Did You Know...

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers finished a disappointing 3rd place in the NFC South in the 2008 season, but changes in the offseason bring hope for a successful 2009. The staff received a major overhaul with new head coach Raheem Morris, new general manager Mark Dominik, new offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski and new defensive coordinator Jim Bates. If the team wants to make the playoffs this season they’re going to need to work on both offense and defense, though most of the offseason moves focused on the offense. Quarterback Jeff Garcia is out, and new quarterback Byron Leftwich was added, though he’ll have to fight Josh McCown for the starting position. Rookie QB Josh Freeman has a lot of potential, and fans are eager to see what kind of contribution he’ll make to the team. New running back Derek Ward is a proven talent, rushing for 1,025 yards and catching 41 passes last season with the Giants, and he’s expected to provide a real boost offensively. There’s no telling how it’ll all work out, but it’s sure to be more exciting in person. Get your tickets to Raymond James Stadium and help cheer on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2009!

Some Tampa Bay Buccaneers history: The Buccaneers joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team. Former University of Southern California (USC) head coach John McKay was hired to pilot the club, but Tampa Bay's first season was a dismal one. The club became the first team in NFL history to lose all 14 regular-season games, suffering five shutouts and fielding the conference's worst offense and defense. The Buccaneers' losing streak grew to a league-record 26 consecutive games as the club lost the first 12 games of its second season.