The team everyone is talking about early in this NFL season is the Detroit Lions and the question is “Are they the real deal?” (They are!). But what about another squad that’s been under the radar for the last couple years and is the youngest team in the NFL, THE BUCCANEERS. At 3-1, tied for the division lead in the NFC South, are they a team that can legitimately compete for the division title with the Saints and the Falcons? The simple answer is “absolutely yes!” I love how this team has been built and the job that Raheem Morris has done as the head coach. Let me give you three reasons the Bucs can win the NFC South.
1. They have “the guy” leading their offense. In today’s NFL, with how the rules are set up to benefit the passing game, you have to have a franchise QB to contend. And the Buccaneers have found him in Josh Freeman. The guy has every measurable (arm strength, athletic, smarts, size and overall strength) that you look for in a QB and the intangibles (leadership, toughness, a clear mind when it hits the fan, rises to the occasion in the big moments) that separate the best from the rest.
2. With LeGarrette Blount they have a tough, physical run game that can salt away the clock once they have a lead, something the Cowboys might want to try next time. It’s a pass-happy league and I think sometimes coaches forget it’s ok to go conservative once you have the lead – just look all the three-score leads that have been lost! The Bucs will have the ability to pound people with an above-average offensive line and a bruising back. I like the balance I saw from the Bucs on Monday night against the Colts. Even when they were down they didn’t abandon who they are.
3. A fast defense that can rush the passer. If you look at just the last two weeks at the havoc they have created in the backfield you know what I am talking about. I love the combination up front of Gerald McCoy and Adrian Clayborn, both young players that haven’t come close to reaching what they can be. And you can’t forget about the 2nd-year player Brian Price, who is so much more than just a run stuffer.
Will you be surprised if the Buccaneers are on top of the NFC South at the end of the regular season? I won’t be.
– Tony Boselli
Tony Boselli is an analyst for Westwood One’s coverage of the NFL and was reporting from the sidelines on Monday night as the Bucs beat the Colts 24-17. This weekend, Tony and Howard David will be in Denver to call the AFC West match-up between the Broncos and the San Diego Chargers. Coverage begins at 3:45 PM Eastern.
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