Where's the Killer Instinct?

The Dallas Cowboys were a bruised, battered and bewildered team. A team standing at the edge of being swallowed into the abyss of a wasted season. Injuries, egos, wasted opportunity and turmoil had the once NFC favorite at 3 losses into a season that hadn't even reached it's halfway point. They were a wounded animal waiting, wishing to be put out of it's misery.

In comes the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a perfect position to put them out of their misery. The Dallas Cowboys are a team loaded with talent. A team that will still be the favorite to win the NFC and represent in the Superbowl if they make it to the playoff tournament with a healthy Tony Romo. Do the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a team many consider to be over achieving this season want to see the Dallas Cowboys again? Do they want to square off against them again in January?

With a win in Dallas Sunday, the Buccaneers could have dropped the Cowboys to 4-4 and maintained a tie breaking advantage over them. With such opponents as the New York Giants, home and away, at Washington, at Pittsburgh and at Philadelphia it's not out of the realm of possibility that the Cowboys could have toppled to a 9-7 or worse 8-8 record while their star QB's pinkie was healing and returning to 100%.

It's just one game, but the Buccs had the chance to step on their throats, put the nail in their coffin, drive a stake in their hearts....whatever stupid analogy you want to use here. Where's the killer instinct? Where's the testicular fortitude? Where's the drive for greatness? The Pewter Pirates had the chance to stand up in the crowd and say look at me, I am for real. Buccs fans are always crying about never getting National recognition, but every time they have a chance to break the door down, they come up short. Another absolute stinker on National television.

The Buccaneer offense under the guidance and tutelage of the "great young offensive mind," Jon Gruden, the "offensive genius," struggled once again to score TD's when inside the red zone. Tampa's Gruden led offense has been absolutely pathetic trying to score inside the red zone since he has been the Head Coach. The always vaunted Buccaneer defense held 2 of the best offenses in the NFL, Denver Broncos and Dallas Cowboys to 16 and 13 points respectively. What did former Buccaneer and future Hall of Famer Warren Sapp used to say? "Get me 17 points, and I'll get you a win." The Buccs defense held the Boys to 172 total yards. 172 yards! Marion Barber some weeks accumulates 172 yards by himself. Terrell Owens on occasion has exceeded 172 yards in a game by himself. The Buccs defense has surrendered an average of 10.5 points per game in the last 4 contests and have come away 2-2 in those games. The defense did their job again Sunday, and came away empty handed.

If one of those FG's is a TD, it's at least a tie Ball game. If you take a shot at the endzone on 3rd and short, maybe you score. Maybe you get pass interference. Maybe you come up empty handed and attempt the FG anyway. How many times are we going to watch drives stall between the 35 and 15 yard lines? I swear sometimes if the field was 500 yards long, our offense could put together a dazzling 482 yard drive that ends in a 34 yard Field Goal attempt. Why are you attempting a 51 yard Field Goal with a Kicker who was questionable all week long due to a hamstring injury? Since 2002, the quarterbacks have changed. The running backs have changed. The wide receivers, O-linemen and tight ends have changed. Even assistant coaches have changed, yet the offense looks exactly the same as it did in 2003, 2004, 2006 or even 1998 and 1999.

Instead now, the Buccaneers sit at second place in the NFC South standings looking up at a team they beat the hell out of. Instead of being a game ahead and holding the tie breaking advantage over the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC standings, the Buccs are looking up at them too. The Buccs were staring at the brass ring, it was in reach. But instead of pulling the plug and putting the Boys out of their misery, the Jon Gruden led offense wussed out. Where's the killer instinct? Where's the offense we paid 2 first round picks and 2 second round picks for?
...JJC/ABuccsFan

Is He a Good Judge of Talent?

I was asked this question by "Bette" of GoTeamsGo.com sports forums,

ABuccsFan, we always laugh and make jokes about how many quarterbacks Gruden keeps around in the spring. Does kind of make you wonder. He still doesnt come up with a winner. So is he a lousy judge of talent, or isnt he such a hot shot at developing qbs after all? And maybe you are right about Gannon making him a legend and not the other way around.

Here is my response. Go ahead Gruden groupies, tear me up.


