With Greatness Comes Opportunity….

This is what you expect from the NFL when a teams defense (Buccaneers of Course) was ranked No. 1 in the NFL for the second time in three years this season.
Coach Tony Dungy and Defensive Coordinator Monte Kiffin started something that will live on in the NFL for many years to come. That is the Tampa 2 defense. With this defense that has made the Buccaneers successful for the past decade, in fact the Buccaneers have been one of the top 10 defense in the NFL for over a decade now.
When you are this successful it gives your personal a chance to succeed in the NFL. Many people think of Bill Walsh, Bill Parcells and Mike Holmgren as coachs that have greated a coaching tree in the NFL. Well now it looks like we will be talking about Tony Dungy and or Monte Kiffin as starting a new NFL coaching tree.


Herman Edwards was the first assistant coach to get hired away from Tampa. Edwards spent five seasons serving as assistant head coach/defensive backs coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, before the New York Jets hired Edwards as their Head Coach. Now Edwards is the Head Coach of the Kansas City Chiefs.



Lovie Smith was with Tampa Bay Buccaneers for five seasons as the linebackers coach. In 2001, Smith was hired by the St. Louis Rams as their Defensive Coordinator, and he helped them return to the Super Bowl after missing the playoffs the previous year. In 2004, Smith was hired as the Chicago Bears Head Coach.


Mike Tomlin has been with Buccaneers for 5 year as the defensive backs coach. On Tuesday Tomlin was named the Defensive Coordinator in Minnesota. Another great Bucs coach headed out to keep the Monte Kiffin tree alive. Tomlin will be a Head Coach in the NFL with in a few years. Some think that he will return to Tampa Bay after Gruden has finished coaching.



Rod Marinelli has been with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for over ten years. He has been the Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Line Coach with the Bucs. Rod Marinelli's coaching services has emerged. The St. Louis Rams have expressed interest in possibly making Marinelli their new head coach. Marinelli, 56, was interviewed by the Lions on Monday in connection with their head coaching job, and the Chiefs have expressed interest in possibly making Marinelli their defensive coordinator. New Chiefs coach Herman Edwards said he intends to talk to Marinelli about a post with his team this week. If the Kansas City job does not work out expect Marinelli to becomes Chicago Bears Defensive Coordinator after Ron Rivera (Bears Defensive Coordinator) gets a Head Coaching job. Marinelli and Lovie Smith are reported as best friends and both are experts of Dungy’s Tampa 2 Defense.

Where will the Bucs and Kiffin find coaching replacements? Defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin said “I anticipated losing Tomlin and Marinelli after the Bucs were eliminated from the playoffs by the Redskins on Saturday.” Kiffin did not mention potential replacements, but if he follows the pattern he did after losing Edwards and linebackers coach Lovie Smith following the 2000 season, he'll look to the collegiate ranks. Kiffin prefers teachers as coaches.

Bandwagon Fan……….

What is a bandwagon fan? A bandwagon fan is a phrase used among sports fans to describe a sports fan that only roots for popular and successful sports franchises. This kind of fan is typically despised in the sports fandom.

I hate to do this article, but when another blogger calls you out, you must reply. You see I thought that Ski over at the So called Best Bucs Blog was becoming a blogger friend with us both loving the Bucs. Until I read his article today about the RUNDOWN. It pretty much dogs 3 bloggers recent article include my “With the 23rd Pick in the 2006 NFL Draft the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Choose……….”

Now I could talk about his Blog name and say that I know at least two other Buccaneer Blogs that blow his out of the water, but that would not be nice.

I could say that half the time he does not know what he is talking about when it come to the Buccaneers, specially the older Bucs players and records.

Example: I wrote an article about Ricky Bell called “A Blast from the Past: Number 42, RB, Ricky Bell.”This article must have been good, because Ski Linked it to his blog. However on my comments page Ski said…

“and don't forget bell was the first back to rush for a thousand
yards in a season for the Bucs, which I believe only one other back (Dunn) has
done once.”

WRONG if you are a true Bucs fan every one knows about James Wilder and Errict Rhett, hell most of us even know about Reggie Cobb as our Running Back and now he is a College Scout for the Bucs. Did you know that Ski?

