From http://GamblersTelevision.com Tony T here from Gamblers Television covering the NFL "Vegas Style" all season long. The 2007 Tampa Bay Buccaneers finished with 2007 regular season with a 9-7 record and won the NFC South last season. They hosted the eventual Super Bowl Champion NY Giants in a wildcard playoff game and lost 24-14 as a 3-point favorite. The Buccaneers were hit hard with injuries in the running back position but were backed behind the #1 defense against the pass and #3 in points allowed were able to qualify for the postseason. Oddsmakers have set the over under for the 2008 Tampa Bay Buccaneers projected win total for the regular season at 8 wins. Schedule: Tampa Bay plays in the NFC South and that means 2 games with Carolina, New Orleans and Atlanta. The NFC South plays the AFC West and NFC North this season and that brings a road game at Denver. They are a bit unlucky hosing the tougher teams with home games against San Diego, Minnesota and Green Bay. You wont to host the weaker teams because it makes it easier for victory because it's not easy to win on the road in the NFL. As the first place team in the NFC South last season they must play the two other NFC first place teams and that brings a road game at Dallas and they are home to Seattle. Offense: Thirty eight year old Jeff Garcia returns at quarterback for the Bucs. The reason why Tampa was in the mix for Bret Favre is because of Garcia's lack of arm strength. Many teams play 8 men in the box against Tampa. With Carolina and New Orleans on the improve you cant blame Buccaneer management throwing their hat in the Bret Favre sweepstakes. Running back Cadillac Williams is coming off a serious knee injury, which puts his career at risk. The Bucs will turn to Earnest Graham, Warrick Dunn and Michael Bennett once again on the ground. Graham had the most carries last season but he is not the breakaway type of back. Joey Galloway leads the receiving corps but is now 36 years old. There was good chemistry between Garcia and Galloway early on but Galloway had 0 touchdown receptions in his last 7 games and only 1 catch in the playoff game. 12-year veteran Ike Hilliard is a possession type receiver who doesn't give you many yards after the catch and only had 1 touchdown reception last season. We will see if second round draft pick Dexter Jackson can give the Bucs needed depth in the position. Antonio Bryant with baggage was signed in the offseason. Bryant didn't play on any team last year as he was suspended for 2 games in the 2007 season and no team wanted him on their roster. Defense: The strength of the Bucs is their defense. Defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin's defensive front four puts heavy pressure on quarterbacks and it allows 7 defenders to focus on pass coverage in passing situations. Their linebacking corps is among the best playmakers in the league led by Derrick Brooks. The secondary is solid with Ronde Barber and Phillip Buchanon at corner but lost some depth in the secondary as defensive back Brian Kelly was lost in free agency. And now to my Selection: Tampa Bay went 5-1 against the NFC South last season, as the defenses in the division were poor. They went only 4-7 against the rest of their schedule when you add their playoff home loss. With their division improving and not any weapons added for the offense means the Bucs will decline. Galloway and Hilliard combined for only 1 touchdown reception in their final 7 games and the team has little depth in that important position. Play Tampa Bay Buccaneers UNDER 8 the wins for the 2008 season. Selection: Play Under 8 wins in 2008 Regular Season. Be sure to visit and bookmark my TV Show page at www.GamblersTelevision.com for continues pointspread coverage from the NFL.
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