The Bucs’ offense sputtered last year, and this season might not be much better. The questions start at quarterback and continue through the offense.

Quarterbacks: Byron Leftwich? Josh Freeman? Luke McCown? Does it matter? No — whoever wins the starting job is nothing more than a QB3.

Running backs: The Bucs signed Derrick Ward in the offseason, and he’ll step into the featured back role. But Earnest Graham returns after an injury-plagued season and could split carries. And Cadillac Williams might finally be healthy for a whole season. This situation looks destined for a RBBC, and even with the questionable passing game, don’t count on Ward as anything more than an RB3, Graham as an RB4 and Williams as a free-agent pickup if he starts vulturing touchdowns.

Wide receivers: Antonio Bryant put up solid WR2 numbers last year, but can he repeat those stats with the unsettled QB situation? I doubt it, dropping Bryant to a solid WR3 for 2009. Michael Clayton will start on the other side, but at best, he’s a WR5 — and even that’s a stretch.

Tight ends: New addition Kellen Winslow Jr. is incredible when he’s healthy, a bust when he’s not. He’s too good to pass up as a mid-range TE1, but be sure of your backup in case he gets injured. And be aware — Winslow won’t turn in career numbers in this offense.

Kicker: Either Matt Bryant or Mike Nugent will win the kicking job, and the winner might get plenty of field goals in a warm-weather division. Consider whomever emerges as a K2.