Any way I replied to Ski comments and said

…“Ski, How could you forget all these greats. But I have been a Bucs fan
since 1979: All these players rushed for over a thousand yards in a
season:*1979,Ricky Bell, 1,263*1984,James Wilder, 1,544*1985,James Wilder, 1,300
*1992,Reggie Cobb, 1,171*1994,Errict Rhett, 1,011*1995,Errict Rhett, 1,207
*1998,Warrick Dunn, 1,026*2000,Warrick Dunn, 1,133”

Do you know what Ski said…….. .

“and proving once again that I'm an idiot (at least I got one out of
two).”

You said it not me.

Why did all this have to happen? Well you see I think Ski is down on the Bucs right now because they did not go further into the Post Season, Ski are you jumping off the bandwagon?

You see this started because Ski wrote this…. Talking about Buc Stats (another Buccaneer Blog) and my recent article on my blog

“'Cause sometimes we're just too lazy for a full length post for each story.”

Mmmm I have seen some of you stories with no comments on them. I would say lazy or uninteresting.

He continues with

“Pewter Pirates does some
research (i.e. Googled "Bucs" and "draft pick", we could have done
that) and discovers the Bucs will draft Auburn OT Marcus McNeil. The only other
question is what should McNeil's nickname be? We vote for Morgan Freeman.”

At least I did my research, first and foremost it was a shout out to Birdman’s site about the NFL Draft: http://tradedown.blogspot.com/. This is where I first got my information, then I just decide to see what the consensus was…. So Ski next time you want to have a rundown be sure you can back it up. Because I think you are just Falling Down off the bandwagon

With the 23rd Pick in the 2006 NFL Draft the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Choose………..

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will have the 23rd overall pick in the 2006 draft. Some fans might think this is not a really great draft pick, or such a high number, but lets look at the past draft picks selected at number 23: Last years 23rd overall pick was Nebraska cornerback Fabian Washington, to Oakland. The previous four picks at number 23 overall were Texas DT Marcus Tubbs (Seattle), Miami RB Willis McGahee (Buffalo), Northwestern LB Napoleon Harris (Oakland) and Mississippi RB Deuce McAllister (New Orleans). These are some great players in the NFL today, who impact their team. The rumor right now is that Buccaneers are leaning towards an offensive linemen, and I think that is who they will pick.

If you like the NFL draft, you need to check out Birdman’s site about the NFL Draft it is the best and this guy knows his stuff: http://tradedown.blogspot.com/

He has the Buccaneers choosing: “OT Marcus McNeil Auburn Cadillac is the future in Tampa. McNeil is the perfect component to build on that and a better pass blocker than his size wouindicatedte.”

Man this excites me…. We need a better offensive line and what a better pick then one of Cadillac buddies.
No matter what happens, we should get a great pick with the number 23rd overall. I would not be surprised if the Buccaneers work in another 1st or 2nd round pick with them trading Simon Rice to a team that needs help with Defense.


Wow I spent two hours googling NFL Mock Drafts and everyone has the Buccaneers taking Marcus McNeil with the 23rd overall pick.

Who: Marcus McNeil
Position: Offensive Tackle
School: Auburn
Status: Senior
Height: 6-9
Weight: 335
40-Yard Dash: 5.00 (EST)

Positives: Marcus McNeil is a colossal tackle with a punishing style of play, and he is more willing to lay his man out than contain him. Even if someone manages to survive the first contact on his feet, McNeil has the ability to hold them at bay with his massively long arms. He is quite possibly the best run blocker in the upcoming

Negatives: McNeil occasionally has trouble against speed rushers that avoid his first shot, and has shown problems against the spin move because of footwork that needs improvement. He's far from a liability in pass protection, but it's definitely not his strong suit

Overview: Marcus was coveted by NFL scouts in his junior year, and very likely would have been a high first-round pick if he had entered the draft. He was named to the first-team All-SEC squad by several media outlets

I can not wait, I have a huge Annual NFL Draft Party, with my Fantasy Football Owners (friends). It is a great scouting event if you are not up to date on all the college guys. Plus if you love football and parties what a great combination. Plus we always get a little competition of Madden on PS2 during the party. Talk about a bunch of drunk idiots.

The Offseason Shake Up Hits the Bucs Fast

I hate this time of year, the Buccaneer's football season is over, my fantasy football season is over, 11-3 (great season for the Cutthroat Pirates, but no Super Bowl. Anyway this is the time of year that we must face change. As always I try to bring my readers first hand news. I have my source and I am scared that next years team is going to look different. Starting with coaches.


