NFL Futures: NFL head coaching jobs are for pros, not amateurs, as was proven the past two years in what was the failed Greg Schiano era in which the Tampa Bay Buccaneers went a combined 11-21 over the past two seasons as the former Rutgers coach proved to be out of his element. Enter Lovie Smith, who had a successful run as head coach of the Chicago Bears, which included a 2006 NFC championship. Smith inherits a team that has not made the playoffs since 2007. Fortunately for him, they may have nowhere to go but up, especially on offense. Tampa Bay opened at Bet DSI as a +4800 choice to win the Super Bowl and as a +2600 choice to win the NFC championship. Tampa Bay opened with an over under win total of seven at -116 over and -104 under.
Relevance is the Immediate Goal
Smith said his first goal is to make the Bucs “relevant” and that will likely begin on defense, where Smith is heralded as one of the top minds in the game. On offense, QB Josh McCown arrives from the Bears and was immediately named the starter over Mike Glennon, who was the rookie starter last year. Former Cal coach and Aaron Rodgers mentor Jeff Tedford is the offensive coordinator.
Handicapper’s Notebook
Tampa Bay has not been an effective board value on the road with a mark of just eight payouts in their last 20 games away from home with seven out of their last ten away games going under the total. Tampa Bay has covered the spread in just seven out of their last 20 home games with 11 out of their last 19 home games going over the total. The Bucs have covered the spread in eight out of their last 20 games as a chalk with just six out of their last 15 games as a favorite going under the total. Tampa Bay has paid out against the spread in just five out of their last 16 games as a dog with just eight out of their last 20 games as a dog going under the total.
Our Prognosis
The Bucs may be able to steal some games with their solid defense and if the can get any production at all on offense they might just prove to be a hidden gem of a board value.
