2007 NFL Season Preview - Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Where do the Buccaneers stand heading into the 2007 season? They were great a couple of seasons ago, but since then have watched as their team has been passed by teams in their own division and the NFC as a whole. Does Head Coach Jon Gruden still have what it takes to be one of the elite coaches in the league and lead a second turnaround in Tampa?

The Super Bowl in 2002 gave him a little leeway in terms of having more success, but the team and the fans are beginning to get restless, especially with a 4-12 season in 2006. The Bucs will rely on an aging but veteran quarterback to lead the young offense in 2007. Can they get it done or will they suffer through another subpar season? Does Gruden's job depend on this season?

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2006 Record (Standing): 4-12 (Last in NFC South)
2006 Postseason (If app.): n/a
Head Coach (Career Record): Jon Gruden, 6^th season (77-67 w/Oakland & Tampa Bay)
Key Additions: DE Gaines Adams (draft; 1^st round, 4^th pick), QB Jeff Garcia (FA; Philadelphia), QB Jake Plummer (trade; Denver), LB Cato June (FA; Indianapolis), OT Luke Petitgout (FA; New York Giants), DT Ryan Sims (trade; Kansas City), DE Kevin Carter (FA; Miami)
Key Losses: OT Kenyatta Walker (released; unsigned), TE Dave Moore (retired), DE Simeon Rice (released; unsigned), LB Shelton Quarles (released; unsigned)

Positives: One of the key components in Tampa is fairly intact. There are a few changes, but they are more 'plug and play' pieces rather than key members of the team in most of the cases. Look for the front line to be especially dynamic once again. They picked up former first-round pick tackle Ryan Sims from Kansas City and two defensive ends in Kevin Carter and 2007 first-rounder Gaines Adams from Clemson. Carter, a free agent from Miami, has seen his days of double-digit sacks pass him by but can still remain very active in the running defense and contribute.