Leeroy's (HUGE) Thread Of Uncharacteristic Optomism :)

I've developed a rep here as a pessimist, which I probably deserve. I haven't felt good about this franchise since Gruden staged a front office coup, and even after a solid offseason, I still fear that once we have cap room again, we'll be back to our free spending, head scratching, Danny Snyder lite ways.

But this thread isn't about that.

This thread is about nothing but why I feel good about the state of the Bucs as of June 8th, 2005. Not just for the future, but for this year. This is my effort to extend an olive branch to the eternal optomists around here, by showing there are some reasons to be excited that even I buy into.

So without any more exposition, here are 50 reasons (in no real order) that I'm thrilled to be a Buc fan as of today. Feel free to add your own.

1. Alex Smith, our third rounder. This kid is in the Antonio Gates mold, and with Gruden's ability to create mismatches (he's made Ken Dilger look like Tony Gonzalez at times), I could see Alex Smith developing into a real receiving threat.

2. If everyone is healthy and happy, I'll put our starting corners up against anybody in the league.

3. We might have the most exciting young safety corp in the league, headlined by Jermaine Phillips, Donte Nicholson, and Will Allen.

4. Monte Kiffin is the best defensive coordinator in the game, a statement I'll argue about with anyone. We are blessed he's happy here, because he could have been a head coach a dozen times over by now.

5. Carnell Williams. He has all the makings of a franchise back, and I wouldn't be surprised if he quickly demonstrates that the Dolphins and Bears made a mistake. He's the complete package - quick, powerful, tough, great vision and instincts, and a love of the game. I couldn't be happier to have him on board.

6. I think we have the young puzzles pieces of a rock solid line, which we could keep together 3-4 years. Walker, Buenning, Colmer, Davis, Terry, Mahan - that's more young talent than we've maybe EVER had on the offensive line.

7. Marquis Cooper. He could be another example of a linebacker too small for most systems that makes the rest of the league look foolish here in Tampa. The only thing he lacks is weight and experience, two things that we can add over time.

8. Anthony Becht. I'm telling you, after watching him with the Jets when I lived in NY - he's the best blocking TE in the game today. The best. C-Mart WILL miss him next year. He also has the size to be a red zone weapon. He may have the dropsies, but shoot, we turned Ricky Dudley into a force our Superbowl year, right?

9. STILL the best unis in the league.

10. And the best stadium, and field (according to a recent players' poll).

11. Ike Hilliard. While I could argue we shouldn't have brought in an aging receiver, the fact is he's a former first rounder with some juice left. He's played his whole career against #2 cornerbacks in New York, I can't wait to see him line up against 3s and 4s (and linebackers and safeties, too).

12. Joey Galloway. Asking for a healthy season might be a leap of faith, but he showed that when he's on the field, he can change games. A 2nd year in the system should help him with his routes and adjustments immeasurably. And if he does get hurt, the aforementioned Hilliard will pick up the slack.

13. I like Brian Griese. He's the kinda QB I've always liked. He completes passes and keeps the chains moving. Unlike the departed BJ, he can take a team over the top, too. He could very easily be in Honolulu now that he's a veteran of Gruden's offense (and with running game).

14. Michael Clayton. The new face of the offense. Great guy. In his early 20s. The first franchise, home grown Buc reciever arguably EVER. Just thinking about him in pulling down catch after catch makes me with it were September already.

15. Greg Spires. Picked up off the scrapheap a few years back, all he's done is be the most consistent D-lineman on the team and above 2/3rds of the DEs out there right now. A great story and a key cog who should now be with us for several years after re-upping.

16. Barrett Ruud. As a transplanted Husker who's watched him play for 3 years, all I can say is you have reason to be very excited about this kid. He could pan out to be Chris Spielman meets Hardy Nickerson, he has that kind of talent and motor and drive. The first franchise LB we've drafted since Brooks.

17 . Speaking of Brooks, what can I say that hasn't been said. He might not be with us forever, so let's treat every game as a gift. The coverage OLB to Lawrence Taylor's rush OLB. A first ballot Hall Of Famer and a first ballot human being and American. He still makes me proud.

