TAMPA, Fla. _ Star power is a commodity in the NFL. Without it, you get the not-so-great slate of games _ which included seven straight weeks away from home _ that the Bucs were dealt last year. The league's disregard was followed by a faint apology to Tampa Bay fans.
But when the 2020 schedule is released Thursday night, quarterback Tom Brady is expected to vault the Bucs into national television spots four or five times this season.
The Bucs' games at Raymond James Stadium against the Chiefs, Packers and Saints _ as well as road games against the Raiders, Giants and New Orleans _ all are good candidates for prime time on Sunday, Monday and Thursday nights.
Hank Williams Jr., doesn't need to sing his rhetorical anthem because yes, heavens yes, we will all be ready for some football.
Even so, view the schedule like the old Bucco Bruce logo would: with one eye closed. Chances are pretty good that the league has several contingencies due to possible interruptions related to the spread of the coronavirus.
It's always fun to look at the schedule and imagine what those fall football weekends will look like. It will be fun to, you know, imagine making plans again.
But here are a few things to remember before we get to September:
