2006 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Preview

2006 season preview of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL football team from Maddux Sports expert sports handicappers. Once the regular season starts don't miss any of Maddux's Expert NFL Picks and you will want to check out the free NFL odds section of the site featuring live odds from the best online sports books on the Internet.

Buccaneers’ coach Jon Gruden liked last year’s team chemistry, which included the best defense in the NFL. So, he made very few changes during the summer. His judgment may be right on target. Gruden thinks QB Chris Simms (313 ATT, 191 COMP, 2.035 YDS, 10 TDs, 7 INT) is ready to take it to the next level, which means the three-year player becomes a fulltime starter for the first time. Last season, he was 5-1 in the NFC South, leading the Bucs to a division title.

Last year’s Rookie of the Year, Cadillac Williams (290 ATT, 1,178 YDS, 4.1 AVG, 6 TDs) is ready for his sophomore season, where everyone will be targeting him. He’s a tough competitor who’s learned from his first year of NFL play. Jet’s free agent Jerald Sowell is on hand for short yardage plays.

WR Michael Clayton had a great rookie season in 2004 and then grossly underperformed in 2005, making only 32 catches, gaining 373 yards and making no TDs. Supposedly, he has recovered from injuries, being out of shape and lack of focus. If he is back, combining with WR Joey Galloway (83 REC, 1,287 YDS, 15,5 AVG, 10 TDs) will give the Bucs two powerful weapons.

All five offensive linemen return, but there will probably be some shifting around. Rookie Davin Joseph will start at right guard, which means someone will be relegated to the bench or the unemployment line.

The “D” line includes Simeon Rice (14 sacks), who is a tackling machine. Nose tackle Chris Hovan helped solidify this line last season. Veteran linebacker Derrick Brooks anchors that group, which shows talent and depth. Ronde Barber, Pro Bowler, is back with Brian Kelly at the corners. Jermain Phillips and Will Allen man the safety positions.

2006 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Predictions

In its division, Tampa Bay will have its hands full with a solid Carolina team and an improved New Orleans club. Simms can really make a difference this year. He’s skilled, disciplined, mature and ready to lead. Opening against Baltimore at home will be a good test, while games against Pittsburgh and Chicago late in the season will try the team’s stamina.

This should be a 2 horse race all season long in the NFC South, we see both Carolina and Tampa Bay making the playoffs, as for our division winner prediction we will call for the Bucs to squeak it out over Carolina.

For more info on the Buccaneers NFC South division rivals check out the Falcons, Saints, and Panthers team previews that Maddux Sports has completed for the NFL sports fan and bettor.

For more info and news on the 2006 Tampa Bay Buccaneers football team visit the Tampa Bay NFL team page at NFL.com.