Tampa Bay hosts the Chiefs, marking the fifth time that the two have squared off in the preseason. The teams last met in 2000 when they squared off at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers lead the series 3-1, as Tampa Bay has won the last two meetings. The first preseason contest between the two teams was on August 23, 1991, a 20-7 Buccaneers victory in Tampa. The Bucs have also claimed wins in 1999 and 2000.

During the regular season, the all-time series is all square at five games apiece, as Tampa Bay has won the last three meetings. The Buccaneers won 30-27 in overtime at Kansas City in 2008, 17-10 in 1999 at Raymond James Stadium, 3-0 in 1979 in Tampa and 30-13 at Kansas City in 1978. The Chiefs captured victories in 1976 (28-19 in Tampa), 1981 (19-10 in Kansas City), 1984 (24-20 in Kansas City), 1986 (27-20 in Kansas City) and 1993 (27-3 in Tampa).

GAME INFORMATION
Date: Saturday, August 21,, 2010
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
Site: Raymond James Stadium (65,890)
2010 Pre-Season Records: Tampa Bay 0-1, Atlanta 0-1
Network Television: WFLA-TV (Tape Delayed)
Play-by-Play: Chris Myers, Analyst: John Lynch, Sideline: Dan Lucas
Bucs Radio: US 103.5, flagship station (103.5 FM, 620 AM)
Play-by-Play: Gene Deckerhoff, Color: Dave Moore, Sideline: T.J. Rives
Last Game: Tampa Bay lost at Miami 7-10; Kansas City lost at Atlanta 10-20

PRESEASON MEETINGS
Tampa leads series 3-1

Year Score Site
1991 W, 20-7 Tampa
1998 L, 17-13 Norman, OK
1999 W, 17-7 Kansas City
2000 W, 37-14 Tampa

PRESEASON SERIES HIGHLIGHTS
QB Vinny Testaverde completed 11-of-19 passes for 197 yards and one touchdown in a 20-7 win over the Chiefs (8/23/91)… Testaverde tossed a 15-yard touchdown to WR Bruce Hill for the game-winning score… K Steve Christie added two field goals (48, 44)… QB Scott Milanovich hit WR Jacquez Green for a 69-yard touchdown pass early in the fourth quarter to tie the score at 7-7, but the Buccaneers fell short as the Chiefs iced the game with a defensive touchdown in the final minute to win 17-13 (8/8/98)… Tampa Bay rallied from an early seven-point deficit to defeat Kansas City 17-7 (8/21/99)… The Buccaneers scored 17 unanswered points as the Tampa Bay defense surrendered just 82 yards of offense after Kansas City’s opening drive. Buccaneers FB Mike Alstott accounted for two rushing touchdowns and K Martin Gramatica went 3-for-3 on field goal attempts as Tampa Bay knocked off the Chiefs by a score of 34-17 at Raymond James Stadium (8/25/00).

What to Watch
Josh Freeman
Freeman in his brief appearance against the Dolphins, in the teams first exhibition game went 4-4 for 55 yards and 1 touchdown. After spending the entire off-season tirelessly working to improve his overall game. Can he duplicate his success and build on that performance and show consistency in back to back games?

Rookie DT Gerald McCoy & Brian Price
Gerald McCoy saw his first action last week against the Dolphins. Fellow rookie Brian Price will get to test his sore hamstring this week, as both players figure to be on the field together vs the Chiefs in front of the hometown crowd. Price, like fellow lower draftee Mike Williams has had from more rave reviews in limited practice time then the more ballyhooed McCoy. So this should be the first glimpse of what future holds and the tandem can do together.

E.J Biggers – Myron Lewis
The nickle cornerback spot hasn’t been cemented by anyone yet and after a solid week of practice Lewis is looking to showcase his skills in the hopes that he can make up all the time he missed in training camp. Biggers’ who’s coming off a solid performance against the Dolphins is looking to widen the gap between himself and other suitors. Both players figure to receive ample playing time as the team continues to evaluate both players.

