Tampa Bay Buccaneers long-range strategy paying off
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have opened up the season at 2-0, surprising many NFL analysts. The Bucs have won those games by playing smart football. They have only turned the ball over twice,
and the defence has been able to stop the run and get to the quarterback.
Many are hyping up Tampa to continue playing well, but they did only beat Cleveland and Carolina. However, this season isn't the main concern for the NFC South squad. The Bucs have brought
in several pieces to ensure a bright future. Tampa has drafted efficiently and are looking to build a powerful team that can contend for years.
Quarterback
Many analysts and fans bashed the Bucs for trading for and drafting Kansas State star Josh Freeman. Now, Freeman is bashing up defences on Sundays. He has four touchdowns and one interception
through two games, playing smart football. Freeman has been able to dump the ball off to his backs and form a connection with Kellen Winslow. Just 22, Freeman is the future of the franchise and a future star.
Running back
Carnell 'Cadillac' Williams has recovered from several knee injuries to return to full strength. Williams has a lot left in the tank, but he needs the offensive line to produce bigger
holes for him to run through. The position is in good hands, but Tampa will need to address it in the near future. Drafting a back would be a good idea for the Bucs.
Wide receiver
Thought to be the weak point, Tampa actually has some solid receivers making plays. Rookie Mike Williams leads the way. The Syracuse product has a touchdown in each of his first two games.
Sammie Stroughter has been a gem, playing well in his starting role. With Arrelious Benn learning the system, the group of receivers will surely provide Freeman with chances to shine.
Offensive line
The O-line for the Bucs has protected Freeman well so far. They do need to do a better job in the run game. Donald Penn and Davin Joseph lead the offensive line. The Bucs will need to
address the right tackle position and look for a quality guard to slide in at left guard.
Defensive line
The Bucs went from one of the worst run defences to one of the best. Now, it's only been two games, but the Bucs held the vauntedCarolina Panthers running duo to under a hundred yards.
Draft picks Brian Price and Gerald McCoy should be starters for the next ten seasons. The weak point, at end, hasn't looked weak during the first two games. Kyle Moore and Stylez G. White have been disruptive. The end spot looks to be set for this season,
but it will be one of the positions they will address after the season.
Linebacker
The strongest point of the defence, Barrett Rudd, Geno Hayes and Quincy Black will be starters for at least the next five years. There is no need to address this positon for the Bucs.
Getting Rudd a new contract is a must.
Defensive backs
The Bucs drafted corner Myron Lewis to be the future with Aqib Talib. Sean Jones has been solid at strong safety, but the status of Tanard Jackson is up in the air. He was suspended for
the season for violating the substance-abuse policy. If Jackson returns, the defensive backs will be set for years. Keep an eye out for Cody Grimm, a rookie.
Kicker and punter
Both positions are in good hands. Connor Barth has been fantastic kicking the ball. The Bucs have two young punters. Ultimately, Brent Bowden will be the man punting.
The Bucs have built an impressive foundation and the front office has done a great job. The team has shown maturity much earlier than expected. With a tough stretch coming up, the real
identity of the Bucs will be seen. With Freeman tossing the ball around, the confidence in the team grows with each second. Now Freeman will face his toughest test: the defence of the Pittsburgh Steelers. We will see if the Bucs can continue to surprise.
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