2008 Bucs Season Preview

Head Coach: Jon Gruden
2007 Record: 9-7 (NFC South Division Champions, Lost in Wild Card playoff game)
Key Additions: C Jeff Faine, RB Warrick Dunn, QB Brian Griese, TE John Gilmore, TE Ben Troupe, CB Aqib Talib
Key Losses: FB Mike Alstott, CB Brian Kelly, RB Michael Pittman, S Kalvin Pearson

Even with the high of a resurgent season still wearing off, we are all excited about the new season, particularly the Bucs new season. Expectations are high for the defending NFC South Champions. If one thing stands in the way, it is history. For the past 5 seasons, the defending South Champion failed to win the division the next year. In fact, all but one of these teams had a record below .500. The Bucs hope to stop history from repeating.

The offense will return a majority of their starters. Last year, the offense ranked 18th overall in the league. They ranked 16th in passing, led by veteran Jeff Garcia. Although missing 3 games due to injury, Garcia still had one of the better seasons by a Buccaneers quarterback in their history. He completed 63.9% of his passes for 13 touchdowns and only 4 interceptions. His 1.2% interception rate was the lowest in Bucs history. His 96.4 passer rating was 7th best in the league. Garcia was out most of the preseason with an injury, but says that he is ready to go.

The running game ranked 11th in the league, and was led by Mr. August, Earnest Graham. Known as the Bucs top back in the preseason, Graham took over for the injured Cadillac Williams, and became a fantasy star. In starting only 10 games, Graham rushed for 898 yards and 10 touchdowns. He averaged 4.0 yards per carry. This year will mark the return of former Buccaneer great Warrick Dunn. Last season, Dunn ran for 720 yards and 4 touchdowns.

The defense was a force to be reckoned with last year. The defense was ranked 2nd overall in the league, and was the best in the league at defending the pass. The weak spot came against the run, where they were ranked 17th. The biggest addition to the defense was the Bucs first pick in the 2008 Draft, Aqib Talib. In 34 career games at Kansas, Talib recorded 162 tackles, defended 43 passes, and grabbed 13 interceptions. Talib will be third on the depth chart, but will get to see action in the nickel formation.

The Bucs have weapons all around on defense. The defensive line is young, talented, and strong. Jovan Haye, Greg White, Gaines Adams, Kevin Carter and Chris Hovan will anchor the line that combined for 24.5 sacks last year.

The biggest part of the defense is the linebacking corps and the backfield. The Bucs have 3 of the best linebackers in the game. Barrett Ruud, Derrick Brooks and Cato June all had over 100 tackles last season. They also combined for 3 interceptions, 7 forced fumbles, and 8 passes defended. The cornerbacks and safeties are some of the best in the game as well. Ronde Barber and Philip Buchanon are the top cornerbacks. The two combined for 5 interceptions, 27 passes defended, and 1 sack. Rookie Tanard Jackson and Jermaine Phillips are highly regarded as the best safety duo in the league. Jackson had 78 tackles, 2 interceptions, 1 forced fumble, and 12 passes defended last season. Phillips had 120 tackles, 4 interceptions, 1 sack, 3 forced fumbles, and 8 passes defended. With the emergence of Sabby Piscitelli, the safeties could provide a 1-2-3 punch unlike any other in the league.

There is no reason the Bucs shouldn’t excel this season. There is plenty of talent, and plenty of depth. The Bucs look ready to repeat as division champs, and return to the playoffs. Their schedule isn’t daunting, but they will have obstacles in front of them. Do the Bucs have it in them? Only time will tell.