INJURY REPORT
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

ENEMY COACHES
Chiefs Head Coach: Todd Haley
Chiefs Offensive Coordinator: Charlie Weis
Chiefs Defensive Coordinator: Romeo Crennel
Chiefs Special Teams Coach: Steve Hoffman

STATISTICAL RANKINGS:
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS OFFENSE
Overall: 23rd (273 ypg)
Rushing: 7th (130 ypg)
Passing: 30th (143 ypg)
Sacks Allowed: 27th (2)
Points Scored: 31st (10 ppg)
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS DEFENSE
Overall: 7th (248 ypg)
Rushing: 4th (144 ypg)
Passing: 20th (104 ypg)
Sacks: 32th (0)
Points Allowed: 18th (20 ppg)

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS OFFENSE
Overall: 14th (309 ypg)
Rushing: 5th (139 ypg)
Passing: 22nd (170 ypg)
Sacks Allowed: 27th (2)
Points Scored: 32nd (7 ppg)
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS DEFENSE
Overall: 2nd (206 ypg)
Rushing: 4th (50 ypg)
Passing: 6th (156 ypg)
Sacks: 31st (1)
Points Allowed: 3rd (10 ppg)

Buc Central’s Prognostication:
As always we are not advocating gambling based on our views of the game, especially considering we typically are inclined to make such educated guesses using are heart rather the any rational thought applied to picking. We are merely giving an opinion of who we think has the best chance at securing a victory.

CHIEFS 19
BUCS 24

The NFL and NFL.com want to know, who you, the fan thinks will have a better season out of last years three first round drafted quarterbacks in Josh Freeman, Matthew Stafford and Mark Sanchez. Out of the nearly 93,000 voters thus far, Freeman has received 10% of the votes meaning only 10% percent of fans who voted think he will have the best sophomore season out of the three former first round picks.

Its no surprise to see Sanchez leading the voting, considering he plays in the biggest market out of all three players and is the only player, playing on what many regard as a playoff caliber team. But to be 20% behind Stafford of the Lions was a surprise to this fanatic. Even with the Lions overhauling their defense, not sure other then Calvin Johnson that the Lions have surrounded Stafford with that much more talent, then what the Bucs have given Freeman to work with.

If anything, the Bucs starting five offensive lineman, should they live up to expectations  are clearly better then that of the Lions. But not sure that Johnson makes that much of a deference to catapult Stafford 20% higher then Freeman.

Bucs excited about rookie punter Brent Bowden’s directional punt skills. Bowden who played collegiately at Virginia Tech, where they emphasize special teams finished with a career net average of 36.4 and a gross of 42.2 while downing 72 punts inside the opponent’s 20-yard line. Special team’s coordinator Rich Bisaccia told CBS Sports.com “Your gross gets you to the Pro Bowl. But your red zone and net gives you a chance to get to the Super Bowl. Guys that have gotten good at this have learned to dominate field position based on where we are on the field. If we’re backed up, you’d like to hit you a pretty good hit where we can play the field a little bit. But if you’re punting out of your own end zone, you’re not going to get all the steps you need to hit one of those.”

The mere fact that the team only has one punter in camp and he’s a rookie, is a testament to the organizations confidence level in Bowden’s abilities to handle the rigors of the NFL as a first year player. It helps that Bowden played for Frank Beamer, who is notorious for fielding standout special teams units. Bowden’s ability to dramatically change field position in games has many thinking he could, have a profound impact in determining how many wins the team is able to reach.

In Other News

With his job on the line, running back Derrick Ward guarantees great game. Ward didn’t live up to expectations last season after signing a four-year, $17 million contract as a free agent from the Giants. In his first season as a Buccaneer he rushed for 409 yards and a touchdown.

But after a disappointing showing against the Dolphins in which he rushed for 20 yards on 12 carries and two fumbles. Raheem Morris told the Rick Stroud of the St. Petersburg Times “I was disappointed in his body language. That’s the mental demons you’ve got to fight as a player. Those are the things you’ve got to be ready to deal with. You’ve got to have a mentally tough attitude. I’ve got to be a mentally tough coach. I didn’t have time to go cry about the fumbles. It was my job to try to stop them and get the ball back for our offense and give them another opportunity.”

