Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2008 Season Preview

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Preview: 2007

In 2007, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sat atop the NFC South with a 9-7 record. During the course of the season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated division rival Carolina Panthers and pulled out tough wins against the Tennessee Titans and the Washington Redskins. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers faced the New York Giants in the Wild Card Playoffs. The New York Giants went on to win the Super Bowl and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were left to assess where it all went wrong.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Preview: Moves

In the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected cornerback Aqib Talib, the former Kansas Jayhawk who is known for his affinity for the ball. Aqib Talib is expected to help on defense as well as special teams. Warrick Dunn, the running back who began his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has also returned. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers believe that Warrick Dunn is still a threat to run for 1,000-plus yards and believe that their excellent offensive line will benefit from his skills.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Offense

RB Cadillac Williams is expected to make a return to the club in 2008 after a potential career-threatening injury. The acquisition of C Jeff Faine puts the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive line in the elite ranks. Jeff Faine is expected to fit right in with G Arron Sears and G Davin Joseph. The interior of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive line will help the Tampa Bay Buccaneers gain crucial running yards. The offensive line will struggle with pass protection due to a lack of athleticism but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive line will prove to be a force to be reckoned with in 2008.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers roster is loaded with quarterbacks, but there is some uncertainty at the position. Jeff Garcia had a stellar season in 2007 but it remains to be seen if he will duplicate that success. The same questions need to be asked at all of the offensive skill positions. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receivers are aging, the running backs are inexperienced and they seem to favor a quantity-over-quality approach at tight end. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have players, but it is uncertain if they have offensive playmakers.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Defense

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers play in a 4-3 defensive scheme backed by a solid corps of defensive backs. Defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin has worked on developing a strong pass rush to be led by DE Gaines Adams. Over the offseason, Gaines Adams has worked to get his body prepared to perform well in his role. Add ball-hawking cornerback Aqib Talib to a solid secondary and you get a group of defensive backs that is ready to wreak havoc on opponents’ receivers. With the newly established pass rush terrorizing quarterbacks and workhorse defensive backs like Aqib Talib and Tanard Jackson threatening to pick off whatever comes their way, Tampa Bay Buccaneers opponents will have their hands full in 2008.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Special Teams



The Tampa Bay Buccaneers special teams charge will be led by rookie KR Dexter Jackson. Drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second round, Dexter Jackson has shown and proved his ability in offseason workouts. Dexter Jackson is electrifying in the open field and his elusiveness will do wonders for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as far as field position is concerned. P Josh Bidwell is expected to help the defense even more. Last season Josh Bidwell placed nearly half of his 77 punts inside of the 20-yard line and averaged nearly 40 yards per punt. K Matt Bryant is unreliable from beyond 50 yards but is automatic where extra points are concerned. The player to watch on special teams for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is rookie Dexter Jackson.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Preview: 2008

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will attempt to repeat as the champions of the NFC South, one of the most unpredictable divisions in the league. Repeating will not be a task as the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints have also beefed up their rosters with potential impact players and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have not managed consecutive winning seasons since Jon Gruden became head coach. Fans can catch all Tampa Bay Bucs home games at Raymond James Stadium in 2008!