18. Anthony McFarland. Who knows, maybe THIS is the year he stays healthy. He finally has some pressure to produce, between Chris Hovan and his cap figure. He may be auditioning for a new team, which may raise his game to where it could still go.

19. Chris Hovan is a tailor-made comeback player of the year candidate. Between the coaching and the system, he could very easily recapture some of the magic that had him being mentioned just a few years ago as the 2nd coming of John Randle. While that may be a stretch at this point, he should provide a major upgrade from Chidi Ahanotu at DT.

20. Ryan Nece. He got jobbed a bit last year, with the last minute signing of Ian Gold. He keeps getting counted out and keeps earning the job back. With a season of starting and a season of watching, he could have a career year this season. His speed is elite, and he's tough. Plus, he has a great pedigree (and credit to him for not trying to make bank on it).

21. Back to the Oline. Sean Mahan looked rock solid at center last year. In fact, with some more PT and some coaching, he could be the best center we've had since Tony Mayberry. And he's young, too.

22. Todd France. If he can make kicks in Europe - and he's made a ton - it's not like the rules are any different here. Same 17 yards back. Some goal post dimensions. And he can't be worse than the kicking game the last two years.

23. Josh Bidwell really had a solid year last year. I was a bit worried about the punting game after losing Tupa, but I have no complaints about Josh Bidwell. Not an elite punter, but not a liability.

24. Staying on special teams, I'm going out on that oft-visited limb: Torrie Cox WILL break the streak, and he'll finish in the top 3 in KR yardage and average while he does it.

25. Staying on TC, he showed some real potential at CB last year. I don't care if we bring in McQuarters or not - I want to see this kid play from scrimmage some more. He could develop into a really good nickel option in the near future.

26. Larry Brackins, or as I now deem him, X-factor. Nobody knows what he will do, but with coaching, you have to be excited at what he COULD do. Watching those crude CC tapes, he reminded me some of Mushin Muhammed. Big strong, makes YAC, breaks tackles. I expect to see him and Clayton in the red zone packages this season, and I expect him to win a few jump balls and fade battles.

27. Ian Smart may have only had one carry last year, but man, what a carry it was. I hope he gets a few more this year. He's a waterbug type we've been lacking for several years.

28. While I'm not as in love with Mike Alstott as some, I still feel like he can be a force catching out of the backfield and creating mismatches in the receiving game in general. Also, he could still serve as something of a 4th quarter "closer," if that's what Jon Gruden wants.

29. Earnest Graham. He keeps getting counted out, and he keeps making the roster. He seems to have a lot of heart. I'm not an expert on him like some here (from his college days), but he really seems to be tough kid with some instincts for running the football.

30. I have no problem saying that Jon Gruden is one of the top five offensive minds in the game today. As these young athletes develop into football players, I really expect Jon Gruden to put them in positions to make defenses look silly. Imagine Carnell Williams split wide, against a linebacker, or a DE trying to cover Alex Smith. It'll take a little while for these kids to learn the system, but when they do, this could be a real "fast break" kinda offense.

31. Kenyatta Walker may still make good on his first rounder status. He (finally) became more than a liability last year, earning his job at RT and providing solid protection, and fewer penalties, against a few beastly NFC South LEs. He's still quite young (26?), and still has everything that once made him a potential franchise tackle a few years ago.

32. Staying on the line, I don't know much about Chris Colmer, but I know my buddy Zach, a Carolinian (NC State and Panther diehard) was noticably poed and envious when we took him. I also know that Phillip Rivers isn't a top five draft pick without solid protection.

33. One more for the line - Anthony Davis. Unlike most of our linemen, the guy is built to move the pile and blast holes in the run game. He's been apprenticing for a couple years, but it seems this year he will start, and he could become what Cosey Coleman was supposed to be but wasn't.

34. Luke McCown. I realize many were skeptical about him when he picked him up, but he may have the strongest arm - heck - maybe even the most physical tools - of any QB on the team. He's only 23, he has starting experience, and between the earlier 4th rounder the Browns used on him and the 6th rounder we traded for him, he pretty much has the same value as Chris Simms. Give him a chance.

