Speaking on the Bucs radio network, Bucs general manager Mark Dominik admitted what many people had been saying for months: The Bucs didn’t have the players to play Jim Bates’ defense.

“It’s a significant deal because it allows us to play a defense we are more familiar with. We’re looking forward to seeing that and excited for coach Morris to be both calling the plays for the defense and his responsibilities as the head coach.

“We are still undersized [on defense]. Styles White played under [the Tampa-2]. Geno Hayes played under that. Jimmy Wilkerson should succeed in that. That’s part of the reason we went this route.”

Dominik also suggested that Bucs rookie quarterback Josh Freeman did not struggle against the Saints.

“What makes Josh special is that he comes in the office at 6 a.m. even after a loss. Then he sits down with his coach and then with the staff. He is in early every day looking at as much film as possible. So after last week’s loss he was immediately focused on Atlanta.

“He was making good decisions last week. He just wasn’t accurate.”