Antonio Bryant And 2009

July 4th, 2009

If the Bucs are to do anything this season, Antonio Bryant has to replicate the season he had last year. Problem is, the Bucs don’t even know who will be the quarterback.

Michael Fabiano of NFL.com takes a look at Bryant and how he might fare under a new offense and a new quarterback.

Well, it’s hard to argue with his skills and abilities. An athletic receiver, Bryant made some of the most spectacular catches in the league last season, including a one-handed grab in the end zone against the Panthers during a 38-23 loss on Monday Night Football. He made a real name for himself in that nationally televised game, catching nine passes for 200 yards and two touchdowns.

That contest was the start of a three-week stretch of dominance. Bryant would next go on to clip the Atlanta Falcons, recording eight receptions for 108 yards and one touchdown. The veteran then shocked the Chargers with six catches, 127 yards and his fourth touchdown in three weeks. Overall, Bryant posted a combined 23 catches for 435 yards and scored four touchdowns during the fantasy football postseason (Week 14-16).

He also finished eighth in fantasy points on NFL.com among wide receivers, ahead of superstars Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, Brandon Marshall and Reggie Wayne.

However, you still won’t see Bryant’s name called before those four wideouts in 2009 drafts. The Buccaneers will have a much different look this season, from the coaching staff on down to the players. Raheem Morris, 32, takes over as the new head coach. The team also hired Jeff Jagodzinski as the new offensive coordinator. He led the Packers to the eighth-ranked passing offense in the same role in 2006, but that was with Brett Favre under center.

Bryant might surprise some people Joe believes. It’s very likely the Bucs will be behind in a lot of games so they will have to pass to play catch-up. More passes equals more catches, which equal more yards.

2 Responses to “Antonio Bryant And 2009”

  1. dave Says:

    Whoever’s the QB this season can be no worse than Mr. Happy Feet himself, Garcia. I find it amusing how so many “pundits” ramble on and on about the lack of QB here, when, for the last 5 years we’ve had very bad QB play. Maybe Garcia had a fairly high completion %, but 2 and 3 yard passes are not gonna get it done. It was obvious as we got into the red zone, that Garcia had NO confidence in his own abilties to fit the ball into tight places. Honestly, I’d take any of the 4 QB’s on the roster over Garcia. As far as Bryant, he may not have the # of catches, but I bet he catches 10-15 TD’s and has a better Yards/reception.

  2. BigMacAttack Says:

    I’m with you Dave. Bye Bye Happy Feet, but I miss Carmella.