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Does anybody really believe the Super Bowl champion Bucs are a super clear-cut favorite to retain their throne — let alone a division title in the frisky NFC South, with the Falcons, Saints and vastly improved Panthers nipping at their heels?
Does anybody really have a clue at the moment?
With the NFL newsfront experiencing its typical late-May lull, perhaps a closer look at the league’s 2002 playoff teams, beginning with the Bucs, can help answer that question.
Let’s take a look at just how many of last year’s postseason participants appear to have actually strengthened themselves this offseason via free agency, trades and or the draft — and let the math speak for itself.
Tampa Bay (12-4) — I think head coach Jon Gruden should cut GM Rich McKay some slack after criticizing McKay’s supposed lack of free-agent activity at the March owners’ meeting. While LB Dwayne Rudd’s occasional brain cramps are well-documented, he figures to be a good fit in Tampa Bay’s defensive scheme. Free-agent additions Jason Whittle and John Wade should solidify the Bucs’ offensive line, and the Bucs definitely did the right thing by re-upping with MLB Shelton Quarles and OT Roman Oben — two very underrated contributors to last year’s success. Just based on his character and work ethic alone, Jim Miller is a quality addition. If he’s fully healthy and something happens to Brad Johnson, Miller could end up being a godsend. Rookie Chris Simms offers intriguing QB depth. As far as free-agent departures go, both Al Singleton and Super Bowl hero Dexter Jackson are replaceable.
Better or worse? Better — but just a little.
more
Does anybody really have a clue at the moment?
With the NFL newsfront experiencing its typical late-May lull, perhaps a closer look at the league’s 2002 playoff teams, beginning with the Bucs, can help answer that question.
Let’s take a look at just how many of last year’s postseason participants appear to have actually strengthened themselves this offseason via free agency, trades and or the draft — and let the math speak for itself.
Tampa Bay (12-4) — I think head coach Jon Gruden should cut GM Rich McKay some slack after criticizing McKay’s supposed lack of free-agent activity at the March owners’ meeting. While LB Dwayne Rudd’s occasional brain cramps are well-documented, he figures to be a good fit in Tampa Bay’s defensive scheme. Free-agent additions Jason Whittle and John Wade should solidify the Bucs’ offensive line, and the Bucs definitely did the right thing by re-upping with MLB Shelton Quarles and OT Roman Oben — two very underrated contributors to last year’s success. Just based on his character and work ethic alone, Jim Miller is a quality addition. If he’s fully healthy and something happens to Brad Johnson, Miller could end up being a godsend. Rookie Chris Simms offers intriguing QB depth. As far as free-agent departures go, both Al Singleton and Super Bowl hero Dexter Jackson are replaceable.
Better or worse? Better — but just a little.
more
