Tampa Bay Rebuilding
Inaugural Head Coach Raheem Morris has quite a task staring him in the face heading into the 2009 football season. The 32 year-old has moved from defensive backs coach to head coach in a matter of weeks, and along with the tremendous opportunity, Morris has had a sloppy mess dropped in his lap. Whether for rebuilding or financial reasons is debatable, but it is quite clear that the 2009Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a team with more questions than they have had since the beginning of the Tony Dungy era.
Fan-Favorite Vets Cut
Franchise standouts Warrick Dunn, Joey Galloway, and Ike Hilliard, and most shocking of all, certain future Hall-of-Famer Derrick Brooks were all cut from the Buc Roster. Joey Galloway had several injuries in '08, not to mention personal disagreements with Coach Gruden, but had been the Buc's best receiver over the past few seasons. While Dunn, Brooks, and Hillard were all highly productive in 2008 for a Buccaneer team that appeared playoff bound before a 4-game collapse to end the season.
Slumping Ticket Sales
In addition, quarterback Jeff Garcia was not resigned, long-time Defensive Coordinator Monte Kiffin left for Tennessee with his son Lane, and Jon Gruden got the boot. The few moves the Bucs have made in the offseason have done little to soften the betrayal Buc fans are feeling after Derrick Brooks, the best and most important player in franchise history was disgracefully released. Bucs ticket sales have dropped greatly, and though the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have sold out every home game since 1998, it is highly unlikely that streak will continue at Raymond James Stadium through 2009.
New-Look Bucs
Kellen Winslow Jr. and Derrick Ward are the only two notable new faces on a suddenly faceless Bucs roster. Neither are proven long-term stars, and consume the only two positions the Bucs seemingly didn't need to fill. Jerramy Stevens is a productive tight end, while the running back position is loaded, including a healthy Cadillac Williams, and tough bruiser Earnest Graham. Morris' coaching staff will include former Boston College Head Coach Jeff Jagodzinski calling plays on offense, while Jim Bates will assume Defensive Coordinator duties. There is a significant lack of NFL experience on the 2009 Buccaneer Roster, and Coaching Staff, but the young talents could add excitement and energy to a team that seemed to lose its sting in the closing games of the 2008 season.
More Questions Than Answers
Perennial Pro-Bowler Ronde Barber is now Tampa Bay's undisputed captain, and rising star linebacker Barrett Ruud will need to seize a more vocal leadership role in 2009, with the marked absence of Brooks. Antonio Bryant emerged as a star receiver last season, but injuries have pushed back his offseason conditioning. Bryant may not be ready to go for the regular season opener. It may not matter considering the Tampa Bay Buccaneers still don't know who will be behind center. Raheem Morris has a hefty challenge in front of him. But the young, energetic, intelligent, likeable coach has the Glazer Family's trust, despite experience concerns. It may take a few years, but the new look Bucs will eventually win back the respect and support of the Tampa Bay Area.
