The Buccaneers were bad last season in every aspect of the game. When your pass attack is anemic, there isn’t much to keep defenders from charging ahead. What made things worse, Raheem Morris was more committed to getting Josh Freeman into a rhythm. While it was the more important priority at the time, Blount was the one who suffered most by being neglected and kept from getting into his own rhythm. In 7 games last season, Blount touched the ball 11 or fewer times. During those games he never averaged more than 3.4 yards per carry.  In the 7 games he touched the ball 12+ times, Blount only dipped below 4.1 yards per carry once. In fact, he averaged 5.1 YPC in 5 of those games to bring his season average to 4.2 yards per carry. That is only a .8 difference from his stellar 2010 campaign which saw him end the season with a 5.0 per carry average.

The Buccaneers just missed the playoffs in 2010 and Legarrette Blount was being praised from all angles. After a 2011 season which saw the team do poorly, the perception is Blount was just as bad. As stated above, he dipped marginally in yards per carry and only scored one time less (5) than his 2010 performance which saw him score 6 times. He even outperformed himself in a few areas as well. He bested his 2010 53 yard long carry with the 54 yard bulldozing against the Packers which earned him the Pizza Hut NFL play of the year for the 2011 season. Blount also made big strides in the pass game, jumping from 5 receptions for 14 yards to 15 receptions for 148 yards. That was good enough to average 9.9 yards per catch compared to his 2.8 yards per catch the season before.  Had Blount received the same amount of carries last season as he did in his rookie year, he would have missed his 1,007 yard rushing campaign by only 154 yards. That’s based on his 4.2 average for the 2011 season. If we also factor in his uptick in production catching passes, he misses his overall production in 2010 by just 20 yards.

What is more eye opening is Legarrette Blount’s 5 yards per carry average in 2010. Mike Alstott, Warrick Dunn, Cadillac Williams and Buccaneer great James Wilder never had a season with the Bucs where they averaged 5.0 yards per carry. In his best season as a Buc (2000), Warrick Dunn needed 47 more carries to gain just 126 more yards than Blount’s 1,007 in 2010. Every one of the backs mentioned received a considerable amount of more carries en route to their 1,000+ seasons. Blount’s 4.6 career per carry average leads them all so far.

While it is only a small sample size, numbers don’t lie and stats are NOT for losers. Legarrette Blount did not do as poorly as the masses believe he did last season. Now he has a new coaching staff, veteran coaches, and will be playing in a system which won’t ignore the running game. Presuming he stays the lead back, the days of 10 or fewer carries should be over. Given his history, Blount will only excel under the new regime. If you jumped off, there’s still time to jump back on the Blount band wagon.

Jimmy Raye (Senior Offensive Assistant):

Raye is a product of the Don Coryell days, using a combination of power running and vertical shots down field. Sound familiar? It is exactly what Schiano wants implemented and something the Buccaneers have the talent for. To run the system correctly, an offense needs two physical wide receivers with speed and a tight end capable of getting vertical as well. Guess who was the first tight end to run the Coryell system with major success? None other than Kellen Winslow Sr. Think he might be able to show his son a thing or two? Think all those days of coaching a young Kellen Jr. weren’t based on the same system the Bucs are about to institute? While many believe the Buccaneers should part ways with Kellen Jr. because he may not fit, the opposite should hold true. If he’s healthy, Winslow could have his best year as a Buccaneer. We very well could see plenty of two tight end sets given the potential of Luke Stocker. Raheem Morris selected him last year to be the heir apparent to Winslow and the two will cause plenty of mismatch problems. Also, Raye is likely to use the digit system, something which is perfect for a young team and a topic I will discuss when we get to Legarrette Blount.

Bob Bostad (Offensive Line Coach):

By now it should be obvious the Buccaneers are not built for a “zone” run scheme. This offensive line has always had the talent to push vertically rather than moving laterally. Knowing your personnel is half the battle and Bob Bostad’s focus on preparing his linemen for the power run game is second to none. Bostad currently has 11 players in the NFL and was one of only two colleges to see 3 linemen get drafted a few seasons ago. Plus, things don’t get overly complicated. You know your assignment when the play is called and then it is a simple matter of over powering your opponent. The whole offensive line will finally be using the talents they were drafted for which in turn will produce a much more efficient run game.

