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Wednesday, July 18
Updated: August 13, 12:39 AM ET
 
Bucs: Offense gears up
By Tom Oates
Special to ESPN.com

The Buccaneers thought they were one big offensive weapon away from the Super Bowl last year, so they traded for wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson.

Oops. There was no way Johnson could be the answer without a quarterback to get the ball to him. Not surprisingly, the Bucs struggled on offense in big games, saw their overworked defense fade late in the season and finished a disappointing 10-6 with a first-round playoff exit.
 
CAMP AT A GLANCE
 Brad Johnson
Brad Johnson was brought in to jump-start the offense.
  Location:University of Tampa, Tampa, Fla.
Rookies report: July 29
Veterans report: July 29
Preseason schedule:
 Aug. 13: Miami
 Aug. 18: at Cleveland
 Aug. 25: New England
 Aug. 31: at Atlanta

This off-season, the Bucs again figured they were a player away from the Super Bowl, so they signed quarterback Brad Johnson in free agency. If the Johnson & Johnson combination finally makes the offense good enough to escape the scorn of the highly respected defense, the Bucs will be legitimate Super Bowl contenders. They proved last year that it takes more than defense to reach that level, although the defense that set a franchise record with 55 sacks last year will be even tougher on opposing quarterbacks with free agent Simeon Rice at end.

Man in the spotlight
Brad Johnson is a quality NFL starter whose biggest problem has been staying healthy. He can make all the throws and is a hard worker and team leader. Yet, he has played just one complete season in the NFL. His impact with the Bucs will depend on how quickly he picks up the offense and how soon he develops a rapport with his receivers, especially Keyshawn Johnson, who is vocal and disruptive when the ball doesn't come his way. If Brad Johnson's presence spurs demoted starter Shaun King to prepare harder physically and mentally, the Bucs might be doubly improved at quarterback.

Key position battle
The offensive line struggled late last season and the weakest spot was left tackle, where the platoon of Pete Pierson and George Hegamin made no one forget the retired Paul Gruber. With keeping the immobile Brad Johnson upright and healthy now a priority, the Bucs traded up in the first round of the draft and took offensive tackle Kenyatta Walker. Although he must make the adjustment from the right to the left side, Walker is a natural pass protector and it is only a matter of time before he beats out last year's platoon for the starting job.

Biggest adjustment
Dungy is a marvelous coach in every way but one. He favors a ball-control offense and throws handcuffs on his offensive coordinators. Part of that is due to the Bucs' quarterback problems, but part is due to Dungy's conservative nature. Clyde Christensen is Dungy's third offensive coordinator in three years and there is hope he will make the offense less predictable. The team figured out late last season that halfback Warrick Dunn is most productive when he's the primary ballcarrier, which means Mike Alstott could be on the way out. However, if the Bucs are going to make full use of Brad Johnson, they have to quit relying on their two running backs and throw the ball more than 15 times a game.

Rookie report
Besides Walker, the rookies won't make much of an impact. Third-rounder Dwight Smith and fourth-rounder John Howell will provide insurance in the secondary, but this is not a team that needs much immediate help.

Offseason moves
Players signed Players lost
CB Ronde Barber (re-signed)
LB Jamie Duncan (re-signed)
QB Brad Johnson (signed as free agent)
DE Simeon Rice (signed as free agent)
OT Jerry Wunsch (re-signed)
 DE Chidi Ahanotu (released)
RG Frank Middleton (signed with Raiders)
OL Jason Odom (retired)
FS Damien Robinson (signed with Jets)

  • Buccaneers' complete offseason moves





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    AUDIO/VIDEO
    video
     Warren Sapp sits down with our Sal Paolantonio for a Sunday Conversation.
    RealVideo: 56.6 | ISDN
    Cable Modem

    audio
     Confidence is not a question for Buccaneers receiver Keyshawn Johnson.
    wav: 1046 k
    RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6

     Defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin and the Bucs look to move forward, with or without Derrick Brooks.
    wav: 76 k
    RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6

     ESPN.com's John Clayton says the Bucs' Derrick Brooks just needs a "financial" hug.
    wav: 591 k
    RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6

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