35. We're finally under the radar again. We're not getting hyped. We're being picked to finish 4th by pretty much everyone. We have no primetime games. This is exciting for 2 reasons. First, flying under the radar is a good way to sneak up on people. Second, the bandwagon is finally lightening up a bit.

36. Paris Warren and JR Russell were both great values when they were picked, and I wouldn't be surprised to see one or both of them making plays when we spread the field. They're both polished, productive, and well built.

37. Ellis Wyms was essentially resigned instead of Warren Sapp. He showed flashes last year, but with a bit more of an honest rotation to keep him fresh, he could rack up a few "off the snap" sacks and be a disruptive force against the run.

38. No big logic hear - Dewayne White is primed to explode. He's in his third year, he's healthy, he made strides last year. He has breakout year all but etched on his forehead. At worst, he will be another cog in what should be a very good rotation.

39. You could do a lot worse than our linebacking corp. You have two sure things in Brooks and Quarles, and world of potential in Ruud, Cooper, and Nece. Plus, Jeff Gooch provides solid depth at two positions.

40. I know some people have counted out Jameel Cook, but as of right now he's still our best blocking FB and he can catch, too. I was excited when we drafted him out of Illinois, and I still am. Unless he's been cut and nobody told me.

41. Derrick Deese is still around, and despite taking heat (and getting jobbed by silly and inaccurate O-line stats), he's still good enough to keep Griese's blindside clean.

42. Whether it's Garner or Pittman, we will have one of the best 2nd stringer running backs in the NFL. We can still be productive when we spell Caddy, and should he get hurt, the sky won't fall in on us.

43. Chris Simms is still an enigma. But he's an enigma that could turn out still to be a franchise quarterback. The debate on him comes down to if you think what he's missing as a player is something that can be taught, or if it's something you either have or you don't. But the fact remains he has a great arm, nice touch at times, and good mobility. You could do much worse for a backup.

44. It's our 30 year anniversary! That's exciting. We're not a pup franchise anymore. We've come a long way from Rich McKay's brother catching passes from Steve Spurrier. We should remember also, that roughly 20 of those 30 years are pretty much going to be worse than whatever this year may bring. It's important to keep perspective.

45. The schedule should bring some great match-ups this season. We got the world champs. We got our old friends from the Central. We've got our two yearly dates with Mr. Vick. And a chance to avenge recent woes against the Cats. Bragging rights are always only a game away, baby!

46. The NFC looks weak this year. I think if things fall right, we can pull a 9-7, which I betchya will mean postseason. And we know how to win in the postseason. A lot can happen...

47. No matter what, we'll have each other's company, right? Nothing like toasting the wins and mourning the losses with other Buc fans. Living in Nebraska, I especially appreciate that option. Ten years ago, I'd have been writing letters to my Buc fan friends in Tampa. You gotta love that.

48. There seem to be some guys on board we'll get to know and love over the next few years. Once the deadwood is cut, we'll have one on of the younger teams in the league. It'll be nice getting to know a few long term Buccaneers, and being able to buy a few jerseys that won't be out of style for a while.

49. If everything goes wrong, I mean everything, next year should have be a boffo draft class, and if we do tank, it could mean any one of a half dozen guys who were better than anyone in this class.

50. Where would you rather be?

[RRodkey]

51. This could be Chuck's last year.

[Navy_Bucs_Fan]

I haven't read them all yet but you have way too much time on your hands.

Originally Posted by RRodkey

51. This could be Chuck's last year.

52.Only if he's eaten by wild dogs!

[BucsLJohnson34]

Leeroy I AM Impressed.. Pat, You should take this route just to show you are still a fan

Got Cliff"s notes?

And I do appreciate your new-found optOmism.

[BFT]

Great Post man!!!!

I'm not just saying that because most of my in-laws are from Lincoln either

Seriously, you pumped me up.

[ChuckyWins4TB]

Leeroy,

You are the man, very solid post, alot of positives, shows that the sky IS NOT FALLING IN TAMPA. I feel alot of what you posted and agree that this year can be a good year with some playing time for the young guys, and keeping healthy, we could be so far below the radar that we will surprise people, alot of people.

