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Tampa Bay Buccaneers Arrival of QB Johnson heightens expectations -- again
Tampa Bay opens its training camp at the University of Tampa in Tampa, Fla., on July 29. By B. Duane Cross, CNNSI.com The Buccaneers are the preseason NFC favorite to play in the Super Bowl. Yes, last year's addition of wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson was supposed to have been the final piece to Tampa Bay's title puzzle. But who knew quarterback Shaun King couldn't throw him the damn ball? So, the Bucs added Washington cast-off QB Brad Johnson, a known commodity who threw for 4,000 yards in 1999. The Buccaneers can make the playoffs if … the wheels don’t fall off. There is no reason to believe Tampa Bay cannot post its third consecutive season of 10-plus wins. The offense should be the class of the division, reaching the lofty heights of the league's ninth-ranked defense. Pivotal games: Weeks 4-5 include road trips to Minnesota and Tennessee wrapped around a visit from Green Bay. Another early season four-game losing streak like 2000 will certainly turn up the heat, considering the Bucs wrap the season against New Orleans and Baltimore. On the hot seat: Sixth-year head coach Tony Dungy understands the importance of this season. Expectations are high and a lot of money has been spread throughout the roster. There is a lot of four- to six-year players on this team; it's time for that veteran leadership to take the next step. Up-and-coming: Last season, Tampa Bay cut popular Brad Culpepper because it is so high on defensive tackle Anthony McFarland. "Booger" turned in a 6.5-sack season opposite Warren Sapp and even bigger things are expected this year. Sports Illustrated's season preview will post Aug. 29.
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