ABuccsFan's Thoughts

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly: Browns

2010-09-12T15:54:00.001-05:00

Running smooth

The Good - Carnell Williams looked good today. His opportunities were limited with some very suspect blocking by the O-line today. The O-line is supposed to be a strength of this team that is littered with high draft picks. When the holes were there for Caddy to run through, he showed great burst, good speed and was decisive with his running. He ran tough putting his head and shoulders into each approaching tackler and picked up nice chunks of yards. His stat line looks small through no fault of his own.

The Bad - This one isn't necessarily about this game, but it certainly had an effect. Raheem Morris' decision to limit the starters playing time in the pre season was definitely a reason for today's sloppy and somewhat indecisive looking play by the team. This team is following through with it's plan to rebuild through the draft and go young, therefore the experience level on this team is at an all time low. These young players need every snap of experience they can get, and I feel limiting their preparation time this pre season was very detrimental. They looked very rusty and started off the game extremely sluggish.
I really don't know what the strategy could have been to go for it on 4th and 1 from the 2 yard line at the end of the game? Sure a Cleveland Browns TD could still have won the game for them, but it would have forced them to have to go for the TD and drive the length of the field with very little time left on the clock. Phil Dawson is an excellent Kicker who has very good distance, and gave the Browns and easy opprotunity to take that game into OT.

The Ugly - First let me say I am ecstatic about today's win. I couldn't be much happier, but the game today left something to be desired. There was a lot of ugly out there today, hence they won ugly. The blocking was not very good, passing or rushing. The defensive pass rush was non-existent. I am not expecting miracles from our two young DT's as I know even Sapp took three seasons to break out. However, I thought there would be much more pressure even if it didn't end up in the form of sacks. Some plays it seemed like Delhomme had all day to pass. He was able to step up at will and move around to bide extra time. The tackling by the secondary was ugly, and the angles taken by the Safeties cost them big plays a couple times. Lastly, it's obvious Josh's thumb is not close to 100% healthy. His passes were weak, off their mark and fluttered like ducks. He was effective on some passes and extremely ineffective on others. He missed a wide open Mike Williams for a sure TD late in the game to take the lead, and then came right back and threw a beautiful pass hitting Spurlock in stride for the go ahead score. We didn't know what type of pass was coming until it left Josh's hand. The biggest problem facing the coaching staff is whether to just let the thumb heal or let this drag out? I'd be willing to give Johnson a shot under Center against the Panthers if Freeman comes out in game 2 looking shaky. Lastly, I wasn't thrilled with the play calling. I'm not going to bash Olsen by any means, but I was left scratching my head a few times. Caddy's first couple runs between the tackles netted great results. After getting shut down on a few sweeps and runs outside I thought Greg would go back to calling run plays between the tackles. He kept with it for longer than I thought and we were getting run down for no gains. I think those quick strike passes to the WR behind the line of scrimmage were extremely risky with Freeman's current thumb situation.

Go Buccs!!!
ABuccsFan/JJC

NavyBuc93! Knowledgeable Bucc Fan or Village Idiot?

2010-09-05T19:05:00.002-05:00

NavyDunce93

I frequent the PewterReport.com message boards for new and exciting info, breaking news, insight from other Buccaneer fans and occasional humor. Sometimes reading forum blabber by some fans is as good entertainment as going to an Adam Sandler or Jim Carey movie, and best of all it's free. Sure I wouldn't mind having an ice cold Pepsi and some nachos smother with cheese and jalapenos to go along with my comedy show but I'll take what I can get.

One forum poster who goes by the name NavyBuc93 is a barrel of laughs. Everybody, including myself has made the occasional blunder, borked on a bad prediction, wasn't 100% accurate about a league rule, or propped up a player who later failed. NavyBuc however takes the cake. Every player that is released he wants the Buccs to sign. Every player who's name he has heard uttered by Mel Kiper or Mike Mayock he wants the Buccs to draft. If you go to his PewterReport statistics page you will see his "Most Popular Boards By Activity" is the Fantasy Football Board. So I guess it make a little sense that he thinks the real NFL GM's wheel and deal like him and his pals do for 13 weeks a year.

Navy was beating his drum loud and clear, louder than most, that he thought Mark Dominik needed to trade Derrick Ward and Mike Clayton. Well, any Buccaneer fan with a half of a brain didn't want Ward or Clayton on the roster any longer than they needed to be. However fans with half of a brain knew that no one, not one team in the NFL was going to offer anything to the Buccs for the underachieving Ward or Clayton and their big contracts. Once more knowledgeable fans finally beat that notion into NavyBuc's head post after post after post, he switched his mantra to call for Dominik to "cut these bum's today." It didn't matter that the Buccs had dozens of training camp practices and multiple pre season games left, by GOD NavyBuc93 wanted those guys gone now. I guess the thought never crossed his mind that Williams, Stroughter and Stovall each could have potentially landed on IR or with a long term injury? Did it ever cross Navy's mind that Carnell Williams is one of the most injury prone Halfbacks in the NFL? What precluded Huggins from the ill fate of a pre season game injury? The dumbest thing any GM could do is cut a serviceable player before he absolutely needs to. I can see NacyBuc going out on his dingy without his compass because after all, he's just going for a small boat ride. Then the storm rolls in and takes him out to sea. Next thing you know thousands of Federal dollars are being wasted while Coast Guard Search and Rescue helicopters do a grid search of the ocean. Be prepared Navy, be prepared. Weren't you a Boyscout?

Today though I had to laugh the most. Today was a double feature, he gave us two shows back to back. First he rips off this gem;
"What is the hold up?"
"It kind of bothers me that Dominik and Morris have yet to attack the Waiver wire. I know they cannot be happy with holding 7 WRs and 5 Safetys. That is 2 spots that can be devoted towards the OL or another DE. I personally want to see us go after some OL depth and it just is highly bothering that this team is satisfied with total utter putrid crap that is Hardman and James Lee. I mean you got so much better talent out there and you are rolling with these guys? I was hoping we would hit the waiver wire hard this off-season. By this time I am sure all those guys cleared waivers and will be Practice Squad material. Will someone explain why we cant get 2 starting caliber guys (Seth Olsen and Donald Thomas) on our roster for depth?

