1. The defense has changed » The Bucs have ditched the Tampa 2 zone defense and now play a more aggressive style, using press man-to-man coverage on receivers. They blitz more as well. Not that it’s working all that great; the Bucs rank 31st in total defense and have allowed five touchdown passes of 30 yards or more. They’ve recorded three sacks. They have missed too many tackles. Gaines Adams has yet to become the pass rusher they desired.
2. The defense hasn’t stopped the run » The Bucs, playing minus suspended safety Tanard Jackson, are allowing 187.3 rushing yards per game and 5.2 yards per carry. Only Houston is worse. Dallas, Buffalo and New York all ran well vs. this team and the Giants had a lot of cutback lanes.
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3. Josh Johnson will start » The 2008 fourth-round pick energized the Bucs with his legs, replacing the statuesque Byron Leftwich, on his one drive late in a 24-0 loss to the New York Giants. Johnson, who entered camp as the No. 4 quarterback, lacks a big arm and he’s a year removed from being considered a raw quarterback who ran a simple playbook in college (at San Diego). He’s stingy with the ball, having thrown one interception to 43 touchdowns as a college senior. But he only has 12 NFL snaps on his resume.
4. The offense has been inconsistent » They averaged 401.5 yards and 20.5 points in the first two games, but have not yet scored in the first quarter. They managed just 86 yards of offense vs. New York — and did not gain a first down until late in the third quarter. This suggests it’s not just about the players. Running back Cadillac Williams, now sharing the load with ex-Giant Derrick Ward, again has knee issues. Top receiver Antonio Bryant has been slowed since camp started with his own knee injury. Tight end Kellen Winslow has 15 catches for 134 yards and two touchdowns. The line hasn’t been the big problem, though despite allowing just two sacks they have given up numerous pressures. Still, the Bucs average 4.3 yards per run. Losing center Jeff Faine hasn’t helped.
