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Gilmore sees bright Bucs future

Posted Jan 7, 2010 by Ira Kaufman

Updated Jan 7, 2010 at 12:35 PM

By IRA KAUFMAN
TAMPA—John Gilmore figures he’s seen the worst of times.

Tampa Bay’s hard-blocking TE said the Buccaneers endured several hardships en route to posting a 3-13 record under rookie coach Raheem Morris and first-year GM Mark Dominik.

With the club’s young braintrust assured of returning in 2010, Gilmore sees better days ahead.

“There was just so much going on throughout the season,’’ Gilmore said, referring to a Buc team that replaced offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinki 10 days before the season opener and dumped defensive coordinator Jim Bates after 10 games. “We had a young team and it was an uphill battle when we started making changes. It was one of those seasons where as a coach, as a team and as a player, we took one on the chin. That’s O.K. We’re going to come back out fighting next year.’‘

The Bucs took a 1-12 mark into Seattle before dominating the Seahawks in the second half for their first road win. They followed up by spotting New Orleans a 17-0 lead in the Superdome before rallying for a 20-17 triumph against the Saints, who were favored by 14 points.

In both games, rookie QB Josh Freeman was aided by an effective ground attack.

“It’s a process,’’ Gilmore said. “In those last few weeks, I think we set a foundation for next season. We know who we want to be. In the beginning of the season, I couldn’t tell you that. I didn’t know what our identity was. We want to be a run-first team. And Josh Freeman is going to be a good football player. Don’t think anybody on this roster doubts that. We just have to give the kid some more help.’‘