Hahaha, great question. I'm bashed and hammered and ostracized by my fellow Buccaneer fans for not being the type of fan that waives his pom poms around telling everyone how great we are, and how all our players are the best. I'd like to think I know football, and I'd like to think I know it well enough to know the difference between a good player and an average player. Know the difference between a good coach and a not so good coach.

Some Buccaneer fans are in love with Jon Gruden. Sometimes I think they really won't know what to do with themselves when he's gone. Some fans seem to love Jon more than the team. Not this Buccs fan.

Is Jon Gruden a good judge of talent? Obviously Bruce Allen and the Glazer family thinks he is. Sure the talent evaluation process falls mostly on the College and Pro scouting departments within the Buccaneer organization, but Jon Gruden has the ultimate last word that helps GM Bruce Allen decide who to bring in and who not to bring in.

Let's take a look at Gruden's drafts since he's been here. Only offensive players. Monte Kiffin has a major influence on defensive players drafted, and really the only side of the ball we have been successful on when drafting.

2002
Marquise Walker - bust
Aaron Lockett - not in the league or making an impact somewhere else
Zack Quaccia - not in the league or making an impact somewhere else

2003
Chris Simms - never developed, could say bust
Lance Nimmo - not in the league or making an impact somewhere else
Austin King - not in the league or making an impact somewhere else
Sean Mahan - serviceable to bad, you be the judge

2004
Michael Clayton - bust for a 1st round pick, but sevicable contributing player
Jeb Terry - not in the league or making an impact somewhere else
Nate Lawrie - not in the league or making an impact somewhere else
Mark Jones - been cut 3 times, and each time he plays better than the player Jon replaced him with.
Casey Cramer - not in the league or making an impact somewhere else

2005
Carnell Williams - bust(injury history, 5th overall make him a bust)
Alex Smith - decent player above average
Chris Colmer - bust, drafted him with knowledge off a nerve condition and never played a snap
Dan Buenning - played like a pro bowler his rookie season, then disappeared
Larry Brackins - dumbest Jon Gruden pick ever
Rick Razzano - not in the league or making an impact somewhere else
Paris Warren - was starting to show serious promise for a 7th rounder in 2007, then severe ankle injury in last preseason game did him in. Just resigned to Buccs because of WR depth issues
J.R. Russell - not in the league or making an impact somewhere else

2006
Davin Joseph - Future pro Bowler
Jeremy Trueblood - Possible future Pro Bowler
Maurice Stovall - looking like a bust even for a 3rd rounder
Bruce Gradkowski - he sucks
T.J. Williams - was showing huge sleeper potential in camp, then went on IR
Tim Massaquoi - not in the league or making an impact somewhere else

2007 - too early to tell for sure
Arron Sears - Looking like a future Pro Bowler
Chris Henman - not in the league or making an impact somewhere else
Kenneth Darby - not in the league or making an impact somewhere else

2008 - way too early to tell, but early assessment
Dexter Jackson - bust
Jeremy Zuttah - hit a homerun with this kid
Josh Johnson - incomplete
Cory Boyd - not in the league or making an impact somewhere else


That's all the offensive draft picks since 2002. Is Jon Gruden a good judge of talent? You decide.


*******Disclaimer: Buccs fans with a very good inside knowledge of the Buccs know Jon Gruden and Rich McKay fought over Brian Westbrook. Gruden wanted Westbrook, and McKay chose Marquis Walker. The following season, Gruden wanted Domanick Davis and McKay chose Simms. Gruden is supposed to be a molder of QB's and a QB guru, so you decide on that one.
...ABuccsFan/JJC

Bad Timing

The Cowboys were waiting this week to be someone's bitch. Terrell Owen's tirades, Tony Romo's pinkie, Roy Williams nagging injury after nagging injury were all coming to a head. Lucky for the St. Louis Rams they got to play the Boys in week#7. Brad Johnson looked every bit of his age, while Terrell Owens didn't look every bit of his age with more sideline tantrums than a spoiled five year old girl in pony tails, who's daddy won't buy her a lollipop at the grocery store. Roy Williams finally turned a nagging injury into a severe one, and he'll be lost for the season. Can it get any worse for the Boys? Have they hit rock bottom? A rational thinking person would have to assume there is no place to go but up for the Dallas Cowboys.

