Bucs' 2011 NFL Schedule Slightly Tougher Than Discounted 2010 Slate

Filed under: Buccaneers, NFC South

We were all cautious of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2010 because of that schedule. It ranked 25th in the NFL and the Bucs did not really upset anybody until the season finale against New Orleans when Drew Brees was pulled from the game.

We admired the Bucs' 10-6 record.... but not too much. They beat one team with a winning record.

Tampa Bay opponents in 2011 compiled a 127-129 record in 2010, according to numbers pulled together by The Tampa Tribune's Roy Cummings.

The Bucs will have the 18th toughest schedule in the NFL, but it sure looks tougher than that. It includes Super Bowl champion Green Bay, NFC North champion Chicago, and Peyton Manning and the Colts.

How about that test for the secondary? Aaron Rodgers and Peyton Manning. The Bucs will also have to deal twice with Matt Ryan and Drew Brees.

It helped Tampa Bay that it played in a solid division. They finished third in the NFC South behind playoff teams Atlanta and New Orleans, which means they get a third place schedule. The Bucs will play San Francisco, Dallas and Houston.

Tampa Bay will play five 2010 playoff teams in 2011, assuming there is a season. They have Chicago, Green Bay, Atlanta, Indianapolis and New Orleans to deal with now.

The Cowboys, Colts, and Bears will be terrific guests for the Bucs -- who went through a season of local television blackouts. Considering the reduction in price of some tickets and the rise in stature of the team, the Bucs might get some decent crowds.

Now, what happens if the 18-game schedule gets through the collective bargaining agreement?

Who would you add if you were a Bucs' season ticket holder? Michael Vick and the Eagles would be one. Tampa Bay is already playing at Green Bay and they hosted the Steelers in 2010.

What about Cam Newton and whatever downtrodden team he has to quarterback?

 

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Source: http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2011/02/10/bucs-2011-nfl-schedule-slightly-tougher-than-discounted-2010-sl/

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