TAMPA, Fla. -- In April, it looked like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were poised for another 9-7 finish. Now that training camp is wrapping up, things are looking up for the Bucs, who could wind up finishing 11-5 due to what appears to be some real progress on defense, and an offense capable of faster starts. More consideration also has been given to opponent scheduling and injuries, including those at the quarterback position.
Quarterback play didn't necessarily change the outcome of these games. But facing, at minimum, four below-average quarterbacks, plus one who suddenly is without a major weapon, does evoke some confidence.