2003 BUCS
	Jon Gruden is stll the NFL's youngest head coach.
	Head coach: Jon Gruden (2nd year). 2002 record: 12-4 NFC North finish: 1st Season opener: Sept. 8 at Eagles Schedule | Depth chart

No sooner had the Super Bowl-champion Bucs gotten over the ticker-tape parades, the gala events and the dinner circuits had head coach Jon Gruden rallied his troops at the cozy confines of One Buc Place to relay an important message.

In a manner common with the fiery leader, Gruden powerfully reminded his team that starting then, on that very spring day, all teams had the same record. He reminded them -- though a team loaded with so many veterans hardly needed reminding -- that those who ponder the victories of yesterday are doomed to be plundered.

So with almost mechanical efficiency, the Bucs returned to work, got busy with their organized team workouts, enjoyed almost 100 percent participation in the offseason program and blew into summer camp with a sense of purpose.

Little change was needed. The Bucs added free-agent linebacker Dwayne Rudd to start for the departed Al Singleton and turned cornerback Dwight Smith into their starting free safety, with Super Bowl MVP Dexter Jackson now in Arizona.

So it is status quo for the reigning champions, who let it be known that they won't be repeating the chorus about repeating.

"We were doing pretty well for seven years, we just needed a championship to say we're one of the best ever," defensive tackle Warren Sapp said. "Now that we have that championship, we want to solidify ourselves as the best all-time."

Offense
Quarterbacks: When you consider that the Bucs' offense was capable of just one touchdown in the three games veteran Brad Johnson missed in 2002, his importance to the team's ability to repeat in '03 cannot be overstated. Johnson, who will turn 35 during the second week of the season, is more comfortable now that he is entering his second season with Gruden and has looked tremendous in training camp. Last year, he earned the respect of his team by showing uncanny leadership and a willingness to throw the ball away when things weren't working well. Should Johnson not be available, all indications are that backup Shaun King, who signed a one-year deal in the offseason, is more ready to step in. King has benefitted from a second summer in Gruden's system and looks much more like the quarterback who took Tampa to the NFC championship game in 1999. Rookie Chris Simms is a few years away but has received praise from Gruden and Johnson for his footwork and work ethic. He likely will carry the clipboard. Grade: A.

Running backs: Michael Pittman's legal troubles present the Bucs with a genuine issue when it comes down to final cuts. He has been outstanding in camp and will be the starter on Opening Day -- unless the courts in Phoenix say otherwise. The Bucs may be willing to hold a spot for him if they believe he will be available the entire season. If not, it's decision time. As an obvious insurance policy, the Bucs traded for Thomas Jones, who had been a disappointment in Arizona his first three years in the league. Through the preseason, Jones has shown signs of finally being able to hit his stride. Fourth-year running back Aaron Stecker continues to show flashes when he gets in but seems destined to be more of a special-teams contributor. Terry Kirby spent a couple of months with the Bucs, but he was released Aug. 23. Under Gruden, Pro Bowl fullback Mike Alstott was supposed to have less impact, but that proved not to be the case. Darian Barnes likely will be Alstott's lead blocker. Grade: B-plus.

Receivers: The Bucs' receiving corps is deep and talented, and though no one in the group is going to set a world record in the 40, they know how to get open, how to catch, how to exploit opponents' weaknesses. It begins and ends with Keyshawn Johnson. Now entering his eighth season, Johnson still is a formidable threat and an excellent downfield blocker. Brad Johnson is equally trusting of veteran Keenan McCardell, who has shown no signs of slowing in his 12th season, and Joe Jurevicius, who made a number of critical plays in the playoff run. No. 4 wide receiver Karl Williams is a savvy veteran who finds a way to get on the field and make a play or two every game. By re-signing Rickey Dudley and Todd Yoder, the Bucs will call upon the same trio of tight ends that played a big role in the Super Bowl run. Starter Ken Dilger is a year older but does not seem bothered a bit by a knee that was problematic a few seasons ago. Dudley, rescued from anonymity by Gruden, is a solid downfield threat and has improved his blocking skills, but a high ankle sprain could sideline him six to 10 weeks. Yoder excels on special teams but still is dependable when called into the offense. Grade: A-minus.

Offensive linemen: Although the offensive line came into its own late in the season and gave up just one sack through three playoff games, the Bucs still weren't satisfied and made the front line a priority in the offseason. The Bucs signed a pair of free agents, guard Jason Whittle (from the Giants) and center John Wade (Jaguars), and promptly inserted them into the starting lineup. Wade replaced Jeff Christy, whom the Bucs did not re-sign. Whittle was brought in to replace Cosey Coleman, with whom the coaching staff grew increasingly disappointed as last season went on. But Whittle suffered a broken ankle in minicamp, and Coleman responded by elevating his game, giving the Bucs a difficult, but happy decision to make. The Bucs also drafted a center (Austin King), a tackle (Lance Nimmo) and a guard (Sean Mahan) but expect them to take time. Joining Wade and Coleman are returning starters Roman Oben (left tackle), Kerry Jenkins (guard) and Kenyatta Walker (right tackle). Grade B-plus.

Defense
Defensive linemen: Sapp is still one of the most feared tackles in the game and the heart of the game's best defense. He is in the final year of his contract and has a chance to make it clear how destructive he still is. Of course, Sapp will have the unique pass-rushing abilities of Simeon Rice to call on. Rice, who has 23½ sacks in his last 22 regular-season games, is on a mission to put his name in the record books. Defensive tackle Anthony McFarland was described by his defensive line coach as the best nose tackle in the game last year, but he missed nine games, including the three playoff games, with injuries. Recovered, the 25-year-old will team with Sapp to raise havoc. Veteran Greg Spires will play left end, and the Bucs have in Ellis Wyms, Chartric Darby and rookie Dewayne White, enough talent off the bench. Grade: A-plus.

Linebackers: Derrick Brooks, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, is determined not to see the defense slip and is more focused than ever. Rudd has been anointed as the fastest linebacker on a defense built for speed. Rudd and Shelton Quarles will start alongside Brooks, giving the Bucs not only a strong trio but an experienced one. Nate Webster and Ryan Nece will back up Quarles and Rudd respectively, leaving Justin Smith and veteran Jack Golden to grind out the final linebacker spot. Grade: A-minus.

Defensive backs: Cornerbacks Ronde Barber and Brian Kelly are as good as it gets and have mastered the Bucs' Cover-2 zone. Pro Bowl safety John Lynch is a year older but a year wiser and still packs one of the hardest wallops in the league. New to the group is Smith, who returned two interceptions for touchdowns in the Super Bowl. The Bucs converted Smith to free safety, which gives the team room to keep safeties Jermaine Phillips and John Howell as well as backup cornerbacks Corey Ivy and Tim Wansley. Grade: A.

Special teams
Martin Gramatica is one of the best kickers in the league and was paced well during training camp to keep his leg fresh. Veteran Tom Tupa and rookie Andy Groom will battle for the punting duties right down to final cuts. Karl Williams, the franchise's all-time punt-return leader, will handle kick return duties with Stecker. Grade: B-plus.

Material from Pro Football Weekly.
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