It would appear after the previous week, the Cowboys were slapped back into reality. Some thought they got a wake up call against the Cardinals. Not the Boys, no they brushed that off as a fluke, they were too good to be beaten by the Cards. There must have been a list of one hundred excuses as to why they lost. This week however is a whole different story. The loss to the Rams was an open handed bitch slap to the face of America's Team. The smugness is gone. The players' eyebrows are raised slightly when talking to the media. There is a small look of concern accompanied by those raised eyebrows that no words can hide. Head Coach Wade Phillips has an angrier tone in his voice during his interviews. But hidden in the angry voice is also a slight quivering in his vocal chords that can be heard. The kind of quiver usually exhibited by someone rattled, someone nervous. Owner Jerry Jones was stuttering and stumbling over his words after the game. He was clearly pissed. When Jones gets pissed people better listen, because their jobs are on the line no matter what words pass through those over stretched lips. It's obvious now, the Cowboys realize they need to bunker down and get serious.

Now the wounded dog syndrome will take effect. Whether the Buccs are better than the Cowboys or not, doesn't matter. What matters is the Cowboys are too good of a team and have too much talent on that roster to be held down 3 weeks in a row. They are backed into a corner, and will come out with a ferocity shown by a scared, wounded animal. The sense of urgency has clearly been put on display for all to see. They need this next game, and they need it bad.

I'm having a hard time expecting the Buccs to come away victorious this week, especially playing the game in the Cowboys' house. One thing for sure, given the scenario laid out, if the Buccs do come away with a convincing win there will be no mistaking they are for real. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will have to be placed just beneath the Giants as the #2 ranked team in the NFC in everyone's Power Rankings. This is a big test for the Buccs. They have the opportunity to prove to everyone they are a team to be reckoned with by driving a stake in the hearts of that wounded beast, the Dallas Cowboys. The timing though, the timing is bad. Some would think the Cowboys will win Sunday no matter who they played. It's the Buccs' job to prove those people wrong.
...ABuccsFan/JJC

EDIT: This post was made prior to Romo's declared inactivity. Now that Romo has stated publicly that he will not play, and Johnson will get the start, I feel a whole lot more optimistic about the possibility of winning. It's going to be a long day for Johnson if our front 4 can get pressure on him.

Coming Together

It appears this Tampa Bay Buccaneers team has come 180 degrees from the team that took the field in Week #1 vs the New Orleans Saints. The offense is clicking and Jeff Garcia is playing at a level I didn't think was possible at the beginning of the season. The Garcia I expected didn't disappoint vs Saints when he put up a miserable 58.5 completion percentage, along with 1 interception and displayed a serious lack of drive sustaining prowess that resulted in a paltry 1 offensive touchdown.

Since being re-inserted as the lead Buccaneer signal caller by Head coach Jon Gruden, Jeff has shown the ability to make plays down field with his arm, something this team has lacked for a number of seasons. He's also been able to help keep drives alive with his feet with a couple key 3rd down scrambles when wide receivers had been covered by opposing defenses and the pocket began to collapse. While Jeff was awarded a Pro Bowl bid during the 2007 season his play was far from spectacular. It's way too early to say, but you have to wonder if Jeff can continue to play the way he has against the Carolina Panthers in Week #6 and the Seattle Seahawks in Week #7, another trip to Hawaii may be in order. The jury is still out as far as this Buccs fan is concerned, but I have to admit I have nothing to complain about with Jeff's last 8 quarters of football.

The Buccs Offensive line has played at a high level the last 2+ games also, allowing only 1 quarterback take down over a span of 10 quarters of football. After allowing 3 sacks of Brian Griese in the first half of their Week #5 match-up vs the Broncos, the Offensive line has stiffened and protected their QB. They have also shown an effortless burst in the run game at times this season, although facing a tough run defense vs Seattle Seahawks, had mediocre outing. One bright spot concerning the O-line has been the play of Rookie Jeremy Zuttah filling in for for Davin Joseph to start off the season, then spelling Aaron sears after a minor knee injury. This kid looks like a keeper, and has a promising career ahead of him.

