Bye Bye Bye Yes I did just quote an *NSYNC song (Why they have a star is beyond me), and am already regretting it. So it’s the bye week, the Bucs are at 5-4, and all is right with the world, because our remaining slate is a doddle, save for a matchup with the slowest starting team in NFL history (in ’76 we didn’t actually start, and the Phins/Rams this year…) the New Orleans Saints, currently on a 4 game winning streak. Does this mean we could theoretically go 11-5? Theoretically yes, but theoretically we could win the Super Bowl! Last week we beat Arizona. That’s probably the best way to leave the analysis, as they were SHOCKING (did they even try to throw the ball? I saw no evidence of this), and we missed two field goals: Matt Bryant may have an Iron Leg, but may need a bit of WD40 on his joints, as the accuracy is disappearing. It was the sort of win we should have had against Detroit – efficient. It was nice to see they took my advice on defense, and made some plays, caught a few INT’s... but where’s Ruud Dog (I would add “and the dweebs”, but I can’t see June and Brooks being particularly fond of that nickname) gone? 3 tackles? That’s about ten under his season high! As this is in part the half way point in the season, allow me (please) to follow in the footsteps of our esteemed editor in providing a midseason analysis of our roster, with a provisional judgement on everyone’s favourite comedy duo, Cannon & Ball. Quarterback Well we’ve established Luke McCown is the new Mr August, Bruce Gradkowski is serviceable-ish, and Chris Simms is still nowhere to be found. Thankfully, we’ve an efficient, speedy QB, who doesn’t take many risks (Jacksonville aside), and is generally among the most reliable in the NFL (Detroit and Jacksonville aside). Could we ask for more? Of course, but until we open up the offense, I can’t imagine Brady or Manning (That’s Peyton, not Elisha Cuthbert – sadly) throwing 3-6 TDs a game with our offense. Garcia is the perfect fit for a one-two year plan, but guys, where’s the future? Running back I’m sorry, what? Earnest Graham is a machine? Firstly, if he’s always been capable of this, what idiots have kept him back? Michael Bennett looks like being a good change of pace back, providing the holes are there, and that’s about it. Personally, I’d imagine that Pittman is done after this season, unless Caddy’s injury is too severe. The question is, is Graham performing this well because of his ability, the O-Line, or the fact we’ve a good QB? I’ll be a fence-sitter on this, and go with all the above! Wide Receiver Can I skip this? We’ve two self-proclaimed dinosaurs, who are truly impressive this year, but apart from this, jack-all. Clayton is permanently injured, but has shown he could be a tight-end with his blocking – bit more bulk, and we’ve the best TE corps in the NFL! Stovall is..somewhere? And that’s it – literally. Some reports are linking us with Mike Williams. Find me a fan happy with this and I’ll show you an idiot. O-Line How many sacks has Garcia had, forgetting his mobility? Exactly. Earnest Graham’s breakout season? Exactly. D-Line Err.. Whilst they’ve not played badly, there’s not been enough pass rush, although Jovan Haye has been outstanding. Gaines? You’ve the rest of this year and until the start of next to prove we were right not to mortgage the future for CJ. Linebackers Ruud Dog is phenomenal, and should be a lock for the Pro-Bowl. Cato June has proven the best defensive FA signing we’ve made in a long time, and Derrick Brooks has put last season behind him. My only concern is we have no depth. Cornerbacks Ronde Barber? One of the best C2 corners in the NFL. Bryan Kelly? Injured too often these last 18 months, but still a top corner. Philip Buchanon? Gentlemen (and Ladies of course), we have potentially the best CB trio in the NFL. Safeties Tanard Jackson is quite possibly the best draft pick (especially for value) (Ed - David Logan?) we’ve ever made. A 4th rounder, for a 1st round talent? If you insist! Sabby Piscitelli showed much promise before his season ending injury, and Jermaine Phillips is literally a different player. Body snatchers? I don’t care, as long as he keeps playing as he has done. Cannon & Ball Progress is being made, especially on defense (Thanks for forcing it Monte!), but we don’t have enough depth around the roster, and our offense will need a complete overhaul (save for the offensive line, and if Caddy/Graham can prove they have true talent that can be utilised over the course of the season) over the next 3 years. That’s a 1st round draft pick on the skill positions guaranteed for me. If we don’t do so this year, they really must go. NFL Watch Seeing as I can’t bitch about the Patriots, I won’t bother. Richard Lowe, November 2007