Tampa Bay Buccaneers set to struggle

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have an uphill battle this year. They are set to struggle.

Let’s take a look at their schedule. Division rival and seemingly everyone’s cute pick of the year, the Carolina Panthers have a home and away with the Bucs. They also have tough games with up and coming Cincinnati, Washington, Dallas, Pittsburgh, and the Bears. There are some semi-tough games with the Giants and Eagles and then a season ender (hopefully does not end their season) with Seattle. Whew! This is not last years easy schedule at all.

As if the schedule isn’t enough both Chris Simms, the quarterback and Cadillac Williams are talented, but oh so young. Experience goes a long ways in the NFL.
Chris Simms Cadillac Williams

Special note With Pirates of the Caribbean being so popular, the Bucs helmet is just the in thing.

Simms is a 4th year lefty that really proved last year… that he belongs in the league. There are problems though. He is slow in his decision making process putting a lot of pressure on the offensive line.

Cadillac was the 5th pick of the 2005 draft and finished with 1,178 rushing yards. Pretty awesome for a rookie.

At wide receiver they depend pretty heavily on 34 year old Joey Galloway. Last year he had 83 receptions for 1,287 yards. It will be tough to repeat those numbers with the more difficult schedule.
Joey Galloway

Defense has traditionally been a bright spot for Tampa Bay. They have veteran linebackers and Ronde Barber at cornerback. The defensive line is solid, but defensive line coach Rod Marinelli has left to be the head coach of the Detroit Lions. (and most likely never heard from again, as there is no such thing as an ex-Lions coach head coaching anywhere else).
Coach Rod Marinelli

All in all, it looks like a long season for the Bucs as they struggle to get over .500.

Fan Question Step up, Bucs fans, where are you? Do they have some surprises up their sleeves?

additional source Pro Football Weekly special updated 2nd edition.