Bucs 2002 - Change for the Better?
(September 3, 2002)

The 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers feature a new head coach, new players and even a new division. Will all these changes yield a better result? One thing that has remained the same are expectations.

Tony Dungy was very successful and extremely well liked, but seemed to have taken the Bucs as far as he could. After the last two seasons ended in playoff humiliation, the consensus was that Dungy had to go. As a matter of fact, the team owners almost pulled the plug last year, but Dungy was given one last chance. After an exhausted, and frustrating, search, enter Jon Gruden.

Jon Gruden is a fun guy. His intensity is in stark contrast to the Dungy's demeanor. He will bring a new attitude to the team. History shows that many times a coaching switch results in a step back, as it takes time to adjust to the new system. With Buccaneer expectations being what they are, Gruden will probably not get much of a honeymoon. He has been presented as the man to bring this team to next level and the best man for the position. A few early losses and the fans will be screaming at the Glazers, calling the coaching search a farce that cost the team plenty of draft picks and wishing that Steve Spurrier would have finally got his shot with the Bucs. The fans were patient with Dungy, however, Gruden may not get that same benefit.

Have the Buccaneers dismantled, or are they building, a team with the potential of winning the Super Bowl. Say good-bye to Warrick Dunn, Donnie Abraham, Jamie Duncan, Dave Moore, Reidel Anthony, Jacquez Green, Jerry Wuncsh, Mark Royals and Randall McDaniel. Say hello to Rob Johnson, Michael Pittman, Kerry Jenkins, Roman Oben, Lomas Brown, Marco Battaglia, Ken Dilger, Joe Jurevicius, Keenan McCardell, Greg Spires, Tom Tupa and Marquise Walker. Despite the familiar names released, most of the newcomers appear to be position upgrades. Will they come together and make some noise this season?

Another change for 2002 is the NFL's division realignment. After twenty-five years as a member of the NFC Central, and three division championships, the Bucs are now in the new NFC South. Chicago, Detroit, Green Bay and Minnesota have been replaced with new divisional rivals Atlanta, Carolina and New Orleans. With expansion and franchise relocations the shuffling of the divisions makes perfect sense and the realignment provides a more balanced schedule. Since the teams in what some are calling the NASCAR division have been down in recent years, the Bucs are heavily favorites to win the first division crown.

There has been plenty of excitement since Jon Gruden was named head coach. Will a new coach and a whirlwind of personnel moves yield the expected results. The answers begin to come this Sunday in the first ever NFC South game against New Orleans. Gruden says, "Our philosophy is to do whatever we have to do to win." Let's hope they've done it.