1st change, Mike Tomlin the 5 year defensive backs coach with the Buccaneers is headed to Minnesota to be the Defensive Coordinator. Another great Bucs coach headed out to keep the Monte Kiffin tree alive. Minnesota Vikings just hired Brad Childress as their head coach and he is making change already. Watch the announcement on Tomlin come this week.

The Kansas City Chiefs hired their new head coach Herman Edwards, with this will come the hiring of Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator Rod Marinelli. You must remember that Edwards and Marinelli both came from the Dungy Era and are close friends. Marinelli has been TampaÂ’s Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Line Coach. Marinelli has been with the Buccaneers for over ten years. It is amazing to me that he is the Assistant Head Coach over Monte Kiffin, but Marinelli has been a hot committee of several years now and rightfully so should be an NFL Head Coach, but he has been blocked in the past by the Bucs and not allowed to interview for head coaching jobs.

Both of these coaches deserve a chance at being a defensive coordinator on any team to even being a head coach in the NFL. It just shows what kind of talent the Buccaneers Defense has had for coaches over the past ten years, with Herman Edwards, Lovie Smith, Monte Kiffin, Rod Marinelli, and now Mike Tomlin. This just sucks for our team because we lose two great coaches that played a factor in us having the number one defense again this year.

"Buccaneer GM Bruce Allen was reportedly meeting Sunday night with defensive line coach Rod Marinelli, the thought being to get a new deal done before Marinelli takes another job. New Chiefs head coach Herman Edwards may want Marinelli as his defensive coordinator, reports the Tampa Tribune, but Marinelli denied those rumors in the Kansas City Star. The St. Pete Times reports that Marinelli will interview with Detroit for its head coaching position though he'd be a longshot for that job."



I feel like crying, I have been a Bucs fan since the 1979 season and I have never seen a player like Mike Alstott. I have learn to love this guy who wears number 40. I have met Mike on number of occasions and he is a class act. I have been on the field with him after the game, I have been to special events where he is at. I once even was at a non- public event, (Rank has its privilege) hung out with Mike. I have several autographs of my all time favorite player. He truly is the man. However, it is being reported everywhere that he is thinking about retiring. I listened to his radio show tonight with Steve Deumig and it was a sad sad day. He says he is not sure if he is going to retire, but the writing is on the wall. If Mike decides to retire, it will be a sad day in Buccaneer history, but it has been the best ten years a Buccaneer fan could ever have wanted. Besides number 63, (Lee Roy Selmon) for those who don’t know, Mike is the next best player and person to ever where a Buccaneer’s uniform. We will truly miss you Mike, PLEASE GIVE US ANOTHER YEAR.


In other NFL news, ESPN and NFL are reporting that Chris Simms is the Hottest free agent out there. This is not good news for the Cap heavy Bucs. I hope the Bucs can keep Chris, and we don't have another Steve Young situation.


Now for a real story........ Coach Gruden when asked to comment about reports that the Bucs may be interested in Terrell Owens, predictably Gruden declined, reminding the reporter that talking about acquiring a player currently on another team is tampering.

However, a shit storm is starting to surface after today when Eagles gave Drew Rosenhaus permission to shop T.O. The Buccaneers where reported at the top of T.O.'s list. Gruden declined to directly address the possibility of the Bucs attempting to sign troubled All-Pro receiver Terrell Owens, as recent reports had suggested.

"He's still under contract (with the Eagles)," Gruden said. "It would be tampering to even discuss his situation."

I think some talking might be going on and GOD help us. First how could we ever afford T.O. and must we remember Keyshawn Johnson. T.O. would help this team on the field, but he would destroy it in the locker room. For more info read this story from ESPN:http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2283783

Buccaneers Season is Over.....

Well our season is over, the Washington Redskins knocked us out of the Playoffs. Well I should say we knocked ourselves out of the Playoffs. Two costly turnovers in the first half really was the difference in this game. The second half we played a lot better, but it was not good enough. How about the Buccaneer Defense, I was wrong we are not number 2 in the NFL we were number 1 going into this game.

Overall I am happy it was a great year. Jon Gruden is my coach of the year from a 5-11 season to a 11-5 season. Our team is young and will just get better.

I am just happy that we made the playoffs this year. Watch out for the Buccaneers next season.

Keep reading the Pewter Pirates Blog, just because the season is over does not mean the blog is over. I have so much Buccaneer info and I live in Tampa, so I am always getting all the scoop and gossip I can.

