The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were on the cusp of being a solid team last season, but some immature moves from coach Greg Schiano and a last ranked passing defense left the team on the outside of the playoffs looking in and as 2013 gets closer the team feels it is ready for the next step.
The team added some players in the offseason and with another season under coach Schiano, the roster should be more prepared for his system and style of play. The team finished 7-9 and 3-3 in the division and ended up 10th and 15th in rushing and passing yards per game. The defense was the biggest issue for the team and after bringing over Revis and signing Dashon Goldson, that should drastically improve.
The team ranked 32nd in passing yards allowed per game with nearly 300, while the team was first in rushing yards per game and that needs to be more balanced next year. The team has an odd schedule with a Week 5 bye, meaning the second half of the season needs to be a success to make the playoffs. Doug Martin had a great rookie season and he will only get better with another year under his belt and things won't be too tough at the beginning with games against the Jets, Saints, Pats and Cardinals. The team opens at the Jets, giving Darrelle Revis a nice homecoming.
The team has some issues heading into training camp, including with safety Cody Grimm, who was arrested for public intoxication earlier and while Schiano was pissed off about it, he said that Grimm will be ready to go this season. He played well in practice and came up with an interception and a tipped pass and if he continues that he will stay on. There were reports about issues with weight for Donald Penn, but Schiano has said that it is not an issue and won't be as the summer goes on.
Revis is on his way back from his injury and the team said that he is on schedule and while he may not be ready for the first day of training camp, he will be ready in time to take part in some activities. The Bucs are focused on having him ready for the Jets game and so far there is no indication that it will be an issue. Revis has worked with the training staff mostly and is preparing for that first game. The team has decisions' to make with corners as rookie cornerback Johnthan Banks likely won't start unless Revis has a setback, giving Eric Wright a chance to save his job.
Mike Williams is locked in at receiver and behind him he will have some battles with Kevin Ogletree and Tiquan Underwood, while Freeman and Glennon will be looking to compete in camp.