I just hope it is soon because guys I would like to see be gone for talent are Reggie Brown, Sabby Pisctielli, John Gilmore, Derek Hardman, and James Lee, and Erik Lorig. 6 people that can open up spots for some real NFL talent."
There is an easy answer for this one NavyBuc93, it's called The Rules.

Later in the day he dazzles us with his dissatisfaction once again as to how a real GM does his job. I mean hell, if Packer Smackers wanted to offer a trade to L'il Benji's Boys, all he'd have to do is go to the trade page on his Fantasy site and offer Derek Anderson and Ronnie Brown for Peyton Manning. That's a fair trade right? Two for one always makes it even when someone wants your franchise players....LMAO. Today Mark Dominik had NavyBuc steaming though, smoke could be seem coming from his ears like an old Tom and Jerry cartoon. Cut Smith? A ProBowl returner, are you serious? This is an OUTRAGE!!
If he was released to make room for this Lumpkin guy I will really be pissed. Smith is a Pro Bowl returner. He should have been traded if it was possible
You do know Trent Dilfer was a ProBowler once right? Being named to a ProBowl doesn't give you an automatic bid for the Hall of Fame my friend. Was a trade possible you want to know? That is a matter of semantics. (Navy, click this link if you need know what semantics means) OK, so I do know that Navy knows that all 32 teams had a deadline yesterday to get their rosters down to 53 players. But today NavyBuc93 demands to know why Smith wasn't traded to make room for Larsen. There goes another one of those damn pesky rules Goodell has in place just to screw the Buccs. Why can't the Buccs just have 54 players for a little while until they can trade Smith? What's wrong with that huh Navy?

I know, Dominik should have sent out a League wide email;

Dear Other 31 GM's,

I want to claim Larsen off waivers from the Patriots. But I have this fan who goes by the moniker NavyBuc93, and he is really going to be mad at me if I don't try and trade Clifton Smith. Can you guys please, please, please not sign Larsen off waivers so I can find a team to trade Clif to? If you guys do me this favor, I'll get you all VIP passes to Mons Venus next time the SuperBowl is in town.

Sincerely,
Mark Dominik

Go Buccs!!!
ABuccsFan/JJC

Gruden Left the Cupboard Bare.

2010-09-05T09:40:00.000-05:00

Clayton drops one of many

With the release of Mike Clayton yesterday, another blown high draft pick, it got me thinking as to just how bad Gruden was at talent evaluation and decision making. Now we all know Al Davis is the decision man in Oakland. We all remember how pissed off Gruden was when Al picked a Kicker in the 1st round(17 overall) which led to a rift between Al and Jon. Everyone knew Gruden was leaving after his contract was up, as his Agent came right out and stated so even though Jon danced around the question during interviews. Gruden wanted to go some place where he had control over the decisions, and personnel.

Now if you want to believe that the Glazers would give up two 1st rounders, two 2nd rounders and $8 mil and not guarantee Jon that he'd have more control over the decision making and personnel, then you are naive. Jon had so much control that a power struggle behind the scenes, between he and Rich McKay ensued. Rich McKay had his faults, but he did help construct a SuperBowl winning roster that Gruden had the luxury of riding it's coattails to a victory in his first season. After Rich McKay was allowed to leave before his contract expired, Jon Gruden hand picked his own GM Bruce Allen. Hand picked GM by his coach? That is absurd, but just more evidence as to how much decision making power laid in Jon's hands.

So lets take a look back at Gruden's mighty drafting prowess dating back to his first season. Bolded players will represent players still on the Buccaneers roster that were drafted by the Gruden regime. The number in parenthesis represents the number of selections that year.

2002(8)
Marquise Walker
Travis Stephens
Jermaine Phillips
John Stamper
Tim Wansley

Tracey Wistrom
Aaron Lockett
Zack Quaccia
2003(6)
Dewayne White
Chris Simms
Lance Nimmo
Austin King
Sean Mahan
Torrie Cox
2004(8)
Michael Clayton
Marquise Cooper
Will Allen
Jeb Terry
Nate Lawrie
Mark Jones
Casey Cramer
Lenny Williams
2005(12)
Carnell Williams
Barrett Ruud
Alex Smith
Chris Colmer
Dan Buenning
Donte Nicholson
Larry Brackins
Anthony Bryant
Rick Razzano
Paris Warren
Hamza Abdullah
J.R. Russell
2006(10)
Davin Joseph
Jeremy Trueblood
Maurice Stovall
Alan Zemaitis
Julian Jenkins
Bruce Gradkowski
T.J. Williams
Justin Phinisee
Charles Bennett
Tim Massaquoi
2007(9)
Gaines Adams
Arron Sears
Sabby Piscitelli
Quincy Black
Tanard Jackson
Adam Hayward
Chris Henman
Marcus Hamilton
Kenneth Darby
2008(7)
Aqib Talib
Dexter Jackson
Jeremy Zuttah
Dre Moore
Josh Johnson
Geno Hayes
Cory Boyd

Of a total sixty(60) draft selections between 2002 and 2008, thirteen(13) remain and contribute to this team. That is a whopping 21% success rate. Of those thirteen players still remaining, only five were 1st or 2nd round selections. Gruden had eleven 1st or 2nd round selections between 2002 and 2008, so that is less than 50% success on the selections that are supposed to be the foundation of your franchise.

Some fans want to blame Raheem Morris or the Glazers for being cheap as a result for the team's current status as bottom feeder. When in reality, whether the Glazers are cheap or not, whether they are in financial trouble or not, who were they supposed to spend their money on? Had Gruden had any type of success at drafting and talent evaluation, this roster would be littered with players playing under their more lucrative second contracts, thus increasing the payroll. As it stands now, there really was no one to spend their money on. Gruden left the cupboard bare, and Raheem Morris and Mark Dominik were left to restock it.

Go Buccs!!!
ABuccsFan/JJC

Signing Ward In '09 Was the Right Move

2010-09-02T10:54:00.000-05:00

Hindsight is 20/20

Flashback to the 2009 offseason, and the Halfback position was filled with uncertainty. Ernest Graham came off his amazing feel good story of the 2007 season, and followed that up with decent success in '08 but only played in 10 games. Carnell Williams was coming back from his second severe knee injury, and Michael Bennett proved to be a wasted FA signing. After 5 games, Bennett was now a San Deigo Charger.