The Buccaneer’s Playoff History:

The year was 1979, the star was Defensive End Lee Roy Selmon, the Buccaneers finished the season 10-6, and clinched their first ever NFC Central Title and their first-ever playoff berth in team history. On 12/29/1979, the Buccaneers defeat the Philadelphia Eagles 24-17 in their first-ever playoff appearance and the Bucs were a game away from the Super Bowl. The next week the Bucs played in the NFC Conference Championship game and lost to the Los Angeles Rams 0-9, and the Rams faced the Steelers in Super Bowl XIV.


In 1981 the Buccaneers returned to the Post Season after a 9-7 season record. The Buccaneers received a first round bye and traveled to Dallas where they were destroyed 38-0.


In 1982, the NFL saw its first all out strike and the regular season games where cancelled. The Buccaneers finished the regular season at 5-4. The lead team in the NFC was Washington with a 8-1 record followed by Dallas with a 6-3 record. Every team in 1981 made the playoffs. The Bucs played Dallas during the first round and lost 17-30.



The Buccaneers did not return to the postseason until 1997, with new uniforms, a new logo and Coach Dungy. The Buccaneers finished the regular season at 10-6. The Buccaneers won their Wild Card Playoff game against the Detroit Lions 20-10. However during the Divisional game the Buccaneers lost to the Green Bay Packers 7-21.



The Buccaneers failed to make the Playoffs in 1998, but 1999 would bring a memorable year. The Buccaneers finished the season 11-5 and won the NFC Central Division Title. The Buccaneers played in the Divisional Playoff game where they beat the Washington Redskins 14-13. The Buccaneers made it to the NFC Conference Championship game against the St. Louis Rams. Shaun King played a great game for the Buccaneers and the Bucs lost in the last minute of the game, but they should have won. A terrible instant replay decision against Bert Emanuel, who had caught the touchdown pass in the end zone, cost them a realistic shot at the winning score. The NFL later over turned the call and said that it was a touchdown pass, but the damage was done. The Rams beat the Bucs 11-6.

Next two season was Tony Dungy’s demise. In 2000, and 2001 Tampa Bay Buccaneers reached the postseason Wild Card Game. Both years we played the Philadelphia Eagles. In both games the Eagles were too much for Dungy’s Buccaneers and the Buccaneers fired Coach Dungy.


The year is 2002, and history is made, Coach Jon Gruden the youngest head coach in the NFL took the Tampa Bay Buccaneers into the post season. Tampa Bay won the NFC South Division Championship and hosted the San Francisco 49ers. The Buccaneers destroyed the 49ers 31-6. The Buccaneers then had to travel to the cold to face their arch nemesis the Philadelphia Eagles. The Buccaneer’s with the number one Defense in the NFL helped seal Tampa’s fate. The Bucs would beat the Eagles 27-10 and would travel to San Diego for the Team’s first Super Bowl appearance. The Buccaneers would destroy the Oakland Raiders 48-21.


The year is now 2005 and the Buccaneers have once again returned to the post season. Coach Jon Gruden has the Buccaneers at 11-5 during the regular season with the help of a rookie, the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Carnell “Cadillac” Williams, and this Saturday the Buccaneers will host the first playoff game of the 05 season against the Washington Redskins. Can the Buccaneers repeat the performance from the 2002 season. I hope so. I think we match up well against the Skins. I think if the leagues number 2 defense shows up on Saturday the Buccaneers walk away with the win. Win, lose or draw, it is nice just being back in the post season. GO BUCS.

"Cadillac: Creating a Higher Standard"

Buccaneers RB Carnell “Cadillac” Williams was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year on Wednesday, thanks to a hot start and a strong finish that led to 1,178 rushing yards.

Carnell "Cadillac" Williams, A first round draft pick, and 5th overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2005 NFL draft has started what could be a Hall of Fame Career. My favorite position in football has always been running back. We have had our share of good running backs during the Buccaneers 30 years; Such memorable running backs have been Ricky Bell, James Wilder, Errict Rhett, Warrick Dunn and Mike Alstott (FB, but an actual RB), but none of these running backs have what Cadillac Williams has and that is the Total Package.
Cadillac won The Associated Press NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award. Caddy finished the regular season with 1,178 yards and six touchdowns. Cadillac was the reason in the Buccaneers turnaround season to include the NFC South Division Championship.

Cadillac had 47 of the 50 votes from the nationwide sports writers panel.

