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OFFENSE STARTERS

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 7, 2008

QB Jeff Garcia
No. 7

Ht.: 6-1 Wt.: 205

Age: 38

NFL seasons: 9

Notable: Garcia did not receive a new contract and the Bucs failed to obtain another quarterback (Brett Favre), so each are stuck with other this season. He is fighting for his NFL career and must improve in two areas - staying healthy and passing for more TDs (only 13 in 2007). This might be Garcia's last chance to make a Super Bowl appearance as a starter, so expect him to give it his all.

RB Earnest Graham
No. 34

Ht.: 5-9 Wt.: 225

Age: 28

NFL seasons: 4

Notable: Rushed for 898 yards and 10 touchdowns in 10 starts last season and is expected to be productive behind Tampa Bay's offensive line this year. Graham has the potential to rush for more than 1,000 yards in 2008 and emerge as one of the NFL's top backs. He will receive the majority of reps.

FB B.J. Askew

No. 35

Ht.: 6-3 Wt.: 233

Age: 28

NFL seasons: 5

Notable: Is still recovering from ankle surgery. When healthy, Askew is a key part of Tampa Bay's running game. Askew just has to find a way to stay healthy.

WR Joey Galloway
No. 84

Ht.: 5-11 Wt.: 197

Age: 36

NFL seasons: 13

Notable: The "White Tiger" was in hiding prior to this season, but is expected to roar as usual. Galloway has enjoyed three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and currently is the only Tampa Bay player expected to have that type of success. Although Galloway is amazing, he could more productive if another receiver steps up.

WR Antonio Bryant
No. 89

Ht.: 6-1 Wt.: 205

Age: 27

NFL seasons: 6

Notable: Bryant has been productive every season, including 1,009 yards and four touchdowns for Cleveland 2005. Will be Tampa Bay's No. 2 passing option after Joey Galloway. Might be another player to revitalize his career with the Bucs.

TE Alex Smith
No. 81

Ht.: 6-4 Wt.: 258

Age: 26

NFL seasons: 3

Notable: Since catching two touchdowns in his first career game, Smith is still trying to catch lightning in a bottle. Smith can block well, but his pass catching ability needs some improvement. He has to capitalize when his number is called.

RT Jeremy Trueblood

No. 65

Ht.: 6-8 Wt.: 320

Age: 25

NFL seasons: 2

Notable: Trueblood is one of the nastiest offensive lineman in the NFL. He is not afraid get into a defender's face, especially when protecting a teammate. He can pass-protect and run-block extremely well.

RG Davin Joseph

No. 75

Ht.: 6-3 Wt.: 313

Age: 24

NFL seasons: 2

Notable: Joseph is recovering from a broken foot and might miss several games. Before the injury, Joseph was a dominant guard and expected to be a rock on the line. If Joseph does not rush his recovery, he should have another great season when he returns.

C Jeff Faine

No. 52

Ht.: 6-3 Wt.: 291

Age: 27

NFL seasons: 5

Notable: Faine's addition has many believing this could be Tampa Bay's best offensive line in team history. He will anchor this unit and help give QB Jeff Garcia time to throw. Faine could be a Pro Bowler if Tampa Bay has a winning season.

LG Arron Sears

No. 78

Ht.: 6-3 Wt. 319

Age: 23

NFL seasons: 1

Notable: Sears is an absolute brute on Tampa Bay's offensive line. He started 16 games last year as a rookie and earned Pro Football Writers Association honors for his outstanding performance. There is no reason to believe Sears will not have another great season.

LT Donald Penn

No. 70

Ht.: 6-5 Wt.: 305

Age: 25

NFL seasons: 2

Notable: Penn was an afterthought in Minnesota, but has emerged as Tampa Bay's No. 1 option for its most important offensive line position. He held his own in 13 starts last season and helped Graham rush for nearly 1,000 yards last season. Penn's pass protection is improving. Expect his productivity to increase in 2008.

PK Matt Bryant

No. 3

Ht.: 5-9 Wt.: 200

Age: 33

NFL seasons: 6

Notable: Bryant missed five field goals in the preseason, which is a lot considering he missed the same amount in 33 attempts last year. He is normally a consistent player, but his job could be in jeopardy if that streak continues. With Tampa Bay's tough schedule, every Bryant attempt is important.

Anwar S. Richardson

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