Earnest Byner (Running Backs): Byner ran the power game to a Super Bowl ring in 1992 under Joe Gibbs. Running behind the famous “Hogs”, Byner amassed 1,048 rushing yards with with 5 touchdowns. He totaled 8,261 yards with 56 touchdowns in his 14 year career. In other words, he knows a thing or two about the position. Now we can get to the digit system. Legarrette Blount is a big boy and the old zone system saw Blount with too much hesitancy and too many poor choices. The power run game combined with a digit system streamlines everything. Instead of a complex glossary of terms in the huddle, Josh Freeman will give a “digit” based route call to the wide receivers and a specifically labeled run play to Blount. This style will let Bostad’s offensive line know their assignments while letting Blount know where the hole will be. It is a one cut system which gives Blount a direct order while allowing him to improvise if a lineman get ran over. Byner will be able to focus on the basics of the run game with Blount and focus on a small range of plays instead of going over “what if’s”. The result will be a more downhill runner in Blount and the potential for a breakout season since he will many times have a fullback or guard leading the way.

Mike Sullivan (Offensive Coordinator): Though this is Sullivan’s first stint as offensive coordinator, he will no doubt install the Jimmy Raye (Air Coryell) digit system. He helped Eli Manning improve each season and his main draw to Tampa (other than a promotion) was Josh Freeman. In Arelious Benn and Mike Williams, Sullivan has his Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz. Albeit, not as polished. Still, the talent is there and Sullivan should be able to get the most out of their vertical talents. Also, the Giants ran a power run offense which is very similar to what the Buccaneers are implementing. He has the whole Giants playbook to choose from and incorporate here in Tampa.

To make all of this easy to digest, the Buccaneers will look very similar to the San Diego Chargers offense. Phillip Rivers has been a top tier quarterback for years because of the system, racking up yardage and touchdowns. Norv Turner runs the power offense digit system and for the most part has been provided a team in the playoffs more often than not due to their scoring. Best of all, this system simplifies everything without sacrificing unpredictability. For one of the youngest teams in the NFL, simplicity is key. Letting the young players use their talents instead of forcing a 8 inch playbook on them should wield positive results. After a 4-12 season, how could it not wind up positive?

In Byner, the Buccaneers bring in a 14 year NFL veteran who amassed 8,261 rushing yards and 56 touchdowns. As with Butch Davis, Bryan Cox, and Mike Sullivan, Byner also brings a Super Bowl ring with him to add to the aura of an organization committed to winning. Earnest Byner was a key component to the Washington Redskins Super Bowl XXVI win in 1992 and is a two time Pro Bowl selectiion. During his time as running backs coach for Washington, Tennessee, and Jacksonville, he has coached Clinton Portis, Chris Johnson and Maurice Jones-Drew.

The Buccaneers now have an excellent group of coaches to guide every part of the offense. Sullivan for Josh Freeman and the wide receivers, Bostad for the line, and now Byner for Legarrette Blount and the rest of the backs. The Buccaneers have made good on their word and given coach Greg Schiano all the help he needs to transition to the NFL and then some. Every one of his offensive staff is on their way up in terms of coaching careers and every one fits Greg Schiano’s power run and shoot offense perfectly.

Mel Kiper Jr. is nearly a god in terms of the NFL draft and his prognostications. His opinion deserves top billing  but for the Buccaneers sake, they hopefully go against his projected selection. While he is correct on what Richardson can bring to the Buccaneers, he faults in believing Richardson makes the Buccaneers a better team more so than Morris Claiborne. Just because a running back is so highly rated, doesn’t mean he is a lock for production. A look at the current top running backs in the NFL proves my point. Below is a look at their draft selection.

LeSean McCoy: Phi (53rd), Ray Rice: Bal (55th), Frank Gore: SF (65th), Maurice Jones-Drew: Jac (60th), Arian Foster: Hou (UFA), Matt Forte: Chi (44th).

In fact, the only current elite running back in the NFL who was selected in the top ten has been Adrian Peterson. Ask yourself, is Trent Richardson on par with Adrian Peterson? While Richardson is definitely a great running back, the odds are against him being elite or even being a long term option for the Buccaneers at the position. If anything, Legarrette Blount has history on his side more so than Richardson. What Richardson would provide is the best time share candidate the Buccaneers could select. Similar in style, Mark Ingram of the New Orleans Saints served that role well for them. However, in retrospect, would Ingram justify a #5 overall pick? The answer is no. Also, where Richardson would play a role within a unit, Claiborne would be a instant leader in his unit. Just like Aqib Talib, Claiborne would be immediately thrust into a key role with the secondary AND possibly kick returns. If you are going to use a 5th round pick, the more a player can bring to your team, the better. In contrast to running backs, lets look at the current top corner backs in the NFL and their selection.

