Bucs lose; a sign of things to come?

Tampa, Florida -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers finished the preseason with a record of 1-3 following Friday night's loss to the Houston Texans. Some fans wonder if the losing record is a sign of things to come.

"It's going to be a challenge with all the new players, new coaches, almost like starting over," said Mike Lonsberry of St. Petersburg prior to Friday's game.

"I'd be surprised if they do good," said Jerry Bridges of Lakeland when asked about the Bucs upcoming season. Bridges predicted the team would finish with a 6-10 record.

The Bucs made a number of changes in the off-season. They fired head coach Jon Gruden and replaced him with 33-year-old Raheem Morris, the fourth youngest head coach in National Football League history.

When Tampa Bay opens the season, they will also have a number of new starters. At least eight starters from last season's week one roster are gone, including linebacker Derrick Brooks, quarterback Jeff Garcia and defensive lineman Kevin Carter. The eight starters combined had more then 70 years of NFL experience.

But the Bucs are hoping a host of new players will help the team improve on last season's 9-7 record. Quarterback Byron Leftwich will start with rookie Josh Freeman waiting in the wings. Tight end Kellen Winslow was also brought in from Cleveland with high expectations.

So, will the moves pay off? Some fans, like Tom Callahan of St. Petersburg, are optimistic.

"This is a good group. If they catch fire, it's going to be a great season."

The hopes of a great season begin September 13^th when the Bucs host the Dallas Cowboys.