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**Arizing540** · 02-07-2008, 03:12 AM

2013 Preview

2012 Record: 6 � 10
3rd place finish in NFC South

Key Losses
QB � Matt Leinhart
WR � Roy Williams
TE � Randy McMichael
G � Rick Demulling
G � Roverto Garza
DE - Darren Howard
CB - Archie Manuel

Key Additions
TE - Dwight Gilpin
WR- Gene Clemons
DT - Joel Wolf
CB � Chris Gamble
S - Wesley Lincoln

If the Bucs are to approach and/or pass last years total of six wins, it�s going to be done with defense. They have a strong group of Linebackers, unfortunately the 2011 Defensive Player of the Year, Derrick Johnson went down in the preseason with a knee injury and will be out until at least week 4. On the outside last years first round pick Charlie Gunn looks like he will get to prove himself this year after a rough 2012, riddled with knee injuries he only got in during about 150 plays. Opposite Gunn will be solid but unspectacular veteran DJ Flaherty.

In the secondary, Chris Gamble brought in from Philadelphia, is a capable number one. He will have to be great as the rest of the coverage is shaded to the opposite side to compensate for the number two CB�s shortcomings. Seventh year FS Marlon Long had a bad year last year after two strong previous ones. Long will be the last line of defense along with rookie SS Wesley Lincoln.

Up front there are large holes on the ends, but in the middle they are young and at least above average. Fourth year DT Aaron Bouse has been very good all three years he has started, he will be joined by the 11th overall pick Joel Wolfe.

Offensively Buc fans might have to check the roster the first couple of games to get to know players. The huge losses of Matt Leinhart and Roy Williams won�t go unnoticed. It looks like third year guy Brady Quinn will take over for Leinhart after being a first round pick three years ago and a strong preseason showing.

At receiver third year man Kim Tate and rookie Gene Clemons look like the starters, like Quinn neither have any notable experience. Only three offensive players will return for 2012 and all three will be on the offensive line. Nylund and Fisher both above average Tackles remain as does Center Moe Gossage. The retirements of Demulling and Garza leaves a huge hole at Guard with no one worthy to fill them. Finally Running Back Kolby Smith is holding out for a new contract after a fairly strong 2011.

The defense will still have to be superb even with the injury to Johnson for the Bucs to have a chance at success in 2012. Although they could very well turn out being a good offensive team, we think they are just too unproven and untested to put any stock in this group for this season. Looking forward, although they have a lot of work to do, bringing in playmakers at WR and RB and they will soon have to start thinking about replacing an aging Offensive line, they will have a solid base on defense at LB, S, and DT and very well could have a great QB in Brady Quinn.

**Arizing540** · 12-29-2008, 10:48 PM

2016 Preview

On offense we have the good, the bad, and the ugly. The good is at the RB and QB position. Rashard Mendenhall looks to be one of the top backs in the league. QB Brady Quinn looks to be good as well. The bad, their best weapon in the passing game is a TE (Dwight Gilpin) that was put on the IR. The ugly is the wide receivers. This may be one of the worse units in the league. The defense has a chance to be something special. They have 4 guys that are considered playmakers. Rookie CB Mike Simmons could turn into a star. If Quinn can have the same great year he had last season this team should push for a playoff spot.

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