What else can be said for the defense? Since the second half of the 1996 season, it has become expected that the Tampa Bay Buccaneer defense will perform at a high level, and they sure as hell aren't disappointing this season. While the offense got off to a slow start to the season, the defense lent a hand scoring a few TD's themselves to pitch in to the point scoring effort. The Buccs defense has been downright stifling the last 2 games, and show no signs of letting up.

The special teams have been lending a hand also. The kick and punt coverage teams for the most part have been playing well. There have been on a few occasion, long returns made by opposing teams, but this hasn't shown to be a consistent problem. Matt Bryant's kicking has been solid all season, and Josh Bidwell has been doing his part with some consistent punting. The only and glaring weakness on special teams has been the play of Rookie Dexter Jackson who was drafted in round 2 not for his receiving abilities, but to give the Buccaneers their very own version of Devin Hester. So far the only thing they have in common are the 2 letters "WR" next to their name in the program guides.

While they don't appear to be a SuperBowl contender yet, they look a lot closer to a strong post season team than they did 5 weeks ago. Continued championship play by the defense, more big plays downfield by the offense, more aggressive play calling in the second half of games where the Buccs have the lead, and better returns out of Dexter Jackson could have this team looking like a legit SuperBowl contender. For now though, the team is making progress and coming together slowly. This team is exceeding my expectations, and could really prove to the rest of the League that they are for real when they bang heads with the Dallas Cowboys in week #8. Adding a "W" next week would set them up great for the bye week with a walk in the park on November 2 against the Kansas City Chiefs. Going into the Bye with a 7-2 record could prove to be a huge advantage in post season seeding with 4 of the Buccs remaining 7 games being played in the friendly confines of Raymond James Stadium.

For now though, this Buccs fan will remain cautiously optimistic until after the Cowboys game. The koolaid is in the fridge, but I just can't bring myself to pouring a glass until after a win against the Boys.
...ABuccsFan/JJC

Offensive Genius?? Who?

Honestly, the people who make this proclamation must have not been paying attention for the last 7 years. Gruden has coached this team for 103 regular season games. We paid 2 first round picks, and 2 second round picks so that he could come to Tampa and do what Tony Dungy couldn't. That was, in addition to a SB, bring offense to Tampa. The Glazers made it quite clear during Rich McKay's coaching search that they wanted an offensive minded coach who could turn the offense around, by evidence of them taking over the search themselves when Rich tried to hire defensive minded Marvin Lewis. So what has this young offensive minded head coach brought to Tampa in regards to offensive production in 103 games?

Only 24 games under John Gruden has the offense scored 3 or more TD's in a game.
Yet 79 games his offense has only scored 2 or less TD's
Of those 79, 16 times his offense has scored ZERO TD's.
...JJC/ABuccsFan

Meh, Who Needs a QB?

A myth that has bothered me for some time now has been brought to the forefront in an article relating to "Myths of the NFL." I will attempt to debunk the rumor, and hopefully after this short article you will have changed your mind. That's if you were ever a believer of it.

Myth No. 1: Just manage the game. After Trent Dilfer led the Baltimore Ravens to a Super Bowl championship the idea that a team really didn't need a great quarterback to win it all started circulating. The myth said that a QB who could manage the game was good enough as long as the defense was above par. That myth caused a few teams to skip on quarterbacks like Drew Brees and Ben Roethlisberger.

Hopefully all of you reading this are aware it's 2008. Lets take a look back at the last 30 years worth of SuperBowl winning QB's and see if the Myth above really has any credibility.

