Breaking Down the Wide Receivers

A position that the Bucs have arguably had trouble with in the past, this years receiving corps looked better than ever. However, they just couldn’t stay healthy. Jeff Garcia had plenty of weapons, but with everyone getting injured, he was limited. Let’s break down the 2007 Bucs Wide Receivers:

Wide Receivers

WR Joey Galloway- The reliable veteran faced another year of injury. Galloway was bothered all season long by a bum ankle, but still managed to play in 15 games, starting them all. The biggest play-maker, Galloway is the first Buc in franchise history to have 3 consecutive 1,000 yard receiving seasons. Despite limited playing time, Galloway still managed over 1,000 yards, and recorded 6 touchdowns. Also a deep threat, Galloway recorded a 69 yard touchdown early in the season. Although shunned from the Pro Bowl, Galloway is a spectacular wide out, one that causes many fusses for the defense.
WR Ike Hilliard- Another veteran, Hilliard had an increased role in an injury depleted position. He led the Bucs in receptions with 62, proving that the best hands don’t necessarily get the big yards. Hilliard was also bothered by injury, starting in only 10 games. With the little time that he did play, he still managed to be a valuable receiver, averaging almost 12 yards a catch, and scoring 6 touchdowns.
WR Michael Clayton- Still in a young career, Clayton saw limited action this season due to injuries. His rookie season still overshadows him, haunting his every catch. Clayton barely made the 300 yard mark this season, and had 0 touchdowns. He did spend some time on special teams, and was on the receiving end of 8 kick returns, averaging about 21.5 yards per return. Although very talented, Clayton’s young career has been pushed aside by injury.
WR Maurice Stovall- Injuries prevented Stovall from seeing a respectable amount of playing time. Starting in only one game this season, Stovall only had 10 catches, one of them going for a touchdown. He was one of the leaders on the special teams squad, registering 18 tackles. In only his second season, Stovall has started only 3 games due to injury and a lack of production.

Although talented, the Buccaneers wide receivers are also plagued by injuries. Every year something seems to befall them, and they can never really show their potential. If they were to stay healthy, expect them to be one of the best receiving corps in the league.