The Bucs are sure to face an off-season of second-guessing after their 24-24 first-round playoff loss to the New York Giants.

The Bucs limped into the playoffs losing three of their last four regular-season games as they rested a few of their regulars in preparation for Sunday’s game.

But in the unseasonably warm January heat, it was the Bucs who wilted and suffered their second consecutive first-round playoff setback.

How do you view this season? Should 2007 be considered a success considering they came off a 4-12 season and dealt with some key injuries on their way to winning the NFC South? Or was this a missed opportunity?

And looking ahead to the offseason, what should be the Bucs’ priorities as they try to build on this season?

I have to look at the season as a success. Sure we wanted a Super Bowl, but I think a very important change has occurred this year. I believe Gruden and Allen have realized how important young developing players are. I hope they don’t revert back to old thinking and sign any aging free agents. Give these young players another year to develop and we can be really good next year. Garcia will probably be the starter again next year, but we need a young QB to really develop for the future. As for what our biggest need is, I would say WR. A good young WR is a key target in free agency or the draft. Besides that we can focus on a “best player” available strategy.

Bucs need a long term deep threat WR as Paul states. Also need a defensive lineman to take the place of Spires, who is getting long in tooth (only two sacks this year). Also need a replacement lined up for Brooks and Barber who are starting to lose a step or two and are headed for a fall in the near future (maybe one or two years left, tops).

Although a fast RB is wanted, why did the team give up a pick for the fast Michael Bennett? That may not be the biggest need as Earnest Graham still got decent yardage, even against the Giants who were trying to stop the run. In fact, the first series, the only thing the Bucs could do is get E. Graham the ball almost every play for yardage (besides a Clayton catch on one play, it was all Graham). If they get C. Williams back, they have a decent backfield and that is not a key need.

Yes, a QB is needed. Perhaps free agent will do it. The bucs pick is not high enough to do much with the draft unfortunately. McCown could be an answer, but it is too early to tell. Simms is not out of it yet due to the reported Glazer’s interest in him.  Garcia’s age may be a factor soon… so the clock is ticking on this position.

In all, no, this was not a disappointing end to the season as no one in the world predicted a division win, a winning record, or a playoff spot. After 4-12, a 9 game win season is a 110% improvement. The question is will youth continue to be served? If so, the team is in the right direction and I totally support the Gruden/Allen team continuing.

BREAKING NEWS - BUCS WIN SUPER BOWL !

AP / BPNN February 2, 2009

Yesterday the Tampa Bay Buccaneers won Super Bowl XLIV by beating the San Diego Chargers 27-16.  The victory capped a season where the Bucs went 11-5, won the NFC South title and had the NFL’s top rated defense.  It was the Bucs fourth division title in seven years and second Super Bowl trophy.  Jon Gruden now has six division titles and two Lombardi trophy’s in his still young career.  In a ceremony at Raymond James stadium, bay area sports talk show host Steve “Mad-Dog” Deumig on WDAE 620 (whoops – that’s “Big-Dog”) ran out onto the field yelling that “it was Gruden’s fault and it will always be Gruden fault – fire them all !”.  It was not an unexpected occurrence and he was quickly restrained and taken out to special structure that had been built for the occasion at the fifty yard line.

As he was taken out and strapped down in the guliteen device at center field, he continued to scream “they need to bring back Rice, Sapp, Booger, Quarles and Alstott and if the Chargers hadn’t upset the Pat’s in the AFC Championship the Bucs would have lost to the Pat’s – I guarantee it ! – I’m telling you Gruden’s wrong and it’s a dirty trophy”.  At the release mechanism was former GM Rich McKay (who was out of work until offered the job) and just before letting the blade go Duemig was heard saying “Rich, I lied for you all those years, I told the fans you knew what you were doing in exchange for inside info – how can you do this to me !!!” and then the crowd cheered and there was finally silence (thank god !).

Justin Pawlowski will take over the spot on WDAE 620 during the afternoons and the show will be renamed “Real Sports Talk”.

Disclaimer:  The Bucs Positive News Network provides the above joke or “parody” for entertainment purposes only.  It is a fictional story and no ill will is meant towards any parties named within the text.  Jon Gruden did not approve this announcement.

mkurbo - 08 January 2008 05:12 PM

BREAKING NEWS - BUCS WIN SUPER BOWL !