2007 - Eli Manning .....Not a Pro Bowl yet, but SuperBowl MVP will do.
2006 - Peyton Manning....Future Hall of Famer
2005 - Ben Roethlisberger....Pro Bowler
2004 - Tom Brady......Future Hall of Famer
2003 - Tom Brady.......Future Hall of Famer
2002 - Brad Johnson.....Pro Bowler
2001 - Tom Brady.....Future Hall of Famer
2000 - Trent Dilfer......Pro Bowler(Hmmmmmm kind of takes credibility from the myth in itself)
1999 - Kurt Warner....Pro Bowler
1998 - John Elway.....Hall of Famer
1997 - John Elway.....Hall of Famer
1996 - Brett Favre.....Future Hall of Famer
1995 - Troy Aikman.....Hall of Famer
1994 - Steve Young......Hall of Famer
1993 - Troy Aikman.....Hall of Famer
1992 - Troy Aikman.....Hall of Famer
1991 - Mark Rypien.....Pro Bowler
1990 - Jeff Hostetler.....Pro Bowler
1989 - Joe Montana.....Hall of Famer
1988 - Joe Montana.....Hall of Famer
1987 - Doug Williams.....SuperBowl MVP
1986 - Phill Simms......Pro Bowler
1985 - Jim McMahan......Pro Bowler
1984 - Joe Montana.....Hall of Famer
1983 - Jim Plunkett.....Former SuperBowl MVP
1982 - Joe Theisman.....Hall of Famer
1981 - Joe Montana...... Hall of Famer
1980 - Jim Plunkett......SuperBowl MVP
1979 - Terry Bradshaw......Hall of Famer
1978 - Terry Bradshaw......Hall of Famer

Hardly looks like a list of "game managers" to me. Sure Jim McMahon, Trent Dilfer, Jeff Hostetler and Mark Rypien wouldn't be many fan's first choice, but you can't argue the fact that all of them are former Pro Bowlers. Of this list, only Jim Plunkett, Doug Williams and Eli Manning didn't play in a Pro Bowl. Yet each one played so well in their respective SuperBowl games, each one was awarded SuperBowl MVP honors. Now I ask you, after taking a nice long look at this list, do you want a game manager under center for your favorite team?
...ABuccsFan/JJC

All good things must come to an end.

Monte Kiffin! What thoughts come to your mind when you hear those words? That name? Monte Kiffin ...... hmmmm? Admiration, class, brilliance, success, leader, innovator, mastermind, pioneer, Tampa 2. Anyone remember the name Richard Jewell? Probably not. Even if you do remember the name, it seems like a long forgotten memory. For those of you who aren't familiar with the name, Richard Jewell was the security guard accused of the Centennial Olympic Park bombing, during the 1996 Olympics.

1996 was a long time ago. Even for the people who remember Richard Jewell and 1996 it seems to be a hazy and distant memory. Hard to believe that Monte Kiffin has been the wizard behind the curtain of the Buccaneer's defense for that long. But he has, and he has done a very good job. There have been many men to learn and serve under Monte Kiffin. Some have moved on to bigger and better things, and some have just moved on.

Lovie Smith, former Buccaneer linebackers coach. Herman Edwards, former defensive backs coach. Rod Marinelli, former defensive line coach. Mike Tomlin, former defensive backs coach. All these men are all currently holding positions at a level above Monte Kiffin, and yet none of them would be where they are today without Monte Kiffin. Monte groomed these men, taught these men, shaped and molded these men.

Monte has guided future Hall of Famers Derrick Brooks, Hardy Nickerson, Warren Sapp and John Lynch. He has instructed Pro Bowlers Ronde Barber, Simeon Rice and Shelton Quarels. Kiffen has led the Buccaneers to eleven top ten defensive rankings in twelve years. He is a man to be loved, respected, worshiped and cherished by Buccaneer fans around the globe.

With that being said, there is an old saying that points out, "All good things must come to an end." Monte Kiffin can't be the defensive coordinator forever. We'd all like that, but it's simply impossible. When is it time to let go? Coaches have moved on, and we would never begrudge a man for wanting to improve and better himself. We would never begrudge a man for wanting to advance in his chosen career. The fact is though, we have lost many a men that could have been nice replacements for Monte Kiffin.

As I write this article, Monte has signed his offer of extension by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but what does the future hold? Monte is no spring chicken, and his time with the Buccs has to be drawing to a close. The question you have to ask yourself is, would you rather risk losing another prospective replacement or let Monte end his career on his own terms? Do you want to risk losing a viable replacement who can succeed Kiffen for the next decade and let Kiffin stay until he feels like it's time, or do you move on without Kiffin?

