Maybe 8-8 For 2012?
June 23rd, 2012
For Joe, it is far too early to take a stab at how many games the Bucs might win this season. Look, if Josh Freeman goes down in training camp or in a preseason game, the Bucs are in a world of hurt.
But that hasn’t stopped “The Professor,” John Clayton of BSPN, from taking a stab at the Bucs roster come January, and he believes the Bucs will win six games.
Pat Yasinskas of ESPN decided to take a page from Clayton and look in his crystal ball for a 2012 Bucs record. He comes up with a different mark.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS: Clayton has the Bucs going 6-10. That would be a two-win improvement over last season, which ended with 10 consecutive losses. But I think the Bucs have their eye on something better than 6-10, and this team is capable of more.
The cupboard isn’t bare here. The Bucs have stockpiled some nice young talent in recent drafts. Those players haven’t completely proven themselves yet, but players such as quarterback Josh Freeman, defensive tackle Gerald McCoy and defensive end Adrian Clayborn can prosper under the guidance of new coach Greg Schiano. The Bucs also gave themselves an infusion of veteran talent by signing receiver Vincent Jackson, guard Carl Nicks and cornerback Eric Wright, which should bring veteran leadership that was lacking.
More or less? I think the Bucs have a chance to finish closer to 8-8.
Joe would be shocked if the Bucs duplicate last year’s horrid win total of a mere four games. How much more? Joe isn’t sure. Again, it’s June.
It just seems bizarre to think with all of the additions and Freeman almost having to improve on his nasty 22-interception season that the Bucs would still lose 12 games.
June 23rd, 2012 at 8:51 am
9-7 at best b/c of D-Line & LB’s. The games VS. Cowboys & Giants are the only sure fire losses. We go as Josh Freeman goes….our WR & RB groups are A+ and with a strong O-Line, #5 has everything he needs to have a HUGE SEASON
June 23rd, 2012 at 9:17 am
the Bucs could go 6-10 or 7-9 and still be a huge improvement. Last year the Bucs got boat raced in the first quarter. People were turning off free internet streams within the first 15 minutes. At this point a competitive team that can keep it close would be a huge improvement. Throw in the injury bug into the division and maybe the bucs will break out of the dreaded 3rd or 4th in the division. Remeber bucs fans, it was 2007 the last time we placed better than 3rd in the division
June 23rd, 2012 at 9:22 am
Clayton continues to embarrass himself and show what little knowledge he has.. I see worst 8-8 more likely 9-7. The problem with people making predictions is they base way too much on the previous year. What did Clayton predict for us last year after we went 10-6? I’m sure he wasn’t close. Just like tons of people will predict Carolina to take the next step. I see them and Cam taking a huge step back. These guys that make predictions make the obvious and less risky predictions and are mostly wrong.
June 23rd, 2012 at 9:27 am
agreed…8-8..it will take awhile for the defense to jell…imo
June 23rd, 2012 at 9:39 am
I don’t know what the win/loss record will be for the Bucs this year. I’m buying in no matter what the record is. I do know this. With a difficult schedule, it is much easier to predict a numerical win/loss record, than it is to name the teams that you think we will beat!
June 23rd, 2012 at 9:43 am
I don’t know about wins and losses. I do believe we will be competitive in every game. I just don’t see the blowouts happening with our ability to put points on the board offensively. If the defense gels….well, we could be a real threat to win the division.
June 23rd, 2012 at 9:48 am
I think we could all be surprised by our defense come season time. IMO our dbacks have improved tremendously, linebackers will as well just based off how many coaches we have with LB backgrounds, and our Dline has so much talent and solid depth at DT. Throw in the desire from schiano to play with fundamentals and detail, something defenses need and I think this defense coul be top 15
June 23rd, 2012 at 10:03 am
I don’t give a damn what anyone “predicts.”
I go to each and every game, or watch it on the tube
expecting a good game with a win more than possible.
These “experts” and fortune tellers are, always have been and always will be
a freaking joke.
I want games that matter in November and December and expect it this season. Not a “prediction” but just a fan’s realistic hope.
