2009 Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL Predictions

Written by Jimmy Boyd on August 11, 2009

tampa 81109 Head coach Jon Gruden was canned despite a nice run of success in Tampa Bay, which included a Super Bowl. With two division titles in the last four seasons and a 9-7 mark in 2008, I don’t think it was deserved, but the Bucs have decided to go in a different direction. Find out how I have year one under new head coach Raheem Morris playing out in this 2009 NFL betting preview. NFL odds makers have listed the Tampa Bay Bucs at +10,000 to win Super Bowl XLIV at Sportsbook.com.

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Offense – The Bucs drafted K-State’s Josh Freeman to be the new face of the franchise. Luke McCown or Byron Leftwich could start initially, but I expect Freeman to be the man before the season is out. Coach Morris really likes the kid and built a relationship with him when he was on board as a defensive coordinator at K-State in 2006.

The Bucs will likely lean on their running game this season and the corps is looking pretty solid. Earnest Graham is expected to make a full recovery after missing the final six weeks of last season. He gives Tampa a tough inside runner who’s racked up 14 touchdowns over the last two seasons. The team is very excited about the addition of Derrick Ward as well. Ward rushed for 1,025 yards for the G-Men in 2008 and also pulled in 41 pass receptions. On top of that, there’s still hope within the organization that 2005 Offensive Rookie of the Year Cadillac Williams can regain form. Antonio Bryant, who caught 83 passes for 1,248 yards and seven scores last year leads the wide receiver corps. Michael Clayton was re-signed despite several less than impressive seasons, but he is one of the best blockers in the league at the wide receiver spot. The Bucs also boast a pair of talented receiving tight ends in Kellen Winslow and Jerramy Stevens. Gruden certainly did not leave the cupboard empty at the offensive line positions. The line was always a major focus for Gruden. Center Jeff Faine anchors the unit and guard Davin Joseph is a budding star.

Defense - The big news on defense is new coordinator Jim Bates’ desire to veer away from the famous Tampa-2 scheme that has served the franchise so well since 1996. Up front, the Bucs are hoping for a big year from end Gaines Adams. The no. 4 pick in the 2007 draft has shown flashes but has been far from dominant. The rest of the guys up front are underwhelming in terms of star power. The linebacker unit is anchored by Barrett Ruud. He will have to carry the load with Tampa Bay icon Derrick Brooks no longer beside him. Morris wants to see if hard-hitting strong safety Jermaine Phillips can step in and replace Brooks. Angelo Crowell is expected to replace Cato June on the strong side. The secondary will be Tampa’s strength this season, led by proven vet Ronde Barber and young gun Aqib Talib. The 34-year-old Barber proved he still has a few miles left on his legs with a 100-tackle, four-interception season. Talib also picked off four passes and appears ready to step into the starting left corner spot.

Prediction: 4th NFC South - No beating around the bush here, I have the Buccaneers pegged last in the division in my NFC South predictions. 2009 will be a rebuilding year for the Bucs as they move forward under a new coaching staff, new starting quarterback, and a defense missing many of the familiar faces that starred in the Tampa-2. The Buccaneers are listed at +500 to win the NFC South at BetUS.

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