With '06 (thankfully) almost done, a look-ahead to '07

This week's electronic conversation between Sports columnists John Romano and Gary Shelton focuses on the end of 2006, the quarterbacks and expectations for next season.

By GARY SHELTON and JOHN ROMANO
Published December 31, 2006

JR: Gary, the end is finally upon us. Should we call a priest for last rites or a caterer for a celebration?

GS: Call an optometrist because my eyes ache. Call a storage company because it's time to put a team in mothballs. Call Mel Kiper because this team needs help.

JR: Okay tell me, O' Wisened One, the Bucs rebounded from a 5-11 season in 2004 to make the playoffs in '05. Are the pieces in place to pull off another one-season turnaround?

GS: I think the Bucs are this close, if you regard "this" as about 11 players. I figure the Bucs need two defensive linemen, a linebacker, two safeties, a corner, a wide receiver, a left tackle, a kick returner, a fullback and another quarterback. If they can get those, they can be 7-8 just like the rest of the NFC.

JR: Just one more reason to look back at this season in regret. There are five teams at 7-8 that are still in the playoff hunt in the NFC this week. Take away Alex Smith's fumble in Chicago, enforce a roughing the passer penalty against Carolina and give Jon Gruden a Doppler Radar in New York, and the Bucs are 7-8 and challenging for the postseason.

GS: Right. And if Matt Bryant had kicked 10 more field goals against Baltimore, baby, you could be talking about a dynasty. What did you have for breakfast? Cheerleaderios?

JR: I'm getting grief from the guy who once compared Bruce Gradkowski to Rocky?

GS: Come on. Have you ever seen Sylvester Stallone try to throw long? Can't do it.

JR: Speaking of quarterbacks, you seem skeptical about the Bucs and Chris Simms renewing their marriage vows. I'm a little more inclined to give those crazy kids my blessing, but I do wonder if there will be further quarterback chasing. Can you give Simms a sizable contract and then bring in a legitimate free agent to compete for the starting job? Or do you bring in an older guy who is clearly the backup? Or do you insist that Gradkowski can be a No. 2?

GS: You and I don't agree on much, but I think we can agree on this. I think the Bucs should sign Tom Brady. Seriously, the big mistake of this year was the team going into the season with Simms, Gradkowski and a veteran backup du jour. Next year, they have to have someone who can challenge. Otherwise, the team won't.

JR: Oh, we agree on more than you realize. Jim Mora Jr.? Dork. Derrick Brooks? Role model. Gary Shelton and John Romano? Sarcastic $#%!&*#s.

GS: Often, we agree on lunch. So do we agree on next season's Bucs record? What does your Magic Eight Ball say, son of Swami?

JR:  In 2005, I thought they might improve enough to be .500, and they shocked me by winning 11. This season, I thought they would stumble slightly and finish around .500, and they shocked me by losing 11. I'm sticking to my guns. In 2007, by gosh, they'll finally be the .500 team I've been envisioning for years. Am I wrong?

GS: Usually. But let's say you're right. Assuming a weaker schedule, more draft picks and 3-4 free agents, will 8-8 be good enough for Jon Gruden to avoid the heat?

JR: Depends on who is in charge of bringing the heat. I'm guessing fans and chubby columnists will be carrying blowtorches if the Bucs don't make the playoffs. The Glazers, on the other hand, will be supplying him with Coppertone and lip balm.

GS: You're kidding. If the Bucs don't make a heck of a run at the playoffs next year, I think they'll make a change. And Gruden won't need Coppertone after he's transferred to Manchester.

.

[Last modified December 30, 2006, 23:29:25]