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After two consecutive losing seasons following their Super Bowl victory, the Bucs’ goal for 2005 was apparent - establish a run game behind first-round pick Cadillac Williams; rebuild with youth; and return to their former prominence on defense by shoring up their run defense.
So far, so good.
Williams put an explanation point on a dazzling 2005 debut, sprinting 71 yards for a score to cap the Bucs’ season-opening 24-13 victory at Minnesota. Williams finished with 148 yards rushing as the Bucs - who also got two touchdown catches from third-round pick Alex Smith - appeared rejuvenated and shut down one of the NFL’s most potent offenses.
The Bucs limited the Vikings to just 26 yards rushing and intercepted Daunte Culpepper three times - including Brian Kelly’s second of the game to kill a potential game-winning drive with less than two minutes left - as the defense displayed its past swagger and came up with big plays throughout the day.
Throughout the preseason, Bucs coach Jon Gruden insisted this was not a rebuilding year. By getting younger in key areas and playing smarter football, he insisted the Bucs could return to title contention.
Whether Sunday’s victory means the Bucs are on their way to proving Gruden right remains to be seen, but it’s definitely a step in the right direction.
IS SUNDAY’S WIN AN INDICATION THE BUCS ARE A LEGITIMATE TITLE CONTENDER?
Posted by T.S., New Jersey on 09/11 at 04:02 PM
Sunday could be the beginning of what the rest of the NFL and especially the NFC didn’t want to see...the resurgence of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. We’re Baaaaaaaaaaaaaack! The mix of youth and veterans make this a dangerous team for anyone in the NFL. Don’t believe me? Go ask Tice, Culpepper and the rest of the Vikings. I guarantee they’re believers.
Posted by Jeff C, Valrico, FL on 09/11 at 04:47 PM
Great finish, but still lacking polish early in the game...the Vikes looked “dazed and confused” without Moss, despite what their PR people are saying...without a big playmaker, we still almost let them back into it at the end...got to get the “killer instinct” and finish off these teams instead of letting them hang around as long as we did...it was never a sure thing until Cadillac punched through a very tired D-line at the end...can’t count on that every week...but overall, a very satisfying way to start the season!