The Halfback cupboard was bare, and the Free Agent pool was slim pickings. The lone bright spot was Derrick Ward. Ward was a proven runner in the NFL. A successful 1000 yard back in a very crowded backfield, Ward was the "Wind" in the Giants now famous Earth, Wind and Fire backfield. The Giants were only one season removed from the remarkable upset of the 16-0 New England Patriots in the SuperBowl, and Ward had a large hand in the Giants' success the previous 2 seasons.

Ward was signed by Tampa and at the time it was a brilliant move. Unfortunately Ward got his 1st big pay day, and forgot that you actually have to play football in the NFL. He started off '09 by not showing up for offseason voluntary workouts, and followed that up with slow adaption to the new OC and playbook. His 2009 regular season was very disappointing and unproductive. With the re-emergence of Cadillac Williams, and Ward's apparent lack of focus, Williams reclaimed the starting Halfback job and held on to it the entire season. Ward became an after thought by the latter part of the season. He barely touched the ball, and when he did he didn't give the coaching staff any reasons to feed him the ball more.

Now we reach the present and Ward shows his team and fans just how dedicated he is to right the wrongs of '09 by showing up to camp overweight and out of shape. His performances in the preseason games are horrible, unproductive and show no signs of fire. So the Buccs front office does the right thing and cuts him. Of course the front office and coaching detractors will use this as ammunition to bash them and cry aloud from the roof tops, "THAT WAS A HORRIBLE FREE AGENT SIGNING!" When in reality, given the team's severe need at HB, the shallow pool of free agent HB's and the production and success Ward had with the Giants at the time it was a brilliant signing. Who knew Ward would fall prey to Fat Cat Syndrome and throw his career away? You can't fault the Buccs front office for trying to make the team better.

Go Buccs!!!
ABuccsFan/JJC

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly: Jaguars

2010-08-31T18:39:00.000-05:00

One of Black's seven tackles Sat. night

The Good - Quincy Black was a man possessed Saturday night. He was all over the field, from QB hits and hurries to dropping running backs for losses. He was seen from sideline to sideline wreaking havoc, and it was a beautiful sight. Some fans were starting to give up hope in Quincy before Raheem took over the DC duties last season and showed some real star power at the Sam Backer spot. Fans were high on Black coming out of New Mexico, as we were told he played the same position as Brian Urlacher and was quite successful at it. Many had Black already appointed to future Mike Backer. Some even dabbled in the thought that he could be Brooks' heir apparent. Unfortunately Quincy never set the world on fire. Well that was until the latter part of last season and he's carrying that over into this season. Saturday night Q tied Ronde for the team lead in tackles with 7, and had a coming out party of sorts. Continued play like that into the season will surely help the defense get back into top 10 status.

The Bad - Reggie Brown is on the bubble to make this roster, and while so many Buccaneer fans want to close the chapter that is Mike Clayton, Reggie isn't grasping the brass ring. Brown's recorded 0 Catches for 0 Yards, had a sure TD pass bounce off his hands, and another pass hit off his hands and fall incomplete. I was excited when I first learned that Mark D had pulled off a trade for Brown for a low 6th round pick. Brown took the League by storm, got injured and then pretty much disappeared. He does however have talent, but he's not using it. Saturday night may just have sealed his fate although he made the first round of cuts today. Thursday night will have to be his highlight reel game if he wants to keep his spot. As much as I am done with Mike Clayton, if Brown doesn't show some legit flash Thursday, I'd rather keep Mike.

The Ugly - The Offensive line was horrible Saturday night. Some players performed better than others, but as a whole unit it was most ineffective. Oddly, the one HB who had been under performing(Ward) got the benefit of the few holes that were opened that night. The O-Line which is mostly made up of 1st and 2nd round picks has had some success the past few years. However Aaron Sears(2nd round), Dan Buenning(4th round) and Chris Colmer(3rd round) turned out to be busts, and largely responsible for the lack of depth on the O-line at this time. Davin Joseph was inactive for the game due to injury and his replacement Jeremy Zuttah has not lived up to the hype of a 2nd round pick. We need the 1st string O-Line to remain healthy the entire season, or the offense could be stymied on occasion this season.

Go Buccs!!!
ABuccsFan/JJC

What Exactly Is It About Kareem Huggins?

2010-08-25T13:42:00.001-05:00

Plain and simple, Huggins gets yards!

Kareem Huggins has caught the eye of many Buccaneer fans. Some fans are ecstatic about his potential, while others are watching him with guarded optimism and fingers crossed, and of course he has his detractors. What is it about Huggins that had so many fans excited? What is he doing out there on the field that Derrick Ward isn't doing? Some would call me crazy if I tried to convince them undrafted second year pro Huggie is a better halfback than the seasoned veteran Ward. After all, Ward put up very good numbers for the SuperBowl winning Giants, so he must not suck. The big difference I am seeing is the quality of the O-line Ward had to run behind in NY during his time there. The holes Ward had to run through were huge. It didn't take much skill other than being able to run fairly quickly in a straight line. Unfortunately for Ward those holes aren't here in Tampa, and he has shown so far in his Buccaneer career that he is unable to create his own opportunities or create his own yards.

That's what separates Kareem Huggins from Derrick Ward whom I believes is a better Halfback than Ward and deserves to back-up Carnell Williams. Many fans are wondering why Kareem hasn't been listed as #2 behind Caddy yet? I think Raheem is giving Derrick every opportunity to succeed, and I don't think he can or will take advantage of those opportunities. He hasn't so far.

So what is it about Kareem? Kareem is the type of player who finds yards that aren't there. He creates opportunities even if the offense doesn't provide them and the defense doesn't give them to him. Let's take a look at what Kareem has done so far this preseason. In this first part I have broken down each of his carries against the Dolphins, and will try to point out what I saw through my own eyes and convey that to you. Later I will do the same for the Chiefs game.

