Bucs want to build offense around Freeman
The Bucs are rebuilding their offense around quarterback Josh Freeman.
While it's true Freeman took a big step backward last season by throwing 16 touchdowns and 22 interceptions, new coach Greg Schiano believes Freeman can revert to his 2010 form, when he went 10-6 with 25 touchdowns and only six interceptions.
The biggest strength of the team may be the offensive line. Starting left guard
Schiano plans to take some of the pressure off that offensive line by making the Bucs a run-first club that uses play-action passes to take shots downfield. Of course, that's exactly the approach taken by former offensive coordinator Greg Olson, who was fired.
The problem is that the Bucs need to upgrade the talent at the running back, receiver and tight end positions.
Starting tailback LeGarrette Blount did not come close to duplicating the production of his rookie season. Blount is one-dimensional and not a factor on passing downs because of his inability to master blocking concepts and run routes. He also lacks the speed to get around the edge.
That means Tampa Bay will need to invest in a versatile running back. With the No. 5 overall pick, many NFL draft analysts have projected the Bucs to select Alabama running back Trent Richardson.
"We're going to be a physical offensive football team that takes shots downfield," Schiano said. "It's very hard to go on 12-, 13-, 14-play drives. If you miss on a shot, we'll line up and play defense and go after them again. That formula works."
It didn't work last season for the Bucs because they were among the slowest offenses in the NFL. Tampa Bay not only lacks a change-of-pace running back, they need a speed receiver to stretch the field. Mike Williams also experienced a sophomore slump, going from 11 touchdowns as a rookie to only three last season.
Tight end Kellen Winslow, who has been Freeman's security blanket, has lost a step and is not as effective. The Bucs also need a blocking tight end.
Chargers receiver Vincent Jackson is an unrestricted free agent and the Bucs may also consider Oklahoma State receiver Justin Blackmon with the fifth overall pick.
It's still unknown whom Schiano will hire as offensive coordinator. Since the Bucs were the last team to select a head coach, it has hindered their ability to fill both coordinator spots.
The priority on offense for the Bucs will be getting Freeman back on track. The offense will follow.
"With coach, and all these coaches, they talked about Josh Freeman and how he's a key element," general manager Mark Dominik said. "There's a lot of excitement in the National Football League about Josh Freeman. Obviously, he didn't play to his level of expectation last year. But that was an intriguing part to every football coach we interviewed. You've got Josh Freeman."
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