Bucs will regress in 2011

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were widely celebrated as the NFL's top breakout team in 2010, finishing 10-6 -- an astounding improvement from a 3-13 campaign in 2009 -- and missing the playoffs only due to losing a tiebreaker with the Green Bay Packers and New York Giants.

With Josh Freeman having another year under his belt, young talent on offense and a solid draft to strengthen the defensive line, Tampa Bay should be ready for a playoff run next season, right? Well, not exactly.

So why won't Tampa Bay improve from last season's 10-6 mark? It comes down to a tough 2011 schedule, a questionable defensive line and issues in the secondary.

Let's consider the factors:

2011 schedule

For much more on the reasons Tampa could drop in the standings in 2011, you must be an ESPN Insider.

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