The Good
Jeremy Trueblood - Wow, Jeremy accomplished more in one day today than his predecessor Kenyatta Walker accomplished in his whole career. T-Blood handled Peppers like a pimp handling his Ho. Peppers was a non Factor, not even getting a quick whiff of Garcia's after shave. Peppers had 2 tackles today, but for a player of his stature and caliber, that is way below average. Did we see Jeremy Trueblood grow up today? I think so. If this is a glimpse of the future, this team could be a contender for a long time when you add T-Blood's abilities to his line mates Sears and Joseph.
Ike Hilliard - I'm not sure, but I think the equipment manager played a joke on the fans today, sewing Hilliard's name and number on Galloway's jersey. Ike looked 5 years younger today, and easily had his best game as a Buccaneer. He notched a career(Buccaneer) best 7 receptions and also a high of 114 yards. He had a fumble inside field goal range, but seriously made up for that mistake by hauling in a 56 yard bomb that was perfectly thrown by Jeff Garcia. Ike could have scored on that play, but the Safety had a good angle on Ike, and cut him off deep in the red zone.
Phillip Buchanon - Way to fill in for Kelly P-Buc. Buchanon led the team with 6 tackles and 2 passes defensed, and reduced the great Steve Smith to mere mortal all game long. Smith had some production late in the game, but too little too late. On a few plays P-Buc was on Smith like deodorant, and played better than I think most Buccs fans expected. I know many Buccs fans griped when Buchanon was acquired last season tossing insults his way such as "overrated" or "bust" due to his first round draft status. Well P-Buc has been anything but overrated or a bust for Tampa, and could easily be labeled as the current Buccs front office's best free agent acquisition of their tenure.
The Bad
Greg Spires - Is age catching up to Spires? It sure can't be the right Tackles he has been facing lately. Spires was good for 1 tackle today, and that was it. That's just not going to get it done Greg, and the defensive line who brought good QB pressure today has been suspect in that department for the first 3 weeks. I'm starting to hope for a scenario where Gaines is switched to LDE, and we make a hard push for Jared Allen next year. Allen who comes with some off field baggage has been nothing short of a sever nuisance to opposing offense since coming back from suspension. Those two guys, and White rotating in to keep everyone fresh? Time to step up Greg Spires, or we'll have to strip you of the nickname "crane."
Joey Galloway - I'm sure this will be the only time Galloway graces us with his presence in the bad category, but he was a non-factor today. Posting 1 catch for 7 yards. Joey disappeared today, there is no other way to put it. Garcia attempted only 25 passes, so low production can be expected from the WR's, but not your number one guy.
Ernest Graham - After last week's brilliant performance, Graham was called upon to take up a major role in the run game today after Caddy's injury. Graham was disappointing rushing 17 times for a mere 48 yards with a paltry 2.8 yard per carry average. That type of productivity won't cut it if Caddy is out for the season, and Graham is called upon to make an impact on offense. Considering Caddy before he was injured was rushing at 6.8 yards a clip, and Pittman equaled that at a hefty 6 yards per carry, Ernest's 2.8 was rather bad. Time to step up EG, time to step up.
The Ugly
Carnell Williams - Caddy ran running well today for the short amount of time he was in there. Considering his off season focus was geared toward becoming an every down back, and worked heavily on his receiving skills, his effort in the passing game today was pathetic. Two passes hit his hands, then the grass. That's unacceptable. If Mike Clayton is going to get grief from the fans for this, Caddy has to get his fair share. Ugly was also the site of his knee bending in places a knee isn't supposed to bend. I'm guessing at this early stage that Caddy is lost for the season. But if there is one thing I have learned watching football, is that the knee injuries that look minor always end up severe, and the injuries that make you shout, "oh shit" when they happen seem to be healed up after two weeks in the trainer's room. So there is a chance that Caddy's knee isn't as bad as it looked, but I'm expecting the worst. Ugly is also the fact, that I am convinced Caddy is a player I will never be able to count on for 16 games a season.
...JJC/ABuccsFan
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