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Bucs Q & A: Latest answers

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By ROY CUMMINGS | The Tampa Tribune
and IRA KAUFMAN | The Tampa Tribune
and ANWAR RICHARDSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 28, 2009

Updated: 02:05 pm

Have a good question about the Tampa Bay Buccaneers? The Tampa Tribune's beat writers - Roy Cummings, Anwar Richardson and Ira Kaufman - will answer it.

Send us your own question.

Q: Given that we're not going to the playoffs and are looking at getting a high round draft pick, do you think the Bucs would do better to move down in the first round and acquire more picks to help fill holes on the roster or stick with the high first round pick?

Barry Lasseter, Tampa

A: It all depends on whether the Bucs believe one particular player is clearly the standout prospect on the board. I think they have enough picks right now to impact the team in a major way in 2010, if they draft wisely. I don't see them dropping from No. 2 to No. 10 to pocket another second-round pick. If there is a rare talent available, you take him instead of settling for a lesser player.

-- Ira Kaufman

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Q: I've read and seen alot of stories of who the Bucs may be interested in 2010 draft...however before that all begins we get to look forward to free agency!!! I'm sure the Bucs have been scouting other teams and seeing who will become available in 2010 any ideas of possibilites of a big name more than likely overpriced free agent landing here?

Keenan Womble, Valrico

A: There are a lot of uncertainties regarding who will be available in 2010 free agency, depending on whether a new collective bargaining agreement is in place by March. If there is no agreement, players will have to wait longer to reach UFA status, sharply reducing the free agent field.

The Bucs could take a run at a WR like Lance Moore of New Orleans or Seattle's Nate Burleson. On defense, Steelers safety Ryan Clark could draw some interest, along with CBs Dunta Robinson (Texans) and Anthony Henry (Lions).

-- Ira Kaufman

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Q: Has anyone thought of developing either or both Clifton Smith and Sammie Stroughter into a Wes Welker type-receiver? Both have great hands and are fast. When watching Welker I am amazed at what he can do to disrupt a game.

Harry Nella, Tampa Bay

A: The Bucs like Stroughter's potential as an impact slot receiver, but Welker is the premier possession WR in the league and those guys don't come along often. He runs crisp, precise routes and his hands are beyond reproach. Smith is an outstanding return man, but his receiving skills are far from developed. Stroughter is definitely a keeper, though, and there's a decent chance he will emerge as Josh Freeman's favorite clutch target in 2010.

-- Ira Kaufman

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Q: There's been much talk of making this a tougher team. Like three-yards-and-a-cloud-of-dust tough? It would suit me. So, why not put Graham and Pressley in the backfield together? Combine that with a 250-pound QB and you've got some meat back there. It's apparent that dancing around won't get it done, so run over somebody once in a while.

Paul O'Hara, Ocala

A: Dancing around in the backfield isn't a major part of Tampa Bay's running woes. For whatever reason, the offensive line and tight ends have failed to open up holes consistently for the backs to reach the next level.

The Bucs usually run effectively in the early stages of games, but when defenses make their adjustments, the ground game fades. Toughness is also a mindset -- and Bucs coaches have to show more of a commitment to run. That lack of confidence filters down to players. If Arron Sears returns in 2010, that could help, but Tampa Bay's lack of toughness up front won't be easily fixed.

-- Ira Kaufman

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Q: With the recent firing of Charlie Weis is there any slight chance the Bucs would bring him in as the offensive coordinator in 2010?

Lee Jones, Jacksonville, NC

A: I'm sure it's an option Tampa Bay will look into. Lets be honest, the Bucs didn't even interview Greg Olson when they were working for an offensive coordinator earlier this year. Charlie Weis worked with Tom Brady and it would be interesting to see what he could do with Josh Freeman. Considering Tampa Bay's offense is not a juggernaut this year, it's a move the team should consider.

-- Anwar Richardson

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Q: I like the input you guys deliver and keep it going. I noticed that when the defense switched back to the Tampa 2 they are more alive and that should be the case. Do the Bucs look in the draft at getting players to fit that scheme and which position would they use their top pick on?

Mike Cena, Houston, Tx

A: Thanks for the compliment, but don't like daisy4444 or cval, our favorite TBO posters, know you said something nice about us! To answer your question, Tampa Bay needs to draft players to fit its Tampa 2 scheme. Coach Raheem Morris originally believed he had football players who can play in any scheme, but has realized that method of talent assessment does not work. Expect to Bucs to address their needs on the defensive line early in this draft.

-- Anwar Richardson

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Q: At the beginning of the season I asked if you thought that there was a chance that Raheem would be fired and Bill Cowher hired as coach. You said only if Raheem lost the locker room and it appeared that he was clueless as to what was going on. Aren't those conditions in place?

Lester Patrick, Hiawassee, Ga.

A: I don't think Raheem has lost the locker room at all. In fact, I think the decision to go back to a one-gap scheme has probably won him some fans that may have been on the fence over the original defensive switch. And don't underestimate the power Raheem has a hands-on coach. He'll be even closer to these guys now. As for being clueless, Raheem is definitely learning on the job and his game-day coaching needs some work. How he fares as a coordinator will say a lot about his future. At this point, it's still too soon to know what Raheem's future holds.

-- Roy Cummings

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Q: Why do you think there is so much negative press over firing the defensive coordinator. It was easy to see from pre-season that unless changes were made we would be giving up the big play all year. I believe we are last or close to it in just about every defensive category.It has been clear what we are doing on defense was not going to work for a variety of reasons. So why not move on early, why not get a start on next year?

David Kilmer, San Jose, Calif.

A: I'm with you. I don't really understand it myself. The Bucs clearly realized they made a mistake in hiring Jim Bates and made a move aimed at correcting it and getting better. Hard to knock them for trying to get better.

Now, it is a problem when you make a mistake in hiring both coordinators, but I think you have to give the Bucs credit for realizing both mistakes rather quickly and taking the actions necessary to correct them. Better to do that now than to wait and make the situation worse.

-- Roy Cummings

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