Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2010 Tight End Preview
Kellen Winslow
The mega-talented Winslow looked as if he were headed down the road
of mediocrity when he was traded by the Cleveland Browns to the
Tampa Bay Buccaneers after an injury plagued 43 catch, 428 yard
2008 performance. But a quick look at his past well tell you that
Winslow is one of the best pass-catching tight ends in the NFL.
Winslow averaged 85 catches for 990 yards and four touchdowns in
the previous two seasons with the Browns.
In Tampa Bay the Bucs have the young Josh Freeman at quarterback
and as said before, there is no better friend to a young quarterback
than a good tight end and that proved to be true in 2009 and it
will again in 2010.
The Bucs had nothing else to speak of at wide receiver in 2009,
but in 2010 they have added second-round draft pick Arrelious Benn
and fourth-round draft pick Mike Williams. This means some pressure
of Winslow in the middle, but he is still the premier receiver on
this team and the offense will be built around him.
Second year quarterback Josh Freeman holds the key to Winslow's
success. As a rookie he threw for 1,857 yards, 10 touchdowns and
18 interceptions in ten starts. Not good by any means, but he showed
ability in throwing on the run and making things happen. As he builds
a rhythm with his new receivers he will improve and the Bucs will
hold on to the ball more and thus Freeman will be able to hit is
#1 target, Kellen Winslow, more often.
2009 Statistics:
77 Rec - 884 Yds - 5 TD's
2010 Projection: 82
Rec - 902 Yds - 6 TD's