AP / BPNN February 2, 2009

Yesterday the Tampa Bay Buccaneers won Super Bowl XLIV by beating the San Diego Chargers 27-16.  The victory capped a season where the Bucs went 11-5, won the NFC South title and had the NFL’s top rated defense.  It was the Bucs fourth division title in seven years and second Super Bowl trophy.  Jon Gruden now has six division titles and two Lombardi trophy’s in his still young career.  In a ceremony at Raymond James stadium, bay area sports talk show host Steve “Mad-Dog” Deumig on WDAE 620 (whoops – that’s “Big-Dog”) ran out onto the field yelling that “it was Gruden’s fault and it will always be Gruden fault – fire them all !”.  It was not an unexpected occurrence and he was quickly restrained and taken out to special structure that had been built for the occasion at the fifty yard line.

As he was taken out and strapped down in the guliteen device at center field, he continued to scream “they need to bring back Rice, Sapp, Booger, Quarles and Alstott and if the Chargers hadn’t upset the Pat’s in the AFC Championship the Bucs would have lost to the Pat’s – I guarantee it ! – I’m telling you Gruden’s wrong and it’s a dirty trophy”.  At the release mechanism was former GM Rich McKay (who was out of work until offered the job) and just before letting the blade go Duemig was heard saying “Rich, I lied for you all those years, I told the fans you knew what you were doing in exchange for inside info – how can you do this to me !!!” and then the crowd cheered and there was finally silence (thank god !).

Justin Pawlowski will take over the spot on WDAE 620 during the afternoons and the show will be renamed “Real Sports Talk”.




Disclaimer:  The Bucs Positive News Network provides the above joke or “parody” for entertainment purposes only.  It is a fictional story and no ill will is meant towards any parties named within the text.  Jon Gruden did not approve this announcement.

Wow.  Regrettably I will never get the 30 seconds I spent reading that back.  Or the 30 seconds that I spent to write this.  I minute of my life just went down the drain.

Sorry you feel that way Paul - feedback has been overwelmingly positive this evening…

Posted by ( dv7401 ) on January 8, 2008 at 6:50 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
mkurbo-- that was the best Bucs blog comment I’ve EVER read!!! Wish there were more fans like yourself focusing on the positives and not running around saying “off with Gruden’s head!”.

Posted by ( Cas ) on January 8, 2008 at 8:20 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Jon Gruden is probably the 2nd best coach in the NFL behind the Patriots coach. Look how many teams are looking for coaches. Look how many are available and their history. We need to get Gruden signed and get him the tools he needs to with the Super Bowl. Its a no brainer. It all starts with coaching and we already have one of the best. We need to keep him and help him.
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With apologies to Paul M., I’ve been so upset with all the negative press and discussion that I thought a little humor was in order – sorry he didn’t think it was funny.  I believe the Buc organization made great progress this year and here is my response to the blog question:

I don’t feel that there are as many holes as most Buc fans think.  Of course, a little patience is in order with some of the younger players and we need the return of key players that were injured.

First, the assumptions:

1.  Cadillac will not return in time to start the season – at best he may come off the IR at mid-season (I think we should let him get healthy). Petitgout, Stovall, Warren, Piscitelli, Cash, and Jones return to form.

2.  Alstott will retire, Spires will be released, Wade will not return, and Brooks will hang in for another year.  Trotter and Pittman will probably not be resigned for thinking purposes. (I’ll miss Pittman)

3.  Simms will be traded (if possible) for three reasons in order of priority (1) He does not fit this offensive scheme, (2) He is injury prone, (3) He isn’t really a NFL starter – would be a very good back up in a pocket/vertical style offensive.

4.  A deal for Plummer will be made which returns a high draft choice (2nd, 3rd) to the Bucs.  Some team (considering the desperate need by many for qualified and experienced QB’s) will make him their starter and offer a pile of money to come out of retirement.

5.  Kelly will have one of his better years (cause it’s the last year of his contract and he needs to step it up to command high FA dollars) which helps stabilize the secondary trough ‘08.

6.  Players that would be on my “fence” depending on the results of free agency and the draft; K. Carter ($), R. Nece, M. Clayton (regrettably).