Domonique Rodgers-Cromartie: Phi (16th), Patrick Peterson: Ari (5th), Darrell Revis: NYJ (14th), Nnamdi Asomugha: Phi (31st), Champ Bailey: Den (7th), Charles Woodson: GB (4th), Joe Haden: Cle (7th).

Each of the above have warranted their selection while the running backs have warranted higher selections. What this tells us is evaluating corner back talent is far more predictable than evaluation of running back selections. Given the investment the Buccaneers are about to make, there is no doubt they will want to make the most educated decision for their money. Selecting Trent Richardson would not be such a choice. Again, Mel Kiper Jr. is the standard of draft prognostication and he is projecting who he believes the teams will select. He may not agree with the selection but he has sources I could only dream about. Wait….I don’t have any sources. Those sources are sure to play a factor in his mock drafts which lead one to believe Richardson could be on the Buccaneers minds. Hopefully, the Bucs do their research and look at history.

Bostad started coaching offensive lineman in 1990, coaching at University of Wisconsin at West Point, CSUN, University of Minnesota, San Jose State, and finally New Mexico from 99′-05′. From 2006-2011, Bostad has been with the Wisconsin Badgers, serving primarily as offensive line coach though also serving as “running game” and “tight ends” coordinator. Bottom line, the running game and the offensive line were his priorities for 21 years. Instead of bouncing around wearing different hats, he has become an expert in a specific field. Bostad even has a masters degree in Kinesiology, which is basically the science of human motion. If you had an offensive lineman go to trial for his play, Bob Bostad would be the expert witness.

During his time at Wisconsin, Bostad has overseen the whole offensive line and coordinated the run game. Since we can directly attribute Wisconsin’s success at running back, tight end and offensive line to Bostad, here are some accomplishments.

First, 11 current NFL players have come from his watch, including Gabe Carmini, Joe Thomas, Travis Beckum, Lance Kendricks and Owen Daniels. All three of Wisconsin’s senior offensive linemen were drafted last year, one of only two schools to boast 3 of their kids getting drafted the same year. All three started on opening day.

The Badgers broke school records by rushing for over 3,000 yards the last two seasons consecutively. That was good enough for 12th and 10th in college football respectively. The last 5 seasons, Wisconsin has been one of five teams nationally to average 200 yards per game.

The Badgers ranked among the top 5 in the nation in points per game average the last two season.

Make no mistake, Bostad has been the key to the Wisconsin run game, tight end play  and elite offensive line. Though he won’t officially be the tight end’s coach, he will have some nuggets of knowledge to pass on to Kellen Winslow and veterans like Davin Joseph, Jeff Faine, and Donald Penn. He will also assist guys like Jeremy Zuttah who have upside but are waiting to turn the corner.

Offense all starts up front. A look at the most successful offenses in the NFL proves that with the right protections and execution, the run and pass games can thrive. This is the kind of hire which will help Josh Freeman and Legarrette Blount enter the top tier of their positions. Bob Bostad may be the best and most important hire the Buccaneers have made yet.

The good news is this really isn’t his defense. Coach Greg Schiano and Butch Davis will be the true defensive minds and Sheridan is likely to serve as a middle man with little direct impact. His reported contract which extends for only two seasons with the Buccaneers only validates he is on a very thin leash and will have to tow the line. He will push the paper work and run the meetings under a directive from the top and is here to lessen the managerial role coach Schiano will be pressed with. At worst, he doesn’t pan out as a glorified assistant with a coordinator title. At best, he uses the opportunity to correct past mistakes and build the trust of coach Schiano and Butch Davis. Think of this hire as a parolee who must prove to his parole officers he is ready to take full responsibility for himself. While he isn’t the best hire, there will be very little damage he can cause to an already struggling defense. We all know exactly will carry the burden of this team’s performance defensively and where the “Buc” stops.

