I was reading up on the Plaxico Burress story and it kind of hit me.... even if they don't sign Plax, this offense should be really exciting to watch. I hated the dink and dunk and lack of commitment to the run that was Jon Gruden, especially because we have such a solid offensive line. I understand the running backs kind of depleated towards the end, but now... the stable is full. Earnest Graham, Derrick Ward, Caddy, and I'm am REALLY excited to see what Clifton Smith does in the zone scheme.

with Gruden it just kind of seemed like forcing a square peg into a round hole. all the traps and pulls just didn't really fit our offensive line or our running backs... now it's all zone and the addition of Derrick Ward (who in my mind is a perfect fit for a zone scheme) I think this running game could really take off like it almost did last season. And I'm telling you guys, Clifton Smith is going to learn how to hold onto that rock and will make some explosive plays.

And if that running game can put pressure on defenses to load the box then it won't matter who the quarterback is, because Antonio Bryant is just a beast. And I think he will thrive in the much more vertical passing scheme. And it seems Morris and Jags are searching diligently for a play making reciever opposite Bryant (Clayton is good, and really is a great blocker, but we could someone who can stretch the field with Antonio) 

And even when you look at the QB position. you have to be somewhat confident. we might not have a Tom Brady or even anything too close, But we do seem to have a good selection of QBs that have big arms. plenty of weapons between the running backs, the tight ends and Bryant. I really don't care who the QB is.. I think they should do fine.

I've heard the fuss over being ranked 29th on NFL.com.... screw them. And I know there many questions to be answered on defense. But I REALLY think this offense is going to be much improved, and should be able to keep the defense off the field and score touchdowns... not just dink and dunk their way into field goal position. We will no longer need a defense that holds teams to 17 or under. This offense will be potent and powerful.... with a down hill hard nosed running game and a big play play-action passing game. winning with offense... I know it's hard to believe Buc fans. But I think that will be the name of our game in 2009.

The flipping of the pancake that is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is almost complete. I don't expect too many drastic changes between now and training camp. And to tell you the truth they're really doesn't need to be.

raheem and dominik have brought in players that have proven to be productive and they've brought it alot of young talent. Alot of decisions have been questioned and Morris and Dominik for some of the moves... but they've been made (or not made) and even us fans who don't agree have to realize that these guys would like to keep their jobs are out to build a consistant winner.

But as far as this season, I think it all will rest on the two best decisions Morris has made... Jim Bates and Jeff Jags' . I loved both of these hires and when i look at the roster and the history these two have, I get really excited. I think Bates and Jags have the athletes they need and want, It's just a matter of coaching now.

And both have a particular player that could be groomed into something great. Bates has Gaines Adams and Jags has Freeman. back to what I said about these coaches history, gaines and Freeman could be Jason Taylor and Matt Ryan.

And Bates seems more and more confident every interview about Phlip at linebacker. I think that might turn out to be a better move than we thought, especially if Piscitelli is more consistant than he was last season.

I know it sounds like a lot of "IF"s but the "IF"s are the kinds of things that great coaching can make not so iffy. And I think Morris is going to be great as the figure head inspirational leader of this youg team, and he's surrounded hmself with guys like Jags and Bates who have made their names known by coaching up young talent.  all the pieces are in the bag..... we'll just have to wait till Fall to see how well theyve been put together.

At first I was totally pissed when the Bucs took Freeman, but to tell you the truth I never really looked that much into the guy simply because I didn't want them to go QB in the draft.... But since looking at him closer and hearing Raheem's thoughts I feel alot better about it and I feel especially good now that they WENT AND GOT SOME DEFENSIVE LINEMEN!!!

ROY MILLER - - Good size, incredible strength. Actually fits Bates' system better than some of the top D-tackles that were taken (except for Ron Brace) Plays mean and now has a chip on his shoulder being drafted on the second day. Hopefully between Miller, Dre Moore and Peterson we can put some run stuffing size in the middle when we need it. Good Pick by the Bucs,

KYLE MOORE - - Not the greatest pass rusher, but is solid against the run and has the frame and athleticism to be really good. He was fourth rounder because his technique was criticized, But Bates seems to be good at molding his D-Ends. this guy was definately taken more on potential than production, but he brings potential and size to a position where the bucs need it.

This draft hasn't really turned out the way I hoped it would, but they are addressing the needs of the team... even with the Freeman pick. They're putting they're necks on the block for taking him and crowning him the Franchise quarterback, but in my opinion, based on Gruden's reaction to the pick, he might have made the same move. Point is... Tampa was due to take the chance on bringing in a long term answer at quarterback, as a fan I have to at least appreciate that... because even when we won the Super Bowl it was with a patch work quarterback and since then there has still been no stability.

But day two brought in some much needed talent on the defensive line... it doesn't seem like it will be the fix this year. So it will be up to Bates to work his system good enough to keep this team in games, because I think the offense is going to be very productive no matter who is under center.

When people started to realized Leftwich's contract did not include a signing bonus it raised some eyebrows... and now even Freeman is saying the Bucs told him Leftwich was a smokescreen. Now tampa can drop Leftwich without paying a dime. it's looks almost genius from the outside.... sign a decent QB to no signing bonus in case you can't land Freeman in the draft your back is still covered at the QB position. Or maybe they plan on letting Griese go.

I would really hope it's Griese that's going to go... because if the Bucs let Leftwich loose after getting thoughts of possibly starting in his mind would just be the worst thing for new GM Dominik's rep. It would be REALLy tough to bring in any quality free agents after proving that your word to players means nothing....just ask Gruden, that was one of the biggest reasons he never had the whole locker room on his side or on the same page.

If Leftwich is indeed a smokescreen and the Bucs let him go back into the free agent pool... I will officially be off the Dominik, Morris bandwagon... and I'm hanging on by a finger right now.

1. Are they going to draft or need or best available?... This pretty much determins the pool of players that are even being looked at for the 19th pick. If they go for the best available they might walk away with a Percy Harvin or Vonte Davis or even a Beanie Wells.

2. Will they trade up, down, or stay put?... Personally i agree with trading up to get someone great high in the first or trading down to keep from reaching on some really solid at 19. but I don't really see any way they could get the best bang for their buck with whomever they would take at 19. I'm really intrigued by the Rams trade rumer for the second overall... that would definately open the doors for sometthing great.

3. Where is Freeman on the bucs board?... between the signing of Leftwhich and all of the defensive needs, the talks of drafting freeman have kind of died down. But i'm wondering if that may just be wishful thinking from Bucs fans. Leftwich's contract has no signing bonus and the Bucs could drop him tomorrow and not pay a dime, so bringing him in could have been a big smoke screen. I think Freeman would be an aweful move. He's just not a first round quarterback...and I think he has about as much as or probably even less potential than Josh Johnson at this point. But this is the Buccaneers we're talking about and if Freeman is a Buc by Saturday night i wont be suprised.

A while after the Bucs traded for Winslow I was hearing rumors that Alex Smith was trade bait. Now Jags has raved about the options he'll have with Winslow and Stevens on the field together but rarely mentions Alex Smith.

I personally think he has some good trade value especially come draft day. The only problem is that this draft class does have a few talented TEs.

There's really no need for Alex Smith and in this group of TEs his numbers are only going to go down and so will his trade value. I'm no GM so i'm not really sure how much Smith alone is worth, but it would be great if Dominik could use him in a package to get back into a good position in the second round. I hate missing out on that round, but really think they use the 19th pick.

Like I said I'm not sure how much he's worth, I just remember the trade talks before and wondered if it might come into play on draft day...tell me whatcha think.