Dan Pompei

When the Bucs play good defense and run the ball well, they win. This has been a constant in Tampa for many years now.

So it shouldn't be a surprise that the Bucs tried to fortify their defense and their running game in the offseason.

The Bucs already had the top ranked passing defense in the NFL last year, and they could be better this year.

They added free agent Marques Douglas to a nice collection of defensive ends that includes 2007 first round pick Gaines Adams, the very underrated Greg White and veteran Kevin Carter. Then, they fortified their secondary by signing free agent safety/cornerback Eugene Wilson and using their first round draft choice on corner Aqib Talib.

With regards to the running game, Tampa brought back Warrick Dunn after his release from the Falcons and signed center Jeff Faine from the Saints. It remains to be seen if the 32-year old is all he used to be during his previous reign in Tampa, or if he is no more than a versatile third down back at this stage of his career. All the Bucs know is they need options at the position because of the uncertainty regarding Cadillac Williams' knee.

Dunn had three straight 1,000 yard rushing seasons for the Falcons, but dropped off significantly last season. He averaged only 3.2 yards per carry. Whether that was the result of playing in a dysfunctional offense, or the result of Dunn losing a step is fodder for a good debate.

But the Bucs aren't counting on Dunn alone in the running game. Earnest Graham averaged four yards per carry last season and appears capable of carrying the load.

The Bucs figure to have a balanced offense with Jeff Garcia providing the passing. Some thought the Bucs might make an offseason play for a big name receiver, but the only receiver of note they acquired was veteran Antonio Bryant. Instead, they are banking on Joey Galloway bouncing back from a shoulder injury, staying healthy and performing more like a 25 year old than the 35 year old he is.

Hot seat
In three years, Cadillac Williams has missed 16 games due to injury, including 12 last year with a torn patella tendon in his knee. After his latest injury, initially there was concern that Williams' career might be over.

Now, Williams is saying he plans on being ready for opening day. Even if he is, he might not be the runner the Bucs thought they were getting when they chose him with the fifth pick in the 2005 draft. His career average per carry is 3.8.

If Williams doesn't get healthy, stay healthy and produce, he could find himself looking for another line of work.

Overheard at camp
If the object of the game is to have the biggest quarterback collection, the Bucs would already be clearing out space for a new trophy. They went into the offseason with four quarterbacks—Jeff Garcia, Luke McCown, Bruce Gradkowski and Chris Simms. Then they traded for Brian Griese. And finally they drafted Josh Johnson. They let Gradkowski go, but obviously have more trimming to do at the position.

What do they intend on doing with all these players? Well, Garcia is the only one with a clearly defined role. He's the starter. Simms likely will be cut. Griese probably will be the primary backup, with either McCown or Johnson as No. 3. Johnson also could be tried at another position such as wide receiver.

With the new 80-man training camp roster limit, the Bucs can't afford to have too many quarterbacks hanging around who have no chance of making the final roster.

Coming and going
Two of the locker room leaders who helped turn the franchise around headed for the exits in the offseason. Fullback Mike Alstott, whose toughness helped give the Bucs an identity, decided to retire after spending the entire 2007 season on injured reserve. And cornerback Brian Kelly, who played in 130 games for the Bucs, took a free agent deal with the Lions.

Prediction
If Garcia can continue to play the way he did last two seasons, as opposed to the way he played the previous two, then there is no reason to believe the Bucs won't be a competitive team capable of beating almost anyone. But Garcia is 38 years old, he isn't the biggest quarterback around, he does play with reckless abandon, and he does have some injuries in his history.

Quarterback aside, the Bucs have a solid team and should be well coached. Figure them for eight to 10 wins.

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