The Continuing Saga of Tampa Bay Buccaneer Fan!

I have seen the future, and his name is Caddy.

Let me get this out of the way first, this game was much closer than the final score, which wasn't a blowout anyway. With under two minutes left, the Vikings were driving for the go-ahead score with the tally 17-13. The defense looked gassed - they weren't stopping anyone. They had a chance to end the game with a fumble by Jim Kleinsasser, but he recovered it despite four Bucs around the ball. Then, two plays later, with the Vikings in a goal to go situation, Culpepper (who looked like a rookie, by the way - a bad rookie) throws a pass to Moe Williams that's *this* close, but instead the ball bounces off his hands and into the waiting hands of Brian Kelly, who snags his second INT of the game. The Bucs run it a couple of times, and need about two yards for the first down that will end things. Instead, Caddy breaks a 71 yard scamber for a score, with an assist by the obstructionist Michael Clayton. Culpepper doesn't really have enough time to do anything with it, and as luck would have it, he doesn't - he throws an interception to Derrick Brooks (which compliments the two he threw to Brian Kelly and his two fumbles on the day) for the ballgame.

Enough about how it ended. Here's how it went:

The Bucs DOMINATED the Vikings in the first half. I think Minny rushed for 26 yards or so in the entire game. Their lone highlight was an 88 yard INT return by Darren Sharper. This is my biggest worry as a Buccaneer fan - Griese may not be over his penchant for throwing six the other way. In any case, the first half was no contest. Caddy's yardage wasn't all that great (you can do the math on 27 carries for 148 yards...after you remove a 71 yard run), but what was impressive was how he turned those "no blocking" situations from one yard gains (Pittman or Alstott) into three or four. Man, I can't imagine what he'll do when the line gels.

Oh, and again, that was 27 carries for Caddy. Somebody say a few kind words about the spread the rock offense in Tampa as it's finally laid to rest. Michael Pittman? Zero carries. Zero. He did drop a pass though. Mike Alstott? One.

Besides the pick to Sharper for six, Griese was his usual ho-hum self - 18 of 29, 213 yards, two TDs, two INTs. It's like Brad Johnson is still with us. Hey, if he adds a few yards to that - maybe 50 - plus a completion or three, and turns the two INTs into one or none, and it's pretty much what we can expect all year. And I'll take it.

Michael Clayton had a lousy game, no way to sugarcoat it. He dropped at least two or three balls, and finished with just 4 catches for 57 yards, well below his averages last season. He was an inch off sideline away from turning that into 4 for 90 and a TD, but if the Queen had balls, as they say. Joey Galloway, on the other hand, brought back memories of his Ohio State years. He caught 5 passes for 97 yards - nearly 20 a pop for the math challenged. He also cleanly beat a top secondary not once but twice, only to be overthrown.

I told you about one TD - the cherry by Caddy. The other two were actually courtesy of another rookie, tight end Alex Smith. He finished with 4 catches for 34 yards, and as I said, half of those were in the end zone. He's listed at 6'3 but he looks like he's about 6'7 when he's standing in the endzone. I would not be the least surprised to see him become one of those stud hybrid tight ends that are so popular now - you know, the Shockeys and Heaps of the game. At the very least, he has a sizably lead in the "best 3rd rounder" derby.

The line was, well...it wasn't as bad as last year, which is encouraging considering there were 3 guys getting broken in. It's a shame, because if Caddy had an elite line in front of him, he'd have gone for 200 or more on Sunday. Still, this group showed promise. The run blocking was indeed lousy. The pass blocking though was cause for cheer - Griese only got sacked twice, which is a coup in Tampa.

Matt Bryant rounded things out on offense by hitting all three of his extra points and a 41 yard field goal in his only attempt.

There isn't enough praise to heap on the defense. The mighty Vikings - four runners deep, six receivers deep, all world line, and a future Hall of Famer (in his prime) at quarterback - looked like the Chicago Bears. Culpepper was sacked twice, and his mobility bought him the split second he need to avoid at least another four. The Vikings leading rusher, Moe Williams, had 15 yards. The guy that started the game, Michael Bennett, had negative one on six carries. All in all, they turned the ball over five times and had 248 total yards. The defense brought a tear to my eye with memories of the great units of 1999 and 2002. They were swarming, gang tackling, and they were hitting. It was a sight.

First, it turns out there's something else Buccaneer-related I was correct about. Larry Brackins cleared waivers, and he's been signed to fill that mysterious opening on the practice squad. This was the rare shrewd move by Gruden and Co. - wait until everyone else has their rosters set and, and slip the kid under the radar.

In case it isn't readily apparent, I'm very high on this kid. He doesn't have elite speed, but in terms of size, leaping ability, and body control, he could be former Lion Herman Moore's baby brother. He needs a lot of work - he only played for two years in college, and that was JUCO - but come 2007, I wouldn't be surprised to see him starting and playing well.

The minor correction is just that - I had second year right guard Jeb Terry starting on Sunday, according to the team, it'll actually be third year guard/center Sean Mahan who gets the nod. Terry was dealing with minor injuries during the preseason, and Mahan started nearly half of last season at center last year, after John Wade was injured.

Three days! Three days! Wow, I'm jazzed!

