Tampa NEEDS to clean house this offseason.. (1 Viewer)

[tbbucs4eva]

Need to get rid of:

1. Gruden - tired of this horizontal passing game. Need to throw the ball down the field.

2. Garcia - too old. No arm.

3. Brooks - let's face it. I love him as a player, but his glory days are WAY past him.

If I'm about to jump off the cliff please pull me back. I just hate the fact the Bucs do this year in and year out. I want an explosive offense, not one that can't come back when they are behind.

Please discuss.

 

[uconnalum]

The media has been highly critical of both of them here in Tampa. I don't think he will be back next year especially how they played the last month. Gruden took a Dungy built team and took them to the Super Bowl. His offense has been very average and hasn't shown much during his tenure as a head coach. If it wasn't for Kiffin and his defensive schemes for the opposition who knows how bad the Bucs really would have been during Gruden's tenure. This last month this team went downhill fast and if you look at the teams they lost to on paper they were better than Atlanta, San Diego, and Oakland and they ended up losing all 3 of those games.

 

[tbbucs4eva]

yup Gruden definitely has to go, Allen too.

So funny how in the Monday night game, I actually had my chest puffed out at how "good" this Bucs team was.

They made me look like a fool.

Bad defense this last month, even worse offense.

We need a change.

Last time we changed we won the Super Bowl.

 

[uconnalum]

Gruden runs a pedestrian offense. I don't think he has thrown the ball downfield more than 10 percent of the time when they are tied or in the lead. He says the offense he runs caters to his players and he doesn't have the players for a prolific air attack. I disagree they had Griese and he rode the pine all year long except for those spot starts when Garcia was hurt. They need to also get rid Jeremy Stevens along with Gruden and Allen. The BUCS are a respectful organization and you don't need players who committed rape in the organization.

I am sad to say that I think we have seen Cadillac's last game as a BUC if not in the NFL today. I think they should of took him off in the cart today. Did you hear him cursing on the sidelines. You heard him saying are you F*#&ING KIDDING me and hitting the ground when the trainers were attending to him. He was coming back so well and he had the quick burst again and the lateral movement but if this is another tear who knows what his future may hold. I pray that it is a minor injury but from the expressions and the way the trainers were handling him it looked bad.

 

[AYBABTUS]

The Lions NEED to clean house this offseason.

The Bengals NEED to clean house this offseason.

The Rams NEED to clean house this offseason.

The Bucs need to win the close games. Don't jump off a cliff quite yet.

 

[Capella]

Gruden/Allen just got a 3-year extension that doesn't even kick in until 2009. They're not going anywhere this year, so you may as well direct your opinions elsewhere. You may not like them, but you're stuck with them for another season.

 

[skillz]

You guys can have Marinelli back as a position coach for your defense.

 

[uconnalum]

aybabtus, I agree wtih TBBUCS Fan; being here in Tampa without the Sunday Ticket I have to be subjected to the torment of watching Bucs Football. You can guess on every down what the BUCS are going to do. Either they will run, throw a slant, crossing route or a pass to the TE and none of the passes are more than 10 to 15 yards downfield. Gruden is so conservative in his play calling. They need a change and I really do hope they bring a more west coast offensive minded coach who can run a more spread like offense. Maybe they will go after Cassell to run that offense.

 

[mashers]

Need to get rid of:

1. Gruden - tired of this horizontal passing game. Need to throw the ball down the field.

2. Garcia - too old. No arm.

3. Brooks - let's face it. I love him as a player, but his glory days are WAY past him.

If I'm about to jump off the cliff please pull me back. I just hate the fact the Bucs do this year in and year out. I want an explosive offense, not one that can't come back when they are behind.

Please discuss.

Correct me if I'm wrong. Tampa has average receivers. Bryant busted out this year but he must not have done much in the vertical passing game if there have been complaints about it - I don't know. I just think that a receiving corp of Bryant, Clayton, and an injured Galloway is extremely average. You cannot expect a prolific downfield air attack with them.

