Questions entering training camp

The Bucs enter the 2010 training camp as one of the youngest teams in the NFL and have a lot of questions marks. With inexperience everywhere, training camp is going to be a pivotal time for the Bucs as they try to have a successful season. Here are five of the biggest questions I believe the Bucs have coming into training camp.

1) Wide receiver – The Bucs might have one of the youngest and most inexperienced receiving groups in the NFL. Michael Clayton is the veteran of the group, but his inability to catch the ball makes his relevance on the roster pretty much insignificant (he may be cut before the end of camp). The Bucs drafted two rookies in this year’s draft, Mike Williams and Arrelious Benn to help add talent and depth. Both could be starting on opening day. They traded for Reggie Brown and have some fast playmakers like Sammie Stroughter, but the group is still unproven. This will be a key area to watch through training camp.

2) Josh Freeman – Josh Freeman took over last season and is now entrenched as the franchise quarterback. There is tremendous pressure on Freeman’s shoulders to improve from his 18 interception season last year. With offensive coordinator Greg Olson returning for a second season and a change in offensive philosophy (West Coast style) Freeman is looking to improve this year and hopefully add a few more victories in the process. He will need to be consistent and cut down on turnovers.

3) Left tackle – Donald Penn continues to holdout for a contract extension and with training camp fast approaching, it does not appear that the Bucs will get a deal before camp starts. With unproven depth behind Penn (Demar Watson), the Bucs might have a major problem on their hands if they have to start the season without their starting left tackle. Freeman needs a solid offensive line to help protect him and with his blind side exposed, Freeman could be in for a rough start of the season unless the Bucs can.

4) Kellen Winslow – Coming off a record setting season, Winslow is the Bucs primary target and Freeman’s favorite weapon. After off-season injury, he might miss part of training camp (he is very optimistic he will be ready). He has had injuries before and if he misses any time or gets injured, the Bucs will be in big time trouble. He needs to be injury-free and fully healed to start the season.

5) Strong safety – Sabby Piscitelli was the Bucs starting strong safety last season, but there were questions about his performance. Then the Bucs brought in Sean Jones who is now penciled in as the starter. The Bucs also drafted fan favorite on this site, Cody Grimm. It is going to be a good open competition to see who is the starter opening day and also who will get the majority of the playing time as the year progresses.