Anyway, with the line coming into focus, I was thinking about doing a post on just those guys, but I ultimately decided just to post the entire starting lineup. This is based on everything I've read and heard from the horse's mouth regarding the Minnesota game. I have to admit, I'm impressed in general with the youth movement. It's a year too late, but this will be a much younger Buc team, especially on offense.

After a strong 2004, Brian Griese returns as the quarterback. The biggest question regards if the full offseason has helped him learn the offense. If it has, he's a dark horse Pro Bowl canidate.

At tailback, Carnell Williams will be on the field for snap one. How many carries he gets is a big question, but against Minnesota's still forming defense, he could get off to a big start and never look back.

When Gruden goes with a traditional fullback, look for Mike Alstott on the field. Alstott may also get carries behind Jameel Cook. Also look for Mike Pittman to get his touches, spelliing Williams, on third and long, and (especially) as a receiver split out or out of the backfield.

Michael Clayton and Joey Galloway will be the starting receivers. When the team goes three-wide, expect Ike Hilliard on the outside and Galloway in the slot, where his raw speed will give safeties headaches. When the team goes four wide, expect to see promising but skinny Edell Sheppard join the fray.

6th offensive lineman Anthony Becht will play on running downs, and occasionally slip out for a play-action pass. When the team goes double tight-end, which I expect to see more often than in the past, Alex Smith, the basketball player-like rookie from Stanford, will join him. Smith won't be asked to block very much until he improves at it, but he should exploit some mismatches with his size and athleticism.

I had wished and hoped for a youth movement on the offensive line, and I got it big time. Future Pro Bowler (mark my words) Anthony Davis will be the starting left tackle, taking over for the departed Derrick Deese. Rookie Badger Dan Buenning is the new left guard, with incumbent Matt Stinchcomb both ailing and lousy when he's healthy. John Wade, still in his prime, is the center again, one of only two returning starters. Second year man Jeb Terry is the new right guard, after a second great camp in a row. He takes over for sloppy, unmotivated Cosey Coleman, now of the Browns. The 2nd returning starter is 5th year man Kenyatta Walker at right tackle.

The defensive line will return three of four starters from last year - and possibly all four. Anthony McFarland will start and under tackle. If he's healthy (JUMBO IF), he will have a huge impact. The team allowed fifteen fewer rushing yards a game last year when he played. Simeon Rice will be the right end, after another pro bowl quality season. Greg Spires, coming off a career year, will be the left end. The nose tackle will either be last year's starter, Ellis Wyms, or comeback player of the year canidate Chris Hovan, late of the Vikings. The title of "starter" is almost ceremonial in this case, as both will see a lot of the field.

Death, taxes, and Derrick Brooks on the weakside. In the middle, Shelton Quarles is back for likely his last go-around with the team. The new strongside guy (which has always been a revolving door under Monte Kiffin) will be Ryan Nece, who started the entire 2003 campaign but was benched last year for Ian Gold. It was thought that job would go to Jeff Gooch, but he blew a calf late in the preseason and is on IR for the year.

For the 6th year in a row, Brian Kelly and Ronde Barber are your starting corners. Jermaine Phillips is shifting from free safety to strong safety. Former Superbowl MVP Dexter Jackson will man the free safety spot, unless Will Allen sneaks up on him. Juran Bolden will be the 5th defensive back.

For the first time since 1999, the Bucs will enter the season with a kicker who isn't Martin Gramatica. Journeyman Matt Bryant, a Giant last season, is the new kicker, and like Martha Stewart says, "It's a good thing." Former Packer Josh Bidwell is back as the punter after a solid 2004 season.

The kick returner will probably be 3rd year cornerback Torrie Cox. He looked lights out in limited duty last season. The punt returner will almost certainly be newly acquired (like, yesterday) former Buc draft pick and Giant Mark Jones.

I'll tell you, I've been down on this team all offseason, but good health, and even modest improvements in the offensive line and kicking game, and this could be a nine win playoff team. With this essentially a rebuilding-retooling-whatever year, so a playoff birth would be a huge bonus to us once again suffering fans.

The tenure of 5th round draft pick Larry Brackins has come to an end, five whole days after surviving cut day.

Brackins was released to make room for punt return specialist (and erstwhile reciever) Mark Jones. Mark Jones, as the hardcores may remember, was a 7th round draft pick of the team in 2004, only to be released during camp of that year. He was picked about by the Giants, and did a servicable job returning kicks in New York. He will probably serve as the primary punt returner and co-kick returner with Torrie Cox.

Brackins didn't do much during the preseason because of injury - 2 catches for 19 yards. It was felt he made the team because of his upside (he has Randy Moss size) and the understanding that after playing in Junior College, he would need time to grow. I don't know what changed between Saturday and today. I suppose the team realized it had a gaping hole in the return game, and sought to fill it. Hopefully, Brackins will clear waivers and find a spot on the practice squad. That is likely one of the reasons the team waiting to cut him - most teams have their rosters and practice squads set, so there's a better chance he'll clear.

Speaking of the practice squad, the signing of Jones meant the release of DeAndrew Rubin, whose return abilities are no longer needed. To fill that spot, the team added hulking fomer Duke tackle Drew Strotny, formerly a draft pick of those same New York Giants.