 

[tbbucs4eva]

even with average receivers, you need to take chances downfield. The Bucs don't do this unless the game is on the line, or the wide receiver is so wide open. Gruden is too conservative, and Garcia has no arm.

 

[Capella]

While Gruden has his blame, a lot of this is on Garcia, imo. I can't count how many times this year he's had guys open downfield and he holds the ball. Bryant was WIDE open 30 yards downfield on the post today and Garcia held it. Unbelievable. That's been the red zone problems too. You need to release the ball quickly inside the 10 and Garcia is back there dancing like an ###hole. God I hope he's gone.

 

[PlasmaDogPlasma]

The defense kind of went in the tank too after the Monte to the Volunteers stuff started.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

 

[Da Guru]

Need to get rid of:1. Gruden - tired of this horizontal passing game. Need to throw the ball down the field.2. Garcia - too old. No arm. 3. Brooks - let's face it. I love him as a player, but his glory days are WAY past him.If I'm about to jump off the cliff please pull me back. I just hate the fact the Bucs do this year in and year out. I want an explosive offense, not one that can't come back when they are behind.Please discuss.

What do you suggest the Lions do???I do hate Grudens offense though.

 

[uconnalum]

It all started during last years free-agent signing who do they come away with Faine, Dunn and Troupe. Did Troupe even see the field this year. Those free-agent signings were suspect at best. This off-season will they look for replacements for Brooks and Barber it has been increasingly evident that there age is catching up with them. This years draft should be focused on a Linebacker in the 1st round, Wide Receiver or QB in the 2nd and 3rd Round. I have a feeling though that management will disappoint as they did with the selection of Dexter Jackson in the 2nd round.

Management will then increase season ticket prices to the ire of fans. It is not going to be a fun offseason for BUCS fans and season ticket holders.

 

[wildbill]

Gruden has been in Tampa for seven years. He has one Super Bowl title, three division titles, three trips to the playoffs, four winning seasons and a 0.514 winning percentage. All for a franchise that has been one of the worst in the league during their existence.

Maybe he hasn't lived up to the expectations set during his first season, but who is Tampa going to get who will do better?

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Gruden isn't going anywhere and if they did fire him, he'd be hired within 5 minutes by someone else. A lot of smart people who know football think Gruden is one of the best coaches in the league, I think he's definitely a guy most teams would love to have.

 

[Quez]

While Gruden has his blame, a lot of this is on Garcia, imo. I can't count how many times this year he's had guys open downfield and he holds the ball. Bryant was WIDE open 30 yards downfield on the post today and Garcia held it. Unbelievable. That's been the red zone problems too. You need to release the ball quickly inside the 10 and Garcia is back there dancing like an ###hole. God I hope he's gone.

I agree. Gruden has put our guys in position to make plays, and they haven't executed. Garcia isn't a championship QB, and he will never take us past a 1st round playoff game. He is a good band-aid. To be honest though, these last 2 games we have scored plenty points to win the games, but our D has sucked.Allen has turned this team around financially, and you can't blame him one bit. We got Faine in FA, but I'm glad we didn't overspend on the other hot FA's. The one thing you can blame Gruden for is hiring the O-line coach, and ST coach that haven't had enough discipline to teach players not to commit penalties.

 

[Quez]

It all started during last years free-agent signing who do they come away with Faine, Dunn and Troupe. Did Troupe even see the field this year. Those free-agent signings were suspect at best. This off-season will they look for replacements for Brooks and Barber it has been increasingly evident that there age is catching up with them. This years draft should be focused on a Linebacker in the 1st round, Wide Receiver or QB in the 2nd and 3rd Round. I have a feeling though that management will disappoint as they did with the selection of Dexter Jackson in the 2nd round.Management will then increase season ticket prices to the ire of fans. It is not going to be a fun offseason for BUCS fans and season ticket holders.

Exactly what FA would you have signed last off-season that we didn't?