Also of note is the team has hired pass rush specialist coach Bryan Cox as a defensive assistant to Bill Sheridan. Cox spent last season in Miami with Sheridan and spent most of his coaching career following Eric Mangini. Cox is a much more exciting prospect, having won Super Bowl XXXVI with the Patriots and was a three time Pro Bowl selection. He is young enough to relate to the Buccaneers young defensive linemen yet seasoned enough to command their respect. He understands the tricks of the trade and was very Warren Sapp like during his career.

On his role with the Buccaneers: “talent evaluation and finding the missing pieces” “There are so many things within an organization which need attention to detail. One person can’t do it all.”

His advice to Greg Schiano on the transition to NFL: “Be yourself” “Don’t go thinking you have to be something different than who you are.” “Hopefully I can be a sounding board for him.” “Tell (players) the truth…and he’ll do that.”

On his role so far: “I’ve been in meetings with scouts…meetings with Greg and what he wants to do.” “I’m gonna wear a lot of different hats.”

On the defense: “It will have Greg Schiano’s thumb print throughout.” ” Whoever the DC is is going to be very fortunate to work with Greg.”

How he will help Greg Schiano steer clear of making the same mistakes as him: “This is an established organization.” “Make sure you understand who you have on your football team before you start adding pieces.”

On his commitment to his role: “I’m committed to helping this team win a Super Bowl as quick as possible.” “There is a real good possibility I’ll be in the press box….observing the game.” “I’m more interested in watching how the offensive and defensive coordinators are doing and maybe I’ll come in at half and make give some advice.”

On what Buccaneers need: “I couldn’t even begin to tell ya..” “The one thing that is blatantly apparent is they got the quarterback situation right.”  ”I know he’s (Josh Freeman) is hungry and anxious to get started.”

How much evaluation of roster will he have: “I look forward to taking a look at where they are in terms of talent…where their potential upside might be.”

Is there a learning curve to NFL for Schiano: ” Obviously there is, he has a very good relationship with Bill Belichick and I’m sure he’ll reach out to him.”

Butch Davis will be an observer not only on defense but offense as well. He will help the team from talent evaluations and free agency to game planning. He will not be involved in team meetings or on the sideline, but he will be the main man in coach Greg Schiano’s ear. Given his history, Schiano is likely to listen to his mentor often and put his advice to use. Basically, Davis will be the man behind the curtain.

Once Dominik has those two players under wraps, he will have to contend with the rest of the team’s free agents. The Bucs are short on depth and there will be only so much they can do through the draft. Some of the big names to be dealt with are Ronde Barber, Josh Johnson, Earnest Graham, and kicker Connor Barth. Each of those players play pivotal roles as starters or as primary back ups to Josh Freeman and Legarrette Blount. So, from that $23 million in roll over money, there will be a nice chunk of change spent on keeping some of the top talent on the roster. This doesn’t even take into consideration the Buccaneers draft picks. Given the Bucs have the #5 pick and are expected to select Morris Claiborne, they have a reference from the 2011 draft to refer to. Another LSU corner back, Patrick Peterson was selected 5th by the Arizona Cardinals last year. His selection resulted in a 4 year, 18.5 million dollar contract with a fifth year option. That puts the Buccaneers on the hook for around $4 million plus per season in cap hit. Once all is said and done, the Bucs could be much closer to the league average in terms of cap room. All of the extra money fans perceive the organization to have for spending on big ticket names really doesn’t turn out as such.

Aside from the motivational comments by Dominik, he also stated “it depends what the list looks like” when speaking about how or on whom the Buccaneers will spend their cap room. We also must take into consideration that regardless of statements, fact remains there is NO salary floor this year. Teams will not be forced to spend 89% in actual cash payouts of their cap space until the 2013 season, as stated in the new CBA.

Still, there is hope. After being slighted or just plain rejected by some of their top candidates for head coach, the Buccaneers brought in Greg Schiano. After watching how Raheem Morris panned out as a rookie head coach, ownership will not want more mud thrown in their face. There is also the chance the Buccaneers do not resign most of their free agents and instead opt for building depth through the draft and using the bulk of the money on the top available players. This is their chance at getting a jump start in free agency talent before 2013 rolls around and all teams are left spending the same amount. What the Buccaneers do here, could lend them an advantage for years to come with the right signings and contract structures. The only question is, does the Glazer family see it that way?