It is worth noting that a practice squad spot has been open since the group was announced on Monday. Will it be filled with Brackins? Has that been the plan all along? We should know soon.

As promised, here is a brief look at the nine guys who will be members of the Buccaneers practice squad to start the season. These are players who can be called up at any time to take roster spots if the need arises. The downside is, other teams can sign them to their active rosters also. It's interesting to note that all nine spots were filled with players who were in Buccaneer camp, and that no waiver claims were claimed at all. That probably means Gruden feels good about this group.

Tailback Derek Watson was a bubble boy who lost out because of Earnest Graham's bang up preseason. If one of the backs gets injured, this rookie will likely take the 4th runningback job on the active roster.

Wide receiver DeAndrew Rubin starred at Raymond James Stadium as a USF bull. Now, he's back - almost. Although he's not as talented a receiver as the four young wideouts on the roster, he might be a viable option in the return game. If special teams are sputtering or there's a rash of injuries at receiver, Rubin will join the squad.

Center Scott Jackson had a solid camp, but with John Wade healthy and Sean Mahan able to play center if need be, he lost out in a numbers game. If the offensive line continues to be as injury prone as they were in camp, he could find himself with the team before long.

Defensive end Andrew Williams was claimed off waivers from the 49ers at the very end of camp. He had a sack in his only preseason appearance. He's a former day one pick and he has some skill. If he develops in practice, there's an excellent chance he could win a job - and maybe even regular playing time - before the season is out.

Linebacker Matt Grootegoed looked like a lock to make the roster, before the team opted to go with seven receivers and a scant five linebackers. The odds of all five staying healthy all year are paper-thin, so it's very likely Grootegoed will find his way on the team at some point. The former USC star may even be in the team's future plans already.

Defensive backs James Patrick and Kalvin Pearson are both very raw, and will need some practice before they are ready to contribute to the club. Both have ability, and if the team's luck with DB injuries continue, one or both may see PT this season.

There is one more spot still open. As of Wednesday, it was still open.

There is additionally a slot allocated to a foreign born player, as sort of a goodwill ambassadorship thing. This year, that spot goes to safety Claudius Osei. I have no idea what his nationality might be, but I do know he played at Florida State. His spot does not count against the limit, but he cannot join the active roster at any point.

Now that we know the particulars, it's time to rate the units, on the old, familiar to A-F scale. Scientific? No. But hey, Dan Pompei does it and gets paid well. Also included is a quick analysis of the same units entering last season, and a verdict if the team improved, stayed the same, or regressed.

QUARTERBACKS - B

Best Case?
Brian Griese continues to build on a solid first season in Tampa, cutting down on his clutch interceptions, and playing at a near pro bowl level. Either Simms or McCown shows enough to be the answer behind him, or perhaps in the long term.

Worse Case?
Brian Griese implodes, which has happened, or gets drunk and hurts himself, which has also happened. Chris Simms continues to justify my hate. Luke McCown is too raw to beat anybody.

My Guess?
Brian Griese will neither take the next step nor a step backward. He won't lose many games himself, nor will he take the team on his shoulders. Gruden will probably look to use a top pick on the position next year.

Vs. 2004?
This looks like a better unit than we opened up with last year. Brian Griese can't be as bad as old age made Brad Johnson last season. Brian Griese better stay healthy though, because Chris Simms is next in line, again.

Runningbacks - B

Best Case?
Carnell is the real deal. Nuff said. Pittman embraces his backup role and produces in the passing game. Earnest Graham and Mike Alstott provide some short yardage pop. Roundhouse Rick Razzano mentors under Alstott, and doesn't beat up any accountants, and Jameel Cook does his usual steady job as the traditional fullback.

Worst Case?
Carnell is John Avery Jr. Pittman keeps fumbling and pouts about his lack of reps. Earnest Graham isn't ready for primetime, and Alstott has nothing left.

My Guess?
Carnell will have his moments, but he will be uneven behind this line. Pittman will be one of the better backups in the league. Alstott won't contribute much but will give the fans a few parting gift moments. Razzano will supplant Cook as the fullback, and will prepare for a larger role in 2006.

Vs. 2004?
Unless Carnell is terrible, this should be an upgrade. Pittman missed the first three games on suspension, and Charlie Garner blew a knee. Now, Carnell is the man, and Pittman is the backup. Alstott staying healthy - iff - would also help.

Wide Receivers - B

Best Case?
Mike Clayton builds on a boffo rookie year. Galloway stays healthy and does for an entire season what he did for the last month of last year - smoke the occasional defense and open up the underneath. Ike Hilliard is reliable as the 3rd guy on the underneath stuff. Edell Sheppard makes a case for a starting job in 2006.

Worst Case?
Clayton sophomore slumps, Galloway has his annual injury - and it's a biggie, and Hilliard either gets hurts or doesn't have anything in the tank. Plus, none of the pups develop.

My Guess?
This unit will be inconsistent, but if they all stay healthy, they should be one of the better units on the team. It would be nice to have a complete receiver opposite Clayton, instead of two limited guys, but the talent is here. One of the young guys stepping up will be gravy.

Vs. 2004?
It isn't a fair comparison. The 2004 group entered the season banged up, and scrubs like Tim Brown and Bill Schroeder saw time early. Michael Clayton is a year old, and as of right now, Galloway is healthy. This is a vastly improved group. Ike Hilliard will provide insurance, and instead of crusty vets playing in case of emergency, it will be young guys with upside.

