2008 Tampa Bay Bucs NFL Predictions

The Bucs pulled off the worst-to-first feat in the NFC South for the second time during head coach Jon Gruden's reign. The task this year will be to string together consecutive winning seasons, something that has never been done under Gruden. Will the Bucs be able to pull it off. Jimmy Boyd weighs in in his 2008 Tampa Bay Buccaneers predictions and season preview.
 

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Offense

Veteran QB Jeff Garcia was the missing link for the Bucs. Under Garcia, the Bucs posted their highest offensive ranking (18th) since 2003 when they ranked 10th. Garcia's ability to take care of the football was a big reason why the Bucs won the division. He threw just four interceptions all season long. Brian Griese and Luke McCown will battle for backup duties.

The state of the running game depends on the health of Cadillac Williams. The 2005 Rookie of the Year has already had his fair share of injuries in his short career. A devastating knee injury kept him off the field most of last season. Until he fully recovers, Earnest Graham, Michael Bennett, and Warrick Dunn will share the load.

The offensive line was an area of strength. They played well together and got better as the season went on. A strong right side, anchored by tackle Jeremy Trueblood and guard Davin Joseph, will open up a lot of running room.

Defense

Former Arena Football League star, defensive end Greg White, made the jump to the NFL and led the Bucs with eight sacks. Jovan Haye and Chris Hovan will plug the middle. Gaines Adams is coming off a six-sack season and will play end opposite White.

The linebacker unit can best be described as a mix of youth and experience. Fourth-year player Barrett Ruud was ninth in the NFC with 114 tackles. Veteran Derrick Brooks proved he could still get the job done with 109 stops. Cato June and Geno Hayes will also factor into the mix.

Starters Ronde Barber and Phillip Buchanon remain in the secondary while Brian Kelly opted out of the final year of his contract. Kelly's departure prompted the Bucs to take Kansas corner Aqib Talib with their first round choice. Safeties Jermaine Phillips and Tanard Jackson helped the Bucs lead the league in passing yards allowed. Don't be surprised if one of these two safeties are Pro Bowlers this season.

Special Teams

The Bucs have failed to put a consistent kick returner on the field, but they finally were able to do so last season. Michael Spurlock became the first player in Tampa Bay Buccaneers history to return a kickoff for a touchdown and his 27.8-yard per return average was near the top of the NFC. Kicker Matt Bryant and punter Josh Bidwell are All-Pro quality. Aqib Talib returned punts at Kansas and just might do it for the Bucs too.

Prediction – 3rd NFC South

I think it's making quite a leap to say that the Bucs will have a winning season, let alone repeat at South Division champs since Gruden has never done it in consecutive years for Tampa Bay. The offense is still lackluster and with Williams' health a major concern, I don't see any improvement on the way. The Bucs will continue to lean on its defense. They'll be competitive and should hang around the .500 mark.

Jimmy Boyd's NFL predictions are here to give you a head start on the upcoming NFL season. Most handicapping services take the first several weeks of the season to feel out the teams while Jimmy starts beating the books from week one. Make sure you sign up for a low-cost premium NFL picks package to start kicking your book this season.

Check out the official site of the Tampa Bay Bucs and for more information.

June 19th, 2008