NFL 2006: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

(This is the Corners look at the upcoming NFL season. For the next 32 days we'll be previewing each team and their prospects for the 2006 season. Today we look at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.)

After a disappointing 2004 season, Jon Gruden and his Tampa Bay Buccaneers rebounded in a big way in 2005, going 11-5 and winning the NFC South Division title. They would eventually fall in the NFC Divisional Playoffs, but the message was heard loud and clear - the Bucs are back.

Gruden, who brought Tampa Bay a Super Bowl in 2002, is back for a fifth season with a veteran team that looks to do more damage and advance deeper into the playoffs in 2006.

Offense: There will be no quarterback controversy this year in Tampa Bay as Brian Griese was sent packing to Chicago and Chris Simms, who took over for an injured Griese and led the team to the playoffs last season, is the number one guy. He will lead an experienced offense that returns all 11 starters.

Simms (2,035 yards, 10 touchdowns) got better and better as the season progressed and Gruden feels he's going to have a breakout season. Tim Rattay and rookie Bruce Gradkowski are the backups.

Carnell Williams proved he was a Cadillac by winning the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award. Williams started off with a bang and stayed impressive all season long. He rushed for 1,178 yards and six touchdowns. Look for the 'Cadillac' to be even more impressive in 2006. Michael Pittman (436 yards) and Earnest Graham will spell Williams from time to time. The venerable Mike Alstott (six touchdowns, 25 receptions) returns at fullback for a 14th season. Jerald Sowell came over from the Jets to add depth.

Joey Galloway had a resurgence in 2005, catching 83 passes for 1,287 yards and 10 scores. Unfortunately for the Bucs, the other receivers failed to step up and help Galloway. Michael Clayton (32-372) is the other starter, but this is a make or break season for him. He must prove that he can be the receiver he was in college. Ike Hilliard (35-282) has also been a disappointment in his career, but has the skills to be a decent number three. Free agent David Boston looks to resurrect his career after an injury-riddle two seasons in Miami. Rookie Maurice Stovall could be the spark this group needs.

Alex Smith (41-367-2) had an outstanding rookie season and only looks to get better at tight end. Anthony Becht and veteran Dave Moore will provide backup.

The offensive line returns intact with John Wade at center, Sean Mahan and Dan Buenning at the guards and Kenyatta Walker and Anthony Davis at tackle. Watch out for top draft choice Davin Joseph. He will press Mahan and Buenning for a starting job. Jeb Terry, Torrin Tucker and rookie Jeremy Trublood (I love that name) provide depth.

Defense: The Bucs defense, under the direction of longtime coordinator Monte Kiffin, are still one of the best in the league, but the window of opportunity may be closing. This is a veteran group with many playing above the 10-season mark. With ten starters back, It's now or never for these guys.

Anthony McFarland (two sacks) and Chris Hovan (45 tackles) hold down the middle at defensive tackle, while Simeon Rice (40 tackles, 14 sacks) and Greg Spires (47 tackles, four sacks) wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks from their defense end spots. DeWayne White (35 tackles, three sacks), Ellis Wyms (two sacks) and rookie Julian Jenkins will see plenty of action as well.

Tamp mainstays Derrick Brooks (125 tackles, three sacks) and Shelton Quarles (129 tackles) lead the linebacking corps. Brooks, a future Hall of Famer, and Ryan Nece (76 tackles, two sacks) man the outside spots with Quarles in the middle. Free agent Jamie Winborn, Barrett Ruud and rookie Charles Bennett are quality reserves.

All-Pro Ronde Barber (99 tackles, five interceptions, two sacks) is back to lead the secondary. He will team with Brian Kelly (50 tackles, four picks) at the corners. Juran Bolden (42 tackles, two interceptions) is the nickel back, but will be challenged by rookie Alan Zemaitis. Jermaine Phillips (61 tackles) returns at strong safety, but Dexter Jackson left via free agency. He will be replaced at free safety by Will Allen (48 tackles, three interceptions). Donte Nicholson and Kalvin Pearson are reserves.

Special Teams: Matt Bryant (94 points, 21-25 field goals, 31-31 extra points) is a solid kicker and Josh Bidwell (45.6) has a booming leg at punter. Torrie Cox (19.3) returns kicks and Mark Jones (9.6) handles punt return duties.

Outlook: Tampa Bay is an experienced, veteran-laden squad that will challenge Carolina in the South Division once again. How far this team goes depends on the maturity and improvement of Simms. If he keeps learning and getting more comfortable in the pocket, this team could become very difficult to face late in the season. The Bucs have depth and talent everywhere on the roster. The only weak spots are wide receiver and safety. The front seven on defense is downright scary at times.

Prediction: With 21 starters back and another year of maturity for Simms and Cadillac, there's no reason to doubt that the Bucs will challenge for the division and a playoff berth. Tampa Bay will finish 11-5 or 12-4.

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