Are good football times ready to roll around here?

Posted Aug 15, 2010 by Tom McEwen

Updated Aug 15, 2010 at 12:12 AM

For those of us in sports, specifically football, these are the best of times. Regardless of the level; high school, college or the pros, in fact. Our state college teams, for instance, Florida State, Florida, South Florida and Miami, are kicking off their seasons soon.

In Tampa, the awaited season for another Buccaneers adventure began last night against the Miami Dolphins with those who care completely in the dark about how the season will unfold but, as always, optimistic.

The Bucs begin yet another season with those of us who care customarily expecting only the best, at least most of us.

They begin the 2010 season as they began their very first year under Coach John McKay years ago: almost without a clue. Remember then-owner Hugh Culverhouse chose to draft the people’s choice, Steve Spurrier, to do his quarterbacking, and we appreciated that just as we appreciated the efforts of those 1976 Bucs, who didn’t win a game.

But the Bucs were ours and, in time, actually won a Super Bowl, though they now are full circle, giving little hint of what to expect. Frankly, I think it is fascinating. Got a dolled-up home, Raymond James Stadium, a Glazer ownership family who clearly wants only the best for the Buccaneers, such as matchless facilities.

The Glazers have given Tampa pretty much a new team, including quarterback Josh Freeman, and head coach Raheem Morris has more time to produce what he thinks he can produce. Coach Morris speaks in double time, without pausing. You’ve got to listen carefully, but he suggests good times are near.

They need to be. The economy is rotten and Buc fans are hesitant to spend the money they must spend to support the team, but they will. Lord knows Buc fans have patience, if nothing else. Morris’s General Manager Mark Dominik is aggressive and devoted. He and Coach Morris are a good team, and they know they have the support of the owners.

Frankly, few of us have the insight to predict what might happen to the Buccaneers this season. A good start will be a God-send. Surprise success from Freeman will be the best ticket to a return to good times for this squad. It is a team without stars going in. Hard to name one, unless it is defensive back Ronde Barber, and few teams have gone into a season with a cornerback as decorated as he.

Morris surely needs a fast start, but the Bucs are in the difficult NFC South, which includes the Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints. Many advance polls will predict the Buccaneers to finish last in the South. If Coach Morris can coach as well as fast as he can speak — he has no periods in his commentaries - and if he can coach as fast as he speaks, the Buccaneers will get off to that fast start they so desperately need.

It is difficult to spot possible stars other than Barber, though there are potential stickouts on the roster. The Bucs desperately need to find speed in the backfield and at wideout to become potential receiver weapons for Freeman.

Only us homers — desperate homers, at that — can predict a winning season without proof on the field, but there are plenty of us who would like to do that because most of us believe in the Glazers, Morris and Dominik.

Pause for a minute and consider how loudly this Tampa Bay area will explode if these Buccaneers can mature early. And while we are at it, if they mature early with other football teams among us — such as the Florida Gators, FSU Seminoles, USF Bulls, and Miami Hurricanes. Think for a minute how this area will come alive with good seasons from all of our football ambassadors.

Babaloo!