It's a tough question. It all depends on what each individual fans feels is more important, but it certainly is a question that has to be addressed. It's hard to let go sometimes, especially to someome who has brought you fond memories and pride. Sometimes you have to make tough choices for the greater good of the task at hand. Either way, and no matter what happens Kiffin will be loved forever by Buccaneers fans everywhere.
...JJC/ABuccsFan

Youth Report

2007 Draft Class

Gaines Adams - The rookie first rounder started off pretty slow this year. Somewhat resembling last season number one overall pick Mario Williams. Adams was his own worst enemy by coming out and batting a pass back into opposing QB and NFL golden child, Tom Brady's face in his first action of his NFL career. Immediately you could sense that the fans were expecting a monster year. It was extremely unrealistic, yet some fans were ready to label Gaines a bust after a measly four games. Adams soon caught on, and began to make a name for himself with regular playing time once seasoned veteran Greg Spires succumbed to injury and Adams took over as a starter in Larry Coyer's D-Line rotation. Gaines finished strong and amassed 36 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble and 2 passes defensed. With hard work and determination, and a lot of hours spent in the weight room, Gaines Adams could be a force to be reckoned with.
Grade: B

Aaron Sears - Second round pick Sears was a controversial pick among Buccs fans right after the draft. Many fans had players in mind that they thought the Buccs should draft, especially after a few first round projections dropped into round 2 such as Paul Pazluzney, Allan Branch and Eric Weddle. Sears wasted no time at all supplanting projected starting LG Anthony Davis, as he started the first preseason game against the Patriots and never looked back. Sears season can't be measured in stats, but anyone who watched him play this year, and watched him pulling to lead block knows he had the best season of this year's rookie class. Aaron was a mountain inside against the pass rush, and teamed up nicely with linemate Donald Penn to open up some big holes in the run game. If healthy, we will be calling Aaron Sears' name for a decade or more.
Grade: A

Sabatino Piscitelli - This rookie Safety became a fan favorite right out of the gate, and I'm not even sure why. The reports coming out of training camp were glowing, and at one point was the front runner for the starting Strong Safety position. Jermaine Phillips came out of no where to keep his job and light it up during the second half of training camp after a disappointing 2006 season. Flip maintained his dominance all season long relegating Sabby to spot back-up play and special teams where he collected 3 tackles. Sabby has potential, but first he'll need to prove he can stay healthy. It has been stated by Jon Gruden the Piscitelli has been around 1 Buc Place all year despite being on IR. He goes to meetings, film sessions and has even done some film work editing coach's film for review. His attitude and work ethic this season while on IR has been rumored to be second to none, and has shown a serious desire to get back out on the field in '08. The jury is still out, but we're hopeful.
Grade: INC

Quincy Black - Black is a promising player with speed, ball hawking skills and an above average intelligence level. He played the same hybrid middle linebacker position at New Mexico State that was made famous by Chicago Bear Brian Urlacher. Although playing MLB in college, Black is projected to be the heir apparent to Will Linebacker Derrick Brooks when Derrick hangs up the cleats. Black didn't get much of an opportunity this season behind a strong linebacking corp. When Brooks was off the field, often Cato June filled the WLB spot and Black played the SLB. Black made his living this season flying down the field making tackles on Special Teams. Black tallied 24 tackles and 2 forced fumbles in limited play.
Grade: C

Tanard Jackson - What a story Tanard Jackson turned out to be. A first round talent who fell in the draft due to an off field incident at Syracuse in which he was the victim. Some people unfortunately frown upon the fact that he had even put himself in that position. Well the rest of the league lost out, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers got a steal in round 4. TJ took the starting reigns from Will Allen right out of the gate and never looked back. Not only did he catch the eye of Bucc coaches and fans, he has caught the eye of the National media as well. Jackson started out hot in the first quarter of the season laying vicious hits on RB's and WR's that ventured into his territory. He has a knack for being around the ball, and flies to the ball carrier. He may not be the first defender in on the tackle, but he'll get a piece before the whistle blows. TJ didn't finish the season as strong as he started it, which is common for many rookies in the NFL, so I won't hold that against him. Jackson finished the season with 56 tackles, 1 forced fumble, 3 fumble recoveries, 2 interceptions and second only to Barbers 14 passes defensed with 13 of his own. He has laid a great foundation to build off of, hopefully he can avoid the dread Buccaneer sophomore slump.
Grade: B+