Tight End - A-

Best Case?
Anthony Becht will blow open holes in the run game and catch the odd pass, plus his dropsies in the red zone will go away. Alex Smith will exploit the seam and provide the Bucs with a "next gen" type tight end receiving threat. Dave Moore will snap the ball well and be effective blocking in the jumbo sets. Nate Lawrie will make a case for Moore's job next year.

Worst Case?
Anthony Becht is in over his head in the running game with little offensive line help, and continues to have hands of stone. Alex Smith isn't physical enough to beat press coverage in the pros. Dave Moore just gets older, and Nate Lawrie doesn't contribute.

My Guess?
Anthony Becht will help the run game greatly. He will make a few nice redzone grabs, but he will drop some also. Alex Smith will be inconsistent, and he will miss some blocks, but he will have a few "whoa" moments in the passing game. Dave Moore might make a sentimental red zone catch, but will mostly not be mentioned. Ditto Nate Lawrie, though "sentimental" becomes "promising."

Vs. 2004?
This is the most upgraded position on the team from last year. Ken Dilger had little left last year, Rickey Dudley was a nonfactor, and Will Heller was nothing special. The improvements to this position will be noticed every game, if not nearly every drive.

Offensive Line - C-

Best Case?
Anthony Davis continues kicking defense end rear. Matt Stinchcomb doesn't suck. John Wade stays healthy and is his usual rock solid self. The right guard - Terry? Buenning? - shows promise. Kenyatta Walker continues to grow. On the whole, the best case scenario is simply the line showing promise and not short circuiting too many plays before they develop.

Worst Case?
The injuries that plagued the unit in the preseason continue. Anthony Davis can't handle the talented ends in the NFC South. Stinchcomb successfully defends his title as the worst offensive lineman in the NFL. Wade is still suffering from his knee injury. The right guard is in over his head. Kenyatta Walker regresses with the penalties.

My Guess?
Unlike last year's line, there's hunger with this group. While they will not be confused with Kansas City, they will be good enough to keep Brian Griese upright and give Carnell Williams a fighting shot at rookie of the year.

Vs. 2004?
This group can't be anyworse than the 2004 line, which may have been the worst healthy starting five in the NFL in the last decade. There are a few potential studs in Anthony Davis, Sean Mahan, and Jeb Terry, and Kenyatta Walker is a year better. This line will be mediocre, which is good, and average next year, which is great.

Defensive Line - A

Best Case?
Anthony McFarland will stay healthy. Chris Hovan will make a run at comeback player of the year. Greg Spires will build on a career year. Simeon Rice will again be among the league leaders in sacks. Dewayne White will again be one of the best 3rd defensive ends in the league. The depth guys, specifically, Ellis Wyms, will maintain the high level of the starters.

Worst Case?
Booger will get hurt, again. Hovan will show why he couldn't crack the top nine defensive lineman rotation in Minny last season. Simeon Rice will only get garbage time sacks, Greg Spires will be a one-year wonder, and White won't improve.

My Guess?
Booger WILL get hurt, but hopefully not for too long. Chris Hovan will split the difference between his "on" years and his "off" years. Simeon Rice will have the same year he always seems to have - alternately dominating and disappearing. Greg Spires and Dewayne White will be a solid rotation.

Vs. 2004?
Well, that depends on injuries. Last season, 33 year old, 265 pound Chidi Ahanotu was starting at defensive tackle. Hopefully, nothing like that will happen again. A healthy McFarland and Chris Hovan will really help against the run. The pass rush will only improve if Dewayne White takes his game to the next level, though.

Linebackers - B

Best Case?
Derrick Brooks has another few strong years in him. Ditto Shelton Quarles. Ryan Nece takes the next step after an on again, off again apprenticeship. Barrett Ruud gets ready to start in 2006. Ditto Marquis Cooper. And Jeff Gooch successfully rehabs from his injury.

Worst Case?
If an aging linebacker corp suddenly becomes OLD, and the young pups, specifically Cooper and Ruud, aren't ready to take the reigns, the Buc defense will become very average, very quickly.

My Guess?
Nobody will confuse this group with, well, the same group of three years ago. That said, the starters should play well as a unit for at least another season, and Ruud and Cooper should be ready to start by next year. For yet another year, this group will excel against the pass and get blown up far too often against the run.

Vs. 2004?
Big step backwards. Ian Gold was a much better player than Ryan Nece. Brooks and Quarles were a year younger. While a big part of this year should be getting Ruud and Cooper ready for 2006, this unit will suffer under old age and slight build this season.

Defensive Backs - B-

Best Case?
Health is a good start. Barber and Kelly are still an elite duo, but they need to stay healthy. Juran Bolden is servicable 3rd corner. Torrie Cox and/or Blue Adams step up in the dime. At safety, Jermaine Phillips plays more instinctive and shows the benefits of a year starting, and the Dexter Jackson/Will Allen duo doesn't give up many big plays. Plus, young guys like Donte Nicholson and Allen develop.

Worst Case?
Kelly and/or Barber miss significant time to injury. Bolden doesn't provide an upgrade over departed nickelback bust Mario Edwards. Phillips continues to give up big plays. Jackson is a year too old, and Allen is a year too young.