Cadillac responded on his winning the NFL Rookie of the Year award, "It's always been my dream to play on this level," said Williams, the fifth overall pick in last year's draft. "Ever since I was a kid, playing football in the backyard, middle school, high school, college, I was working to get to this level. To come out here and be named offensive rookie of the year is an amazing accomplishment. That's a great honor. I'm dead happy the way the draft went, me landing in Tampa," he said. "This is where I wanted to play. But after everything was said and done, looking back on things, I was like: 'Man, I was the third back taken. I was the fifth pick, but I was the third back, so people still don't believe, or for some reason doubt me."

His eventual total was the fifth-best rushing mark in Tampa Bay annals and it easily surpassed the 978 yards that won former Buc back Warrick Dunn the same award in 1997. Dunn and Williams are the only two players in franchise history to win the AP’s Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.

Man, I love this guy. I have been waiting for a running back like this to come to Tampa Bay. The only other great running back that we drafted was Bo Jackson, (that son of a bitch) who refused to play for the Buccaneers and chose to play baseball, now look at him. Cadillac Williams number 24 will live in the hearts of all the Buccaneer fans, specially the life long fans like myself, who season after season have watched our offense struggle. The torch is being passed from the Defense to Offense and the Buccaneers Offense will be the reason why we win games in the future.

For a great Cadillac Williams story read mu old post:The Best There Is, Was, and Ever Will Be.

http://pewterpirates.blogspot.com/2005/12/best-there-is-was-and-ever-will-be.html

On a side note Simon Rice was Honored as the NFC Defensive Player of the Week. However, Rice is playing his final season as a Buccaneer. It has been reported by the Pewter Report, that Rice is more then likely a Salary Cap Casualty. His locker room problems and his criticism of Coach Gruden and his 9 million Salary cap hit is likely grounds for Rice to be wearing a new uniform next season. I would rather see Rice gone then Brooks, which there is also talk Brooks might be a Salary Cap Casualty with his 10 million dollar salary next season. After the Season I will be posting an article about the Bucs Salary Cap situation for next season. Even with the Bucs cutting 40 million off of next years cap during this off season, the Bucs are still reported at 5 million over the Cap for next year this includes the Salary Cap jumping to 8o million. The Buccaneers also need to resign Chris Simms, Chris Hovan, Ike Hillard, Juran Bolden, Matt Bryant, Jameel Cook, Dexter Jackson, Dave Moore, Todd Steussis, Kenyatta Walker, Torrie Cox, Sean Mahan, Anthony Davis, Earnest Graham and Edell Shepherd. Can you say we are in trouble next year again. With only 5 million dollars to spend, stay tuned for who the Pewter Report (Official Magazine of the Bucs) thinks will become cap casualties, and who I think might be gone next season.

2005 NFC SOUTH DIVISION CHAMPIONS

2005 NFC SOUTH DIVISION CHAMPIONS

Thats right baby, your 2005 Tampa Bay Buccaneers are the NFC South Division Champs. This earned them a home playoff spot against the Washington Redskins on Saturday, January 7. The kickoff will happen @ 4:30pm.

The game will mark the second time that Tampa Bay has begun a playoff run with a home game against the Redskins. In 1999, the Buccaneers won the NFC Central and earned a first-round bye before playing host to Washington in the divisional round. The Bucs rallied from a 13-0 second-half deficit in that contest to win 14-13 and earn a spot in the NFC Championship Game. That was also the last playoff appearance for the Redskins.

The Buccaneers, who finished last season 5-11 had a heck of a turn around and finished this season 11-5. This was done first and foremost by Coach Jon Gruden (will somebody please give this guy a contract extension). This is for all the nay sayers that always dog Gruden, "What can you say about Gruden now?” He has turned this team around and is only the second Coach in the Bucs history to win two Division Titles, the first was John McKay in 1979, and 1981. Tony Dungy won a Division Title in 1999. Coach Jon Gruden won two Division Titles in 2002, and 2005, not to mention the NFC CONFERENCE TITLE in 2002, and the Super Bowl in 2002.

Sorry about the bitching, I just get tired of listening to Steve Duemig on 620am talk bad about Gruden ever week. This include his loyal fans who call in and join in the Gruden witch hunt.

