Four players who need to turn it around
The Bucs need to do just about everything better in the fall to ensure a better outcome than last season's 4-12 mark.
By STEPHEN F. HOLDER
Published July 8, 2007
The Bucs need to do just about everything better in the fall to ensure a better outcome than last season's 4-12 mark.
But let's get specific. Let's name names. Which Bucs most need to rebound? Given the disconcerting number of players who underachieved, there are scores of potential choices. But here are our picks, in no particular order, of guys who need to respond with big seasons after a disappointing year or serious injuries. And no pressure, fellas, all that's riding on you is, well, the season.
Simeon Rice: The 33-year-old's ability to bounce back or not will be key. The defensive end went down with a season-ending left shoulder injury, but even before that, he was on pace to record the lowest sack total of his career (two in eight games). Remember, we're talking about one of the most prolific pass rushers of his era, a guy who hadn't posted fewer than 11 sacks in each of the previous five seasons.
Unfortunately, it's hard to project what Rice will look like come training camp. He was held out of offseason workouts because of the shoulder, even though he has stayed in shape. But he hasn't taken a snap, and that's not good.
Brian Kelly: We're not down on B.K. It's not his fault his degenerative toe injury limited him to just two games. But this much is certain: The Bucs need the veteran cornerback to perform. Ronde Barber might be remarkably versatile, but he can't blanket receivers like Kelly. He's one of the best one-on-one defenders around. And what better way for Kelly to get that new contract he has been seeking than to remind the Bucs of how badly they need him. Shouldn't be a problem - this guy is as consistent as they come.
Cadillac Williams: Between the quarterback play and the ineffectiveness of the offensive line, you gotta feel for this guy. But this fact remains: An elite running back - which the Bucs consider Williams to be - has to do better than 798 yards, with just a pair of 100-yard games. Even with up-and-down quarterback play and an average line performance in 2005, the Bucs were a much better offense because Williams ran the ball consistently.
Chris Hovan: Maybe we weren't paying close enough attention, but it sure seemed like Hovan was a nonfactor. His numbers didn't drop, as he posted 51 tackles, even better than 2005 when he had 45 stops. But here's a statistic that's more telling: The Bucs ranked 17th against the run last season after a No. 6 ranking in 2005. Hovan's priority at nose tackle is to stop the run. He has to lead the charge in the effort to be stouter against rushers.
NO TANK YOU: Despite speculation, we've learned the Bucs haven't made any overtures to Tank Johnson - yet. But if the defensive tackle, released by the Bears last month, stays on the market long enough, who knows what could happen. For now, though, it seems the Bucs aren't interested. Remember: Johnson must serve an eight-game suspension with his new team stemming from a probation violation.
GATES' CASE FILE: Running back Lionel Gates, arrested in March, has had his case resolved.
No action was taken on a felony charge of aggravated battery on a pregnant female. For the remaining charges - criminal mischief/$1, 000 or more and trespass in an occupied structure - Gates was placed in a pretrial intervention program that included anger management courses and $3, 200 in restitution.
Stephen F. Holder can be reached at sholder@sptimes.com or (813) 226-3377.