My Guess?
I think this unit will be solid, but not spectacular. The pass rush will need to be explosive to cover for a general lack of speed from the corners and instincts from the safeties. Simply put, this unit will be as good as the front seven allows them to be.

Vs. 2004?
Losing Dwight Smith hurts. He was a ballhawk and a hitter, and he was just entering his prime. This is another unit, particularily at corner, that may show it's age soon. Only a quantum leap from Jermaine Phillips can keep this unit from being below the usually high Buc standards.

Special Teams - B

Best Case?
Matt Bryant as even an average kicker would be great. Josh Bidwell continues his solid punting. Torrie Cox looked like he has the stuff to be a boffo kick returner. Joey Galloway makes good on his speed in the punt return game.

Worst Case?
Matt Bryant shows why he's a journeyman. Bidwell goes back to his Green Bay form. Torrie Cox turns out to be a flash in the pan, and Joey Galloway continues to not exploit his elite speed returning punts.

My Guess?
The kickers will be adequate. Not pro bowl or anything, but good enough not to cost the team many games or too much field position to overcome. The return game will continue to be a weakness of the team, and the dreaded streak we all know and hear about every single week will continue for another year.

Vs. 2004?
Second verse same as the first, except at kicker. Matt Bryant can be mediocre and still provide a HUGE improvement over deposed Martin Gramatica. Plus, not having Tim "fair catch" Brown fair-catching every single punt will help some.

I just wanted to take a moment to give props to the veteran guys (not the rooks) who could have gone either way, but made their ways onto the opening day roster. I hope they are productive and successful here in Tampa, and I'm sure we'll be seeing a lot more of some of them in the next few years. Again, congrats!

Cut day has come and gone, and now we know how the roster will look when the season starts, barring of course any practice injuries in the next week. I have to say, I was pretty spot on, with only a couple of misses. Below are the guys who made it, and the guys who didn't, position by position.

One other note - the nine man practice squad (the ninth man will be an international exemption) will be announced later in the week, and of course I'll have something on that when it breaks.

Quarterbacks
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IN: Brian Griese, Chris Simms, Luke McCown
OUT: None

Nothing more to be said. The extra guy, Jared Allen, was cut in the last round. There was no fat to trim.

Runningbacks
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IN: Carnell Williams, Michael Pittman, Earnest Graham, Mike Alstott (FB), Jameel Cook (FB), Rick Razzano (FB)

OUT: Derek Watson

It's a minor surprise that Watson was cut and Razzano is staying on. I guess the plan is to have Mike Alstott work purely as a situational, short-yardage guy, and not to use him at fullback at all. Derek Watson has some ability, but a bad attitude and the impressive (amazing?) preseason by Earnest Graham made him expendable.

Wide Receiver
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IN: Michael Clayton, Joey Galloway, Ike Hilliard, Edell Sheppard, Larry Brackins, Paris Warren, JR Russell

OUT: DeAndrew Rubin, Derek McCoy, Terrance Metcalf

I can't honestly say I've ever seen a team take seven healthy wide receivers into the season. In the end, Brackins, Warren, and Russell all did enough to stay on board. I guess it's not a bad idea, considering the injury history of Galloway and Hilliard, and the slight build of Edell Sheppard. It also indicates that Galloway and Hilliard may be coming to the end of their tenures after this season.

TE
----
IN: Anthony Becht, Alex Smith, Dave Moore, Nate Lawrie

OUT: Will Heller

Another surprise, the team keeps four tight ends. I suppose Dave Moore is going to be more used as a longsnapper than from scrimmage, and Nate Lawrie was too impressive in the preseason to cut.

OL
----
IN: Anthony Davis, Matt Stinchcomb, Jeb Terry, Sean Mahan, John Wade, Chris Colmer, Dan Buenning, Kenyatta Walker, Todd Steussie

OUT: Derrick Deese, Sam Lightbody, Jon Clicksdale, Scott Jackson

Deese is the big name cut of the team. His inability to recover from his foot injury made him expendable, as did the emergence of Anthony Davis. The other three cuts were predictable.

DL
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IN: Anthony McFarland, Chris Hovan, Ellis Wyms, Simeon Rice, Greg Spires, Dewayne White, Anthony Bryant, Jon Bradley

OUT: Delbert Cowsette, Josh Savage, Brian Save, Andrew Williams

This was predictable, except for unheralded Jon Bradley beating out Andrew Williams and Josh Savage for the final job. I can't wait to see this kid on the field - Savage and Williams can play, so he must have some real ability.

LB
---
IN: Derrick Brooks, Shelton Quarles, Marquis Cooper, Barrett Ruud, Ryan Nece

OUT: Matt Grootegoed, Josh Buhl, Jermaine Taylor

IR: Jeff Gooch

The flipside shocker to the team keeping seven wideouts is the team only keeping five linebackers. That's a frightening prospect, and should a couple of guys get hurt - which is plausible - we could see a street free agent starting two days after being signed. I certainly thought that if Gooch were IRed, which he was, the team would keep Buhl or Grootegoed for depth purposes. Undoubtedly, one or more of these guys will find their way to the practice squad.