The Buccaneers beat the Saints 27-13, but it was not an easy win. The Saints Offense drove the Ball all over the Defense. As usual I was at the game and the feeling was this one just might get away from us. It was great to see our Offense move the ball well in the first half, but then the Defense had us fans sitting on the edge of our seats as the Saints easily drove the ball down the field several times with a backup quarterback. But in the end, it was Defense End Dwayne White, who two weeks in a row saved the Bucs, when he came up huge. Last week against the Falcons, he was named Special Teams Player of the Week when he blocked Atlanta’s field Goal attempt in OT. This week when the Bucs were up by just one touchdown and the Saints were driving down the field, White came up with the trifecta – the sack, the fumble, the recovery and the touchdown. This is going to be the Guy who replaces Simon Rice next year. In the Pewter Report Magazine for this week, they report that Simon Rice will be gone next year due to his locker room problems and his high salary cap hit. After what White has done in the last two weeks, we just might be in good hands with Dwayne White. Plus he comes a lot CHEAPER.

WOW, at the end of the game it was amazing to see the fans celebrating and the Bucs monitor flashing “ 2005 TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS are the NFC SOUTH DIVISION CHAMPIONS.”

Well lets hope the Buccaneers can repeat week 10 and beat the Skins in our house.

(On a side note: Another reason I hate the Falcons, did you see them lay down yesterday to the Panthers. Tell me that was not pay back for the Buccaneers knocking them out of the Playoffs. There is no way a Division team beat them 44-11, specially when they usually have the Panthers number. I hate the dirty birds.)

Breaking Down the Tampa 2:

Ski, over at the Best Bucs Blog has a nice Buccaneer Blog and from time to time he has linked my articles to his. This week he wrote a good article about the Dominate Tampa 2 Defense that is well renouned as one of the Best Defense formations in the NFL. To learn more about the Tampa 2 Defense check out Ski's blog: http://bestbucsblog.blogspot.com/2005/12/
breaking-down-tampa-2.html

Remember it is Defense that traditionally win Championships....

The Best There Is, Was, and Ever Will Be.

Carnell "Cadillac" Williams, A first round draft pick, and 5th overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2005 NFL draft has started what could be a Hall of Fame Career. My favorite position in football has always been running back. We have had our share of good running backs during the Buccaneers 30 years; Such memorable running backs have been Ricky Bell, James Wilder, Errict Rhett, Warrick Dunn and Mike Alstott (FB, but an actual RB), but none of these running backs have what Cadillac Williams has and that is the Total Package.


In 42 games at Auburn, Williams rushed 741 times for 3,831 yards (5.2 avg.) and 45 touchdowns, breaking the old school career records of 657 rushing attempts by Joe Cribbs (1976-79) and 43 scores by Jackson (1982-85). He added 342 yards on 45 receptions (7.6 avg.) with a touchdown, returned 22 punts for 251 yards (11.4 avg.), had 29 kickoff returns for 609 yards (21.0 avg.) and completed both pass attempts for 48 yards and a score. Williams scored a school career record 276 points, topping the old mark of 274 points by Jackson. He finished his career with 5,033 all-purpose yards, ranking second in the school record books behind Brooks (5596, 1977-80). Williams scored a rushing touchdown in 29 of 42 games in his career and scored two or more rushing touchdowns in 12 of those contests. He earned nine SEC Player of the Week honors in his career, the most in conference history.

Cadillac started the year off right, he quickly signed a six year contract with the Bucs worth $14,000,000 while fellow running backs who were drafted ahead of him, including former teammate Ronnie Brown, who was drafted 2nd by the Miami Dolphins, and Cedric Benson, drafted 4th by the Chicago Bears, held out of training camp seeking much more lucrative deals.
By signing this contract and reporting to training camp on time, he benefited from a full training camp and the help of Coach Gruden. The first four games of Cadillac’s career would prove that…..


On 09/11/2005, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers traveled to Minnesota to play the Vikings, which would be Cadillac’s first NFL game. The rookie carried the ball 27 times for 148 yards and had one touchdown. This was the reason the Bucs beat the Vikings (24-13). It was in the 4th Quarter with 01:34 Remaining, the Buccaneers had the Ball on the Buccaneers 29 yard line. It was 3rd and 1, Carnell Williams broke a 71 yard run for the touchdown. Williams was named rookie of the week.


On 09/18/2005, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hosted the Buffalo Bills. Cadillac carried the ball 24 times for 128 yards and had one touchdown. This was the reason the Bucs beat the Bills (19-3).Williams was named rookie of the week.