Versus Dolphins Quarter 3
14:05 2nd & 19 - Kareem takes the hand off on a shotgun draw play. He runs right following the lead block of pulling lineman Marc Dile. The DE beats Dile and forces Huggins to stop dead in his tracks for what looks like a 1 yard loss. Kareem immediately cuts right out of the grasp of the DE and bounces outside. Three Dolphin defenders pursue nicely and take away the outside. Huggins cuts back inside and makes all three defenders over pursue and miss the tackle opportunity. He is then tackled by a 4th Dolphin defender, but not before picking up 5 yards on a run that should have been stuffed for a loss.
12:31 2nd & 10 - Kareem takes the hand off left inside Tackle. He cuts inside just a hair and hits a nice hole. He shows a great burst of speed. The Safety takes a nice angle to Huggins, but his speed is too much for the Safety and beats the angle. This forces the Safety to make a diving tackle at Huggins feet which allows him to pick up and extra 8 yards after initial contact at the Miami 36 yard line, eventually being dropped at the Miami 28.
11:48 1st & 10 - Kareem takes the hand off left and heads off Tackle. The Buccs O-line takes the D-line left by down blocking. The RDE seals off the edge not allowing Huggins outside, and the D-line does a nice job of going with the pressure and seals up the hole on the left side. Kareem sees a cut back lane off the right hip of the Center and between the right Guard. Huggins make a nice cut right and takes it for a 4 yard gain.
8:23 1st & 10 - Kareem takes the hand off left and follows his lead blocking Fullback. There is a small hole the FB leads him through, but just as Kareem hits the hole the RDE blows up the left Tackle pushing the Tackle backwards into Huggins' left shoulder twisting him sideways and knocking him off balance as he enters the hole and is met by a Dolphin defender. Kareem keeps pumping his legs pushing the defender backwards and eventually picks up 4 yards before being brought down.
7:43 2nd & 6 - Marc Dile totally whiffs on his block and Kareem is met 5 yards in the backfield as he receives the hand off from Rudy Carpenter.
7:04 3rd & 11 - Halfback screen left. Huggins catches the ball, turns up field, surveys his lead blockers then seems to turn on another gear and displays an amazing burst of speed to pick up the 1st down for 14 yards.
6:18 1st & 10 - Kareem takes the hand off left inside Tackle. He stutter steps to give the hole time to open up. He hits the hole hard and is forced to cut back inside. He breaks a tackle attempted by a LB at the 43 yard line. Forced to bounce outside due to Safety pursuit, he is met by the CB coming off a block. He breaks the attempted tackle by the CB as he feels the pressure and ducks under the tackle, once again cutting back inside where he is eventually dropped for a 17 yard gain.
5:32 1st & 10 - Huggins takes the hand off left and is dropped for a 1 yard loss as he is met by the DE, DT and LB who all got line of scrimmage penetration.
4:49 2nd & 11 - Karrem takes the hand off up the middle. The offensive line gets blown up and drive off the lie of scrimmage and Huggins is dropped in the backfield for a 2 yard loss.

Versus Chiefs Quarter 2
7:52 2nd & 10 - Hand off right inside Tackle. There is no hole and Linebacker comes off the edge and looks like Kareem will be stopped in the backfield. Kareem beats the Linebacker to the line of scrimmage and backer makes first contact with Huggins at the 22 1/2 yard line, then begins to be dragged by Huggins. Kareem makes a quick cut right to avoid players laying on the ground and now has the LB and a Defensive End trying to drag him down. Kareem is eventually dragged down at the 28 for a 6 yard gain.
6:57 1st & 10 - Hand off right behind Joseph and Kareem takes the ball up the 4 hole. Cornerback comes crashing down and attempts a diving tackle. Kareem senses the pressure and skips laterally to his left at the 50 yard line almost avoiding the tackle. CB manages to keep a hold of Kareem's left foot, but Huggins manages to drag the defender as he hops forward picking up an additional 6 yards after contact for a 13 yard gain.
5:45 2nd & 5 - Halfback draw up the middle. Hayward lead blocks, but gets blown up at the point of attack. Adam gets pushed backwards and turned sideways giving the LB a lane. Linebacker's momentum carries him forward and stumbling, he dives at Huggin's legs who is coming right at him. Huggins executes a quick hurdle as he squeezes through a small hole, just over the reaching arms of the LB at the line of scrimmage and is eventually brought down for a 3 yard gain.

Quarter 3
15:00 1st & 10 - Hand off up the middle. Defensive End peels off FB's block and gets an arm around Huggins in the backfield. He drags Kareem down from behind but not before he is able to grind out 4 yards.
14:25 2nd & 6 - Halfback draw, Linebacker comes off the edge untouched within arms reach of Huggins 5 yards deep in the backfield. Kareem quickly side steps left just out of the LB's reach. The Defensive End beats the Tight End inside and has a clean shot on Kareem 3 yards deep in the backfield. Huggins quickly sidesteps back to the right giving the TE time to re-engage the DE. DE gets just an arm on Kareem as he drags the DE 7 yards until he gets help bringing Huggins down after a 5 yard gain.
8:53 1st & 10 - Hand off left off Tackle. Nothing spectacular on this run. Kareem bounces it outside twice for 4 yard gain. His lateral movement just looks so effortless.
0:36 1st & 10 - Hand off up the middle. Kareem stutter steps, finds a hole to the right of the Center/ Linebacker meets Huggins at the hole but Kareem shakes him off. He just has an uncanny way of just shifting his legs out of the way of would be tacklers without losing his rhythm or balance. Huggins weaves left and right for a 9 yard gain to end the 3rd Quarter.

Quarter 4
15:00 2nd & 10 - Hand off up the middle. No where for him to go, as he tries to bounce it outside he is swallowed up for no gain.
14:20 3rd & 1 - Hand off right. Kareem gets into a small seam and hits the hole hard, shows his burst of speed and races down field for a 20 yard gain..............but all for naught as Derrick Hardiman gets called for holding.

These are just my observations. Your eyes may have seen something different. I'm beginning to believe there could be something special about Huggins. Only time and opportunity will tell.

Go Buccs!!!
ABuccsFan/JJC

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly: Chiefs

2010-08-23T11:01:00.000-05:00

Ward with another bad showing.

