Running Backs

Next up on the list is the running back position, consisting of the tailbacks and the fullbacks. Needless to say, this position will look awfully familiar with maybe one or two changes. Caddy will, of course, start the season as the primary tailback, with Pittman spelling him at times, or joining him in the rocket package. After that will be either Graham or Watson, though it is possible the Bucs may keep both, with Graham able to play both HB and FB. Alstott will be the starting fullback, and the primary goal line and short yardage back. Sowell will back up Alstott in much the same capacity as Cook did, though Sowell may be a replacement for Alstott after this season, and until the Bucs find a replacement. I don't think Razzano is going to make the roster this year, but could end up on the Practice Squad.

If the Bucs are looking to keep 3 tailbacks and 3 fullbacks, then I think it will be Williams, Pittman, Watson, followed by Alstott, Sowell, and Graham. The Bucs really like Graham and everything he brings to the table, so I am assuming they want to find a way to keep him on the roster. With these backs in the Bucs' stable, defensive coordinators must worry about several backs that can cause a variety of problems. The Bucs depth at running back, talent wise, parallels the receivers, and DC's across the league must be hoping that the Bucs' offensive line has continuing struggles. Williams is likely to light it up again this year. He's gotten Nike to make him some form fitting shoes to prevent the foot problems he had last year. Combined with his desire not to go through what Clayton did, and I expect him to post 1,200 to 1,400 yards rushing, assuming he can get at least the same level of blocking as last year. Better blocking, and we might see him hit 1,500, but I'm not going to get all excited thinking of the possibilities until I see the line in action. Pittman will come in and add a few hundred yards, and continue to provide the pass catching out of the backfield. With Williams getting a better grasp on catching and pass blocking, it may be harder for Pittman to get on the field on third downs.

Alstott will continue to provide that power down at the goal line and during short yardage situations. He'll also be the target of a noticeable number of passes. I expect Alstott, now nearly 3 years removed from his injury, to play the best he's played since before he was injured, and to go out with a bang. Don't be surprised if he racks up the touchdowns, and gets a three or four hundred yards on the ground. Of course, the one guy he will be fending off is Sowell, who is an excellent blocker and solid pass catcher. Sowell will, however, be much like Cook was, an occasional pass catcher and blocker, at least this year. So far Alstott's been showing he should still be the main guy, and I doubt Gruden wants to keep Alstott off the field in those key situations unless Sowell is the better player, which he hasn't really shown so far.

With the running backs and receivers being so deep and talented, I expect to see the Bucs offense move up the charts drastically. If the offensive line can improve just a little, this offense will have the fire power from these two positions alone to do some serious damage. Next up will be the tight ends, which means even more weapons for DC's to worry about.