On 09/25/2005, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers traveled to Green Bay. Cadillac carried the ball 37 times for 158 yards. This was the reason the Bucs beat the Packers (17-16). Cadillac started to get a lot of national attention at this point. It became a debate on whether Coach Gruden was over using Caddy. Williams was named rookie of the week.

After just three games, Cadillac Williams did something that no other Rookie in the NFL has ever done:Williams rushed for 434 yards in his first three weeks, setting records as the first rookie running back to ever have three consecutive 100 yard games, and rushing for the most yards in the first three weeks of a career, a record previously held by Alan Ameche of the 1955 Baltimore Colts. Williams was also named rookie of the week for the first three weeks of the season and rookie of the month for September. His shoes and gloves from week three were subsequently retired to the Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.

http://www.profootballhof.com/history
/release.jsp?release_id=1705


On 11/20/2005, Tampa Bay Buccaneers traveled to Atlanta to take on a Division rival the Falcons, who had the number on rushing team in the NFL. Some body forgot to tell the Falcons about the Buccaneers new number one rusher, CADILLAC WILLIAMS. Caddy carried the ball 19 times for 116 yards and a touchdown. This helped the Bucs beat their arch enemy 30-27.

On 12/11/2005, Tampa Bay Buccaneers traveled to Carolina to take on a Division rival the Panthers, Caddy carried the ball 29 times for 112 yards and two rushing touchdowns. This helped the Bucs beat the Panthers 20-10. Williams’ 112-yard performance was his fifth 100-yard rushing game of the season, tying the team record in that category with James Wilder in 1984 and 1985, and Warrick Dunn in 1997. Dunn, was a rookie that season, like Williams this year.

On 12/24/2005 (Christmas Eve), Tampa Bay Buccaneers hosted the Atlanta Falcons a Division rival at Raymond James Stadium. The Falcons were eliminated in the Post Season hunt with the Buccaneers 27-24 overtime victory. Caddy carried the ball 31 times for 150 yards and one rushing touchdown.

He also broke two Buccaneer records with his sixth one hundred yard game. The previous record was 5 one hundred yard games during a season. He also ran for over a thousand yards this season as a rookie (which is huge for a rookie) and he topped Errict Rhett’s old rookie team rushing record of 1,011 yards with 1,097 rushing yards with one game still remaining. He truly is the best running back the Buccaneers have ever had.

(Cadillac On having over 1,000 rushing yards)
“That feels great. I think much of my offensive linemen to tie in those guys. They need as much praise as I need. Those guys just paved the way. It did feel great, but this is a team victory and we control our own destiny. If we can come out, and next week win the division, that will be an even sweeter feeling.”

You can vote for Cadillac for rookie of the week, week 16 @: http://www.nfl.com/rookies/vote

The future is bright for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with the 5th overall pick in the 2005 draft Coach Jon Gruden found a diamond. This kid is going to be great for many years to come. He has one more regular season game against the New Orleans Saints, where he should gain over 100 yards rushing for his seventh time this season. Cadillac has also been selected as an alternate for the Pro Bowl. I also think that Cadillac will win the NFL Rookie of the Year Award.

Just to show you that I am not the only person who is hooked on Cadillac, the list for the top 25 NFL jerseys sold this year is out. Would you be surprised to know that out of all the first-round draft choices, Cadillac Williams led the list at number eighth. Alex Smith, the first pick in the draft by San Francisco, was 12th; Cleveland's Braylon Edwards was 13th; Miami's Ronnie Brown was 15th and Chicago's Cedric Benson was 23rd.

BUCS WIN, BUCS WIN, BUCS WIN:

WOW! What a game. I think after this game my nerves are shot, my fingernails are gone and I need a drink. This was a great game. Once again Chris Simms silenced his critiques by playing posed and performing great under extreme pressure. Simms did have two interceptions, but still he remained a leader and took charge of this offense and executed the game winning drive (several times in fact). I think our future is now safe with Chris Simms. I know I was very hard on Simms and I even called for Rattay after Griese went down. However, I am reformed, and I am a Simms believer. The Buccaneers now need to find the money to resign him before he pulls a Steve Young on us and ends up in the Hall of Fame for another team.


What can you say about the rookie of the year?



Cadillac had 150 rushing yards and a touchdown in today’s game with the Falcons.

He also broke two Buccaneer records with his sixth one hundred yard game. The previous record was 5 one hundred yard games during a season. He also ran for over a thousand yards this season as a rookie (which is huge for a rookie) and he topped Errict Rhett’s old rookie team rushing record of 1,011 yards with 1,097 rushing yards with one game still remaining. He truly is the best running back the Buccaneers have ever had.