 

[Capella]

Gruden has been in Tampa for seven years. He has one Super Bowl title, three division titles, three trips to the playoffs, four winning seasons and a 0.514 winning percentage. All for a franchise that has been one of the worst in the league during their existence.Maybe he hasn't lived up to the expectations set during his first season, but who is Tampa going to get who will do better?

Since 97 the Bucs have been one of the better organizations in football. I think it's fair for the fans to expect some positive results.I personally think Gruden is a great coach and the Glazers know it. I just think the defense bottomed out and he has a homo for a QB.

 

[Quez]

Gruden has been in Tampa for seven years. He has one Super Bowl title, three division titles, three trips to the playoffs, four winning seasons and a 0.514 winning percentage. All for a franchise that has been one of the worst in the league during their existence.Maybe he hasn't lived up to the expectations set during his first season, but who is Tampa going to get who will do better?

Another important side note people tend to forget is that Rich McKay had gotten this team into cap hell. Bill Parcels was rumored to replace Dungy, but he didn't want to touch a team in our cap situation.

 

[Quez]

The D-line is horrible.

 

[uconnalum]

I have no issues with the Faine signing since you need a proven center. We could of tried to get either Berrian, Muhammad, or Darrell Jackson at WR; we didn't even attempt to go after a FA LB like Brendan Ayanbadejo who is a Pro Bowler this year, Kawika Mitchell, Boss Bailey and on the DL Jevon Kearse and Justin Smith were out there. So there are a handful of FA's who would of helped the BUCs tremendously this year especially a Mitchell or Bailey who are both young LB's that can complement Ruud nicely.

 

[Capella]

We could of tried to get either Berrian, Muhammad, or Darrell Jackson at WR;

Are you being serious?

 

[uconnalum]

Here is a list of notable 2009 Free Agents lets see who ends up on the BUCS at the start of Training Camp.

TJ Houshmanzadeh - WR - Bengals

Tommie Harris - DL - Bears

Bart Scott - LB - Ravens

Julius Peppers - DL - Panthers

Ray Lewis - LB - Ravens - probably will re-sign with Ravens so he shouldn't be on this list.

Bertrand Berry - DL - Cardinals

Kurt Warner - QB - Cardinals

Chris Gamble - CB - Panthers - good replacement for Rhonde Barber

Tank Johnson - DL - Cowboys

Shaun Cody - DL - Lions

David Garrard - QB - Jacksonville

Mike Peterson - LB - Jacksonville

Channing Crowder - LB - Miami

Jon Stichomb - OT - New Orleans

Jonathan Vilma - LB - New Orleans

Derrick Ward - RB - Giants

Brandon Jacobs - RB - Giants

Jon Runyan - OT - Eagles

Tra Thomas - OT - Eagles

James Farrior - LB - Steelers

Willie Colon - OT - Steelers - Restricted FA

Darren Sproles - RB - Chargers - can he be the next Cadillac

Steven Jackson - RB - Rams

La'Roi Glover - DL - Rams

Cortland Finnegan - CB - Titans - Restricted FA should also be high on the radar to replace Rhonde Barber

 

[taz]

I really thought this would be the year the defense's age, lack of a dominant WR, Garcia's age, lack of a difference-maker on the DL, and Gruden's play-calling would catch up with them. In a way, they were damn lucky to start 9-3, because this team much more resembles a mediocre 8-8 team than a division champ.

The last four weeks really exposed some serious weaknesses. This team lacks a pass rush, can't stop the run, is getting old on defense, and aside from Bryant - a decent WR, but no Pro Bowler IMO - lacks any sort of firepower at the skill positions.

Let's face it: How many true impact players does this team have?

The best thing, in the long run, might be to invest in a young QB and take their lumps for a year or two, and position themselves for the future. Problem is, Gruden and Allen won't allow that to happen. Despite all the talk about how much youth is on this team, they're showing serious age at key positions, and have no real replacements at this point. So they'll probably fill the gaps with more Garcia/Kevin Carter/Jerramy Stevens-type free-agent signings, while teams like Atlanta continue to improve with a franchise QB, and Carolina establishes its identity as a smashmouth team with a dominant D.