7.  I may be wrong, but as GM I’d go with Graham, Bennett, and Darby at RB – in fact, I like Graham between the tackles and Bennett and Darby as the break away backs to the outside.  I would prefer to spend the money and upgrade the offensive line at center position.

Actions taken during the off-season:

1.  Just like Garcia – and without hesitation – a few ticks after midnight when FA begins, sign Albert Haynesworth, DT, Titans, and Justin Smith, DE, Bengals (or Marques Douglas, DE, 49ers), to deals that unfortunately will be expensive, but will ensure superiority of pass rush on the DL and the No.1 ranked defense in ‘08 and years to come…

2.  Sign FA Bryant Johnson, WR, Cards (young w/ tons of upside having played behind Fitzgerald & Boldin).

3.  Sign FA Jeff Faine, OC, Saints (upgrades offensive line at center, hurts division opponent).

4.  Draft; 1st Pk– WR DeSean Jackson, Mario Manningham or Adarius Bowman (playmakers), 2nd Pk- OC Steve Justice or Cody Wallace, 3rd Pk- ILB Philip Wheeler, Jerod mayo, or maybe Taveres Gooden, 4th Pk- DT Andre Fluellen, Trevor Laws, or Carlton Powell, 5th Pk- QB Matthew Flynn, 6th Pk- FB Jacob Hester, Jed Collins or Peyton Hillis. 

5.  Depending on draft (Jackson/Manningham), possibly fall back to sign FA Devery Henderson, WR, Saints (youth and speed for depth in the receiving core, hurts division opponent)

6.  Post draft I may seek free agents to strengthen special teams coverage, kick returning and potentially ILB or FB if we don’t succeed in adding value at those positions in the draft.

I think McCown IS their Quarterback of the future.

He is quick to read the defense, has the poise to audible at the line when the defnse shows their scheme and is smart enough to understand Gruden’s Psycho playbook.

He also doesn’t have a bunch of concussions like Garcia.

1.) Trade Cadillac Williams - He has done nothing since his rookie season, even when he is healthy.  This guy isn’t a pro running back in this league or at least not a very good one.  We have 3 rbs better than him on our roster as it is.  Trade him while he has some value and we could pick up another players for him or a draft pick.

2.) Keep Clayton - This guy has had his troubles but he is a high intensity guy who brings toughness to the wr core.  I don’t think we use him as more than a 3rd option but he is a damn good 3rd option.

3.) Cut Galloway - Cut this old guy.  The way he played in the playoffs really pissed me off.  He let down the fans and Garcia.  This guy doesn’t come through when you need him, I mean a substitute corner locked down this so called “dangerous” player.  Cut him and save cap room for the future, his career is done pretty soon anyways.  Galloway brings no fire or intensity, he just plays and is fast.  Makes no spectacular grabs and I think all he cares about is Ohio.  Cut this guy for sure.

4.) Paris, Stovall, Clayton, Hilliard are the guys at Wr - Young/veteran mix here that has a real bright future.  Hilliard is a trustworthy guy to make the play and Stovall brings a fire to the Bucs.  Just watch him on Specials, he is a monster who you can tell loves playing.  Paris could be a monster in this league, we need to continue developing this guy.  Clayton (see above)

5.) Derrick Brooks - As much as I hate to say it, I think he is past his prime.  Never would I say cut this guy but he and Allen should have a long talk is all Im saying.  But then again, if you cut Sapp and Lynch (2 LEGENDARY bucs) why not cut Brooks.  When he missed swatting the ball when it was going to Jacobs it truly hit me.  He isnt the same anymore, he hasn’t been for a few years really.  Maybe we could squeeze one more year out of him but only to develop younger talent.

6.) Jeff Garcia - I like Garcia.  He seems to bring leadership that is unmatched and we have no other true qbs at this time that are a better option.  As I said, Galloway was his guy and he was depending on him and Joey pretty much slapped him in the face.  Not Garcia’s fault.  He will have a more productive 2008.

