Inspiring fear in all NFL coaches
I've never been one to put much stock in preseason football, but this year's a little different for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. New coach. New QB. New front office. These preseason games are all Bucs' fans have to go on as far as measuring their team's chances. In this case, that may not be a good thing. To be sure, everybody starts with a 0-0 record. However, this Bucs team seems like it's already in a hole they're not going to climb out of.
Here are some things I noticed in last night's 10-6 loss to the Miami Dolphins:
- QB Controversy. Was it every really a controversery? In what I'm calling the battle of mediocre QB's, it looks like Byron Leftwich has the upper hand. To be honest, nothing excites me about the Bucs QB position. Leftwich isn't a guy that's going to get you excited for week 1. He isn't a guy that you feel is going to pick this team up and put it on his shoulders. If I had my choice as a fan, I would like to see Josh Freeman start week one versus Dallas. Let him take his lumps during this "rebuilding" year. Don't waste any time with Leftwich.
- Running through your team in a Cadillac. Watching #24 cut through that zone blocking scheme was a thing of beauty. You can just feel Caddy emerging as the starter week 1. The man has too much talent to ignore. But, I do have to give props to Earnest Graham for making sure Raheem Morris doesn't forget about him with a 27 yard scamper. If the passing game can do just enough....
- Team D. I was actually impressed with the 1st team defense last night. I thought they did a good job of holding Miami's offense in check. If the Bucs can get pressure at the line of scrimmage like they did last night, the D may not be as bad as I thought.
- Field Goals. Why did I get a strange deja vu feeling watching the Leftwich offense? Mike Shula? Clyde Christensen? Got to close the deal and get in the end zone or it's going to be a very long season.
- Raheem's wardrobe. That dude dresses like I wish I could. Different Bucs gear every quarter. I'm in awe. Now, if he can just coach as well as he dresses.
