After watching and thinking about Donald Penn’s catch and 15 yard rumble last Sunday, it got me to thinking. This isn’t breaking news, but the Bucs clearly suck and even worse they’re boring. The Buccaneers organization needs to start making this team interesting and marketing it better.

Below are 5 things the Bucs could do to increase fan and media interest:

1. Feature Donald Penn at running back for short yardage and goal line plunges. Penn would be an instant fan favorite and would there would be a buzz about what the Bucs did with there left tackle. It doesn’t matter if he scores or not, it’s a matter of creating hype and interest and Penn getting the ball would do just that. Bring 2 tight ends, 1 lead blocker and give the ball to the 6′ 5″, 300 + pounder and let him power over some fool. If he goes in, he’s probably the play of the week, if he doesn’t he’ll still get the media into frenzy or hot mess. The comparisons to William The Refrigerator Perry would be immeadiate and try and find anybody who didn’t like the fridge.

Now Penn might have to step up his weight, but #70 Penn jerseys would blow off the rack and the Bucs have nothing to lose at this point, so why not?

2. I’m not a big fan of the Wildcat, but it’s working for other teams and the Bucs have enough talent at the key positions to give it a try. Derrick Ward, Carnell Williams and Earnest Graham are more than capable of taking a direct snap and Josh Johnson has the athleticism to line up as a wide out and give defenses some concern. Worst case scenario it makes opposing teams have to prepare for different looks and cuts into preparation time. Once again, the Bucs have nothing to lose, well unless the coaching staff isn’t talented or creative enough to do it.

3. Bring back Derrick Brooks for the rest of the season. First off the Bucs screwed this guy and didn’t treat him like they should have, so it would be a good way for the Bucs to make amends with him and the fans. Secondly, the Bucs defense could use some veteran presence. He doesn’t have to start or log a ton of minutes, but in run situations Brooks should be effective to step and make a few plays. The fans would love it and actually give them a reason to tune in and watch the game. Yep, no one likes eating crow and it might be painful for the organization to swallow, but it would payoff handsomely with fan interest.

4. Trade the Cadillac, Carnell Williams, before it loses all its value. The Cadillac was a cool ride, but the model is getting older, its been in a few collisions and there’s a small window left where buyers will still be interested. Nobody would like and the controversy would be immense, but that’s not a bad thing. Everybody loves drama just ask TNT and this would be a soap opera like nobody’s business. If  you could trade him to the Patriots before the week 7 game in England even better. Imagine the media hype and the story lines. You couldn’t pay for that kind of publicity. Plus, the Bucs are rebuilding and they need more draft picks, so it makes sense.

5. Slash ticket prices and get fans to come to the games. The Bucs will make up for losses at the gate with sells at the concession stands and advertising. It will give real fans and families a chance to go to a game. In a time were the economy is tough and lots of folks are struggling, it would be an awesome goodwill effort from the Bucs organization. You’ll get the die-hard fans in the seats and there will be a nice buzz in the stadium for the players. It’s win for everyone.

Look Bucs, if you want more advice or if you want to hire me and let me help your marketing department, I can be reached david@gearupforsports.com.