Heading into 2005-06, most people were expecting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to be little more than a talented defensive team struggling on offense and just trying to hover around the .500 mark. Well, as we’re seeing, when a team plays the right way, good results are soon to follow.
Jon Gruden is no longer the darling of the NFL. He’s not “Chucky” on commercials. If anything, people had been losing respect for Gruden heading into this season. He doesn’t have a top quarterback; he needs a top quarterback for his system, they said. Well, through four games, Gruden has pushed just the right buttons and pulled the exact right levers.
Brian Griese is playing well; he’s not becoming a star, but he’s doing enough to get the win. With a rating of 78.2 and six interceptions, Griese is not a Pro Bowl candidate. He is, however, completing almost 63 % of his passes, and he has made plays when he’s had to, both with his feet and arm.
The receivers have been similar to Griese, not spectacular, but doing enough to get the job done. Michael Clayton has been the focus of opposing defenses, but is still making an impact, while Joey Galloway has taken advantage of the double teams on Clayton to the tune of three touchdowns and an 18.6 avg per reception. Alex Smith has added another dimension as a solid receiver at tight end.
The offensive line, considered a major weakness heading into the year, hasn’t been awesome, but has gotten the job done. The Bucs have had the same five players start each game so far this season, and they’ve been very solid in the run game while keeping Griese clean as well.
Defense, ah, the heart of the Bus. Like usual, Simeon Rice is terrorizing opposing quarterbacks to the tune of three sacks in the first four games. Greg Spires and Dwayne White have provided solid, consistent play at the other end spot, while Anthony McFarland and the rejuvenated Chris Hovan have been a solid duo inside.
Derrick Brooks, well, he’s still Derrick Brooks. Shelton Quarles continues to plug along in the middle, and Ryan Nece has been surprisingly solid at the other outside ‘backer.
Brian Kelly already has three interceptions, and Ronde Barber remains one of the best cover corners in the game. Safety was a question mark before week one, but Will Allen, Dexter Jackson and Jermaine Phillips have provided consistent play. About the biggest complaint the Bucs can have so far is the play of nickel back Juran Bolden.
And then, of course, there’s the Cadillac. Carnell Williams, the rookie running back, would probably be the league’s MVP if the season ended right now. In four games (including week four in which he hardly played in the second half), the Cadillac has rumbled for 447 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He’s carried 99 times through four games, and is proving a workhorse for the upstart Bucs. Michael Pittman and Mike Alstott, lest we forget, have provided very solid change of pace.
So what other teams take from the Bucs? The same things that they could take from the 2002-03 Baltimore Ravens. Or last year’s Atlanta Falcons. What do you need to win? Good defense, toughness, a solid running game, smart coaching, and guys who make plays when they have to. That’s what’s worked in the past, and what’s working now as well. That’s the blueprint for a winner.
