TAMPA - Well, it’s closure, at least.

2006 ended for the Bucs almost exactly as it started; an empty, embarrassing loss at home to a team headed somewhere they aren’t - the postseason.

Just as Baltimore flattened Tampa Bay on Opening Day, the playoffs-bound Seahawks dispatched the Bucs, 23-7, in a game more noteworthy for most in that the Seahawks have apparently paid for playing their regulars for no obvious reason. Clearly, less would have been sufficient today.

Now the Bucs look to the offseason, one that could bring plenty of change as Tampa Bay has $25 million under the salary cap and needs to improve in several areas if it is to challenge for the postseason in 2007.

What are the Bucs’ top offseason priorities?

Well now I can look forward to the playoffs! No Pressure! No aggravation’s! Free agency should be a little better now that we have some reported salary cap room. A draft that should allow us to pick up the best player available in that order of pick. No Excuses in 2007,Right.

Lets put this season behind us and look forward to 2007.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Now what? Another offseson of excuses and signing over the hill free agents with nothing left. Think Garner, Stussie,et al. This team needs an offensive tackle, a d-tackle, a linebacker(looks like 2nd rd.pick Barrett Ruud is a bust) 2 safeties, a young corner, a wide receiver,a fullback, an offensive line coach who isn’t running on past reputation, Chris Hovan playing like he did in 05( got his payday and disappeared) and a draft that produces starters that can actually play 16 games, not this group of oft-injured average players,Williams, Clayton,Bruening,etc. I would not get my hopes up that this front office can pull it off, neither Chuckie or Brucie have shown any player personel accumen in their careers. Al Davis ran the show in Oakland and Chuckie won with players drafted by Dungy/McKay. Chuckie and Brucie have not shown any talent in this area at all. It could be an ugly off-season.