Project Football

2010 marked the greatest turnaround in team history for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs were 10-6 in 2010, up from a dismal 3-13 record in 2009.

A large part of their turnaround can be credited to 2nd year QB Josh Freeman, who ranked 6th in the NFL with a 95.6 QB rating, and passed for more than 3,400 yards and 25 touchdowns, against only 6 interceptions. Wideout Mike Williams finished 4th in the NFL with 11 TD receptions, and RB LeGarrett Blount averaged 5.0 yards per carry. Tampa also has a very strong offensive line which gave up only 28 sacks on the season.I was looking for more information and found it here. Tampa RB’s also averaged 4.6 yards per carry, which was good for 6th in the NFL.

However, Tampa’s defensive line was probably their biggest weakness in 2010, managing only 26 sacks on the season, good for 3rd-worst in the league. Tampa’s D also allowed opposing offenses to convert 3rd down 43.2 of the time, good for 2nd worst in the NFL. However, Tampa’s front office recognized their defensive weaknesses and looked to shore it by drafting DE’s Adrian Clayborn and Da’Quan Bowers in the first 2 rounds, and using their 3rd-round pick on ILB Mason Foster.

Tampa has a solid young core and a competent coaching staff. While their offseason improvements may not be enough to grab a division title, they should be solid contenders for a wild card spot in the playoffs. Look for CB Myron Lewis to have a breakout season in the possible absence of Aqib Talib. Lewis should at least be the nickel CB, if not the every-down starter. DT Gerald McCoy should be a force to be reckoned with in 2011 after an impressive 2010 campaign before becoming sidelined with a biceps injury. Opposing QB’s should be shaking in their shoes having to face a D-line of McCoy, Bowers, and Clayborn. The Bucs D could become a major strength in 2011.