There’s been plenty of reason for optimism coming out of Tampa Bay this offseason, and with good reason: The Bucs are young, they’re coming off a surprising 10-6 season, and most of the key players from 2010 are expected back in 2011.
But we haven’t seen quite as much optimism previously as we saw today from offensive tackle Donald Penn, who told the Tampa Tribune that he wants fans to expect a Super Bowl.
“My message for our fans is to hold on, we’re going to put on a show,” Penn said. “Josh Freeman will be leading us to a Super Bowl soon. He’s a beast.”
That’s a bold comment for a player on a team that was 3-13 just two years ago, but Penn says that if the Bucs keep their own free agents, there’s no reason not to think they can be the best team in the league.
“I want everybody back,” Penn said, “because all of those guys played a big role in our success last year. . . . I know this is a business, but if we bring everybody back, a lot of people are going to be talking about the Tampa Bay Buccaneers by the end of the season.”