The Good - Mike Williams continues to shine and prove to excited Buccaneer fans that he may have been the steal of the draft. Williams was characterized in pre-draft analysis as having 1st round talent, but character concerns and commitment issues had him falling down the draft boards league wide. Williams claimed to have expressed himself and his situation to teams during interviews, and felt comfortable that any questions they had about him were answered. We don't know how other teams felt about Williams after said interviews, but we do know that the Tampa Bay Buccaneer front office felt Mike Williams was too good to pass up when he was sitting there at the top of round 4. Tampa had just drafted WR Arrelious Benn with their second pick of the 2nd round, but that did not stop them from investing another draft pick at the same position. Williams Came up big early catching a wide receiver screen for 16 yards and a 13 yard slant over the middle. Both catches came on third down and converted first downs for Tampa. Williams made a great 15 yard catch near the sidelines on cornerback Brandon Carr while keeping his feet in bounds to make it count. Williams finished the night with three catches for 44 yards.

The Bad - I have seen enough of Derrick Ward. At this point, unless he has a phenomenal 3rd and 4th preseason game performance, I can't see how a roster spot can be wasted on him. One can only use the same words so many times. Slow, tentative, no burst, lacking vision, unsure, those are the words to describe Ward this offseason and during the first two preseason games. Last week after the Dolphins game, Ward whined to the media about having to run in that mud and made excuses for his horrible performance even though Cadillac Williams and Kareem Huggins performed admirably in the same conditions. He followed up those excuses with a guarantee to perform better against the Chiefs at Raymond James Stadium Saturday night. Following his terrible game against the Dolphins, Ward put up a dismal 5 carries for 12 yards(2.2 avg) in the box score.

The Ugly - Ugly? Yes ugly. Why? Well, besides Doug Williams for a short window in the late 70's and early 80's Tampa has never been able to stake claim to having a franchise QB. Some teams have had multiple franchise QB's. Hell, San Fransisco had two back to back Hall of Famers at the QB position. Of course that makes it even more painful to know that Steve Young was a Buccaneer and we let him get away. For a fan base that has been starving for a franchise QB for so long, it goes without saying the amount of excitement and hope surrounding Josh Freeman. With expectations at an all time high coupled with a great first preseason game, it was a crushing blow to learn that Josh had exited the game early Saturday night early not because Raheem Morris wanted to spare his QB a chance to become injured, but that he in fact was injured. When I first heard that he had fractured his thumb, it felt like I had gotten kicked in the gut. Still it is unsettling to know that he will be unable to throw for the next 2 plus weeks, but optimism is abound at the prognosis. Josh should be back for Week 1. Let's hope he's not too rusty after 2 weeks off.

Go Buccs!!!
ABuccsFan/JJC

Freeman Breaks Thumb vs. Chiefs

2010-08-23T09:45:00.001-05:00

Thumbs down for Freeman!

Josh Freeman's second season as the uncontested started for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers started out perfect. With one of the knocks on Josh's game coming out of college being his accuracy, his 2010 campaign started out 6/6. Len Dawson, Chiefs' Hall of Fame QB and current radio commentator joked after Freeman completing his second pass that, "Josh Freeman's next incomplete pass will be his first of 2010." However, that ill fated 7th pass on 2nd and 5 from Kansas City's 13 yard line, Josh dropped back to pass and attempted to deliver the ball to tight end John Gilmore. Josh's thumb banged into Tamba Hali's helmet during the follow through of his throwing motion, and sustained a small fracture to the tip of his thumb. Freeman showed no signs of being hurt that were able to be noticed on the television broadcast, but on the following play Josh attempted another pass to wide receiver Sammie Stroughter that was way off it's mark and fell incomplete. "It was the next play, I couldn't really grab the ball," Freeman said, when asked about the loss of strength in his thumb.

Freeman is expected to miss the rest of the preseason practices and exhibition games. He is supposed to be ready and able to practice the week of Tampa's first scheduled regular season game against the Cleveland Browns. How much this injury will set Josh back in his preparation for the 2010 season is unknown. What is known however is that his unquestionable work ethic and study habits displayed this offseason have him ahead of the anticipated progress curve. After a promising rookie seasons where Josh showed flashes of brilliance mixed among his expected rookie mistakes, the buzz was at an all time high throughout Buccaneer Nation. Freeman has been showing vast improvement during offseason workouts and training camp, and it showed on the field for his first six passes of 2010. Now we play the waiting and hoping game. Waiting until he heals, and hoping he has no set backs. Get well soon Josh.

Go Buccs!!!

ABuccsFan/JJC

Gout Sidelines Clifton Smith

2010-08-23T08:41:00.000-05:00

"The Devil himself gnawing on your foot."

Clifton Smith has been absent of late, and for the Dolphins game he was listed as having a hamstring injury. For the Chiefs game, no explanation was given other than "inactive." TBO.com reported Saturday evening after the Chiefs game that Clifton Smith has had a Gout flare up. Gout is a condition caused by the body not ridding itself of Uric Acid properly. The levels of Uric Acid increase in the blood stream, and tiny sharp crystals form that settle in the lower joints and stab or irritate the nerve endings and tissue around joints. It most commonly affects the joint of the big toe, but has been known to attack the entire foot, the ankle and the knees. It is rare, but has been known to affect the upper extremities as well.

As a long sufferer of Gout, I can attest to it's grueling pain. At times it is so unbearable you wish someone would cut your foot off. It's constant and there are no positions of comfort like a bad ankle sprain. The weight of a simple bed sheet on top of your foot can feel like a 20 ton truck crushing it beneath it's wheels. I have had rotator cuff surgery, throat and naso septal surgery and stomach surgery. They were extremely painful but couldn't compare to the pain of a severe Gout attack. I would gladly trade having each of those surgeries again in return to never have a Gout flare up again.

In addition to severe pain, the affected area gets red and hot to the touch and extremely swollen. Some patients have experienced tearing of the skin due to swelling beyond the skins capacity to stretch. A British Caricaturist by the name of James Gillray attempted to describe to those who have never suffered from Gout, by painting a picture depicting what Gout felt like to him, which I have displayed above. He described it as the "Devil himself gnawing on your foot." In the picture you can see the depiction of the Devil sinking his teeth and claws into the red swollen skin of the big toe joint, and the flames breathing out his nose showing the constant burning sensation.

