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.
Q: How do you think Josh Freeman will do this season against some of the hardest defenses?
Corydon Metcalf, Indiana, Penn.
A: Freeman has a long way to go in terms of recognizing coverages and learning to throw the ball away instead of trying to force things. That 6.2 percent interception rate is way too high, but he was only a rookie and now he's had a full offseason to work with offensive coordinator Greg Olson and new QBs coach Alex Van Pelt. Teams like the Steelers and Ravens will test the accuracy of any QB and Freeman is working with a young group of wide receivers. His development would be helped immensely if the Bucs can manage a productive ground game.
-- Ira Kaufman
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Q: What was the explaination if any for the release of Angelo Crowell especially since he resigned again to challenge Quincy Black for the strongside LB position?
Mike, Washington, DC
A: The Bucs will be quick to tell you Quincy Black has made huge strides at strong-side linebacker, but it's clear at this point that Crowell wasn't considered a strong contender to wrest Black's starting job away. He hasn't played a single down in the past two seasons due to knee and biceps injuries and his NFL career could be done at the age of 28. That's how fleeting success can be at the pro level.
-- Ira Kaufman
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Q: Last year, when Penn supposedly fended off the best DEs to protect the QB, did he do it by himself or did the Bucs employ a RB or TE in the backfield to help him out?
CVal, Nashville, Tenn.
A: Penn had some help, on occasion, but generally speaking the Bucs trusted him to take on Julius Peppers, John Abraham, Will Smith and the other premier right defensive ends. He turned in another solid season, but there is a feeling in the organization that Penn's play fell off late in the year, perhaps linked to his weight gain.
-- Ira Kaufman
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Q: Will the Bucs win 6 games in 2010-2011?
RJ Kerker, Brandon
A: Six wins would be a major step up for the Bucs, setting the stage for a competitive team in 2011 (if there's football). Five or six wins appears reasonable at this stage, assuming Donald Penn returns to play LT.
-- Ira Kaufman
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Q: I just don't understand why no one is giving the Bucs any chance to turn this around in one year, I do like the schedule. Espically the first three: Cleveland, Carolina and Pittsburgh are all winnable games! I think if the running game takes off and Freemen gets the time. What do you think?
George L. Hicks, Balch Springs, Tx
A: Yes, the schedule looks less formidable this season, but don't forget that fans in Cleveland, St. Louis and Detroit are looking at Tampa Bay and probably counting that game as a win, too. Much depends on the performance of the offensive line. That unit, considered a team strength a year ago, is under scrutiny after failing to play with consistency in 2009.
-- Ira Kaufman
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Q: As someone who lives on the West Coast, I do not get a lot of Bucs news. What are the chances of Rudy Carpenter making the squad this year?
Douglas Craig Morrison, Los Angeles
A: Carpenter has a decent chance to stick with the Bucs, but only if they decide to keep two backup QBs behind Josh Freeman. Josh Johnson is set at No. 2 and Carpenter will face competition from undrafted rookie QB Jevan Snead, who had some good moments at Mississippi. In the end, I think the Bucs will decide to go with only two QBs coming out of training camp. If that's the case, Carpenter and Snead figure to be released before the season opener against Cleveland unless one is signed to the practice squad.
-- Ira Kaufman
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Q: Any word on Kellen Winslow's recovery from surgery? Will he be limited in 2010? There's a lot of hype about the rookie WRs and our RBs, but K2 will likely remain Freeman's only real option for the foreseeable future.
Sam Rothenberg, Tampa
A: Winslow was in Tampa got OTAs a week before mandatory mini-camp and he expects to play all 16 games this fall. He was arguably Tampa Bay's steadiest player in 2009 and there's every reason to believe Winslow and Freeman will team up for 80 receptions this fall. He's a tough matchup for opposing defenses -- too athletic for LBs to cover and too big a target for most DBs. The Bucs would like to see him become more of a threat in the red zone and they're hoping his chronic knee problems don't inhibit his production.
-- Ira Kaufman
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Q: I must have been living under a rock, but what ever happened to Jermaine Phillips? Two years ago he was a outstanding safety and now he is no longer on the team roster.