[digitaldave]

53. Didn't see Anthony Bryant on the list but I believe we finally have our run stuffer. He couldn't have landed in a better place than this. His #1 need is discipline and with the coach we have in Kiffen and the veterans we have, it won't take long for this kid to either make or break. 300+ pounds of pain and he should fit right in as a utility(run D) player for us.

[Buczilla]

I enjoyed reading this Leeroy....the majority of this stuff is stuff that has a very good shot at coming true. I'm looking forward to seeing some of the youth that we haven't had in years, and I enjoyed reading this as a changeup over the usual BS. Thanks for posting!

[MarleyMon81]

Nice takes, LR. Nothing too extravagent to sound rosey but reasonibly optomistic takes.

Also, I'm glad to see you putting my dude Alex Smith as your #1 comment. I'm as excited about that pick as I am all the others, including Cadillac. We haven't had a TE like Smith since...well probably since Giles.

Nice job LR. One doesn't have to be labeled a pessimist or an optomistis. Balance is the key.

Good positive stuff Leeroy,nice to hear something on the upside from a poster and hell for the most part its all realistic.Thanks!

[Psykes]

A few things I found odd... how can you look forward to Davis and still be happy with Deese?

One player I won't be sold on until he puts up excellent stats is Cooper. Brooks is known for his pass coverage, however he's 235lbs still makes boatloads of tackles. Cooper is going to get killed unless he adds a minimum of 15 lbs. Besides that I'll pretty much agree with everything. We just got to add more youth and hope that players like Colmer, Nicholson and Brackins fufill their potential.

[tcat57]

Isn't the offseason great where things can be as you want them.

Even if this year fades into mediocrity (as stated in #49) it shows the team has a solid youthful base to grow on.

[MarleyMon81]

Originally Posted by Psykes

A few things I found odd... how can you look forward to Davis and still be happy with Deese?

One player I won't be sold on until he puts up excellent stats is Cooper.

Anthony Davis is no longer in contention for the LT spot. He will either be at one of the guard spots or RT depending on Yatta's situation.

And your probably not going to see a whole lot in terms of stats from Cooper considering he's playing the SAM backer spot. And I know that Gold had a tremendous year at that spot last year, but that's a rariety in this defense under Kiffin. We've had rotating SAM's on almost a yearly basis. Since they only play 50% of the snaps, they won't necessarly rack up the statistics. I would use Quarles when he played SAM and Singleton as good measuring sticks for Cooper's progression and success.

Originally Posted by MarleyMon81

Anthony Davis is no longer in contention for the LT spot. He will either be at one of the guard spots or RT depending on Yatta's situation.

And your probably not going to see a whole lot in terms of stats from Cooper considering he's playing the SAM backer spot. And I know that Gold had a tremendous year at that spot last year, but that's a rariety in this defense under Kiffin. We've had rotating SAM's on almost a yearly basis. Since they only play 50% of the snaps, they won't necessarly rack up the statistics. I would use Quarles when he played SAM and Singleton as good measuring sticks for Cooper's progression and success.

Actually, Ourlads, has Davis as listed No. 2 behind Terry at RG

[MarleyMon81]

Originally Posted by BucFanTom1

Actually, Ourlads, has Davis as listed No. 2 behind Terry at RG

I wasn't sure what guard position he was slated to, thanks Tom. It's too early for even a TC depth chart so that may be a bit misleading. Neither player has starting experience with Davis only getting into game action vs. Zona for the first time. It should be a good TC battle as it's a very level playing field in terms of experience. I would like to see Buenning step in at LG and get Stinchcomb out as well.

[coloradostate]

my persoanl favorite was #35. this could be the key to us having a winning record in '05.

Originally Posted by MarleyMon81

I wasn't sure what guard position he was slated to, thanks Tom. It's too early for even a TC depth chart so that may be a bit misleading. Neither player has starting experience with Davis only getting into game action vs. Zona for the first time. It should be a good TC battle as it's a very level playing field in terms of experience. I would like to see Buenning step in at LG and get Stinchcomb out as well.

Oh, I totally agree, I should have said for what it is worth.

Actually when it was announced that Davis would move to Guard, I more expected it to be at LG behind Stinch and Buenning to RG behind Terry.

But as you say there's a long TC upcoming

[MarleyMon81]

Originally Posted by BucFanTom1

Actually when it was announced that Davis would move to Guard, I more expected it to be at LG behind Stinch and Buenning to RG behind Terry.