Get well soon Clifton.

Go Buccs!!!
ABuccsFan/JJC

Kareem Huggins To Get 1st String Reps

2010-08-18T16:48:00.001-05:00

Huggins rips off 35 yards

According to the St. Pete Times, Kareem Huggins will see action on the field early in the game Saturday night against the Chiefs, running behind the 1st string offensive line. Kareem has opened some eyes during OTA's and early in Buccaneers Training Camp down at 1 Buc Place in Tampa. Huggins has displayed good speed and quickness. He has shown off his burst through the holes running with authority and has ripped of a few long runs during camp at times. He has caught the eye of fellow players, fans and media outlets attending camp, but the most important eye he has caught is that of his head coach, Raheem Morris.

"You want to go out there and see your two backs play,'' coach Raheem Morris said. "You want to see (Derrick) Ward, you want to see Cadillac. You want to see how good is Kareem Huggins? How good would he be behind the first line? What would he look like if he as an opportunity. And you know me, I'm always big into giving guys opportunity...you just want to get a look at some people under the fire, under the radar, under the gun. And he's one of those guys you want to try to get out there a little bit earlier to see if he can do it.''

Huggins impressed me last season on a few occasions and I was really looking forward to seeing his progression this offseason. Huggins, a 2009 undrafted free agent out of Hofstra University was signed by the Buccs and spent his time waiting for an opportunity on the practice squad. Apparently that opportunity has come knocking and I fully expect Kareem to answer the door. This also comes as a welcome surprise if he can pick up the slack left behind by a struggling Derrick Ward. This is Ward's second season with Tampa after signing as a free agent in 2009, and he has yet to live up to his billing. We'll have to keep a close eye on Huggins the Saturday night.

Go Buccs!!!

ABuccsFan/JJC

New Banner

2010-08-18T12:35:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to recognize and give a little shout out to MissingNo. aka Matt from GoalLineBlitz.com for making my new banner. Thanks Matt

Go Buccs!!!
ABuccsFan/JJC

What Game Was Pat Yasinskas Watching?

2010-08-16T12:20:00.000-05:00

Ward going nowhere?

Below are quotes from Pat Yasinskas

I know the playbook is a lot more sophisticated with offensive coordinator Greg Olson. But there was one moment when I had to laugh out loud as the Bucs ran a play that reminded me of the mid-1990s. Derrick Ward took a handoff and ran straight into fullback Chris Pressley’s back. It was just a one-time thing. But there was a time back in the dreary old days when Errict Rhett taking a handoff, running into Mike Alstott’s back and plowing for a yard or two was Tampa Bay’s signature play.
Speaking of Ward, who’s fighting to earn more carries, he looked good at times. He even was having a nice run on a third-down draw play, until he fumbled. Turning the ball over probably will wipe out the rest of the good stuff he did Saturday. The Bucs aren’t going to be a team with a big margin for error, so they’re not going to give a lot of carries to a guy who puts the ball on the ground.

http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/11903/observations-on-the-buccaneers-2

I'm not going to sit here and bash Pat Yasinskas, because he is the Professional. He is the one who gets paid to write and give his sports opinion, and in the grand scheme of things I am nobody. However I have to ask, what game were you watching Pat? Derrick Ward looked terrible. Terrible the entire time, not "good at times" as you stated. The field conditions sucked but that can not and should not be used as an excuse. Caddy and Kareem Huggins both ran on the same surface and performed leaps and bounds better than Ward. Sure you could also argue that Huggins was playing against lesser competition later in the game. I will counter that it didn't matter what Huggins was up against, as Kareem looked fluid with a nice burst of speed. He hit the holes with authority and was able to cut nicely on a ghastly playing surface. Ward looked slow, tentative to hit the hole and almost confused as to where he should be running.

So I now ask, how does Ward's horrible running Saturday night become Olson's fault? It's not like the Buccs had a different Offensive Coordinator calling the plays when Caddy and Huggins were on the field. How is it Olson's fault that Ward flat out ran badly? With every article about the Buccaneers that you write, there can always be found at least 1 pot-shot taken at the team. I too remember Rhett running into the backs of O-linemen and fullbacks. I also remember Mike Pittman doing the same thing under the direction of Jon Gruden. That was weak Pat, very weak.

Go Buccs!!!
ABuccsFan/JJC

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly: Dolphins

2010-08-16T08:49:00.000-05:00

In horrible conditions Freeman was perfect.

The Good - It's too early to get head over heals excited about our franchise QB Josh Freeman, but he sure as heck gave us a glimpse of what we could be see week in and week out when the games start to matter this September. 4/4 for 53 yards and 1TD isn't spectacular to look at on paper, but when you consider that this was Josh's first live game action this season, and it came during a torrential downpour, it is impressive. Football players are supposed to be able to perform in bad weather right? Well, if you consider the fact that Sun Life Stadium in Miami is also home to the Florida Marlins during this time of year, then you know that the field was not entirely covered by grass. The majority of Saturday night's game was unfortunately played on the infield section of the baseball diamond. Especially when the first team offenses and defenses were in the game. The field reminded me of dark brown oatmeal. The players' cleats had mud caked on them an inch think and players looked like they were enjoying a Sunday family outing at the local skating rink the way they were slipping and sliding. However Josh let that distraction escape from his mind during the game and had great pocket awareness as he was able to feel the pressure and escape when he needed too. His passes were crisp, strong and accurate. Freeman put beautiful touch on a 30 yard pass to rookie Mike Williams and dropped the ball right into his arms as he raced down the sidelines well covered by Miami CB Vontae Davis. Mike had the concentration to get both feet in bounds and hold onto the ball. That play set up Freeman's 13 yard TD pass to 2nd year WR Sammie Stroughter to give the Buccs a 7-0 early lead while both team's 1st string players graced the field. I also have to give a shout out to Carnell Williams, Kareem Huggins and EJ Biggers who performed exceptionally well.

