By Times staff writers
Published September 11, 2005
NEW PERSONNEL, SCHEDULE MEAN MORE VICTORIES
Martin Gramatica blew his kicks. Keenan McCardell blew out of town. Joey Galloway and Anthony McFarland blew any shot at Jim Marshall's consecutive games played record.
When everything that could go wrong last season did, the Bucs went 5-11. So how can they be worse this year?
No, the Bucs aren't a Super Bowl contender. But with key starters back from injury and an influx of new talent, they at least should show improvement.
After setting a team record for passer rating last season, Brian Griese is entrenched as the starting quarterback. Carnell Williams joins Michael Pittman in a potentially explosive backfield.
Ike Hilliard and a healthy Galloway team with emerging star Michael Clayton in a revamped receiving corps.
The offensive line, though inexperienced, is more talented than a year ago. And the defense still ranks among the top 10 in the league.
The schedule includes the Lions (6-10 in '04), Dolphins (4-12), 49ers (2-14), Redskins (6-10) and Bears (5-11).
Go ahead, tell me there aren't five wins in there.
- FRANK PASTORCADILLAC WON'T BE ENOUGH FOR BUCS TO SUCCEED
So let me get this straight, the Bucs are a better team because of Cadillac Williams? This team, which has quickly declined since its Super Bowl season of 2002, is going to top last season's 5-11 masterpiece because a rookie running back has come to the rescue? A rookie who had 12 carries for 48 yards in the preseason, mind you. A rookie who has the honor of running behind an offensive line that still employs Kenyatta Walker, Matt Stinchcomb and some guy named Jeb Terry? I'm not buying it.
Sure, the defense is still solid, even if it did add Dexter Jackson (who was released by the Cardinals - the Cardinals) and Chris Hovan (who fell out of favor with the Vikings). But is this aging defense good enough to hold teams to about 17 points or fewer? That is what probably has to happen for the Bucs to win.
John Madden, the NFL analyst, said in 2000 that when he thinks of the Bucs, he thinks of nine points. That's what this 2005 team looks like. Two yards and a cloud of dust. Oh, and five wins or fewer.