DB
----
IN: Ronde Barber, Brian Kelly, Donte Nicholson, Dexter Jackson, Jermaine Phillips, Blue Adams, Juran Bolden, Torrie Cox

OUT: Hamza Abdullah, Kalvin Pearson, James Patrick

No real surprises here. Blue Adams was the only guy really fighting for his spot. Abdullah is the only guy drafted this year, out of about a dozen guys, to be cut. That's the sign of either a good draft or a terrible team. Both, in this case.

Specialists
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IN: Matt Bryant (K), Josh Bidwell (P)

OUT: Todd France (K), Brian Simjanovski (P)

As I predicted, Gruden went with the known commodity in Bryant. Simjanovski was only here to audition for other teams and keep Bidwell's leg fresh.

There you have it, your 2005 Buccaneers opening day roster. I will post the practice squad, or any waivers claims, when they occur.

As I type this (can we really say "write" anymore), it's roughly ten hours before the league imposed deadline for submitting the final, 53 man roster. The Bucs are 23 over that number right now. While it certain that some players will be "injured reserved," which counts towards the cutdown, the only vets, thankfully, in that position are Derrick Deese, who continues to nurse a bum foot, and Jeff Gooch, who apparently has some kind of nasty pull/strain/tear (the team won't specificy) that is going to at least keep him out of the Minnesota game.

Instead of predicting the cuts, as I did last time, I'm going to predict the final, 53 man roster that I expect to see come 3pm this afternoon.

Quarterbacks
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Brian Griese
Chris Simms
Luke McCown

This is the only "slam dunk" of the position battles. Unless there's a practice injury, these will be the quarterbacks entering the season.

Runningbacks
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Carnell Williams
Michael Pittman
Derek Watson
Earnest Graham
Mike Alstott (FB)
Jameel Cook (FB)

There's a chance that either Watson or Graham could be cut. I'm banking that the strong preseasons had by each will win them jobs. Everyone else is a lock. Carnell was the top pick, Pittman is a slam dunk as the backup. Alstott won't be cut simply because of his value as a leader and to the fanbase. Jameel Cook is the only legit fullback on the roster, though he faces a challenge from "roundhouse" Rick Razzano for the job.

Wide Receiver
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Michael Clayton
Joey Galloway
Ike Hilliard
Edell Sheppard
JR Russell
Larry Brackins

Gruden says it's up in the air if the team will keep five or six receivers. I think six is the minimum, with all the young talent at the position. The top four spots are locked. Three receivers - 5th rounder Larry Brackins and fellow 7th rounders JR Russell and Paris Warren - vie for the last two spots. Russell has been a preseason stud, with 11 grabs for 139 yards and a score. Brackins did not contribute much in the preseason, but the team expected as much. He will get the final spot over Warren simply on the basis that it's 50/50 the team will lose Warren if he has to go through waivers (before joining the practice squad), but losing Brackins, with his incredible upside, would be a given. Note also the absence of DeAndrew Rubin, former USF star. He's been a good punt returner this preseason, but he walked into a loaded position battle. If the return game falters, he could be brought back during the season.

Tight End
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Anthony Becht
Alex Smith
Dave Moore

The first two are a given. Dave Moore's longsnapping ability, veteran leadership (which Gruden seems to value in a player), and reliability will win him the job over Nate Lawrie and Will Heller.

Offensive Line
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Anthony Davis
Matt Stinchcomb
John Wade
Sean Mahan
Kenyatta Walker
Jeb Terry
Dan Buenning
Chris Colmer
Todd Steussie

This assumes Derrick Deese is put on IR. If he's not, you can count Steussie out (here's hoping). This group is like a poorly cooked steak - grizzled on the outside, raw in the middle.

Defensive Line
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Anthony McFarland
Chris Hovan
Simeon Rice
Greg Spires
Dewayne White
Anthony Bryant
Andrew Williams
Ellis Wyms

This is a good young group. Everyone there is a given. Williams look good in his only preseason appearance, and the team is high on him. Josh Savage likely lost his job when Williams came aboard.

Linebackers
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Derrick Brooks
Shelton Quarles
Ryan Nece
Barrett Ruud
Marquis Cooper
Matt Grootegoed

If Jeff Gooch ends up on IR - a possibility - this is what the linebackers will look like. Grootegoed will be gone if Quarles comes back and Gruden decides he only needs six linebackers. Josh Buhl is a darkhorse.

Defensive Backs

Ronde Barber
Brian Kelly
Jermaine Phillips
Dexter Jackson
Will Allen
Juran Bolden
Torrie Cox
Donte Nicholson
Blue Adams

Barber, Kelly, Jackson, Allen, and Phillips are the only "bet my life on it" sure things. Juran Bolden is the likely nickelback. He's a vet with good ball skills, and he's played well in the preseason. Torrie Cox is a boffo kick returner and showed flashes at cornerback last season. He'll likely be the 4th guy. The only sure thing at safety is Jermaine Phillips at SS. Will Allen and Dex Jackson are fighting for the FS job. Donte Nicholson will probably back up Phillips. If the team decides it needs a 5th corner, it'll probably be Blue Adams.