Keith Henderson, Spring Hill
A: Phillips is free to sign with any NFL team, but he currently doesn't have a job. Hard to believe he is washed up at the age of 31, but he is saddled with some off-field issues and he has a history of season-ending injuries. Add it all up and he's sitting at home, waiting for a phone call. One thing's for sure -- his time with the Bucs is up.
-- Ira Kaufman
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Q: Besides turning the team into a profesional college team, what are the Bucs doing different than Jon Gruden? From what I read and seen they running the same style offense as him and the same defense under Monte Kiffen. Why couldn't they fire Bruce Allen and get a GM/VP that Gruden couldn't run over like Miami and Cleveland?
Jarrid, Spring Hill
A: The Bucs tried it once with a GM other than Bruce Allen, and it didn't work. The other issue that led to Gruden's and Allen's firing has to do with their refusal to build through the draft and put a younger, faster team on the field. Both preferred using older players, which resulted in the Bucs constantly turning over their roster. In the eyes of the owners, they were never going to build a solid base. The difference now is that the Bucs are a younger, more talented team. They're also a very inexperienced team, but the hope is that in a year or two the Bucs will have a team that will stay together and compete for a championship for a stretch of 5-10 years.
-- Roy Cummings
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Q: Why havent the Bucs upgraded at linebacker? I can see angelo crowell stepping in and starting. Quincy Black and Geno Hayes are not good enough to start as we saw last year. Do you think they will be starting again this year?
Stefawn Brickhouse, Atlanta, Ga.
A: You're answered your own question in a way here. Because the Bucs do intend to have Quincy Black and Geno Hayes start again this year, they didn't feel a pressing need to upgrade themselves at LB. And the Bucs are actually very pleased with both Black and Hayes. Hayes proved to be a pretty good playmaker last year, though he does need to invest in a good alarm clock. And Black improved after the team went back to the Cover 2 scheme that he's accustomed to playing in. If Crowell can stay healthy the Bucs believe they'll have four starting caliber LBs -- including Barret Ruud -- at their disposal, and that's before you count Dekoda Watson, whom they are very excited about. A lot of people believe Watson will quickly develop into an every-down player. If he does, Hayes and Black may have to fight to keep their starter's jobs.
-- Roy Cummings
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Q: The Glazers need to cough up the dough and sign Donald Penn.
Tony Aiello, Pittsburg, Calif.
A: The Bucs have offered Penn a contract. It's a one-year deal worth $3.168 million. No, it's not the long-term deal he wants, but the Bucs have treated all of their restricted free agents, including Barrett Ruud and Cadillac Williams, the same way. They're simply playing by the rules laid out in the collective bargaining agreement. My guess is Penn will get his long-term deal before next year. He has to show up at camp, though, and play another full season at a high level. That's not asking too much. It's good incentive.
-- Roy Cummings
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Q: Everyone in the nation doesn't see the Bucs doing very well in 2010, but I think we've done a lot to change our team from last year. The Bucs had a very good draft this year and most of them will be starters, we also have our players from last year who will have progressed and this year won't have so much confusion because we have our offensive and defensive coordinators set. Also, Josh Freeman seems focused and ready for the season. There are so many things that are different this year and I expect the Bucs to be much more prepared. I'm not saying they'll make the playoffs or win a championship, but I do see a lot of improvement. What do you guys think about the Bucs for the upcoming year?
Michael Oxley, Plantation
A: All that youth is both a blessing and curse. Yes, the Bucs appear to be far more talented, but they're also very inexperienced. Add it all up and I think you're on the mark. The Bucs should be better overall, but in terms of wins and losses the improvement may not be that great. I'd say they're looking at a 5-6 win season. Then next year, if the progress continues, 8 or 9 wins is a possibility and so too are the playoffs.
-- Roy Cummings
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Q: Say the Bucs make the most of their rebuilding year(s), will that extend Raheem Morris' contract a little bit more or will he honor the current contract? Also, if Matt Grothe doesn't make the team, the Bucs should consider signing him to a future contract for 2011.
Andrew Morrison, St. Petersburg
A: Morris's contract runs through 2011, with that year being a club option. If the Bucs appear to be heading in the right direction and the players are still responding well to Morris, the owners will probably keep him around for 2011. If not, then they could begin looking for someone new after next season. Either way, it's still too early to make a call on Morris's future. As for Grothe, his future may be in Canada or the USFL or maybe even Arena ball. He could work his way back to the NFL from there, but he's got a long road ahead of him, I think.
