'92 Chronology-Team Previews-Tampa Bay

Event Date: March 17th, 1992

Event Description: Team Previews

Source: USA Today

Todays Team: Tampa Bay Bandits


Last season: 10-4 First place in the Southern Division

Head coach: Jim Stanley-Third season in Tampa Bay


Arrivals: QB Chip Ferguson (Arena League ’91), RB Lars Tate (Bears ’91), RB Lorenzo Hampton (Dolphins ’89), FB Dexter McNabb* (FSU), TE K.D. Dunn (Jets ’89), OL John Bruhin (Buccaneers ’91), OL John Zimmerman (Cowboys ’90), WR-KR Rod Harris (Eagles’91), LB Bernard Clark (Seahawks ’91).


Departures: QB Joe Ferguson (Free Agent), WR-KR Larry Brodsky (Jacksonville), DL Walter Carter (Free Agent), DB Scott Byers (Free Agent).


Newcomer to watch: Running back Lars Tate arrives via the N.F.L. and will be pushing for the starting tailbacks’ job.


Veteran to watch: Wideout Willie Gillespie seems to have lost a step and could be supplanted by N.F.L. import Danny Peebles.


Strengths: Joe Dudek, Lars Tate and Lorenzo Hampton give the Bandits the best depth at running back in the entire league.


Weaknesses: Keeping an aging defensive line healthy and productive will be of paramount concern for defensive coordinator Jim Bates.


Reason for optimism: The addition of youth along the offensive line will ease the burden for everyone.


Cause for concern: The defensive front is one of the oldest in the league.


Bottom line: After last seasons’ championship run the fans in Tampa are hungry for another trip to the big game.

more to come.............