Specialists
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Matt Bryant (K)
Josh Bidwell (P)

Bidwell will be the punter. In the tense battle between Bryant and Todd France, I give Bryant the edge (though I think France has much more upside) because he's the known commodity here, and Gruden almost always errs on the side of the known commodity.

So, there you have it. We'll see this afternoon how close I was.

Boy howdy, talk about starting the season with a little "mo!" The Bucs routed the Texans tonight - the game wasn't even as close as the lopsided score. Tampa's first string D picked off David Carr twice in the first quarter - the first by nickelback Juran Bolden, who helped his cause, and the other by primetime Ronde Barber. Carr would finish one of five for four yards and two picks against the first string D...if that's not a good sign, I don't know what is.

The hero was Chris "Powder" Simms, who probably, unfortunately, locked up the backup job with his play. He threw 12 of 16 for 163 yards and three, count 'em three touchdown passes. Have I changed my mind about him? No. The Texans did NOT look ready to play, and he did it against the backups. Still, it's encouraging.

Luke McCown also played well in limited reps. He completed 4 of 6 passes for 44 yards and a TD. Young receivers Edell Sheppard, JR Russell, Paris Warren, and tight end Nate Lawrie all caught TDs. Mike Alstott also ran one in. Newly acquired defensive end Andrew Williams helped his chances of making the final roster with a nasty sack of Preston Parsons in the fourth quarter. Matt Bryant may have won the kicking job with a 53 yard beauty in the first quarter.

Carnell Williams carried twice for 7 yards, and caught a pass for six yards. The lack of carries he's received in the preseason leads me to wonder how ready for primetime he will be, but hey, at least he's healthy.

Earnest Graham had his quietest preseason game, rushing 5 times for 16 yards and catching 2 passes for 25 yards. He was kept out of the endzone after scoring 5 times in the first 3 games. Hopefully, this is not cause to cut him.

As I said, the game was not as close as the score. The game was love 24 when the starters left, and 38-zip before Houston scored two garbage time TDs. Also, although the yardage was near even - Tampa 327-305, 120 of those Texan yards came on two long pass plays.

The Bucs signed 49er cut Andrew Williams off waivers on Tuesday. Although we can't say for certain who would have made the team had the team not claimed Williams, the smart money is on Bryant McNeal, since McNeal was the only defense end cut, and he was considered to be *right* on the bubble.

Williams is a former Miami Hurricane standout and former 3rd round draft choice. He was ineffectual with the Niners as an end. When new coach Mike Nolan decided to try the 3-4 defense, he was converted to OLB, but obviously he wasn't up for the transition.

Physically, at 6'3 270, he's very similar to Greg Spires, another scrap heap guy who made good in Tampa. Logically, he will return to end here, in Tampa's undersized, speed oriented 4-3. There's little reason to believe the light will go on, based on his play with the Niners. That said, he couldn't ask to land in a better place. He'll have the defensive coaching the Niners have lacked during his tenure, and a system that fits his skills.

As my regular, ummm, reader knows from prior posts, the Buccaneers needed to cut 15 players before 4PM EST on Tuesday. They did so, with one more to boot (more on that later).

The headliner, the Tara Reid name you know in the direct to DVD horror flick filmed in Toronto, was Charlie Garner. Charlie Garner, who has Todd Steussie to thank for not being the Todd Steussie of the Gruden era.

Garner was brought on board in the empty, gluttonous 2004 offseason. He was one of Gruden's fishing buddies from Oaktown, and despite being 33 years old (ancient for a running back), coming off a major knee injury, and having a game predicated on speed and agility because of his substandard size (5'10, 190). Garner was given a 5 year, 19.7 million dollar contract (most of that in "funny money"), with a very unfunny 3.7 million dollar signing bonus. A running back was needed, mainly because of Michael Pittman's 3 game suspension to open the season (for playing bumper cars with his wife), but the league was shocked when Garner was given such a lucrative deal.

Long story short, Garner carried 33 times for 100 yards, before predictably blowing out his knee, again. He made $37,000 a yard in bonuses alone. And the team lost all three games anyway.

The only reason Todd Steussie is the Todd Steussie of the Gruden era is, Todd Steussie didn't have an injury to blame his flaming crapiness on. So I suppose he should send old Todd (who still has a job here) a Christmas card this year. With the $4 mil plus Jon Gruden gave him, he can afford a nice, Hallmarky one too.

The big positive here, besides yet another nail in the coffin of the Gruden era that is admitting another HUGE personnel gaff, is that the team obviously is very high on youngsters Derek "Lawrence Phillips Jr" Watson and Preseason Hall of Famer Earnest Graham.

Okay, enough of that. On to the other 15 cuts.

QB Jared Allen. I had written that he had already been cut by the team, weeks ago. That was actually true. I didn't realize he'd been resigned. Well, it doesn't matter, because he's been cut again.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN? It means that Gruden wants to give plenty of reps to Luke McCown and Chris Simms in final practices of the preseason, to better determine the primary backup.

G Phil Bogle. The recently signed former Charger starter was a loser in a numbers game. Theres's actually a good chance he'll catch on somewhere.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN? The line is finally getting healthy, and there are enough warm bodies to start the season without him.

G Doug Buckles. Apparently, Buckles had an appendectomy in camp, which limited his ability to show what he can do.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN? Well, it means that it's tough to compete for a job in the NFL fresh off an appendectomy. Also, all that other stuff that applied to Bogle about the line getting healthy.