Can’t WAIT!!!
June 23rd, 2012 at 10:03 am
The Bucs haven’t stockpiled “talent.” They have stockpiled “players.” Dominik has drafted 2 legit starters in 3 years.
June 23rd, 2012 at 11:33 am
Joe, like some have said above, being in the game at the end instead of blowouts in the first half is the goal. The wins will come as the team gels. If indeed the run is done, we will score points whomever is QB. The D may take time. We will all have a good idea by the first real game with Carolina.
But with the “toes on the line” mentality, we should not be off sides or false strarting as much and all those other maddening penalties. Players on both O & D should be in position and know what to do. If they tackle and catch the ball, we will be fine.
As for a prediction before the end of training camp, it is like turning into the wind and P**sing, you will be all wet.
June 23rd, 2012 at 11:40 am
Not so Adam. The Bucs have stockpiled a lot of talent. What they may well have this year is a coaching staff that can bring it out in the games. There appears to be a sea-change in preparation this year that was missing ever since Rah took over the reigns. If the injury bug to key players will take a long vacation, you will see it on the field before the year is over.
June 23rd, 2012 at 11:44 am
If the defense improves which it should immediately (as long as they stay healthy), and with this offense we have now I don’t see why we cant win 10-11 games this year.
June 23rd, 2012 at 11:47 am
Here’s a great idea. Fire the entire Giants coaching staff and install Rah and his coaching team to replace them. How do you think all that talent would fair under what the Bucs players had to endure last year. What’s the chances of a return to the Superbowl? What’s the chances of a collapse? Pretty simply isn’t it?
June 23rd, 2012 at 12:44 pm
@Adam L only two legit starters in 3 years? Gerald McCoy, Mike Williams , Clayborn,Bowers that’s 4 not his fault they got injured
June 23rd, 2012 at 3:43 pm
All you doubters, or realists as you’d like to be called, didn’t expect our last 10 win season and you won’t see this one coming either. Last time, we did it with a far inferior roster than we have now. Run the ball. Control the clock. Make key stops on D. Protect Ray J. Win division games against a very overrated gauntlet. Win 10 games. I think this team is much better than people think and I’m eager to see it to the point I’m considering a medically induced coma until the season starts. Barring several key injuries, of course.
June 23rd, 2012 at 5:45 pm
I am not into predictions but the Bucs can only go up from here. I wouldn’t dismiss Clayton’s prediction out of spite because last year we thought the Bucs would improve. Let’s just wait and see just how good they will be. I know they will be better but how much is the question.
June 23rd, 2012 at 6:13 pm
This is directed to JACKO101 and TRUEBLUE:
I see 2 legit people who were drafted and filled the reason WHY they were drafted.
Josh Freeman and Adrian Clayborn.
Everyone else is playing a reduced role due to the over-estimation of their talents. Mike Williams was supposed to be a #1, he’s a #2 now and the Bucs blew MAJOR FA dollars to correct that issue. Even BENN who was a 2nd round pick is now CLINGING to the roster.
I don’t CARE if you were injured. Ki-Jana Carter was a Hall of Famer if he wasn’t injured all time. So was Terrell Davis. Doesn’t matter. You’re drafted to fill a need and in three drafts, Dominik’s picks have been SEVERELY LACKING – so much so that he went BIG TIME into FA to correct those issues!
2 starters. TWO. LEGIT. PLAYERS….. IN THREE DRAFTS over 20 picks. 2 for 20. That gets you sent to Durham if you’re a Ray.
June 23rd, 2012 at 6:29 pm
2 for 20 would start for the Rays.
June 23rd, 2012 at 9:36 pm
Someone asked me to name a top 5 in the NFL talent at any position playing for the Bucs last year. I could not name one. This year is different with the free agent pick ups.
8 wins is realistic because we will have a much improved running attack which will help the defense tremendously. 10 wins is a freaking dream come true in our division. Not likely, but it would be great.
June 23rd, 2012 at 10:05 pm
@adam
Right… a 4th round pick was supposed to be a #1 WR….