Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Gruden's Offense Is Starting To Catch Up With the Defense
Tampa Bay's Jon Gruden has a 78-58 record with four division championships and a Super Bowl title in eight seasons as a head coach.
(By Brian Bahr -- Getty Images)
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With Jon Gruden at the helm, it was only a matter of time until the Buccaneers' offense would approach the same level as its stellar defense.
This is the year both sides come together.
Of course, defense will still rule, with Derrick Brooks, Ronde Barber and Simeon Rice leading a veteran group that seems to get stronger with age. But the Bucs have the makings of what could be one of the best offenses in franchise history.
The talent level for Tampa Bay is at least equal to what Gruden had during his time with the Oakland Raiders. Gruden's innovative style turned that group into a high-octane machine, so there's no reason -- even with a mediocre offensive line -- that it can't happen in Tampa.
Quarterback Chris Simms progressed nicely after being thrust into the starting role last season, throwing for 2,035 yards and 10 touchdowns in 11 games. Carnell "Cadillac" Williams enjoyed a superb rookie season despite battling hamstring and foot injuries. If Williams remains healthy for a full season, he could threaten James Wilder's single-season franchise record of 1,544 yards set in 1984.
Wide receiver Joey Galloway showed he can stay injury free, and third-year wide receiver Michael Clayton is expected to return to his fine rookie form.
And then there's the defense, which lost only defensive back Dexter Jackson from last season's league-leading unit. Only a suspect Bucs offensive line gives Carolina the edge in the division.
