside linebacker and future Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks -- to keep the defense near the top of the NFL rankings.
If possible, tailback Cadillac Williams, the 2005 offensive rookie of the year, might be even better in '06. The offensive line has struggled in the preseason, but after years of cutting and pasting, the Bucs finally have a lot of young talent and depth. A big boost could come if wide receiver Michael Clayton can return to his 2004 form, and take some heat off the ageless Joey Galloway.
General manager Bruce Allen did a great job this offseason of adding youth and depth to the offensive line. With the addition of first-round pick Davin Joseph and second-round pick Jeremy Trueblood and the development of second-year player Dan Buenning, the offensive line has improved from a year ago. However, the offensive line must continue to play well if the Buccaneers are to play deep into January.
QB Chris Simms will handle his first year as the full-time starter with a strong supporting cast led by franchise RB Cadillac Williams. Head coach Jon Gruden is one of the best offensive play callers in the NFL and will need to rely heavily on WR Michael Clayton and TE Alex Smith. It's critical to this offense that Clayton returns to the form he had as a rookie in 2004.
Defensively, the Buccaneers again will rely on a veteran unit that finished first in total defense and sixth against both the run and pass in 2005. The Buccaneers are a talented team that has a tough finishing schedule in late December, which could make it very difficult to overcome the Panthers for the division crown.
Prediction: Second in NFC South.
The Bucs ranked first in overall defense last year, but their metrics show this unit has some serious weaknesses. The Tampa Bay linebackers combined run defense metrics were among the worst of any linebacking corps in the NFL. Derrick Brooks was the only LB to top the 20 percent success rate, and Ryan Nece and Shelton Quarles were both in the bottom 20 percent of linebackers in success percentage against the run.
There are also trouble spots in the secondary. Brian Kelly was near the bottom of all cornerbacks in defending the deep pass, allowing over 16 yards per deep pass thrown his way. Will Allen and Jermaine Phillips also both had very poor coverage metrics.
Rod Marinelli was asked last year how good the Buccaneers' defense was, and he said it wasn't as good as widely thought. The metrics clearly show what Marinelli meant by this.
We aren't ready to anoint Chris Simms Cap'n Buccaneer, but the running backs make this offense plenty seaworthy. The powerful Cadillac Williams (left) has multiple Pro Bowls in his future. And if Caddy breaks down, Michael Pittman -- a rugged runner and gifted receiver -- is excellent insurance. Even 32-year-old Mike Alstott has a little rumble left for goal-line runs.
| Team Preview Centers |
| Key Stretch: Weeks 10-13 |
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Nov. 13: at Carolina Nov. 19: Washington Nov. 23: at Dallas Dec. 3: at Pittsburgh |
| Comings & Goings |
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Key Acquisitions: OG Toniu Fonoti; LB Jamie Winborn; OT Torrin Tucker. Key Departures: |
| Offensive Starters (as of 8/30) |
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RB Cadillac Williams FB Mike Alstott QB Chris Simms WR Michael Clayton RT Kenyatta Walker RG Davin Joseph C John Wade LG Dan Buenning LT Anthony Davis TE Alex Smith WR Joey Galloway |
| Defensive Starters (as of 8/30) |
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LDE Greg Spires LDT Chris Hovan RDT Booger McFarland RDE Simeon Rice SLB Ryan Nece MLB Shelton Quarles WLB Derrick Brooks LCB Ronde Barber FS Will Allen SS Jermaine Phillips RCB Brian Kelly • Complete roster |