The Bad - Barrett Ruud has led the team in tackles for a while now. But his tackle stats are misleading. Many of his tackles are drag down tackles, and Ruud seems to lack the thumping power needed by a MLB. Many times when meeting the ball carrier, said ball carrier will get an extra 1-3 yards after contact which can be the difference between a punt or first down. Barrett is in the middle of a contract squabble with the front office as he is looking for a long term commitment from the Buccs. No one knows for sure why the team hasn't offered him the deal, he is seeking but it can only be assumed the team doesn't feel he is the MLB they desire to anchor their defense. At 12:19 of the 1st quarter Saturday, Barrett put himself in position to make a great play and drop Ronnie Brown for a 1 yard loss on 3rd and 2. Instead Ruud completely whiffed on the tackle allowing Brown to run free for extra yards and pick up the 1st down. It is these types of plays that leave this fan wondering if Ruud can be our long term answer at MLB.

The Ugly - The only thing uglier than the playing surface Saturday night was watching Derrick Ward run the ball. It was pathetic and saddening. I would not be hurt if he were cut tomorrow. However, because of Carnell's injury history we might be forced to hold onto the bum. Derrick had a few good runs last seasons, but failed to live up to the hype of being the team's biggest Free Agent acquisition last season. There were a lot of excuses as to why Ward underperformed last season, as I'm sure Ward would love to have us believe the field conditions were to blame for his paltry performance Saturday of 20 yards on 12 carries(1.7 avg). Unfortunately he has no defense in that argument as Cadillac and 2nd year Practice Squad player Kareem Huggins ran for 21 yards on 4 carries(5.3 avg) and 55 yards on 8 carries(6.3 avg) respectively, while running on the same surface as Ward did. If Huggins continues to outperform Ward like he did the other night, Ward could find himself spending lots of time on the sidelines this fall or maybe even find himself donning a different colored uniform?

Go Buccs!!!
ABuccsFan/JJC

Starting Fresh For a New Era

2010-08-16T08:14:00.000-05:00

First thing I would like to do is apologize to my faithful readers and friends for my long absence. I am ashamed to say that I let my emotions get the better of me, and therefore lost interest in my hobby of writing about my beloved favorite team....the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I had grown so frustrated and angry watching the Jon Gruden led Buccaneers underachieve that I let my frustration and disappointment turn into a unhealthy hatred for Jon Gruden. Instead of trying to find good things to talk about and write about, all I could focus on was trying to prove the the Gruden Groupies wrong by pointing out all Jon's faults and why I thought he was overrated. Thankfully this blog is not littered with a bunch of anti-Gruden rhetoric like some of the message boards I have left in my wake.

Well friends and fellow fans, there is so much to be excited about now in this new era of Bucc Ball that it's time to start fresh. Time to turn over a new leaf, forget about the former coach and focus our attention on our new and exciting young players. It's time to get back to enjoying everything that is Red and Pewter.

Go Buccs!!!!
ABuccsFan/JJC

Where's the Killer Instinct?

2008-10-27T21:59:00.000-05:00

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?

2008-10-23T10:09:00.000-05:00

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

2008-10-21T12:37:00.000-05:00

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

2008-10-19T22:40:00.000-05:00

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?

2008-10-06T08:16:00.000-05:00

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?

2008-04-04T20:23:00.001-05:00

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.

2008-01-19T01:34:00.000-06:00

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

2008-01-09T19:37:00.000-06:00

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

West Coast Woes

2007-12-22T11:46:00.000-06:00

What is it with the Buccaneers futility on the West Coast? Is it the long plane ride? The time zone change? The Pacific Ocean air? Who the hell knows? Hopefully the Buccaneers know, or at least figured out some small piece of this mystery. For the first time the team left Tampa two days before the game in an attempt to acclimate themselves to their surroundings. Will it help? Who knows, but it certainly can't hurt. Seattle, San Diego, Oakland, San Fransisco......the city doesn't matter. Even the quality of the team doesn't matter. In the midst of the Buccs last Championship season, 2005, the Buccs lost to a bad 49er team.

What do these things have in common?
George Bush's Presidency
World Trade Center Bombings
HDTV
Playstation 2
2 Olympic games
Hybrid cars
Iraq War
Houston Texans
Turn of the milenium

All those things listed above took place after the Buccs last won a game on the west coast. That's right, the last time the Buccs won a game out there, was against Seattle in 1999. You remember that game? That was the last time Trent Dilfer ever threw a pass for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It was also the first game of Shaun King's short uneventful career. Since kick off of that game, Tampa has had 9 QB's take a snap in a regular season game. There are kids in second grade now that weren't even born yet last time the Buccs claimed victory on the left side of the map. Let's hope the Buccs can get past this hurdle and start a winning tradition west of the Rockies starting this Sunday.
...JJC/ABuccsFan

The Good, The Bad & The Masterful! Saints

2007-12-04T10:24:00.000-06:00

The Good

Luke McCown - There is a glimmer of hope to the future of the Buccaneer Quarterback position after all. This situation has a long way to go before it is played out to it's fullest extent, but not too long ago many Buccs fans were hoping we'd address the future at QB through the upcoming '08 draft. Sunday Luke McCown gave us reason to be optimistic the the future is already in Pewter and Red. Luke played superbly in his 5th career start. He made some mistakes that can be expected of an inexperienced QB. The key now is to learn and correct those mistakes. The most exciting aspects of Luke performance for me were his arm strength and accuracy. It's hard to believe a kid of his slight stature could put such zip on the ball. McCown dissected the Saints defense at one point with 15 straight completions, and finishing the game 29 of 37 (78%) for 313 yards and 2 TD's.

Ernest Graham - OK, it's getting very repetitive talking about how great Graham has been filling in for the injured Carnell "The Tricycle" Williams, and Mike Pittman. But yet again Ernest helped guide the Buccs to an important win with his legs racking up 106 yards on 22 carries and a 25 yard TD jaunt. EG also tied for the team lead with 7 receptions for 37 yards. His contribution is immeasurable, and has to be the front runner for the team's MVP.

