Pittman gone, Stevens in, Taylor maybe?

Since I've missed a few weeks of posting, I thought I'd catch up with some issues dealing with the Bucs today.

Michael Pittman-
This past week, former Buc Michael Pittman signed as a free agent with the Denver Broncos. I believe this might signal some serious issues the Broncos are having with troubled RB Travis Henry by adding experience at the position. I wouldn't be surprised to see Henry released by Denver in the next few weeks. Mike was a fan favorite here in Tampa. He came on board from Arizona and brought those massive biceps with him. In 2002, he ran for 124 yards in Super Bowl 37 while helping the Bucs secure their first championship. He didn't garner much interest from other teams during the early part of free agency, and given the current contract/holdout/Rosenhaus induced idiocy by Earnest Graham, I was hoping the Bucs might re-sign him if Earnest continues to follow ill-advised advice from his agent. The Broncos are a good fit for Mike, their zone blocking technique makes 1000 yard backs out of just about anyone who can carry a football. His devotion to team will make him a favorite in the locker room. Mike, sorry to see you go, thanks for the memories, and best wishes for success in the coming year.

Jerramy Stevens-
Lost in the discussion over the release of Bruce Gradkowski was the re-signing of TE Jerramy Stevens. Stevens, a former first round draft choice, was a free agent after signing a 1 year contract with the Bucs for the 07 season. Stevens drew little interest from other teams and decided to try another season with the Buccos. I wrote on this blog in January, that I thought he came on late in the season last year and should have been given another chance in the 08 season to see what he can do. After all, the only receiver on the roster last year with more touchdowns was Joey Galloway. He comes with baggage, but nothing more than he had coming to One Buc Place last season. He was a model citizen last year and has done nothing in the off season to prove he won't do the same during 08. This move does create a bit of a log jam at the TE position. The Bucs signed 5th year player Ben Troupe from Tennessee and John Gilmore from Chicago during the free agency period. Troupe showed promise in Tennessee with a plus 50 reception effort in 2005 and Gilmore is known more for his blocking than his pass catching ability. It makes one wonder if the Bucs might just keep all four TE's on the roster this season, perhaps moving Gilmore to a fullback/H-back type player sort of like Patrick Hape filled several years ago.

Jason Taylor-
Here we go again with the on again, off again, retirement, I want to be a Hollywood star DE from Miami. Outside of Brett Farve not sending in his retirement papers, this has been the other big story of the off season. Jason spent the off season starring on the reality show, Dancing with the Stars, he and his partner came in second. I couldn't tell you who his partner was because I never watched 1 second of the show. What I do know is, this guy still has a football motor and can be a major upgrade to any team. This afternoon he held a presser which was under the guise of promoting his celebrity golf tournament, but in reality was about him saying he doesn't want to play anymore for the Miami Mullets. He's given 11 years to the Mullets and has nothing to show for his time served. He's 32 and stated he only wants to play 1 more year and then move on to pursue a movie career while the window is open. What window?? The Mummy part 4 where he co-stars with the Rock? Has Hollywood determined from him doing the Cha-Cha on ABC that he is the next Robert DeNiro? He's played football his entire life.

Jason, I understand you think you have more tenure and more of the team behind you in Miami than Bill Parcells, but you had better think again. You also should not set absolutes such as saying you will only play for 1 more year. You've played football your entire life, not acting. Ask Brian Bosworth how that acting career went.

I wont lie, I'd love to see Jason Taylor here in Tampa next season. If I were Bruce Allen, I'd offer Chris Simms, a third round pick in 2009 and a 4th round pick in 2010 ONLY if Taylor will sign a 3 year contract. That allows Taylor to make some more money, a chance at a championship and stay in Florida which is one of his desires. If he wants a one year contract only, Taylor will be traded to San Diego, Indy, Dallas or Jacksonville. Regardless, Taylor will not be in Aqua and Orange next year.

Bruce Allen, are you reading this blog?

In January, I outlined some moves I wished the Bucs front office would undertake in the offseason. Hmmmm, I wish I could pick the lotto numbers as well as I forecasted the moves by the Bucs. I called for the release of Gradkowski, release of Anthony Becht, release of Greg Spires, all have happened. I called for the resigning of Mike Bennett and Jerramy Stevens, check. I suggested a renegotiation of Kevin Carters contract. check, check.

During my draft analysis, I said the Bucs needed to focus on 4 spots, a disruptive UT to play DL, speedy receiver to return kicks, OL depth, and a CB. Shazam, the Bucs deliver the goods. Dre' Moore, Dexter Jackson, Jeremy Zuttah and Aqib Talib.

My gut feeling is that the 2008 version of the Bucs are going to be more focused on the running game. The OL has made advances in the past 2 years, and with the addition of TE's, I believe the Bucs will be more about moving the chains and controlling the clock. Tampa might have won the playoff game last year versus the Giants had they not abandoned the running game so early. With the system the Bucs run, you must control the clock, run the ball and have a nasty DL which creates turnovers in the Tampa 2. It will be an interesting season in 08. Can the Bucs be the first ever team in a host city to play in the Super Bowl for the ultimate home field advantage.?