Leftwich, Ward Lead Rejuvenated Unit

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have always been about defense.  That is no longer.

The past few seasons the organization has been more offensive minded.  This off-season they replaced Jeff Garcia and Brian Griese at quarterback with Byron Leftwich and rookie Josh Freeman.  The ground game was upgraded with the signing of the Giants’ Derrick Ward.  They traded draft picks to Cleveland to get TE Kellen Winslow II.

Coach Raheem Morris hired Jeff Jagodzinski to run the offense.  He has since been fired and replaced by Gregg Olsen.  The Bucs have shown that they can move the football fairly well vs two decent defenses (Dallas and Buffalo). 

They have to hope the Giants don’t come out blasting and put them down by 14 or 17 points in the first quarter.

What to expect from Tampa on Sunday…..

Leftwich has played well and is gaining confidence in the offense.  He has been forced to pass more than the team would like due to the fact the defense has been horrible and the Bucs have been playing from behind.

The running game is back, thanks to ex-Giant Ward, who vows to “run all over” his former mates this week.  I hope he’s just joshing.  His partner, Carnell “Cadillac” Williams is a dangerous player when he is healthy. This week, Cadillac is a bit nicked up with a sore knee from playing on the unforgiving turf in Buffalo last week.  If the Giants jump out to an early lead, this group will be negated.

C Jeff Faine, the anchor of the offensive line could miss Sunday’s game. His replacement, Sean Mahan was manhandled in Buffalo which shortened the pocket for Leftwich.  The Giants will send DTs Barry Cofield and Fred Robbins at him…watch out.

Even without Justin Tuck the Giants can cause havoc in opponents’ backfields. DEs Osi Umenyiora and Mathias Kiwanuka will be going against Tampa tackles Donald Penn and 6″8″ Jeremy Trueblood.  Neither player could be up to the task.  Leftwich is a stationary target, too, so this may not bode well for Tampa.

Winslow is a fine TE, but he’s no Jason Witten.  The Giants are used to dealing with the likes of Witten, Chris Cooley and Brent Celek….they should be able to handle Winslow.

At WR, the Bucs will be without Antonio Bryant, who is by far their best option. His replacement may end up being little-used reserve Brian Clark.   That will give the Giants the luxury of rolling up on the other WR, Michael Clayton.  This will be the Giants’ first game without S Kenny Phillips.  C.C. Brown will start in his place.   The secondary is thin, but the Tampa receiving corps may be even thinner.

Overall, the Giants have the advantage in almost every area.  They may be undermanned, but they have the talent to overcome their injuries….for this week, anyway…..but keep in mind it will be hot on the field and that depleted DL may wear down….