The 2008 Schedule: Good vs. Bad

Since the Bucs 2008 schedule has been announced, I’ve had time to analyze the matchups and filter the good vs. the bad. The Bucs had a relatively easy schedule last year, due to their misfortunes in 2006. But coming off of a 9-7 season where they won their division and made the playoffs, the Bucs schedule has some meat added to it. Here now is the good and the bad.

The Good

Week 2: Atlanta

The first redemption game for Warrick Dunn. After being released by the Falcons for lifetime backup Michael Turner, Dunn has a lot to prove against his former team. The Falcons, although picking high in the draft and receiving players in the off-season, still have a long way to go before becoming a threat again.

Week 4: Green Bay

The longtime rivals will face off for one game this year, with Brett Favre most notably absent. It has been a long time since the Bucs have faced the Packers without him. They don’t have Favre, and the Bucs don’t have Warren Sapp. It will be an interesting matchup between two young teams establishing a new rivalry.

Week 8: at Dallas

Dallas should remain the top contender in the NFC, and the Bucs can get the chance to prove how good they are. The Bucs would have their top defense facing the Cowboys top offense. This game could speak levels for the Buccaneers.

Week 9: at Kansas City

Michael Bennett might not get a lot of playing time, but he might get the chance to prove to the Chiefs that they were wrong for trading him. Kansas City will still be a team that is reeling, and they might even be without their best defensive player in Jared Allen. If Gruden is in a good mood, he might just put in Bennett to run over the Chiefs defense.

Week 16: Oakland

It’s always fun to see Jon Gruden face off against his old team. The Raiders shouldn’t prove to be a threat for a while now, so the Bucs might have it easy. If they are in the playoffs, they will most likely rest their starters. If they’re fighting for pride however, we just might see an all-out brawl in Tampa.

The Bad

Week 3: at Chicago

In 2006 the Bears were in the Super Bowl. In 2007, they struggled to survive. We don’t know which Bears team will emerge in 2008, but here is an interesting fact. Since Lovie Smith became the head coach, the Bucs are 1-2 against the Bears. If the amazing Bears defense of 2006 returns, this will be a game to watch.

Week 7: Seattle

Seattle has been a power house in the NFC for the past couple of years. The Bucs have not had an answer for them. While their running game might be in doubt, the Seahawks are still a balanced team, which could once again give the Bucs trouble.

The Late Bye Week

The Bucs don’t get a bye until after Week 9. That’s 9 games in a row for them. The Bucs might be so tired and broken down that there will be nothing left following the bye. 

Week 15: San Diego

We all know what the Chargers are capable of. Phillip Rivers and LaDanian Tomlinson could chew up the Bucs defense and spit them out. But, the Bucs defense could chew up Phillip Rivers and LaDanian Tomlinson and spit them out. This will be a tough game for the Bucs.

Martin Fennelly of the Tampa Tribune projects the Bucs to be a 7-9 team this year. For starters, the Bucs don’t know what to expect from New Orleans and Carolina, two teams that gave them troubles in 2006. There is also no way of knowing what to expect from the Bucs. 2008 may be interesting to say the least.