Tampa Bay

Season Notes

2000 Tampa Bay

Pre Season - Prediction : 11-1

3 year veteran WR, Todd Ratzlaff, got the big contract he was hoping for this off-season. After receiving a contract offer from Denver for 3.75 million, Tampa Bay signed Todd to a 3 year, 12.75 million contract making him the highest paid player in the league. Obviously the Buccs did not sign any big free agents this year due to the Ratzlaff signing. The Buccs drafted the highly touted rookie QB, Greg Bates with their first round pick. Bates will be step in for Broughton when Broughton retires. There are rumours that the Buccs front office is pressuring Broughton into retiring early. Look for the Buccs to win the division and again fight for the title.

Post Season - Season Result :

 

1999 Tampa Bay

Pre Season - Prediction : 10-2

This off-season saw Tampa Bay sign the highest rated QB in the league, Cary Broughton to a lifetime contract. Plus they drafted the highest rated DL in the draft, Walter Cash. GM Lewis has undoubtedly, the finest defensive line in Vanhorse, Bennett, Kane, and now Cash. Tampa still has not addressed the need at RB. With the addition of Broughton, look for Coach Smelt to establish a premier passing attack this season. The Buccs will win the Atlantic Division and win their first playoff game.

Post Season - Season Result : 10-2 and won Super Bowl III

The promise was kept as GM Andrew Lewis brought the John Tapp Cup back home after rebuilding the franchise in three years. The addition of Cary Broughton sparked WR Todd Ratzlaff into having his best year yet, leading the league in receiving yards. The defense was outstanding with 80 sacks. Look for the Buccs to re-sign all of their restricted free agents.

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1998 Tampa Bay

Pre Season - Prediction : 6-6

After a difficult draft, which saw the Buccs lose out on coveted players WR Mike Douglass and RB Steve Deiter, both to Cincinnati, the Buccs drafted DB Craig McClendon in the 1st round. Craig will have lots of pressure on him, seeing the fellow teamate DB Ray Simms won Rookie of the Year last year. Tampa Bay didn't pout long after the Bengals took Deiter in the 2nd round, the Buccs took the best OL in the draft, Webster Fox. Fox will start this year at Left Tackle. The 3rd round selection of RB Carl Tyner was puzzling to the draft gurus. The Free Agency Draft is where Tampa really shined this year. They picked up DL Bill Kane (17sacks last year) and LB Kurt Zordich. Adding these player to Tampa's already intimidating defense should cause havoc on opposing QBs this year. Look for the Buccs to struggle offensively, but dominate defensively. They will win & lose games by close margins.

Post Season - Season Result : 10-2 Atlantic Division Title

Who would have thought this defense would be this potent!! A league record 76 sacks for this team. 18 for Duane Vanhorse, 13 for Bing Bennett, 12 for Bill Kane, and 10 for retiring LB Simon Boone. Tampa Bay couldn't be more pleased with the way QB Matt Frank handled the offense this year. He showed his inexperience at times, but overall he kept his composure. Look for the Buccs to continue to look for offensive help in the coming off-season. With the Buccs having the 10th pick, they no longer will be able to have their pick of the litter. This is where scouting expertise has to shine. It's easy to pick the best players with the 1st pick.

 1997 Tampa Bay

Pre Season - Prediction : 5 - 7

After a hugely successful off-season which saw the acquisition of top free agent DE Duane Vanhorse and the number one overall draft selection of DE Bing Bennett, the Buccs have definitely solidified their defensive line for the next 5-6 years. Look for the Buccs to struggle this season offensively. Tampa Bay keyed on acquiring defensive players this off-season. They were outright lucky to steal DB Ray Simms at the first pick of the second round. He will have played many Pro-Bowls by the time his career is over. By bringing in so many rookies and only signing one veteran free agent, Tampa Bay has decided to go the path of building this team over time, rather than winning right now at the expense of the future.

Post Season - Season Result : 3 - 9

After a long and difficult season with an enemic offense, there were a few bright spots. 2nd round pick, DB Ray Simms, lived up to his potential and was awarded the USAFB Rookie of the Year award. Free Agent acquisition DE Duane Vanhorse added stability to the defense by contributing 12 sacks. 1st round pick, DE Bing Bennett, sufffered through a mediocre season due to a Coach Smelt's decision to play him at DT all season. Bennett was only able to get 4 sacks playing DT, out of his natural position, DE. 3rd round pick, WR Todd Ratzlaff, led all rookies with 55 catches and with 666 yards. Overall, this year's crop of rookies had a pretty good year. Smelt has promised Bennett that he will move him to DE next year. Look for the Buccs to focus on improving their offense during the coming off-season.