Tampa Bay
Buccaneers

Buccaneers Team Report

Updated: February 09, 2012 05:29 EST

The Bucs are rebuilding their offense around quarterback Josh Freeman.

While it's true Freeman took a big step backward last season by throwing 16 touchdowns and 22 interceptions, new coach Greg Schiano believes Freeman can revert to his 2010 form, when he went 10-6 with 25 touchdowns and only six interceptions.

The biggest strength of the team may be the offensive line. Starting left guard Jeremy Zuttah, who played for Schiano at Rutgers, is an unrestricted free agent. But left tackle Donald Penn, center Jeff Faine, right guard Davin Joseph and right tackle Jeremy Trueblood return.

Schiano plans to take some of the pressure off that offensive line by making the Bucs a run-first club that uses play-action passes to take shots downfield. Of course, that's exactly the approach taken by former offensive coordinator Greg Olson, who was fired.

The problem is that the Bucs need to upgrade the talent at the running back, receiver and tight end positions.

Starting tailback LeGarrette Blount did not come close to duplicating the production of his rookie season. Blount is one-dimensional and not a factor on passing downs because of his inability to master blocking concepts and run routes. He also lacks the speed to get around the edge.

That means Tampa Bay will need to invest in a versatile running back. With the No. 5 overall pick, many NFL draft analysts have projected the Bucs to select Alabama running back Trent Richardson.

"We're going to be a physical offensive football team that takes shots downfield," Schiano said. "It's very hard to go on 12-, 13-, 14-play drives. If you miss on a shot, we'll line up and play defense and go after them again. That formula works."

It didn't work last season for the Bucs because they were among the slowest offenses in the NFL. Tampa Bay not only lacks a change-of-pace running back, they need a speed receiver to stretch the field. Mike Williams also experienced a sophomore slump, going from 11 touchdowns as a rookie to only three last season.

Tight end Kellen Winslow, who has been Freeman's security blanket, has lost a step and is not as effective. The Bucs also need a blocking tight end.

Chargers receiver Vincent Jackson is an unrestricted free agent and the Bucs may also consider Oklahoma State receiver Justin Blackmon with the fifth overall pick.

It's still unknown whom Schiano will hire as offensive coordinator. Since the Bucs were the last team to select a head coach, it has hindered their ability to fill both coordinator spots.

The priority on offense for the Bucs will be getting Freeman back on track. The offense will follow.

"With coach, and all these coaches, they talked about Josh Freeman and how he's a key element," general manager Mark Dominik said. "There's a lot of excitement in the National Football League about Josh Freeman. Obviously, he didn't play to his level of expectation last year. But that was an intriguing part to every football coach we interviewed. You've got Josh Freeman."

--The two most important things that have been said since the Bucs' 4-12 season was an acknowledgement by general manager Mark Dominik that the team has to improve its talent level and they will be active in free agency.

"We understand we're not a finished product," Dominik said. "We understand there are things we need to address on this team. And I know we'll do it in all capacities. We're going to do it in free agency. I don't want people to be worried we're not going to spend in free agency. We'll be involved."

How involved? Of course, that remains to be seen. A year ago, Dominik focused on re-signing some of the Bucs' unrestricted free agents, such as guard Davin Joseph, tackle Jeremy Trueblood and linebacker Quincy Black. The only outside hire was punter Michael Koenen.

This year, the Bucs have less than a handful of free agents they need to make a decision on, a list that begins with cornerback Ronde Barber and place-kicker Connor Barth but includes former starters such as linebacker Geno Hayes and guard Jeremy Zuttah.

--The Bucs have not officially announced any new members of their coaching staff, but it is expected to a heavy dose of former Rutgers assistants. The list includes Jeff Hafley (defensive backs), Bob Fraser (unknown), Brian Angelichio (tight ends), Jay Butler (strength coach), P.J. Fleck (receivers), Randy Melvin (defensive line) and Tem Lukabu (linebackers).

--The Buccaneers reportedly interviewed University of North Carolina offensive coordinator John Shoop for the same position on their staff Wednesday.

Shoop is a one-time Bucs quarterbacks coach under Jon Gruden and has worked on other NFL staffs before his current five-year stint at UNC.

Shoop runs a pro-style offense with the Tar Heels and is an original member of Butch Davis' UNC staff. Davis, fired by the Tar Heels last year, was reportedly being considered for defensive coordinator. That job was offered to Florida's Dan Quinn earlier this week, but Quinn declined.

Shoop's NFL-level coordinator experience includes a stint with the Raiders in 2006 under Art Shell. Oakland finished 2-14 and Shell and his staff were fired after the season. He also was offensive coordinator for the Bears from 2001 to 2003.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "There will be one common message, before we get to the X's and O's, before we get to the fundamentals, and it's something I believe something that's critical: TBA, and that's not To Be Announced. That's trust, believe and accountability." -- Bucs coach Greg Schiano.

The Bucs will likely release a few players in the coming weeks. Chief among them will be defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, who did not help the Bucs win a single game after being claimed off waivers last season. DT Jovan Haye also could be on that list.

MEDICAL WATCH

The most serious injury was to DT Gerald McCoy, who had surgery to repair another torn biceps. McCoy is ahead of schedule in his rehab and training with Todd Durkin in San Diego.

--S Cody Grimm tore several knee ligaments but will be ready for offseason workouts.

--CB Aqib Talib finished the season on IR with a hamstring injury but will not require surgery.

--RB Earnest Graham is recovering from a torn Achilles but is an unrestricted free agent.