Bucs likely face topsy-turvy title defense test

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If you like elevator rides, you love the Bucs. Tampa Bay has won the NFC South three times in six seasons under Jon Gruden, but it has never defended its title. Not even close. In fact, the Bucs are 11-21 in seasons after hoisting the crown. The NFC South is a study in motion sickness, since there has never been a repeat champion. Can the Bucs defy the gravitational pull in the standings this season? Or will what goes up finally come down? Way down. Here are some reasons why the Bucs have a chance to reverse the curse. And there are also a few reasons to expect another free-fall.

1 DEEEEE-Fense, DEEEEE-Fense: There are certain things you can count on in life: You'll always pay more at the pump, the dropped toast will land jelly-side down and the Bucs will have a good defense. Sure, there was that blip on the radar when Tampa Bay fell out of the top 10. But if Monte Kiffin is pushing the buttons, you can be confident the defense will be among the league's best. That retooled unit finished second overall in 2007 — not bad considering defensive end Gaines Adams and safety Tenard Jackson were rookies while Derrick Brooks and Ronde Barber were anything but. The defensive line is deeper, linebacker Cato June will be better in his second season in the system and the secondary is stellar, including a boost from first-round pick Aqib Talib, right. The Bucs will always be in striking distance in the fourth quarter.

2 OH, MY, WHAT AN O-LINE: The strength of the offense is its line. It should be. Tampa Bay has invested heavily in the big fellas. Guard Davin Joseph was a first-round pick, guard Arron Sears and tackle Jeremy Trueblood were second-round choices, and center Jeff Faine and left tackle Luke Petitgout were quality free agents. It's simply the best collection of offensive line talent the Bucs have ever assembled. Tampa Bay was 11th in the NFL in rushing at 117 yards per game, in no small part because of the blocking behemoths. If the Bucs improve their pass protection, look out.

3 DEPTH AT QB: The quarterback position is everything in the NFL. You don't really think that much about it unless you don't have one. Remember Bruce Gradkowski in 2006? So does Jon Gruden. That's why he will never be caught with his options down. The Bucs will bring (at least) five quarterbacks to training camp. More important, four have won games with the Bucs. Of course, Tampa Bay could add another certain icon from Green Bay. But even if the Bucs stand pat, it looks as if Jeff Garcia will have understudies in Brian Griese, right, Luke McCown and Josh Johnson.

4 SOLID KICKING GAME: Punter Josh Bidwell and place-kicker Matt Bryant don't get enough credit. Bidwell has been one of the league's best punters for years, but his numbers may not show it because he'll sacrifice yards for a chance to pin an opponent deep. Bryant, right, is money from 49 yards or less. It's not like he has a popgun foot. He did kick a field goal from Brandon to beat the Eagles in 2006.

5 JOEY GALLOWAY BATHES IN FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH: Remember the movie Cocoon? Galloway, 36, must swim in an alien pool. How else do you explain that he gets better with age? Galloway is coming off three straight 1,000-yard seasons with the Bucs and just as many Pro Bowl snubs. He's coming off shoulder surgery, but the guy takes remarkable care of his body. It helps that he rarely practices. Who needs practice anyway?

1 NOT CATCHING ON: The Bucs didn't do enough to improve at wide receiver. Outside of Joey Galloway, only two wideouts caught touchdowns — one each by Ike Hilliard and Maurice Stovall. Michael Clayton has caught one touchdown since his rookie year in 2004. Stovall struggles to get separation. Did you see what happened when Galloway had a bum shoulder against the Giants? The Bucs responded by drafting Appalachian State kick returner Dexter Jackson and adding free agent Antonio Bryant. Anybody want to trade for Ocho Cinco?

2 SOPHOMORE SLUMP: Michael Clayton's downfall is well documented. Cadillac Williams has never been the same since his rookie year. What happens if Gaines Adams, left, Arron Sears and Tenard Jackson catch sophomoritis? Adams had six sacks after starting just eight games last season. Jackson was an anvil at safety. Insiders believe Sears will be headed to Hawaii for the Pro Bowl. But young players have trouble handling success in Tampa.

3 MUSICAL QUARTERBACKS: The last to start all 16 games for the Bucs was Brad Johnson in 2003. Coach Jon Gruden has a wandering eye. Jeff Garcia offers some continuity, but he's 38 and in the last year of his contract. At some point this season, the Bucs have to find out about Luke McCown. There's suddenly a sand spur in Garcia's shoe over the way he's been treated.

