What are the Bucs going to do this season?
Don’t know.

What?

Don’t know.

But, you are supposed to know, or at least predict.

Maybe. But this season, at least for now, they are iffier than ever.

What does that mean?

There seems to be too many questions. Oh, they got some defense because they have Derrick Brooks, Ronde Barber, Chris Hovan and others on the rise, but they also have committees at quarterback and running back in back of an admired offensive line. Overall, the team is iffy. Got a punter and a field goal guy the head coach says is a keeper for now, but still iffy.

It appears senior quarterback, Jeff Garcia, will be the chairman of that position committee, also consisting of Luke McCown, rookie Josh Johnson and Brian Griese, who should have won the starting job by now. He surely should be the future.

Expected star Carnell Williams can’t stay healthy, but pounders, Ernest Graham and Michael Bennett, can, and speedster Warrick Dunn is back here where he belongs. The trouble is, the backs starting out are not Bo Jacksons. They aren’t going to be All-Pros. But, there are all-star hopefuls among the pass receivers. A couple can motor, like Warrick and Joey G.

Now, a big part of the iffy tag comes on that offense Head Coach Jon Gruden so wants to develop into stardom and point-production. He, and his chosen aides have to keep the iffy guys working and learning until they can breakout regularly as Dexter Jackson did the other day. Be reminded that Tampa’s 32-year-plus (been that long?) is not overcrowded with long kick return breakaway touchdowns. When Ike Hagins finally busted one years ago, the first - albeit preseason, the standing ovation was extended. 

The biggest IF is if the Bucs can do much beyond a break-even season, or slightly better. If Garcia can do just enough to make the year a positive and earn another playoff spot. Of course, you got to get to the playoffs to get beyond.

So, you guys and gals, take it one game at a time, one step at a time. And, because this Bucko team can be anything from a loser to big-time winner, well, that’s why we still buy the tickets in these lousy economic times.

So, we have declared the Bucs iffy for this season just ahead. We believe they have potential enough to challenge for the NFC South division title, among New Orleans, the opening foe away, Carolina and Atlanta.

Tough, but, ehhhh, winnable.

There’s no stick out favorite. Each has holes. Some beyond our city limits will like Tampa/St. Pete because the Bucs won it last year, and, won the Super Bowl under Gruden not that long ago. Some also know how much the organization would like too win one more for owner Malcolm Glazer.

Want another? Did we remenber that the Super Bowl is at our place this Feb. 1?

And that class, is enough for the Bucs and the iffies of the moment.