New Offensive Coordinator: Jeff Jagodzinski (GB OC: 2006; ATL OL Coach: 2005; TE Coach: 2004; GB TE Coach: 1999-2003)

It didn’t take long for Raheem Morris to climb through the NFL ranks and become a head coach within the league. After working for the Jets as an intern in the fall of 2001, Morris took a position as a quality control coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the following season. He spent a year in that role before earning the title of defensive assistant for the 2003 campaign. Following that, Morris spent two years as an assistant defensive backs coach in Tampa Bay. He left the organization in 2006 to work at Kansas State as their defensive coordinator, but returned to Tampa the following year where he spent the last two seasons coaching their defensive backs.

During Morris’ six years with the Buccaneers their defense ranked among the top five against the pass five times and finished sixth once. In 2006, with Morris coaching at Kansas State, Tampa Bay’s defensive unit had fallen to a ranking of 19th in that category. Upon his return in 2007 however, Morris righted the secondary and the Buccaneers limited opponents to 170.5 passing yards per game – best in the NFL. They held opponents to 187.3 yards passing per game in 2008 which ranked them fourth in the league. With Morris a member of Jon Gruden’s defensive staff, the Buccaneers have ranked among the top five in total defense every year – except for the 2008 campaign in which they ranked ninth.

Joining Morris’ staff is former Green Bay offensive coordinator, Jeff Jagodzinski. Jagodzinski has spent the last two seasons as head coach at Boston College. Under his guidance, the BC Eagles combined for a record of 20-8. Current Falcons quarterback, Matt Ryan, was named the ACC Player of the Year in 2007 under Jagodzinski’s tutelage. He also went on to win NFL AP Rookie of the Year honors in 2008 after being selected third overall in that April’s draft.

Prior to spending the 2006 season as a coordinator in Green Bay, Jagodzinski worked two years in the Atlanta Falcons organization – first as their tight ends coach (2004), and then as an offensive line coach (2005). His first NFL tenure came in 1999 however, when he served his first stint as a member of the staff in Green Bay. He spent five years coaching tight ends (1999-2003). He is credited with developing Bubba Franks into a 3-time Pro Bowl selection. In his lone season as the tight ends coach in Atlanta, Alge Crumpler also had a performance worthy of a placement on the Pro Bowl roster.

Quarterbacks: Luke McCown; Byron Leftwich; Josh Freeman (R); Josh Johnson

One quick glance at the Buccaneers QB options and you realize they don’t have anyone worthy of drafting in fantasy leagues. Byron Leftwich has the most NFL experience, but has never lived up to his potential. More importantly, he isn’t a good fit for the West Coast Offense Jeff Jagodzinski will be running. In that system you want a quarterback with some mobility and a quick release. Leftwich possesses neither of these attributes.

Luke McCown is the favorite to win the starting job come opening day, but only has 238 pass attempts in his 5-year career and leaves much to be desired. Josh Freeman, a rookie selected with the 17th overall pick in this year’s draft, has an outside chance to receive the starting nod. By most accounts however, he is a project that needs to be developed over another season or two before he has a chance at being a legitimate starter in the league. Nonetheless, if the Buccaneers are floundering past the half way point they may decide to give Freeman some live experience during games.

Needless to say, this is a group of quarterbacks you’ll want to avoid. They’ll have a difficult time combining for more than 3000 passing yards, let alone having an individual achieve that mark. It’s also doubtful the Buccaneers will throw more than 16-20 touchdown passes this season.

Running Backs: Derrick Ward; Earnest Graham; Carnell Williams; B.J. Askew (FB)

The Buccaneers dipped into the free agent market this offseason and signed former New York Giant, Derrick Ward, to a 4-year deal worth $17 million dollars. Armed with this contract he is expected to be the new starter in Tampa Bay. Earnest Graham returns for his fifth season with the team and will be worked into the offense, but his upside took a pretty big hit with the addition of Ward.

Ward should be a good fit in Jagodzinski’s system and total 1000-1200 total yards from scrimmage. He has the ability to produce more, but he’ll need the Buccaneers passing game to provide some semblance of a threat to help him out. He’ll also have to fend off Earnest Graham throughout the year. Graham may not post as much yardage, but he should finish with roughly 750-900 total of his own. Graham is also likely to get the majority of touchdowns between the two as he is expected to get most of the carries at the goal line.

In point per reception (PPR) leagues, Ward might make for a worthwhile number two running back. Otherwise both he and Graham should be viewed as productive number threes.

Wide Receivers: Antonio Bryant; Michael Clayton; Dexter Jackson; Maurice Stovall; Sammie Stroughter (R)

Antonio Bryant is clearly the best of the Buccaneers receivers, but owners shouldn’t expect him to match his totals from last season (84 receptions, 1249 yards, 7 touchdowns). Without the luxury of an experienced QB under center, Leftwich aside, his numbers are sure to take a hit. The loss of offensive minded Jon Gruden doesn’t bode well for him either.

It’s also worth noting Bryant doesn’t have a track record of being a consistent performer from year to year. He’ll approach and possibly exceed 1000 yards receiving, but don’t be surprised if he only finishes in the 800-900 range. His number of receptions and touchdowns will drop off as well.

Among the remaining group of wide outs on Tampa Bay’s roster, none of them will provide much fantasy value. You’ll be able to pick them awful the waiver wire if needed, but if that’s the case it means you’re really desperate at the position.

Tight Ends: Kellen Winslow; Jerramy Stevens; John Gilmore

Acquired via trade with the Cleveland Browns this offseason, Kellen Winslow is expected to provide some pop to the Buccaneers passing attack. Within Jagodzinski’s west coast schemes the former first round pick will be viewed as a focal point of the offense.

He’s coming off a disappointing 2008 campaign in which he was held back by injuries. If healthy through the year ahead, however, Winslow should produce 60-70 receptions and upwards of 700 yards receiving. He’ll probably finish with only 3-5 touchdowns though.