Morris who previously stated he wouldn’t through Ward under the bus, is clearly sending the veteran running back a message. Morris who has continually stated he want’s mentally tough players. Is clearly telling it like it is. By questioning Ward’s mental toughness. Especially after Ward tried using the field conditions as an excuse. “The field position we were in when I was in was just terrible,” Ward said. “The mud was up to my ankles.”

Bucs might be searching for new backup to Freeman

After a shaky performance by Josh Johnson, the current back up quarterback left many in Buc Nation wondering whether or not the Bucs would begin the search for an experienced veteran quarterback to back up Josh Freeman. QB Coach Alex Van Pelt told John Ramon of the St. Petersburg Times that Johnson’s “A dynamic guy. He’s got a strong arm, and he can do great things with his legs. Absolutely, his potential makes him interesting to have around. He brings some different elements, and a different style than Josh (Freeman).”

The main reason Van Pelt was hired, was to give the team that veteran presents in the film room and on the field. To help groom the stable of young signal callers on the roster. But after witnessing, what transpired with both Johnson and Rudy Carpenter in the team’s preseason loss to the Dolphins. It would appear offensive coordinator Greg Olson is wavering on the idea of not having a quality veteran guy, just in case the unthinkable happens and the teams future franchise caliber quarterback should succumb to a season ending injury.

“If we got an older guy, it would have to be the right guy. You want it to be a guy who would come in and mentor Josh and not try to unseat him behind the scenes,” said offensive coordinator Greg Olson. “Right now, we feel (Van Pelt) gives Josh that mentor-type role that a veteran backup would provide.

“And this gives Josh Johnson a chance to go through training camp and get some reps. His knowledge and comfort level with the offense have grown, and his decision-making has gotten better. He’s still maturing and has a ways to go, but he’s a hard worker, and he has some ability.”

The fact the team would consider bringing in the right guy, so long, as the player clearly understood he was here for a mentor-ship role and would only see the field due to a devastating injury to Freeman.  Is the first sign the team might not be totally happy with there backups. Not sure it can be overstated that having three quarterbacks who are considered projects is the best way to go about developing one. Having a veteran player that can relate to what Freeman is going through and seeing on a game by game basis would be a wise move. Even with Van Pelt in the fold. Yet at this point, not sure there is a player out there that would meet the criteria the team would deem to good to pass up.

So it comes down to watching how things unfold in 2010 before one could get a clear read if the organization made the right decision or not.

In what can only be described as a deplorable field to play NFL football on The Bucs first team offense and defensive unit’s fared rather well in adverse weather conditions. Below is a compilation from NFL.com of video highlights from the Bucs first pre-season game.

E.J. Biggers fumble recovery.

Kareem Huggins 35-yard run.

Freeman and the young Bucs.

Bucs vs. Dolphins highlights.

Stats that Matter:

The Bucs offense converted 46% of their third down attempts 7-of-15.

The defense only allowed the Dolphins to convert 3-of-13 third down attempts for 23%.

The Bucs averaged 10.9 yards per completion and 7.3 yards per attempt minus sacks and sack yardage.

The Bucs quarterbacks completed 62% of their passes.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were looking to build some positive momentum but the football gods were not on their side. As kickoff approached, South Florida was hit with a mid summer down pour. That lasted all of about five minutes, but turned the field at Sunlife Stadium into a muddy mess. The Buccaneers starting offensive and defensive units looked sharp in there debut as the team came up on the losing end.

Good

DE Michael Bennett – Bennett who has gotten rave reviews thus far in camp had a solid outing rushing the passer as he recorded the Bucs lone sack and two of the Bucs three quarterback hits along with 1 tackle for loss. Bennett almost got a second sack as he burst through the line to drag Thigpen down as he was releasing the ball.

CB E.J. Biggers – Biggers got the starting nod with Aqib Talib out and made a huge case for the nickel cornerback spot. Biggers was aggressive and held his own against one of the games premiere receivers. Biggers lead the team with four tackles and a fumble recovery but made some timely stops in key third down situations to go along with some good open field tackling.

QB Josh Freeman – Freeman showed poise in the pocket, elusiveness and touch during his two series of work. He connected on a beautifully thrown 30 yard strike to rookie Mike Williams. Later in the drive inside the redzone Freeman was able to buy some time by sliding to his left and connected with second year receiver Sammie Stroughter on a  13-yard touchdown. He finished his night of work going 4 for 4 for 53 yards and 1 touchdown.

