New quarterback Jeff Garcia should improve the offense greatly for the Tampa Bay Bucs but then again that shouldn’t be too difficult considering they averaged a measly 13.2 points per game a year ago. Sportsbook.com has posted the Tampa Bay Bucs betting odds to win Super Bowl XLII at 50 to 1.
“I think Jeff Garcia is the perfect fit for Tampa,” stated Point-Spreads.com NFL expert handicapper Brad Marchetti . “I can see this team bouncing back with an 8-8 season so 4-1 betting odds to win the South is fair value for the Bucs.”
Cadillac Williams was an absolute stud his rookie season but suffered the sophomore slump last season. Much of this had to do with a banged up offensive line and the fact that they played behind too early and often. He is too talented not to bounce back this season.
Like the Panthers, the Tampa Bay Bucs have only one weapon at receiver in Joey Galloway. The once dominant defense is old and mediocre. They did add DE Gaines Adams in the draft, who should compete for a starting job, especially with the release of Simeon Rice. The linebacking core should be solid once again with 10 time Pro Bowler anchoring the unit alongside newcomer Cato June. CB Ronde Barber returns for another year, unlike his brother, and remains one of the better CB in the NFL.Don’t be surprised if the Bucs rebound nicely this season but with all of the age and injury problems, don’t expect too much.
Key additions: DE Kevin Carter, QB Jeff Garcia, LB Cato June, TE Jeremy Stevens, OT Luke Petitgout, FB BJ Askew
Key losses: G Sean Mahan, LB Shelton Quarles, T Kenyatta Walker, DE Simeon Rice
To Win the NFC South:
New Orleans 6-5
Carolina 9-5
Tampa Bay 4-1
Atlanta 5-1
To Win the NFC:
New Orleans 6-1
Carolina 8-1
Tampa Bay 20-1
Atlanta 25-1
To Win the Super Bowl:
New Orleans 15-1
Carolina 25-1
Tampa Bay 50-1
Atlanta 60-1
