BUCCANEERS AT A GLANCE
	Warrick Dunn
	Last year: 8-8, third place in NFC Central Key returnees:: QB Trent Dilfer (2,729 yards, 21 TDs); RB Warrick Dunn (1,026 yards); FB Mike Alstott (846 yards, 8 TDs); LB Derrick Brooks; DL Warren Sapp (7 sacks) New faces: DT Anthony McFarland (first-round pick); QB Eric Zeier (Ravens); PK Martin Gramatica (third-round pick) New places: PK Michael Husted (Raiders) Watch out: The Bucs have loaded up with talent on the defensive line. Better than '98: WR Reidel Anthony appears to have game-breaking skills if Dilfer can find him. Worse than '98: The offensive line wasn't upgraded with youth. -- Scripps Howard News Service

Since coach Tony Dungy's arrival in 1996, the Bucs have ranked 29th, 30th and 27th in passing.

With 21 of 22 starters returning, most of the Bucs' offseason moves have been, ahem, cosmetic, as they try to shed an image as an unimaginative and predictable offensive team.

The Bucs moved tight end coach Clyde Christensen to quarterbacks coach. They added the shotgun to their arsenal and increased the use of four- and five-receiver formations. And they have designs on keeping running back Warrick Dunn and fullback Mike Alstott together on the field more often.

Since last season, the Bucs have upgraded two areas of need: quarterback and the kicking game.

For the first time in his career, quarterback Trent Dilfer has capable backups. Tampa Bay traded with Baltimore for Eric Zeier, whom the Bucs considered the NFL's top backup, and drafted Tulane's Shaun King in the second round.

Only five punters had a worse net average than Tommy Barnhardt's 35.3-yard mark last year, and Michael Husted missed one extra point and five field-goal tries under 40 yards. Strong-legged kicker Martin Gramatica was drafted in the third round, and the Bucs signed free-agent punter Mark Royals, who had a fine 26-10 ratio of punts inside the 20-yard line vs. touchbacks for the Saints last season.

But unless there is a noticeable change in the Bucs' passing game, it is unlikely their record will change much.

Here's a position-by-position look at Tampa Bay's roster:

Quarterbacks
Dilfer is under pressure to produce now -- or else. The Bucs have to decide after this season whether to pick up the option on Dilfer's contract or let him go. He regressed last season, when he threw 15 interceptions, completed only 52.4 percent of his passes and had a 74.0 passer rating. The Bucs admit their patience is running thin.

Zeier, who is 4-7 as a starter in four seasons, could be the short-term answer, while King, who led the nation in passing efficiency last season, is waiting in the wings. Grade: C-

		It's the same old story: The Bucs need Trent Dilfer to produce and carry the offense. This is his make-or-break season. He also needs help from his receivers, who must stay healthy. Bert Emanuel, Reidel Anthony and Jacquez Green were each banged up last year, leaving Dilfer with few quality targets. If Dilfer has a solid season, I think Tampa Bay will finish 11-5 and could beat out the Packers and the Vikings for the division title because the Bucs have a championship-caliber defense.

Running backs
Dunn and Alstott give the Bucs what is arguably the best 1-2 combination in the NFL, and Tampa Bay hopes to better utilize the playmakers this season. Last year, Alstott started out behind after spending the offseason rehabilitating a sprained left hip. This season, it is Dunn who might have his carries limited early. Tendinitis in his right knee and a pulled left hamstring kept Dunn on the sideline for 24 of the team's 27 training-camp practices. Blocking FB Lorenzo Neal was a salary-cap casualty, so depth is a concern. Grade: B

Receivers
Jacquez Green had an injury-plagued rookie season. He had to wear a splint on his left wrist because of torn ligaments, and it led to five fumbles. But a healthy Green showed his big-play potential in training camp, and the Bucs expect a breakout sophomore season.

Bert Emanuel missed five games and led the NFL in dropped passes with 13 after signing a four-year, $16.4 million contract to leave Atlanta. He was limited in training camp by his second concussion in nine months. Reidel Anthony was the Bucs' most reliable receiver last season with 51 catches. Karl Williams remains the team's third-down specialist. The Bucs use their tight ends by committee. Grade: B-

Offensive linemen
The old-timers, OLT Paul Gruber and C Tony Mayberry, are the lifeblood of this unit. The Bucs, who have not spent a first-round choice on an offensive lineman since Charles McRae in 1991, have not seen rapid development from their young linemen.

Starting OGs Jorge Diaz and Frank Middleton were inconsistent last season, and ORT Jason Odom was too often overpowered. Grade: C

Defensive linemen
The Bucs are scary good up front. Fourth-year veteran Marcus Jones and rookie Anthony McFarland, both first-round picks, are backups on a unit that arguably is the deepest in the NFL. Pro Bowl DT Warren Sapp, who had a disappointing seven sacks in '98, is predicting a monster year after losing 40 pounds in the offseason.

NT Brad Culpepper was the team's most productive defensive lineman last season, but he will be pushed by McFarland. DLE Chidi Ahanotu missed all but four games in '98 with a dislocated left shoulder, and the Bucs missed him. DRE Regan Upshaw is in a contract year and needs to prove he was worth the first-round pick the Bucs used on him in '96. Tyoka Jackson, who started after Ahanotu got hurt, is a valuable backup with the ability to play end or tackle. Grade: A-

Linebackers
Derrick Brooks might be the most unsung linebacker in the NFL. Although he has played in the past two Pro Bowls, his importance as the leader of the Bucs defense usually goes unrecognized. MLB Hardy Nickerson gets most of the credit. Nickerson played in his fourth Pro Bowl, despite missing the final six games with a heart condition.

Jeff Gooch is the starter on the strong side, and Alshermond Singleton, Shelton Quarles and Jamie Duncan are reliable backups. Grade: B+

Defensive backs
CBs Donnie Abraham, Ronde Barber and Brian Kelly are three of the NFL's rising stars. They are made for the Bucs' zone coverages.

John Lynch is a heady, physical strong safety. The Bucs cut FS Charles Mincy in a salary-cap move, leaving the job to third-year player Damien Robinson. Robinson was on the verge of beating out Mincy last season before fracturing his right arm and missing the final nine games. Grade: B

Special teams
Green gives the Bucs a dangerous threat in the return game. He was second in the NFL with a 15.1-yard punt-return average and had a team-record 95-yard punt return for a touchdown. Royals and Gramatica should improve the Bucs' kicking game. Grade: B-

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