RB Kareem Huggins – Huggins did not disappoint as he showed a second gear in the open field. A quick first step and good body lean and vision when cutting. In a three plays two runs and a screen pass Huggins picked up 66 yards and three first downs. He finished the game with 8 carries for 55 yards and 2 catches for 16 yards. After seeing what Ward did, it would not surprise this fanatic to see Huggins seriously contender for the number two spot behind Cadillac Williams.

Bad

QB Josh Johnson – Any positive momentum after the Bucs scored first was given back to the Dolphins as Johnson launched an interception on a poorly thrown deep ball to Reggie Brown who had a couple steps on the Dolphins Sean Smith.  Johnson had to be bailed out on numerous occasions by his receivers who made some tremendous crabs to keep drives alive. Johnson also had a costly fumble. Overall through the first pre-season game the growth that many had hoped to see from Johnson just was not there.

RB Derrick Ward – Ward looked slow, lethargic and incapable of breaking any long runs. Compounded by a case of the fumbles Ward was indecisive and lacked instincts as he continually ran up the backs of his offensive lineman.

The Ugly

Field Conditions – They were deplorable to say the least! The Dolphins as an organization should be embarrassed with the conditions of the field, after only raining for five minutes. Luckily for both clubs no one sustained any serious injuries. It was damn near impossible for players to get any type of footing on either the infield or the rest of the field for that matter. Players were stumbling and sliding the entire night.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Raheem Morris defends his decision to use starting quarterback Josh Freeman and the rest of the teams’ starters sparingly in Saturday’s preseason opener against the Dolphins.  Citing injuries as his motivating factor and the possibility, that he could potentially be scolded by management should an injury occur to Freeman. But doesn’t think it’s fair to penalize his starting offensive line just because Freeman is young.

“You want to go out there and let Josh be Josh and develop his skill set and do some of the things that we’ve been able to see him do in practice, make some completions, get off of the field and get him out of there healthy,” Morris said.

“But you can’t penalize your front five because Josh is young. He may have to just grow up a little faster.”

Morris won’t play Freeman without the starting line.

“If you send Josh out there, you better not send him out there with the (backup) line, or somebody’s going to come have a conversation with me,” Morris said, suggesting he was talking about ownership.

“And it’s probably going to start with a (short) walk down the hallway, and as the walk gets longer, the more trouble I’m in.”

The explanation unequivocally falls under the category of strange. While all coaches in the back of there minds worry about injuries in meaningless pre season games. Freeman and the entire offense need all the practice they can get, at this point. Especially the offensive line, that struggled tremendously last season. Granted there’s no depth behind the starting five offensive linemen but with such a young team the opportunity to build continuity in live game situations can’t be replicated in practice.

The fact that Morris fears someone from upper management, over his decisions as the head coach, only further fuels speculation he’s not the final decision maker in terms of who starts or even who plays in games.

If you weren’t listening to WDAE-AM 620 afternoon host Steve Duemig, Tuesday afternoon. Then you might have missed Morris’ respond to a question regarding his young team playing during the exhibition season. No need to fret, as one of Bucs Central’s blogging brethren JoeBucsfan.com transcribed Morris’ radio interview with Duemig.

Steve Duemig: As young as this team is, how hard is it to put them on the sidelines during an exhibition season? …You have a lot of guys you need to evaluate.

Raheem The Dream: Today [at practice]  it was pretty easy. …On gameday it will be a little tougher with Mark upstairs calling me down from the box going, ‘let’s get him out out of there. You know, Rah.”

Steve Isbitts lead blogger / writer for JoeBucsFan.com and an accredit journalist rightly ask the questions “Who The Hell Is Calling The Shots?” Now based on everything that Morris has said this week, one could come to the conclusion. That Morris is just a puppet on a string for general manager Mark Dominik, as its Dominik who is calling all the shots.

In a stoic moment of self revelation linebacker Derrick Brooks, a nine-time All-Pro and 11-time Pro Bowl selection, will announce his retirement from the National Football League with a special video message on DerrickBrooks.tv, today, Wednesday, August 11. arguably the best player in the franchises history.  Brooks had hoped to get a  chance to prove, he still had something left after being cut last year.

