No Respect!

Year after year, I hear Buccs fans dissing Greg Spires. They'll post on message boards how Greg has "been getting eaten up," or how Greg "needs to be replaced." Every pre season you can count on someone asking the question, "which of last year's starters will be cut?" Following that question you will assuredly find the name Greg Spires. What I find odd is trying to figure out what the fans expectations are of him? To me, he gets the job done, and at a cheap price. After last season, Monte Kiffen stated, "Chris Hovan and Greg Spires were his most consistent defenders."

After three seasons in New England, Spires spent one year in Cleveland before he was acquired by Tampa. Immediately winning the starting Left Defensive End spot starting all 16 games, notching 3.5 sacks. That total isn't very impressive when you look at it. With Spires though, you have to watch him on the field to appreciate his game, and what he brings to the table.

During SuperBowl XXXVII Spires really set the table for the defensive effort displayed in that game, and for the most part it went unnoticed as fans clammor for Rice being named MVP. Right from the get go on the second play from scrimmage defensively, Spires pushes Kennedy about 7 yards into the back field right into Gannon's face. Rich still gets the pass off, but from that point on I think Lincoln was shaking in his shoes. On the very next play, Spires shoots the gap inside and tackles Garner for no gain on a run that was going to the left. On the 4th play from scrimmage, Spires is in Rich's face as he tries to step up and pass, so he has to tuck the ball and run the opposite direction. Spires chases the fleet footed Gannon down and tackles him from behind for a minimal 2 yard gain. The 7th play from scrimmage defensively ends with a sack of Rich Gannon at the hands of Spires. Spires totally schools Kennedy with the patented club move made famous by Reggie White, and ends the Raiders second possession. The 9th play from scrimmage Spires holds his ground against a double team block, forcing Garner to run right into the backs of his O-linemen as they try to run over Spires head for 1 yard gain. On the very next play, the 10th play from scrimmage, Spires takes Kennedy to the outside, then burns him on an inside move and tips a pass intended for a wide open Tim Brown that would have resulted in a 1st down. Instead, end of series, Raiders punt. After a great punt return by Oakland's Gordon that gives them field position at the 50 yard line, they are faced with a 3rd and 3 at the Buccs 43 yard line. On the 14th play from scrimmage, Gannon drops back and is forced out of the pocket to his right by Spires followed closely by Rice. Spires chases Rich down, and passes the ball as he's being sacked by Spires which results in Dexter Jackson's first interception.

That is just a small look at the beginning of that game, and as I have laid out Spires efforts in 6 of the first 14 defensive plays from scrimmage kick started the defensive effort for that game. Rice had a sack also, but wasn't really involved in the other 13 plays. While there is no disputing Rice played an excellent game in the Super Bowl, Spires equaled his efforts, and set the tone.

Here we are in 2007, and as soon as the #4 selection was announced by Commissioner Goodell, and the name Gaines Adams rolled off his tongue, Buccs fans had Spires' bags packed. One week into training camp, and Rice has been sent packing and media reports have Spires leading the charge as the defense's best camp performer thus far. Are you surprised? I'm not. Jon Gruden has nicknamed Spires "The Crane." Why? Because Greg shows up to work everyday, gives him 110% and works his ass off.

Sure defensive Ends are supposed to get sacks, and the fans expect our starters numbers to be greater, but that's really all anyone can complain about. Spires is stout against the run, and while he might be one step too slow for that sack, he's always in the face of the opposing QB wreaking havoc or dropping the running back for a minimal gain when they wander over to his side of the field.

Spires is one of my favorites because he is a team first guy with a blue collar work ethic. It's about time he got some respect from the fans, and became on of your favorites too.
...JJC/ABuccsFan