26 points and we win!

As the Bucs move towards the free agency period and the draft, there seems to be three areas to focus on, the defensive line, cornerback and the dire need to add a couple of playmakers on offense. Sure, Joey Galloway continued on his Darryl Green-like career, notching his third consecutive 1000 yard season, but wound up at the end of the year playing with a bad wing and was a non factor in the playoff loss to the eventual Super Bowl champion Giants.

The simple fact is that the offense has to improve. The Bucs struggled in the red zone this season and settled for field goals when they should have been scoring touchdowns. The Jacksonville loss this year immediately comes to mind. An interesting trend emerges when you look at the Jon Gruden tenure with the Bucs. In the 6 years with Gruden holding the tiller, when the Bucs score 26 points or more, including the playoffs, they have a 21-3 record. They were 7-0 in the Super Bowl year of 2002, 3-0 in 2004, 5-0 in 2005 and 4-0 this past season. Actually, the only year Tampa had a losing record when scoring 26 points or more, was the abomination in 2006, when they lost 34-31 in Chicago, even though Tim Rattay led a valiant comeback effort in defeat.
In this day and age of prolific scoring in the NFL, 26 points a game shouldn't be such an insurmountable goal. It's simply 28 points more than the Bucs all-time single season scoring point total of 388 in 2000 when second year quarterback Shaun King was under center and he was throwing to the likes of Keyshawn, Reidel Anthony and Jacquez Green.

So how to rectify the problem?

The first thing I would address is the return game. While the Bucs did finally produce their first ever franchise kickoff return for a touchdown this season, the punt return game suffered greatly. I realize injuries took their toll as the season progressed, but by the end of the year, the Bucs should have simply put all 11 men on the line and tried to block the punt rather than set up a return. Through either free agency or the draft, the front office should focus on finding one player which can return both kickoffs and punts while being able to fill in at a wide reciever position. I really like Devrey Henderson from New Orleans for this. He's a young player who has great speed.

Second, the wide recieving corps has got to be upgraded. Galloway could most likely play 2-3 more years, but he's got to get some help. Ike Hilliard had a good year but suffered a neck injury late in the season. Maurice Stovall shined on special teams until he was lost at the end of the season with a broken arm. And once again, Michael Clayton stood out with his blocking ability but had a lackluster year in receiving, 22 receptions for 301 yards and no scores really strikes no fear in opposing defenses. This writer believes that Clayton and Stovall are really on the bubble this year. One player which could be considered an upgrade at the wide reciever position and is now available is Donte Stallworth. This former first round pick in 2002 by the New Orleans Saints, played for the New England Patriots this past year in the third wideout position recording 46 receptions for nearly 700 yards and three scores. Thats really not all bad when you consider he was playing with Moss and Welker. The front office should move on bringing Donte in for a tryout/interview. Stallworth has played with Jeff Garcia in the past, and while he's never posted a 1000 yard season in his career, I feel he would be a major addition to the recieving corps. He's a solid reciever, not another Alvin Harper or Bert Emanuel. Remember, the objective is to get to 26 points per game.

Third, there is always the nagging position known as tight end. For so many years, the Bucs have had to rely on a big blocking tightend so he could stay in and help block with the dire state of the offensive line. With a young o-line coming together, perhaps we can actually utilize that position in the offense more next season. I thought Jerramy Stevens did some good things down the stretch this year, but recently there have been some character issues brought up again regarding him. Alex Smith, who always seems to look like he's right on the cusp of becoming an elite player, but then something happens. Anthony Becht, along with Stevens are both free agents this offseason and might not be back. I've read reports after the Super Bowl that the Bucs front office might want to trade for Jeremy Shockey from the Giants. Shockey might be a good player, but it just brings to mind how the egos of Gruden v. Shockey might co-exisit harmoniously. Then there is Alge Crumpler, expected to be released today from the Falcons. 30 years old, and doubt regarding a knee injury. I say bring him in for a physical and if he's healthy, sign him to a reasonable deal. If not, does anyone have Jackie Harris or Jimmie Giles on speed dial?

The last position to address is running back. Usual readers already know I'm excited about the re-signing of Michael Bennett. Earnest Graham will most likely have his contract extended. Mike Pittman might be the odd man out here. I'd love to see him back for another season or two, but not at break the bank money. If Pittman moves on, I'd like to see Dominic Rhodes fill his roster spot. Carnell Williams is up in the air as to whether he will play in 2008 or even ever again in the NFL. I like the fact that Ken Darby can be in the mix in the offseason. I see alot of Warrick Dunn features in his game, pass catching abilities and speed on the outside. There seems to be alot of discussion about Michael Turner from San Diego on the message boards now, but he's going to get a break the bank type deal and really isn't the type of back which fits with the Bucs. Turner is a talent, no doubt, but he needs a Denver, Pittsburgh, Chicago, grind it out style of offense. Tampa needs a Roger Craig, Ricky Waters, or Michael Westbrook type back.

In 2002, Gruden instilled the motto, "Pound the Rock" in the lockerroom. Perhaps in 2008, Gruden can work on scoring 26 points or more a game. It's a proven successful combination.