Do you know what is Buenning's natural guard position? I can't remember if they said he played RG or LG as a Badger.

[real bucs fan]

I believe!

[real bucs fan]

Originally Posted by MarleyMon81

Do you know what is Buenning's natural guard position? I can't remember if they said he played RG or LG as a Badger.

Last I heard he was going to start out at LG, but that might have changed.

Here's a reason why this guy gets a pass from me every time. Because he knows the game. I may not agree with things Leeroy has to say.......but it's easy to recognize a Legend in the making. So to all you whining goobers who think I pick on everyone who does not share my views until I make them cry and leave to form their own board.........that just went right out of the window.

solid post Leeroy.... I may not agree with some of it......but solid post nonetheless. Your presence here only adds to the quality of this board.

[MarleyMon81]

Originally Posted by PG

but it's easy to recognize a Legend in the making.

Am I nearing this status, PG?

Pat told me I was getting closer.

I know you probably don't agree with everything I post as well, but hey, that's what a BB is for, sharing ideas. I try and back my stances up just as LR has done with this thread.

[Capt Morgan]

optomism is a good thing Lee Roy...

maybe if everyone had it, we could rename the pirate ship in the endzone, the " Good Ship Lolly Pop " or of course, Al Bundy's version of it, if anyone remembers what that was

[Capt Morgan]

Originally Posted by PG

Here's a reason why this guy gets a pass from me every time. Because he knows the game. I may not agree with things Leeroy has to say.......but it's easy to recognize a Legend in the making. So to all you whining goobers who think I pick on everyone who does not share my views until I make them cry and leave to form their own board.........that just went right out of the window.

solid post Leeroy.... I may not agree with some of it......but solid post nonetheless. Your presence here only adds to the quality of this board.

It makes you wonder why people waste their time to cry on a MB...

[Patrick McIrish]

Originally Posted by BucsLJohnson34

Leeroy I AM Impressed.. Pat, You should take this route just to show you are still a fan

I have to agree with the others, that was a very good post. Probably the Post of the Week around here. LeeRoy is like me and some others, because of our disappointment in what Chuck did after winning the ring we get cornered answering the same posts over and over again. I have a lot of takes on different players and other aspects of the team but most only remember the anti-Chuck position I have adapted. After winning the ring it was like we just did what we need to, let's take off the next five years. Immediately fighting with the GM, players being thrown off the team, Pittman doing his Hummer trick, contract problems and the whole time Chuck was out writing books and promoting himself. Some one asked BB (I think) if he could win another championship as he came off the field, he replied what championship? They were still hungry, we acted like we had conquered the world. It's shown the last few years....

Having said this I know I can't come up with 50 things I like, I might try it tomorrow though to see if I can past 3 or 4.

[Capt Morgan]

Originally Posted by Patrick McIrish

I have to agree with the others, that was a very good post. Probably the Post of the Week around here. LeeRoy is like me and some others, because of our disappointment in what Chuck did after winning the ring we get cornered answering the same posts over and over again. I have a lot of takes on different players and other aspects of the team but most only remember the anti-Chuck position I have adpated. Come Sunday I can guarantee you no one roots harder or takes loses any harder than I do.

Having said this Johnson I know I can't come up with 50 things I like, I might try it tomorrow though to see if I can past 3 or 4.

Hey Pat, I know Gruden will be in the top 4 for ya !

[MarleyMon81]

Hey Pat, any word from the Legend administration about my eligability?

How ya been bro? I didn't post much over the weekend. Ms. Marley decided she wanted hardwood Pergo floors in our dining room. WE NEVER USE THE ROOM IN THE FIRST PLACE!!

Originally Posted by MarleyMon81

Am I nearing this status, PG?

Pat told me I was getting closer.

I know you probably don't agree with everything I post as well, but hey, that's what a BB is for, sharing ideas. I try and back my stances up just as LR has done with this thread.

........completely off the record M&M.......I've accidentally seen phone call notes Irish was making in the Legends Lounge that make me think you may be right about getting closer. Keep up the good work.

Now let's get this thread back on topic with Leeroy's post.