Brooks, who was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the 28th overall pick in the 1995 NFL Draft, was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2002 and helped lead the Buccaneers to their first World Championship in Super Bowl XXXVII on January 26, 2003. The Florida State star played in every single game during his 14-year career with Tampa Bay, seeing action in all 224 games with 221 starts, both all-time Buccaneer franchise records. His 2,198 career tackles are the most in team history, and his eight defensive touchdowns, including one in the Super Bowl win over Oakland, are second-best in the Buccaneer record book.

Brooks has also been a pioneer in the Tampa Bay community, establishing Derrick Brooks Charities and heading the founding of the Brooks-DeBartolo Collegiate High School in Tampa. He was named co-recipient of the prestigious Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award in 2000.

Brooks undoubtedly will be remembered for his play on the field, but many news outlets are polling fans to see what his most memorial play was, while the list is endless. To this fanatic I think it truly goes beyond a single play and boils down to his character as a human being and the impact he had on the entire organization both on and off the field. That set him apart from other players during his tenure as a Buc.

After filing a disappointing “Post Card” from Buccaneers training camp last week Sports Illustrated writer Peter King tries to redeem himself this week with a very eloquent and intelligent piece on the teams’ decision to build through the draft, with inexperienced youth.  King sought the help of Tony Dungy, you know the unflappable pillar that once roamed the sidelines in Raymond James Stadium as he transformed a bunch of laughable losers into perennial winners. Dungy who likens the Bucs current situation over management getting creamed for a perceived notion of cheapness to 1996 when he was named the franchises sixth head coach with a detailed plan to build a lasting contender through the draft. Dungy in the article preaches patience to fans who want to win now telling King “I think it’s going to pay off. I like the guys they’ve drafted.”

Williams: “I Call Myself A Go Getter”

In what was supposed to be a detailed training camp report. Pete Prisco, Senior Writer for CBSSports.com ended up with a comprehensive exposé on rookie receiver Mike Williams. The 6-foot-2, 215 pound Williams has been turning heads with his stellar play since he was drafted and suited up for his first practice with the Bucs.  With an undeniable chip on his shoulder the player that so many had written off. Has one goal in mind for the coming season, to be the steal of the draft. Listening to Aqib Talib, arguably the teams’ best corner and starting quarterback Josh Freeman talk Williams has shown the same ability he displayed in college and that is make plays.

In Other News

New quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt who was hand picked to work with the future face of the franchise this off season, due in large part to his very cerebral understanding of the position. Van Pelt who called play as the Bills offensive coordinator has implemented some drills for the quarterbacks this off-season that Mark Dominik has never seen.

“I followed Alex’s career and watched him grow,” Bucs general manager Mark Dominik said. “When we talked to him about this job, he came across as very cerebral in terms of understanding the position. He called plays last year as offensive coordinator in Buffalo and he has come up with new drills we’ve never seen before.”

Van Pelt who jumped at the chance to work with a player he says reminds him a lot of Drew Bledsoe said the thing that jumps out at you on tape about Freeman is he’s got the feet, the arm, and the smarts. But suggested that Freeman has a young bull mentality right now.

With the Tampa Bay Buccaneers set to travel to Miami, to take on the Dolphins in their first pre season game, this year. The team released its first depth chart with a handful of surprises.  Sabby Piscitelli will remain the starter at strong safety for now, even though Sean Jones whom the team acquired as a free agent to push Piscitelli has been splitting reps with the first team defense. Ryan Sims who is the portliest defensive tackle on the roster is listed as the backup under tackle. Michael Clayton who entered training camp fighting for his NFL career is listed as the teams 7^th receiver. Cody Grimm who wasn’t asked to play a lot, in space during his collegiate career is penciled in as the backup free safety.  Even though the team has been displeased with incumbent LG Jeremy Zuttah’s progress this off season he edged out newly signed man beast Keydrick Vincent.

For those wondering what two receivers will start. Drum roll please. If you guessed Mike Williams and Maurice Stovall then pat yourself on the back.

See below for entire depth chart