Thank You, Matt Bryant. What a kicker! Matt had a great 50 yard field goal kick today. Matt Bryant averted the second tie in franchise history by nailing a 41-yard field goal with 15 seconds left in overtime.



The Buccaneers are now once again in first place of the NFC South thanks to a Carolina loss by Dallas today. GO COWBOYS! If the Buccaneers win next week against the Saints (which will not be an easy task), the Buccaneers will be the NFC South division Champs. GO BUCS!

Just where I like Vick, on his back.



Rice destroying Vick, But he is a Pro Bowl QB, YEAH RIGHT!


The Buccaneers Defense played great during the OT drives stopping Vick, which allowed the Buccaneers to win the game. Once again, I think Vick is over rated, I think his Pro Bowl appearance is based off of his ability to run and not pass. But then again I just hate the Falcons and Vick.

Once again Jon Gruden is a genius and I hope the Bucs keep him for many years to come. Maybe now all the Nay Sayers will get off his back.

As promised my Caddy story is coming this week. I was waiting for him to break these records. He is by far my new favorite player in the NFL. I have passed that torch from Alstott, (who is still my favorite) to Caddy for the future.

GO BUCCANEERS:

Just in all the networks are talking about a Patriot and Buccaneer Super Bowl (GOD HELP US).

Pewter Pirates send condolenscenses to Coach Dungy and Family.

Condolenscenses goes out to the Dungy family for their loss. Coach Dungy's 18 year old son was found dead today.

The Colts held a press conference with owner Bill Pollian announcing that Jim Caldwell will take over as interim coach.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Dungy Family.

Buccaneers in the 2006 Pro Bowl:

The NFL 2006 Pro Bowl is held in Honolulu in February.

The Pro Bowl is the game where the NFC’s best face the AFC’s best. The NFL ALL STAR GAME. However, many will argue that it has become a popularity contest. I do not care about what people believe, all I care about is the Buccaneers that get into this great game. The Pro Bowl on many accounts is a deciding factor of which great players get into the Hall of Fame. Lets look at this years Buccaneer Players that will be in the Pro Bowl.


Number 55, DERRICK BROOKS:
Derrick is among the most decorated all-stars in NFL history. The prototypical outside linebacker, he will be making his ninth consecutive Pro Bowl appearance, extending his own team records for consecutive and overall all-star games. Only three linebackers in the history of the league – Junior Seau (12), Mike Singletary (10) and Lawrence Taylor (10) – have been to more Pro Bowls than Brooks. Singletary and Taylor are already Hall of Famers, and Seau and Brooks are a shoe in after their careers are over.

Derrick had a great season with:
102 Tackles
2 Sacks
1 Forced Fumble
1 Interception

Derricks achievements: 1)Winning Super Bowl XXXVII
2)Being named 2002 NFL Defensive Player of the Year
3)Being voted into 9 Pro Bowls
4)Never missing a game in 11 NFL seasons
5)Over 1,700 career tackles
6)Scoring 7 touchdowns
7)Being named Co-NFL Man of the Year in 2000
8)Winning Byron "Whizzer" White Award in 2004
9)A great community leader
10)A great role model for kids



Number 20, RONDE BARBER:

Ronde will play in his second consecutive Pro Bowl and his third in the last five years. Ronde's three all-star appearances are the most for a cornerback in Buccaneer history.

Ronde had a great season with: 5 Interceptions
19 pass breakups
62 Solo Tackles
2 Sacks
Ronde Barber became the first cornerback in NFL history with at least 20 sacks and 20 interceptions when he got one of each in Tampa Bay's win over Carolina.



Number 9, JOSH BIDWELL:

Josh will be appearing in his first Pro Bowl. Josh's selection is groundbreaking for the Buccaneers, he is the first punter in franchise history to be selected for the Pro Bowl.

Josh was selected for his 45.7 yards per punt average. Josh also had 20 punts downed inside the 20-yard line

Congrats to the Killer Bs as the Buccaneers reported it.

I would also like to congratulate the Buccaneer’s five Pro Bowl alternates: DT Anthony McFarland, fullback Mike Alstott, wide receiver Joey Galloway, defensive end Simeon Rice and running back Cadillac Williams.

I do think that Joey Galloway got a raw deal and should be in the Pro Bowl. Lets hope that he makes it in this year.