Greg Peterson - Peterson has often been associated with the terms potential and project. A light weight DT drafted out of a small school named North Carolina Central University, he was an unknown commodity to most Buccs fans when his name was called on draft day. Peterson displayed some raw talent in training camp which excited the coaching staff and filled their heads with visions of what could be, if coached up properly at the NFL level. Peterson has a combination of speed and strength that can be useful at the DT position, lacking only size. Weighing in at 285 pounds, that is his biggest draw back. Peterson did see some playing time this season, and impressed at times. He finished the season with 14 take downs, 1.5 sacks and 1 fumble recovery. If Greg hits the weight room hard this off season, he could surprise some people next season.
Grade: C

Adam Hayward - To be honest, after watching all 16 regular season games, and the lone playoff game I can't recall ever seeing Hayward line up as a LB. Like Quincy Black, it's hard to get playing time behind such players as Brooks, Ruud, June and Nece. Special teams is where he got most of his action, and he made some splash plays, and brought the lumber on a few occasions. He finished the season with 15 tackles. His overall contribution to the team warrants a D grade, but considering where he was drafted, most his peers were probably cut from the teams they were drafted.
Grade: C

Kenneth Darby - Darby seemed to have a nice camp. A lot of good things were said about him from local media covering the team. He had some trouble holding onto the ball, something that will assuredly land you in Jon Gruden's dog house. Some fans thought he would make the final roster, buy ended up getting cut. Darby then spent the rest of the season rotating from the practice squad, the active roster and waiver wire. Darby's season culminated to the tune of 2 carries for 9 yards in mop up duty during week #17.
Grade: F

First Year Players

Greg White - Easily the winner of 2007 unsung hero award. By now Buccs fans know the story of Greg White, this time last year he was working at Best Buy. What a Cinderella story, as White turned in the best defensive performance on the team. After bouncing around various NFL team's training camps and practice squads, White turned to the AFL to quench his football thirst, and put the NFL dream behind him. White was lured out of retirement after Jay Gruden urged his brother to give him a chance. Thank GOD they did. White left fans forgetting who the former RDE was. Some guy who wore #97. White displayed heart, desire and a motor that just wouldn't quit. Greg finished up the season leading the team with 8.5 sacks among his 25 tackles, with an awesome 7 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries and 12 pass defensed. Greg is 28 years old, so he still has a few years left under his belt, and we hope for a repeat performance next season.
Grade: A+

Donald Penn - When Luke Petitgout went down with a knee injury, Buccs fans around the globe shouted a collective "Doh!" Donald Penn came in a virtual unknown who showed some quick feet in pass protection during the pre season, and adequate run blocking. Most fans took note, but dismissed any importance that should be placed on his performance, relegating him to future project. Well the future came sooner than anyone thought and Penn was thrust into action, the old proverbial trial by fire. Penn quickly put water on that fire by turning in a very good effort against perennial Pro Bowl DE Dwight Freeney in his very first game. Penn slid back in his second game, but soon rode to the challenge and afforded the team a luxury they didn't know they had. Penn played solidly in his very first season of regular duty, and have some fans and experts wondering if he will challenge Luke for the starting job next year. If Penn proves to be a diamond in the rough, he could fill a nice piece to this on going puzzle we call the Offensive line. Making four of the five positions set in stone for the future. Penn has some work and progress to make, but he's on his way.
Grade: B-

Michael Spurlock - Spurlock was added to the roster for the Cardinals game after former kick returner Mark Jones was lost for the season due to injury against Detroit and place on IR. Spurlock teased Buccs fans for two weeks against almost breaking a couple long returns with just one guy to beat. He then cemented his legacy in Buccaneer history and in the hearts of Buccs fans everywhere when he returned the first ever franchise kick return for a touchdown 90 yards for the score against the Atlanta Falcons in front of the stunned home crowd. Spurlock finished the season with 10 returns for 291 yards(29.1 Avg) and a long of 90 yards with one history making TD. Spurlock then ended the season on a bad note when he fumbled the opening second half kickoff which set up a Giants touchdown and seemingly put the game out of reach and provided the Giants with a huge momentum advantage for the second half.
Grade: C

...JJC/ABuccsFan