-- Roy Cummings
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Q: With four preseason games under center can rookie QB Jevon Snead make the 53-man roster?
Walter Nagy, Valrico
A: Snead will be battling Rudy Carpenter for the third QB spot on the roster, so, yes, there is a chance he can make the 53-man roster. He'll have to outplay Carpenter and look like he can eventually challenge Josh Johnson for the backup role to earn his spot, but that could happen. What's going to make it hard for him is there may not be a lot of work for him during the preseason games. The Bucs are going to want to get Josh Freeman ready and Josh Johnson needs work, too. They'll get the bulk of the reps.
-- Roy Cummings
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Q: This offseason the Bucs made it obvious that they are trying to upgrade the WR position. With the signings of Reggie Brown and Mark Bradley, and the drafting of Arrelious Benn, and Mike Williams, as well as Sammie Stroughter, does this put the writing on the wall for Mike Clayton? Do you guys see Clayton in a Bucs uniform this season? Or are the guys we brought in just to make Clayton step up?
Jarvis, Tampa
A: Oh yes, the writing is on the wall. The thing you have to remember, though, is the Bucs paid Clayton an awful lot of money last year. His new contract is for five years and is worth $24 million. More than $10 million of that is guaranteed. That's a hefty investment and I doubt the Bucs will cash in at a loss after just one season. My guess is that Clayton is back for 2010.
-- Roy Cummings
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Q: As we all know times are hard on people right now, what with how things are for the average working guy out here. When the Glazers started the seat deposit, it was $1,440 for the four seats I had. The price at the end of the seat deposit time period was $3,000 for the same four seats. That was more than 100 percent increase over 10 years. I had to give up my seats cause I could not come up with that kind of money. In that same time period my pay did not go up 10 percent.
So my question is, with the new colective bargaining between players and owners do you think it might help out the average guy by boycotting all games until players' wages come down to something we all can live with?
George Bussman, Lake Wales
A: I don't think boycotting games is going to make much of a difference. There is too much money from television contracts and other revenue streams for an attendance boycott to help bring player salaries down.
One thing that could help bring player salaries down is a rookie salary cap. If the league can get that the owners will save millions. The union would like to see that extra money spent on veteran players but there's a chance the owners will pass the savings on to the fans in the form of cheaper tickets. At the very least they could hold the line on ticket prices for a few years.
We can always dream, can't we?
-- Roy Cummings
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Q: I like first two the picks of McCoy and Price. The Bucs really needed an upgrade in the middle of the D line. However, does this mean that they have given op on Roy Miller? He seemed to be coming on strong in the second half of last season.
Ed Morris, St. Petersburg
A: Roy Miller will see plenty of action this fall, even if Price ends up starting next to McCoy. The Bucs envision a DT rotation to keep players fresh and they still believe in Miller as a solid contributor. Miller did some nice things in December and by no means has he fallen out of favor. The Bucs just thought Price was too talented to pass up with the 35th pick.
-- Ira Kaufman
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Q: What are the chances the Bucs go after Pacman Jones? It looks like he has turned his life around with no problems in the last year. He would be a great nickel back. I think the Bucs are on right track, probably 5-6 wins and one more solid draft and playoffs possible. Thank you.
Scott, Coldwater, Mich.
A: Don't hold your breath about Tampa Bay's interest in Pacman Jones. The Bucs have been loud and clear about their renewed emphasis on character and players that are dedicated to the game of football. Jones has quite a reputation to overcome. He hasn't played since 2008 and the Bucs are confident at this point that Myron Lewis can be groomed at the nickel spot to eventually replace Ronde Barber. You are probably on target with five or six wins for the Bucs this fall. Don't be fooled by this supposedly weak schedule -- this team still has a lot of holes to fill.
-- Ira Kaufman
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Q: Is Raheem Morris going to continue to split his duties between head coach and defensive coordinator, or are they going to name a permanent coordinator to that position?