If they maintain anything close to the status quo, you're looking at 5-11.

 

[uconnalum]

I'm serious about Bernard Berrian; Muhammed and Jackson wouldn't be any better than Bryant this year. Tampa better have the welcoming committee out for Housh this free agency period and they better open there purse strings the same way they did for Faine last year. Housh should be there Number 1 Free Agent Signing during this off-season and then they better focus there eyes on landing Tommie Harris and Bertrand Berry and they may want to consider making a run at Cassel. If they can land Cassel, Housh, Harris and Berry that would be a very successful FA period. I think those are the biggest needs in Free Agency WR, DL, and QB.

 

[uconnalum]

Capella I love how you only pick out the weak WR position in my post why didn't you criticze the team for not trying to sign any of those linebackers or Kearse and Justin Smith.

 

[Capella]

Capella I love how you only pick out the weak WR position in my post why didn't you criticze the team for not trying to sign any of those linebackers or Kearse and Justin Smith.

Because LB was supposed to be the biggest position of strength going into this year; Kearse had been terrible and Smith is nothing special.

 

[Capella]

The whole key is re-vamping the DLine...that's what makes the defense tick. If they don't do that, the secondary will continue to get slaughtered.

The biggest question is going to be finding a QB, there doesn't appear to be one out there or on the roster.

Next year is going to be grim, imo.

 

[uconnalum]

Also who is in charge of the BUCS finances. How come the Patriots, Cowboys, Eagles, Saints and other teams can have big name players and be active in Free Agency and not have any cap issues to worry about. Then we look at the Bucs and they always seem to be having issues dealing with the CAP.

 

[taz]

Also who is in charge of the BUCS finances. How come the Patriots, Cowboys, Eagles, Saints and other teams can have big name players and be active in Free Agency and not have any cap issues to worry about. Then we look at the Bucs and they always seem to be having issues dealing with the CAP.

They supposedly have plenty of cap space, so that shouldn't be much of an issue next year. They made a big splash with Faine but played it conservatively with their other moves.This team has so many needs, from the DL, QB, WR, LB (Brooks replacement), CB (someone to replace Barber in a year or two), and RB (Graham is decent but no difference-maker), that they're going to have to pick their spots as far as an impact FA.

 

[Balco]

You guys can have Marinelli back as a position coach for your defense.

Have they already named Kiffin's successor? If not, Marinelli seems like a logical choice.

 

[uconnalum]

Tax that is why I said in 2009 FA they need to sign HOUSH no questions asked they cannot lose him to another club because they need a WR of his caliber. I also said getting a Tommie Harris and Bertrand Berry would also help there Defensive Line issues. Even a Tank Johnson would be a welcome addition. They also need to sign Gamble or Finnegan at CB but the Bucs don't like to give up Draft picks on restricted Free Agents so I guess they won't pursue Finnegan. They also need to make a strong run for a QB.

They could also make a run at Steven Jackson and even try to land Farrior or Vilma at the Linebacker position.

I just have a feeling they will not get into a bidding war for Housh and if a franchise like the Bears throws out ridiculous money for him they may not try to match it.

 

[AllVolUT]

aybabtus, I agree wtih TBBUCS Fan; being here in Tampa without the Sunday Ticket I have to be subjected to the torment of watching Bucs Football. You can guess on every down what the BUCS are going to do. Either they will run, throw a slant, crossing route or a pass to the TE and none of the passes are more than 10 to 15 yards downfield. Gruden is so conservative in his play calling. They need a change and I really do hope they bring a more west coast offensive minded coach who can run a more spread like offense. Maybe they will go after Cassell to run that offense.