7.) Defense in General - I like our young players.  Already 2 rookies are heavily contributing in this defense (Tanard and Gaines).  Ruud is coming along as well.  I really don’t see many cuts on defense.  I like the veteran leadership mixed in with the young talent.  Barber and Kelly are still doing it even without a great pass rush.  Buchanon is a great prospect for the future.  Secondary is looking great for 2008.  Besides Brooks, I like out LB core.  Anyone besides me thinks Cato June didn’t do as much as we hoped?  I don’t know, give him another season.  I absolutely love the d-line.  This dude Greg White is a bad boy.  Just watch this guy and his future, he’s superbly athletic and he has a reason to try harder than everyone else (this guy had a tough road to the NFL).  Gaines is coming on nicely.  Jovan Haye brings fire and is a very young and still developing player.  I love the d-line for the future.

8.) O-line - Im not seeing it.  This unit stinks.  Young, old, whatever, they stink.  If it weren’t for Garcia’s mobility, there would have been another David Carr here in Tampa.  I was impressed with Penn, seems like we didn’t lose too much with Petitgout going down.  Trueblood is the one who always seems weak to me.  This however is our biggest concern in the offseason.  Im not saying look to free agency to improve it so much as Im saying these guys should have a short offseason.

9.) E Graham the Man - Durable, strong, quick, smart, humble, DURABLE; all reason why I like E Graham.  He can do it all.  Hes got a nasty stiff arm too.  He SHOULD be our RB for many years to come.  I also love Askew, especially when hes got the ball in hand, hes a tough guy to bring down.

****Draft- I’d like to look at a 1st round qb honestly.  If not, spend it on Defense, maybe a corner.  Kelly and Barber aren’t exactly young.

****Free Agency- maybe an offensive lineman (R tackle hopefully).  Would love to improve the kick returning position with a top notch returner.  Maybe a big name WR.  But none of these are needs really just wants.  I see us being quiet for the most part, maybe getting one big name and cutting more than anything.

First off make practices harder and correcting errors made this pass 2007 season. I would not haved let the first string rest in the game prior to the NY Giants Game. Many of the best players on the team made errors (not catching passes), that they normally catch on a routine practice, or game day. The first string should have played at least 3/4 of the game rather than resting. They needed to stay in top shape, letting them rest was not a good idea. Took them too long to get back in stride and tuned up. This NY Giant game was for all the marbles, so using your best for every play was essential to a winning team. Fumbles are what the Bucs are known for recovering, not making, the fumbles in this NY Game is what gave the Giants momentum for success. Our quarterback was not protected as the Bucs are well known for doing. Again, I believe keeping sharp as a tack to protect the quarterback was not done, and allowed him to be abused throughout the game. There again if the special teams were in shape and well tuned most of what happened would not have taken place. I believe he was sacked three times too many. John Gruden should have made his team remain in shape with the most difficult training sessions he could muster to maintain a rigid practice every day. His team needed to be pushed to their limit, so when game time came they would be ready for any team, and with a winning attitude to carry them right to the win. At least their best would be in there to do their best, and if the game would have resulted in the way it did, then at least we would have given our best effort. The Bucs are a young team, strong, relentless and should beat any team in any league at any given time. This last game did not show their best efforts. I don’t put blame on heat, this team practices in this type of weather every practice. It is rare when the temp is too cool or hot for them to win. Let’s face facts the team really was not ready for this game, and the results show with the loss.

Our first priority should be to lock up Monte Kiffin.
Then:
1. draft a qb.
2. sign or draft a starting, speedy wr.
3. sign a top notch, big name defensive lineman.
4. sign, draft, or trade an immediate replacement at kick returner ( thanks spurlock. history is nice, but fumbles in crunch time suck.)
5. pick up a solid free agent center.

Tell Art Valero to S.T.F.U.

Monte Giffin has been the backbone and brains behind all the defensive plays the Bucs have had, Getting rid of him would be like changing the uniform colors into purple and black. He produces great defensive line-men and backs. Anybody in their right mind should know that replacing him should not be even a question. He is as much a part of that team as Brooks, whom I love.
We really haven’t had a consistent Quarterback since Doug Williams. He could rifle a pass like a cannon. His talent was not given the proper recognition, nor was he protected the way most quarterbacks are. We definitely need a Great Playing Quarterback, whether he is famous or not. Brady from the Patriots was a second string Quarterback, and due the injury of the No. 1 Quarterback he became the starter. He wasn’t famous or all that well known, but look at him today. He is rated as the top Quarterback of the NFL. We need one that we can do the same thing with the person and hopefully he will some day be equally talented. Great Quarterbacks are not born that way, they are tooled and trained to be great. Without a leader in the offensive line, and the Quarterback, should be the leader the Bucs, they will have a huge challenge this next year.
John Gruden had better get his scouts out in the field and attempt to find the best Quarterback that can be marketed for the Bucs. Next year without a leader we will be in trouble. The fans have been more than supportive of the Bucs, and have been as devoted to the team as any fans could possibly be. If the Bucs do not have a better showing in the next season, fans will not be so easily swayed to purchase seasonal tickets because they come to see the Bucs win games, and cheer them on to success.