Joe Geerholt, Tampa
A: The Bucs improved significantly on defense once Morris assumed control for the final six games. He is energized by adding the D-coordinator role to his head coaching duties and the Glazers support his dual responsibilties. Morris says he is willing to put the additional hours in to get the job done on both fronts. He's a hand's-on coach and the defensive players appear to respond to him with renewed energy.
-- Ira Kaufman
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Q: First off I would like to say thank you to Roy Cummings, Anwar Richardson and Ira Kaufman for doing a much better job this year in covering our beloved Buccaneers. You guys have definitely stepped your game up a couple of notches. Getting back to the question at hand. Many of our core players will be free agents in 2011. On the offensive side of the ball we have guys like Davin Joseph, Donald Penn and Jeremy Trueblood on the O-line, tight ends Jerramy Stevens and John Gilmore, wide receiver Maurice Stovall and running back Cadillac Williams. On the defensive side there is Stylez G White on the D-line, linebackers Geno Hayes, Barrett Ruud and Quincy Black, cornerback Ronde Barber and safeties Tanard Jackson and Sabby Piscitelli.
How do you think the Bucs will handle signing most of these guys? Or should we even care? Because if the 2010 draft was being held as the deepest draft in 10 or 20 years, the 2011 free agent period will be the largest one ever with more than 450 players available.
Luvmybucs, Las Vegas, Nev.
A: The Glazers have said that any player who performs well over a period of time will be rewarded by the Bucs. Guys like Penn and Ruud are wondering when their day will come. You would think Tanard Jackson and Davin Joseph will be offered long-term extensions. After this season, the Bucs will have to identify their core players and build with them going forward. Penn, Ruud and Trueblood could all hit the market next March, assuming a new collective bargaining agreement is in place.
-- Ira Kaufman
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Q: I feel the Bucs improved a lot in the draft. Our DT position was the main reason the defense was bad. When the defensive tackles are getting manhandled the linebackers can be blocked more causing more running holes. I feel we will win 9 games this year based on our schedule and make the wild card.
Dustin Tiller, Kalamazoo, Mich.
A: The Bucs love your confidence, but nine wins would be triple what the Bucs did last year. Let's not set the bar too high just yet. Remember, this rebuilding project is going to take at least another year to complete, and the Bucs still reside in one of the best divisions in the league. I think the defense will be better, but it may take Gerald McCoy and Brian Price a year or two to really adjust and become dominant. Also, Josh Freeman is still learning and a lot of the talent around him is very young. I think six or seven wins is a better bet, but you may be right. We'll just have to wait and see.
-- Roy Cummings
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Q: I can't believe how many "SOUR GRAPES" fans are out there! This is an exciting time for the franchise, including us, the fans! Many people have short memories of how this franchise was revolutionized in the mid '90s. Instead of supporting the team going forward, we decide to criticize the aesthetic banners adorning the walls outside of Ray-Jay! Lets support the mission statement, and stay optimistic! We had a very productive draft! I'ts time to stop criticizing, and look ahead to a championship contender that we are used to!
Dean Penzabene, The Bronx, NY
A: I think you nailed it. This is a very exciting time for the Bucs. This team had to be rebuilt if it was going to become a consistent playoff contender and so far the process has produced a lot of enthusiasm. Fans should be getting an idea of what the future is going to be here with Josh Freeman at quarterback and Gerald McCoy at the center of the defense. On paper that seems like a good start. If those players and others can transfer their tremendous potential to the field the fans will return and so will the Bucs' winning ways.
-- Roy Cummings
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Q: With the release of Arron Sears supposedly from another setback in his recovery from his "personal issues," what are the chances of the Buccaneers signing him back if he were to fully recover? I thought he looked like a future pro-bowler at left guard, it was a sad sight to see him go. I hope the best for him and that whatever he has been going through subsides. Thanks guys!
Andrew Burruezo, Brandon
A: Good question, but I think the Bucs have probably moved on from Sears permanently. They've got to start planning for life without him, so I think the only way they revisit him is if he returns to his rookie form and they strike out on all of his possible replacements.
-- Roy Cummings
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Q: I read that the Bucs are shopping Mark Clayton. Is there any truth to that rummor? If so why not just cut him loose now like they did with Sears, and Hovan?
