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Bucs standing at the crossroads

Posted Feb 24, 2010 by Ira Kaufman

Updated Feb 24, 2010 at 12:53 PM

By IRA KAUFMAN
TAMPA—The moment of truth is approaching.

We are nine days away from an uncapped season and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are seven years removed from NFL relevance.

The Bucs have gone seven seasons without a playoff win for an ownership group that proclaims it is in this business to win championships. The ugly truth is the Bucs haven’t mattered on the national landscape since that majestic night in San Diego when they humbled the Raiders to cap Jon Gruden’s inaugural season in Tampa.

Tampa Bay failed to land a prime-time game last season and the club lacks star quality. Outside of Ronde Barber, this might be the most anonymous team in the league.

That’s why the upcoming free agency period and the April draft are so vital for an organization desperate to make some noise. A frustrated fan base is dwindling and Buc supporters need a reason to believe in the direction of the franchise.

The commitment of the Glazers to produce a winner is being questioned and the Bucs need to win back the confidence of their loyal fans.

Ironically, playing it safe at this juncture is risky business. The Bucs have an opportunity to make a bold statement by their actions in the next two months.

GM Mark Dominik needs to parlay all those draft choices into players with immediate impact. Although the free agent market isn’t teeming with talent, there are players available who can help the Bucs win without breaking the bank.

This is no time for playing it cool and hoping the right prospects fall to you in the draft. The best clubs make their own history on draft day with shrewd moves up and down the board.

We all know how overmatched the Bucs looked on the field for much of the 2009 season. They can’t afford more of the same in the offseason.