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Bucs suffer through agonizing seven weeks

Posted Oct 7, 2009 by Ira Kaufman

Updated Oct 7, 2009 at 07:43 AM

By IRA KAUFMAN
TAMPA—It’s been quite a seven-week stretch for fans of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The tranquility of training camp was shattered Aug. 18, when starting FS Tanard Jackson was suspended for the first four games after violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy.

Two days later, starting CB Aqib Talib was arrested for allegedly punching a taxi driver in the back of the head.

Meanwhile, the QB duel between veterans Byron Leftwich and Luke McCown lurched on past Raheem Morris’ preferred deadline to pick a starter after the second preseason game.

The Bucs fired new offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski only 10 days before their season opener against Dallas, promoting QB coach Greg Olson to a dual role. After a dynamic performance in Week 1, Tampa Bay’s attack has been shackled as losses to the Bills, Giants and Redskins dropped the Bucs to 0-4 and extended the franchise’s losing streak to eight games—the longest in more than two decades.

While fans wait for an appearance by heralded rookie Josh Freeman, second-year pro Josh Johnson struggled after throwing an early TD pass at Washington. The defense forced four turnovers, but the losing continues.

Jackson returns for this week’s game at Philadelphia, but some Bucs are starting to grouse. Jackson is a solid player, but he’s hardly a savior for an organization in turmoil.