WR Chris Davis. He was pretty much a camp body this year, after spending 2004 on the Giants practice squad.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN? It means he won't be the miracle no name who makes the final roster. It also means that our young drafted trio - Russell, Warren, and Brackins likely will.

DT Damian Gregory. He had a decent chance to make the team, but he injured his shoulder against the Dolphins. It's a shame, because there's a chance he could have contributed. Depending on the severity of the injury, he could be resigned at some point during the season.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN? It means he was on the bubble as it was, and the shoulder injury popped it. It also means the team feels pretty good about Chris Hovan and the other project DTs.

LB Byron Hardmon. The former Florida Gator couldn't crack perhaps the deepest unit on the team.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN? It simply means that there are better options at OLB available to the team at this point.

FB Steve Kriewald. The bruising Husker back couldn't do enough to convince the team they needed another fullback.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN? It means you'll see four running backs make the team, and it means you'll see a lot of Jameel Cook and some of Mike Alstott at FB.

WR Derrick Lewis. Despite making the active roster for a game last season - no mean feat - Lewis loses the numbers game.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN? See Chris Davis. The young trio is progressing nicely, and there simply won't be room for one of these camp body types to crack the final roster, barring injury.

DT Lynn McGruder. Former OU standout simply did not have size, athleticism, or tools to play at this level. Though he reminded me a bit of Brad Culpepper, he simply lacked the motor to overcome his shortcomings.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN? Again, this is an indication that the team is happy with Chris Hovan, Ellis Wyms, and the other DTs on the roster.

DE Bryant McNeal. Former Bronoco bust looked like he had a fighting chance to make the team, but former 49er Andrew Williams (see below) seemed like a better option to the team.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN? It means you can expect Josh Savage, and/or Andrew Williams will make the team. It also means he simply isn't going to recapture whatever made him a pass rushing terror in college.

LS Brian Sawyer. He was brought in when longsnapper Dave Moore broke his finger, to preform the longsnapping duties in practice and preseason games.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN? Well, obviously it means that Dave Moore's finger is feeling better.

RB Ian Smart. Smart, whose 25 yard scamper was a highlight last season, simply lost out to more physically gifted runners. Here's hoping he catches on somewhere else.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN? I'd say it means you can count on Derek Watson AND Earnest Graham making the team. If one of the backs gets injured, though, I wouldn't be surprised if Smart's phone is the first to ring.

CB Ronyell Whitaker. Hardcore fans remember him as one of the "in over his head" rookies to see duty in the defensive backfield in 2003. Last year, the former Hokie spent his time on the practice squad.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN? It's encouraging, in that Whitaker is a player who could have contributed if there were major shortcomings at cornerback. Expect to see Juran Bolden, Torrie Cox, and another youngster on the final roster.

T Sam Wilder. Brought in by trade (!), the former Cowboy OT was made expendable by the return to health of several key linemen.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN? It means Kenyatta Walker and Derrick Deese will be up to playing soon, and Chris Colmer is coming along. Still, I wish we hadn't traded a pick for this guy!

WR Kevin Youngblood. All the other comments about the wide receivers apply. Youngblood had a fighting chance because of his experience on the practice squad.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN? It means this will probably be year 3 on the practice squad for Youngblood.

SO WHAT'S NEXT?
Well, between roster exemptions and the next wave of cuts, there are 23 guys who will be former Buccaneers come Saturday at 4PM. I'll surely have more info on who those guys might be sometime during the week.

No real "big stories" come out of this game. Thankfully, there were no injuries - that's usually the most important thing to report after any preseason game, especially when you have enough offensive linemen hurt to field a Mean Machine team (that is, if the talent was there, har har).

The biggest thing that jumps out at me is the game Earnest Graham had. Graham at this point is the LaDanian Tomlinson of preseason football. Again, he played about a half. Again, he was the leading rusher for the Bucs - 14 carries, 60 yards. The highlight of the game, for Graham, the Bucs, and the fans, was a gorgeous TD run in the 3rd quarter. The play was designed to go left, and Graham ran left, got hemmed in, and REVERSED HIS FIELD, came across the field back to the right, and ran it in 19 yards for the score.

I'm not a Graham fan, but after the FIVE touchdowns (and counting) he's scored in the preseason, there's something wrong with the system if he doesn't make the team.

Carnell Williams got a bit more work, rushing for 28 yards on 5 carries behind an offensive line that could kindly be called "makeshift." He showed burst and vision unseen in a Buc back since...Ricky Bell, maybe? Now, with a whole ten carries to base the comparison on, he reminds me most of Clinton Portis, at least among active players. I'm excited.

In the backup quarterback arena, Chris Simms went 5-10 for 85 yards, no TDs, no picks. For this, he was praised. I'll admit, I'm happy with the yardage, but 5-10 is cause for praise? Does that say more about him, or Jon Gruden?

Meanwhile, Luke McCown went 4-7 for 38 yards and a tipped ball interception. Not his best game, but still lightyears ahead of where Simms was after 3 months in Tampa.

In other news, Todd France took and made both the team's field goal attempts (46 and 27), and appears to have the kicking job locked up, though Matt Bryant is still on the team after Tuesday cuts.