We must have been watching different Tampa Bay teams this year. Garcia would sling atleast a couple of deep balls every game to Bryant alone. As someone else mentioned, the four game skid was in large part due to their defense which allowed 31 points a game during that span. I'm not sure if it was because of the DL woes or Monte heading to the Vols, or both.But to say you don't want Gruden...haha. A large majority of the NFL teams would love to have him. Be careful what you wish for.

 

[Capella]

This thread is dumb. Step off the ledge people.

In my mind, the team is fine across the board on the OL next year. Assuming they re-sign Bryant, they'll be able to cobble together a decent to good WR group, and the TEs are adequate to good as well. They'll find a RB, they always do.

QB is a huge issue.

Defensively they are fine at safety and one CB position with Talib. Ronde is a nickel guy at best now, so they need a new CB or need to re-sign Buchanon, and I'm not sure that's a good idea.

I think June will be let go and DB retires. Hopefully Quincy Black can play, but at least Ruud is a stud.

Dline has only one above-replacement level player and that's Gaines...and he's hardly anything more than adequate. Conditioning is obviously an issue with him. White, Peterson, Hovan, Haye and Carter are all rotation-filler guys. Unfortunately, three of them are starting.

There's holes, but nothing that can't be repaired. The two biggest needs are DL and QB, but the QB thing is going to be difficult. Just nothing out there.

 

[uconnalum]

How long do you stick with a coach and GM then that have not achieved anything close to there 2002 Super Bowl Performance. They have only been to the playoffs twice and lost in the Wild Card Round each time. I am not going to argue that he isn't a good coach and yes he will land on his feet with some other organization but sometimes a change just needs to be made.

After going 12 -4 and winning the Super Bowl Gruden has compiled a 45 - 51 in contrast to the coach he replaced (Tony Dungy) who has gone 75 - 21 with the Indianapolis Colts. I am sure the Bucs regret letting Dungy go and the fans seem to remember since every time they call into a talk show they mention Dungy and how the Bucs should of never fired him.

 

[Capella]

I am sure the Bucs regret letting Dungy go and the fans seem to remember since every time they call into a talk show they mention Dungy and how the Bucs should of never fired him.

Bucs fans might be the dumbest group of people on the planet. And I've met Gator fans and have been to the assistant coach forum.You stick with Gruden and Allen because there are some results. They won the division last year and were right there this year, until the odd collapse. They've rebuilt the entire Oline and now have a treasure trove of funds to spend this off-season. Fortunately they haven't blown the money on non-quality free-agents just to shoot their load and keep the mouthbreathers happy. I do think next year may be grim if they don't find a QB and that's too bad; that may be the end of Gruden and Bucs fans will regret it.As for Dungy, anybody still pining for him is a challenged person.

 

[Quez]

Last year was the only year that the Bucs have had money, and we signed the best FA on the market. Not sure what kind of expectations some of you guys were expecting in such a weak FA pool.

I think we should take a good hard look at Housh, but I wouldn't be surprised if we stuck with resign Bryant & Clayton. Speaking of Clayton, my cousin saw him on the elevator at the Renaissance hotel last night carrying a 12 pack, and reeking of weed. He had a great game though, minus one major drop.

I agree with Capella 100% we need D-line, and a QB bad. Right now it looks like our options are going to be Anderson, Cassel, and possibly a rook like Tebow. Not too great of a year to need a QB.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Hey Cappy, good luck to your Bucs in the playoffs this year.

 

[tommyGunZ]

The Bucs were reportedly planning a big pizza party over at Ronde Barber's house to watch the Eagles-Cowboys game after they beat Oakland.So much for that. The Bucs apparently went into their 1:00ET game thinking a win over the Raiders was a gimme. Instead, they got ran over by third-string tailback Michael Bush. It's a little surprising that Tampa Bay hasn't begun making changes yet after an embarrassing late-season collapse.

 

[bucsbaby]

Offense: QB, WR, maybe RB (if we can draft/sign a stud)

Defense: DT, DE, OLB, maybe CB (if we can draft/sign a stud)

I really hope that we draft and sign well this offseason. This late-season collapse is seriously depressing, but hopefully next year is better.