Sid Valentine, Tampa
A: I think you meant Mike Clayton, and it's hard to know for sure if he's on the block or not. My guess is that everyone who didn't play well as a starter last year and was not drafted in either 2009 or 2010 is potentially on the block. The reason Clayton hasn't been cut is because the Bucs invested a lot of money in him. They owe it to themselves to see if he can make the investment pay off. Their hoping he can finally turn his impressive training camps into impressive seasons. Keep your fingers crossed.
-- Roy Cummings
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Q: Why not grade past drafts instead of this recent draft? We really cannot tell what the new players are going to do for a couple of years at least. Also, give out the scouting department's names (individuals) for each past season so we can grade them. I know the head coach and general manager make the final choice, but if you had good people that scouted these players and probably know more about them. They should be able to sway a head coach or manager from making a big mistake. Whoever is in charge of scouting isn't strong enough to do this. We are talking about the past and we dont know how this draft is going to turn out yet, but are the same people here?
Butch, Centreville, Va.
A: The Bucs owners did grade the Bucs' recent drafts and the result was the dismissal of general manager Bruce Allen and coach Jon Gruden. Bucs co-chairman Joel Glazer later went on to say that the horrid drafts of recent years are the big reason the Bucs are in the fix their in. As for the individuals who make up the current scouting staff, I wrote a story a week ago detailing the changes there. That staff has pretty much been turned inside out. It's now 10 men strong whereas it was seven men in 2004. And of those 10 scouts, only three remain from the 2004 crew.
-- Roy Cummings
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Q: We had a GREAT draft, but still are in need of some key positions. While Ken Hamlin available, think we might take a look? And who are the BEST available offensive linemen in free agency?
Charles Pruitt, New Orleans
A: The Bucs took a look at Hamlin a couple years ago. I don't think they'll revisit him unless an injury occurs. As for offensive linemen, there isn't much out there right now. The only spot the Bucs are really looking to upgrade is left guard, where they thought Jeremy Zuttah improved after a difficult start last year. The Bucs do need some depth along the line, but they feel good about some of their backups, especially T Demar Dotson and T/G Xavier Fulton.
-- Roy Cummings
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Q: I agree the Bucs did well in the draft, especially with the first three picks. I also think Williams could be a steal but why did we trade our seventh round picks away? Also why didn't they go after a left tackle when there were several opportunities to get one? What about the defensive end position? There were many there and we just traded our 2 seventh round picks away. I am an avid Buc fan but some of this doesn't make sense to me. Benn the wide receiver we picked from what I saw of his bio has very little experience and is injury prone. Overall I am pretty satisfied with the picks and think the defense is definetly going to be better.
Sam, Swartz Creek, Mich.
A: The Bucs addressed some major needs in this draft, but they weren't going to turn a 3-13 club around in one weekend. There was a clear focus to upgrade the defense and the WR position and I can't fault the pick of Brian Price over a DE in Round 2. The Bucs had Price graded as a first-round talent and they weren't overly impressed with the defensive ends available at that point. Don't be shocked if Price has as much impact as McCoy as a rookie. The Bucs know they need more competition along the OL, but once again, they weren't going to reach for a lesser player just to fill holes at certain positions. They will be in the market for a DE or an offensive lineman this summer when guys get released. Some teams considered Benn the No. 2 or No. 3 receiver in this draft and he and Williams certainly will have an opportunity to contribute immediately.
-- Ira Kaufman
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Q: Every evaluation I've read for months says Brian Price is a 3-technique, UT in the pros. You've been claiming Bucs plan to use Miller as the NT. Now we take Price high in the second round and make him a NT? We still don't have a backup UT in that case. Please explain it to me and show how these players will be used in the hybrid Tampa 2 defense. Would it have made more sense to take Cody as NT and later get Geno Atkins to backup McCoy? Atkins manhandled Iupati in the senior bowl.
CVal, Nashville, Tenn.
A: Price should not be pigeon-holed as a pure 3-technique lineman. He has the bulk to excel at the NT position next to McCoy and don't be shocked if you see him lined up at right DE on occasion. He's a very good athlete for his size and his 23.5 tackles behind the line of scrimmage indicates how disruptive he can be. The Bucs had Price ranked higher than Cody and you can't fault them for sticking to their board and taking the best prospect available. I don't think you'll be disappointed with Price this fall.
-- Ira Kaufman
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