Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Quick Preview

Since the last time we saw them:
2008 Record: 9-7
Key Additions: TE Kellen Winslow, OLB Angelo Crowell, RB Derrick Ward, QB Byron Leftwich, K Mike Nugent, P Dirk Johnson, LB Niko Koutouvides, DC Jim Bates, OC Jeff Jagodzinski
Key Losses: OLB Derrick Brooks, CB Philip Buchanon, DE Kevin Carter, RB Warrick Dunn, WR Joey Galloway, QB Jeff Garcia, DT Jovan Haye, WR Ike Hilliard, OLB Cato June, TE Alex Smith, QB Brian Griese
Top Draft Pick: QB Josh Freeman

What we now know:
Best Player: RG Davin Joseph
Most Underrated: MLB Barrett Ruud

Looking Forward:
Breakout Candidates: DE Gaines Adams, DE Jimmy Wilkerson, OLB Quincy Black, CB Aqib Talib, S Tanard Jackson
Looking to bounce back: TE Kellen Winslow, OLB Angelo Crowell, RB Carnell Williams, WR Michael Clayton
Time to step up: QB Luke McCown, WR Maurice Stovall, LG Jeremy Zuttah, DE Jimmy Wilkerson, DT Ryan Sims, CB Aqib Talib, CB Elbert Mack

Strengths:

• Depth at RB is solid, and newly added RB Ward is a good fit for new zone-blocking scheme
• Offensive Line is young and talented and led by potential perennial Pro Bowl OG Joseph
• WR Antonio Bryant and TE Winslow's unquestionable talent
• MLB Ruud, who's been one of the NFL's most underrated players for two years now
  
• 4th ranked pass defense in '08 will get more playmaking opportunites, which bodes well for emerging star CB Talib
• Pass rush should be improved with more blitzing and improvement by DE Adams
• Pro Bowl KR in Clifton Smith
  

Concerns:

• Week 1 starting QB will most likely be either Luke McCown or Byron Leftwich
• Head cases Bryant, Winslow and TE Jerramy Stevens
• LG Arron Sears's mental problems stemming from a Week 8 concussion in '08
• WR Bryant's knee surgery could force him to miss entire preseason, maybe more.
• Lack of talent, experience and depth at WR beyond Bryant
• Best DT Chris Hovan is a poor fit in new DC Bates's system
• Underachiever DT Ryan Sims will be primary run stuffer
  
• OLB Jermaine Phillips's transition from SS
• Lack of Depth at CB with no proven Nickel Back
• Rebuilding caused release of many high character veteran leaders, including WR Hilliard, RB Dunn and LB Brooks
• Kicking game injuries to K Matt Bryant and reliable P Josh Bidwell
  

Expectations: 6-8 wins