ProFootballWeekly.com
asks personnel expert Joel Buchsbaum for his thoughts on the hottest topics in
football.
Tampa Bay wideouts now focal point of offense
It was called "Buc ball" when Tony Dungy was the head coach in Tampa Bay. A
conservative, power-running game that looked like it was wide open when the Buccaneers put
two touchdowns on the board. But that system left with Dungy, and the new West coast
hybrid installed by Jon Gruden is going to focus on a possession passing game,
complemented by a two-pronged rushing attack. In WRs Keyshawn Johnson and Keenan
McCardell, Tampa Bay has two receivers with 100-catch potential and solid depth with big
men Joe Jurevicius and Marquise Walker.
Buchsbaum: Last year the Buccaneers seemed to be overloaded at tailback and hurting at
receiver. This year, the reverse could be true now that they lost RB Warrick Dunn to
Atlanta. While Tampa Bay did lose Dunn, it added a tremendous amount of depth to go with
WR Keyshawn Johnson. Johnson is one of the game’s best possession receivers in the
game, a big, physical receiver who will block. All the Bucs had last year was WR Jacquez
Green, a smurf who didn’t fit in the offense, and a bunch of journeymen receivers who
had a hard time catching a cold, with the exception of TE Dave Moore. Now, in TE Ken
Dilger, they have one of the better tight ends in the game. A good receiver, a good
blocker, Dilger can still run after the catch. Outside, the Bucs added 6-5, 230 WR Joe
Jurevicius from the Giants and then drafted WR Marquise Walker, another big, physical
possession-type and an excellent special teams player. Now, both of those player will take
a back seat to WR Keenan McCardell, one of the best No. 2 receivers in the game who was
just added in free agency. McCardell is an excellent route-runner, courageous over the
middle and an extremely nice fit in Jon Gruden’s offense.
As for running back, a lot will depend on Mike Alstott stepping up and how Michael
Pittman does in terms of fitting into the offense and staying healthy.
Will the real Derrick Alexander please stand up?
Two years ago, Derrick Alexander was regarded as one of the premier receivers in the
league, when he caught 78 passes for 1,391 yards and 10 TDs in Kansas City. Last season,
Alexander was in and out of the starting lineup because of rib and ankle injuries and
coaches questioned his work ethic, toughness and mumbled about a loss of separation speed.
General manager Carl Peterson made it a point early in the offseason that Alexander would
not be back, and Minnesota clearly wanted to add another deep threat to compensate for the
loss of retired WR Cris Carter. But will Alexander play like the established receiver or
the oft-injured reserve for the Vikings?
Buchsbaum: The Vikings expect Alexander to be a big, physical, fast receiver who can
make the big play and take pressure off Randy Moss. However, last year Alexander
wasn’t in good shape in Kansas City, was injured frequently and seemed to have lost a
step. It is critical for the Vikings to get the Alexander of two years ago, but it is
debatable if they will because he is on the wrong side of 30 and has never been a good
offseason worker.
Westbrook searching for direction, new home
WR Michael Westbrook simply never panned out after being drafted in the first round out
of Colorado. A broken leg and assorted injuries forced him to miss chunks of two seasons
and Westbrook always seemed to be a step behind in the learning curve. After balking at
Washington’s low-ball offer last week and declaring the Redskins were "not
serious at all" about bringing him back, Westbrook has only one considerable offer on
the table, from Cincinnati.
Buchsbaum: The forgotten man among wide receivers this offseason has been Michael
Westbrook, who played most recently with the Redskins. He left Washington expecting a big
payday elsewhere, but apparently his past baggage caught up with him. The best offer he
received is from the Bengals, who aren’t offering much. If Cincinnati signs
Westbrook, they would release WR Darnay Scott to save money.
Nickerson might fly with Eagles, whack with the Pack
MLB Hardy Nickerson is beyond his Pro Bowl years and will turn 37 during his 16th
NFL season. But he is still an accomplished playmaker and proven starter, which is why two
teams — Green Bay and Philadelphia — are seeking the services of the free-agent
linebacker.
Buchsbaum: MLB Hardy Nickerson has narrowed his choice to two teams: Green Bay and
Philadelphia. The Packers are still in need of a starting middle linebacker as insurance
against Torrance Marshall being ready to play. The Eagles don’t appear to be willing
to fully entrust Barry Gardner with their starting linebacker position. Nickerson might be
36, but he played like a younger man last year. The danger is that he could hit the wall
at any time and durability might become a question. |