4 WHAT'S THE RUSH?: The Bucs used to be feared by quarterbacks because their fierce front four could get pressure on the passer. Warren Sapp, Simeon Rice, Anthony McFarland and Greg Spires. Three were No. 1 picks. The Bucs were better, but not the best, at getting after the quarterback last season. But Greg White won the sack race with eight. That won't get it.

5 OLDEN GOLDIES: Linebacker Derrick Brooks and cornerback Ronde Barber are icons. They have statues in the lobby of One Buc Place. But at some point, the wheels will fall off. Maybe not all at once. At best, they have two seasons left on their tires. They're not alone. Jeff Garcia, Kevin Carter, Joey Galloway, Ike Hilliard — all over 30. Older players miss practice because of injuries even if they suit up for the game. Brooks, left, has never missed a game. Can he keep it going?

Comments on this article

by chuck	Jul 26, 2008 3:01 PM
earnest graham and ike hilliard aren't the answers, but they both produce very well and have high iq's which work in gruden's offense. warrick dunn will produce, especially since at worst he will be a situational player. great o-line FINALLY!!!!

by Jason	Jul 25, 2008 1:59 PM
What? No talk about our degenerate tight end Jerramy Stevens? Let's not forget that can look forward to rooting for a sociopath who sexually assaults drugged virgins. Aren't we all proud? What's the deal Rick? Do the Bucs sign your checks?

by Brandon	Jul 24, 2008 4:34 PM
This must be the same dummy that wrote the previous article misspelling "Tanard" Jackson's first anme and claiming Stovall can't get separation. Please quit recycling old garbage and put some effort into your work, guys. The first article wasn't good

by Shawn	Jul 24, 2008 4:22 PM
Nice analysis! Near-perfect, actually. Keys to the season are getting a consistent pass-rush and finding complementary receivers. If we can do that, we're in perfect position to be the first in the NFC south to defend it's crown. Go Bucs!!!

by George	Jul 24, 2008 4:21 PM
Remember this team, I think is on a bigger breakthrough year than last year. Espically if Brett Farve does wind up in Tampa. Iam sure hoping that our beloved Bucs will fight off the unbelievers. And if they stay healthy they will Go to the Big Dance.

by Pete

Jul 24, 2008 3:53 PM

Do you actually ever watch football or do you just make this stuff up by listening to local sports radio? First of all quit knocking Clayton, he actually had a monster year last year doing what Gruden ask him to do, blocking, creating lanes and great special teams play. He will be fine this year he is leaner and healthy. Bryant will also be a huge factor, once again let the past be. You mention the O-line but forgot to talk about the most important aspect of the Gruden offense, the tight end, a much improved group if not one of the best. And don?t you think a great O-line and good TE?s will improve our passing game and open up holes for the ground game. And don?t worry about Brooks and Barber getting older, Monty will yank them if he needs to. We have replacements on hand should the need arise. This is a team defense not an individual show.

by ben bolt fan	Jul 24, 2008 3:52 PM
Rick you are so good at writing the obvious. Stay away from Hockey. Go Bolts!!

by sterling	Jul 24, 2008 3:33 PM
ocho cinco sounds like the best idea in this article!

by Scot	Jul 24, 2008 3:32 PM
Rick: All due respect, it's Tanard Jackson, not Tenard Jackson.

by shawn	Jul 24, 2008 3:28 PM
look, we keep hearing this thing about the old guys and what happens at the end of the year...they PRODUCE! With the receiving core is ready to bounce back...watch. besides i bet anything we will grab eric parker soon if he can pass a physical. Watch

by glenn	Jul 24, 2008 3:03 PM
OL to be the story - Part II. Receivers will have more time to get open in their routes. Time of possession should tilt heavily for us, helping to keep the defense rested. More FG's will become TD's. Gruden will sleep better!

by glenn	Jul 24, 2008 3:03 PM
OL will be the story - Part I. Pretty good, even-handed article, coming from you, Rick. Most of us are more bullish, however, particularly about the possibility that our OL will be dominating. If so, it will enhance more than just the running game.

by James	Jul 24, 2008 3:02 PM
Not bad, I expected a pile of Stroud but it wasn't bad. There's some legitimate reasons to be cautious. But the Bucs are better this August than they've been after any of thier NFC titles since 2002. Going with Simms after 2005 was a huge mistake.

by Steve	Jul 24, 2008 3:01 PM
One thing no one seems to be talking about is schedule. The Bucs win the division, get a first place schedule the following season and sink to last place. The followinng season they get an easier schedule and win the division. Up and down etc.

by Quentin	Jul 24, 2008 2:51 PM
Wow, that makes two articles in a row. It's Tanard.