Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Sport: Pro Football (NFL)
Stadium: Raymond James Stadium
Head Coach: Jon Gruden
Super Bowls: 2003 Super Bowl
XXXVII
Background: The Bucs slipped
from the NFL's best defense statistically in 2002
to the fifth-best overall last season. They did
so in part because defensive coordinator Monte
Kiffin's crew had some leaks. The Bucs had 20
interceptions last season, down from 31 in their
Super Bowl winning season. The unit also surrendered
104.9 yards rushing per game last season (14th-best
in the league), including 212 yards in a loss
to the 49ers. The defensive additions this off-season
do not promise tremendous improvement. For instance,
can Russell establish enough of an inside presence
to stop the run and provide a pass rushing threat
to allow Simeon Rice to notch at least 15 sacks
for a third successive season? Even if Mike Alstott
returns from the neck injuries that plagued him
last season, the offense still lacks the workhorse
running back who will take the pressure off Brad
Johnson game in, game out. Brad Johnson must return
to form as a savvy decision maker; he threw 21
interceptions last season. With four possible
new starters on the offensive line, it might take
a while before continuity is established.
