Tonight the Buccaneers will finish up a well-discussed and debated preseason at home against Washington. While many look at the fourth preseason game as a throw away game the Bucs will still be looking to make some serious decisions before they reduce the roster down to 53 this Saturday. After the NFL Gospel Choir finishes serenading the fans with their rendition of the National Anthem, many Bucs players, veteran and rookie alike, will take one last shot to impress Coach Lovie Smith, GM Jason Licht and many GM’s and coaches around the league.
The biggest concern this preseason has been on the offensive line. Inconsistent guard play forced the Bucs front office to look into trading for disgruntled San Francisco guard Alex Boone and signing NFL bad boy Richie Incognito. Eventually they traded tight end Tim Wright and a fourth round pick to New England for pro bowl guard Logan Mankins. While Mankins is not as dominant as five years ago, he still serves as a major upgrade over Oniel Cousins, Patrick Omameh, and Jamon Meredith. Those three will battle it out to see who will man the other guard position, unless Smith and Licht decide to make another move.
The third receiver spot will be solidified as well tonight. Veteran Vincent Jackson and first round pick Mike Evans are definitely the starters on the outside which means veteran Louis Murphy, third year guy Chris Owusu, and rookie Robert Herron are in the hunt to join the “dunk”aneers.
All three possess unique skill sets and could be effective for different reasons. Murphy is a savvy receiver and shows the ability to weave through traffic and find the soft spots in a defense. Owusu has seen his production increase the past two seasons this could be his breakout year. Herron is the wild card. When Bucs offensive coordinator Jeff Tedford talks about, “speed in space” Herron is exactly what he is referring to. The Bucs’ sixth round pick was the starter in the third preseason game which is known as an opening day dress rehearsal. That indicates the University of Wyoming product has the inside track on the position.
On defense, the secondary and linebacker corps is pretty much decided. The defensive line still has some questions to be answered. While we know free agent acquisition Michael Johnson will be a day one starter on the right side, the left side has a few possibilities. Adrian Clayborn, William Gholston, and a late addition from the San Diego Chargers, Larry English all have a chance to grab the position. Steven Means is also trying to make an impression.
Early in the preseason, Gholston was clearly outplaying the incumbent Clayborn. He was poised to earn the starting nod but injury set him back. In his absence Clayborn has been solid but has not made big plays like he did last year at right end. The surprise has been English. The former first round pick fizzled with the Chargers mostly due to injuries and his inability to adjust as a 3-4 outside linebacker. Since arriving in Tampa he has looked comfortable back at his natural position and he made big plays against Buffalo.
At defensive tackle there is no fight for the starting spot but Da’Quan Bowers flashed signs of being a disruptive force in the interior and could serve as a swing DT/DE. There are others who believe that his most recent injuries may keep him off the roster completely. In order for that to happen others will have to show that they are capable of being disruptive inside. There is no denying his natural gifts and if he can stay healthy in this new system, Bowers could finally produce like a player worthy of a second round pick.
Definitive starters may not play but interest will still be high for tonight game as many Bucs fight for their professional careers. Tonight is their final opportunity to impress.
Written by Gene Clemons