Am I the only one who thinks Gruden should go? The Bucs this year were the recipients of two great gifts, a last place schedule and a horrible NFC South and still barely had a winning record. Next year we likely will have neither and it will be Gruden’s every-other-year losing team. We got rid of Dungy beause he couldn’t take us to a SB, yet we tolerate Gruden who not only can’t take us to a SB, he either doesn’t get us to the playoffs at all or else we get there and lose in the first round (while playing at home no less!). So I think it all starts with getting rid of him. Then fire the OL coach, who has failed miserably at developing a good OL. We don’t worry too much about acquiring QBs, WRs, RBs, or anything else on offense until we straighten out the OL through a combination of a better OL coach and at least one really dominant offensive lineman, maybe more depending on the new OL coach’s evaluation of our present personnel. We certainly could use better players at all the skill positions on offense, it’s just a question of priorities there. But there’s no point in worrying about the skill positions until we get a better OL. I watched the Pats-Jags game yesterday and while I admired Brady I admired NE’s OL more. After the first sack at the start of the game Brady had all the time in the world every time he dropped back to pass. I’d love to see our OB, whoever it might be, playing behind a line like that.

Funny comment on Valero by jvnootz, but it should actually be directed at Rick Stroud the writer.  We have one of the very few media’s that will actually chase after malcontent players and coaches to help construct negative stories to fit their agenda.  It has truly gotten out of hand and I believe its affecting the fan base.

I hope one of the things GM Bruce Allen does in the off-season is look at how this overtly negative media is effecting business and develop a strategy to combat it.  Its an unfortunate use of time and a sad statement on the local media (especially Deumig), but if it was me (as GM), I would address it because its hurting my business.

My opinion on the Bucs next seasons strenghts and failures will be up to the GM to make sure that a lot of energy, effort and planning goes into the who they keep, trade, and pick-up to replace tired and worn out players. Some thought should also be given to whether or not Gruden should remain the Head Coach. There is a possiblity that his glory days and achievements for the Bucs may have passed. His success has declined and seems to be setting a very unsatisfactory trend that really doesn’t leave a good memory of him. He has been shadowed by coaches who have successfully gone on and won their divisions. He seems to be coaching the Bucs just when the opportunity to win a wild card fails in the last mintutes of the game. My opinion I believe his time of successful wins is over.
The GM must make some very important decisions for the Bucs to be successful this next season. Some will be regrettful, but necessary, and others will be needed to make the Bucs the best that they can be. The team consist of young players with a lot of hidden talent that needs to be nutured, as a result with polishing these young players the Bucs will be the team to be reckoned with in their division. They should make it to the top of their Division this up-coming season. They play hard, and could be considered one of the greatest Bucs team ever with the proper Head Coach and Quarterback leading them to victory as a candidate for the Super Bowl.

My question is, “Do you guys agree with me on what positions should be drafted this off-season?” In my opinion the first position that should be drafted is a corner that will someday replace Ronnie Barber. Obviously, Allens or Midas isn’t working because the Buccs never signed him. Another thing too is the Bucs need to draft a wide reciever that will replace Joey Galloway. then a defenseive tackle that will replace Chris Hovan . Then a quarterback that will replace Jeff Garcia. And there needs to be another cornerback drafted that will replace Brian Kelley. They need a linebacker that will replace Derek Brooks.They need a fullback that will replace Mike Alscott. And I just hope that they do not get rid of defenseive coordinator Monte Kiffen. If they do decide to replace him they need somebody who will run a 46 defense Loke a Mike Dicca or a Dick Budkiss.