Gaines Adams - Gaines showed Sunday that his early progress in the NFL is on the rise. His improvement from week to week has been very noticeable. I think Adams had his best game as a pro, and made a significant play to help the Buccs' outcome Sunday a favorable one. In addition to Gaines 4 tackles and 1 sack, he pressured Brees all day and got heavy penetration into the backfield. The biggest play of his young career came with 3:36 left in the game, and the ball on the Saints 49 yard line. Payton called a double reverse that should have featured Bush handing the ball off to Deverey Henderson. Gaines exploded off the LOS at the snap of the ball, and quickly got 6 yards deep in the backfield. The Saints LT had no choice but to go with Gaines, as he had the LT beat around the corner. Gaines' penetration forced a total disruption of the play, and got in the way of a possible hand off exchange of the ball. Bush's jerking body movements suggests to me that he panicked and had no idea what to do, not expecting Adams to be standing there in his way. With his view of Henderson now shield by 2 large linemen, in a last ditch effort he tried to toss the ball with his right hand to Deverey who was running by him on the left. The result, a widely inaccurate toss that resulted in a live ball rolling around on the ground and recovered by Tampa Bay.

Joey Galloway - Joey Galloway tore the Saints secondary a new one again Sunday. Joey torched the Saints in their week 2 match-up, and followed that up with 6 receptions for 148 yards in the 1st half alone. He added another catch in the second half for an additional 11 yards. Joey didn't see the endzone, but his play in the first half opened up the defense and allowed Graham to run all over them. He showed again Sunday why some call him the ageless wonder. Leaving guys just over half his age in the dust has been his trademark this season. Defenders line up across from him on the LOS, they notice the gray whiskers in his beard....then he disappears.

The Bad

Greg White - Greg White has been a pleasant surprise this season. With that being said, Greg has showcased to the world what is is capable of at the NFL level now that he has been given the chance. We now have a benchmark to measure what we expect of Greg White, and when he is held off the stat sheet with 0 tackles, 0 assists, 0 sacks....that will earn him a spot on the bad list. Every player has an off day once in a while, and I fully expect White to atone for the game with a good performance next week.

Barrett Ruud - How does the MLB of the Tampa 2 defense record 1 tackle? That's all I have to say about that.

Phillip Buchanon - P-Buc got beat on 2 plays in a row, the first being a deep bomb from Brees to Colston. P-Buc was in good position and had MC covered closely, but he never turned his head to look at the ball, and that allowed Colston to reach over and snag the ball for a huge gain of 40 yards. On the very next play, Terrence Copper got the outside edge and Brees looped the ball right over P-Buc and into the waiting hands of Copper for the Saints first TD of the game. Those were 2 very good plays executed by the Saints. When you couple those 2 plays with the complete and utter gaff on a failed punt return, I had to add Phillip to the bad list. Mr. Buchanon...when you let a punt drop.....GET THE HELL AWAY FROM THE BALL!!!!!! The Saints coverage team wisely tried to push Buchanon into the loose ball, which would have made it a live ball. It was close, very close. A Saint defender picked up the ball and ran it into the endzone. Lucky for us, and P-Buc, the ref had a good look at the play and new it was a dead ball. But why even give the Ref a chance to make a mistake? Again Mr. Buchanon...when you let a punt drop....GET THE HELL AWAY FROM THE BALL!!!!

The Masterful

Jon Gruden - Jon called a hell of a game Sunday. The best call he made was declaring Luke McCown the starter over Bruce Gradkowski. He opened up the playbook, and confused the Saints defense. He mixed and matched runs and passes with great wizardry keeping the Saints defense on their heels. He made a gutsy, ballsy 4th down call that helped seal the deal. That one play call was a glaring example of how far our Offensive line has come, and just how much confidence Gruden has in his young line. Pulling Sears behind Joseph and T-Blood has become Jon's security blanket, and it has worked when he has needed it to. This game was the best showing of Gruden's playbook I have seen. Jon has worked with quarterbacks Brad Johnson, Rob Johnson, Shaun King, Chris Simms, Brian Griese, Bruce Gradkowski, Tim Rattay and Jeff Garcia over his tenure in Tampa. Why he chose Luke McCown and yesterday, to finally showcase the plays he designs while hiding in the darkness of his cave like office, we may never know. But it was very refreshing to finally watch a Buccaneer offense move down the field at will. We have been teased Jon, and we expect another display against the Texans.
...JJC/ABuccsFan

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly! Redskins

2007-11-26T11:33:00.000-06:00

The Good

Ronde Barber - It was a vicious defense that led the Buccaneers to victory Sunday, and there is no better Buccaneer to start off with than Ronde Barber. Ronde had a great game and set a franchise record with his 32nd interception surpassing former Bucc and NY Jet Donnie Abraham. Barber added 4 tackles and 3 passes defended to his stat sheet to top off a day he will remember forever. A day Buccaneer fans will remember forever. Thank you Ronde for all you have given us over the years, and congratulations on becoming the biggest thief this franchise has ever had at Cornerback.

Derrick Brooks - Brooks looked ten years younger flying around the field yesterday making plays from sideline to sideline. Derrick notched a team leading 12 takedowns en route to the defense's best performance of the season. Brooks' best play of the game came as the third quarter was winding down. With 2:10 on the clock and the Skins facing a 4th and 1 on the Buccaneer 4 yard line, Clinton Portis' number was called to pick up 1 measly yard. Derrick Brooks shed a block and met Portis at the line of scrimmage and dropped him right there for no gain. It was the type of play we had seen a hundred times before by Derrick, but the type of play he hadn't been making recently. In my humble opinion, that was the play that saved the game.

Greg White - WOW! That's pretty much what comes to mind when I hear the name Greg White. Talk about undiscovered talent. Sunday Greg displayed yet again his non-stop motor while harassing Campbell. The guy never quits on a play, he's a smart heady player who sniffs out screens like a hound dog. He notched four tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 1 sack to elevate his team leading total to 5.5. Thank you to the Orlando Predators' scouting department who discovered White while shopping for a PS3 at Best Buy last Christmas.

****Honorable Mention - BJ Askew. Tanard Jackson, Jermaine Phillips, Phillip Buchanon.

The Bad

Bruce Gradkowski - Bruce displayed yet again his uncanny knack for missing wide open receivers while replacing injured Jeff Garcia. Every week Buccs fans sit at the dinner table and say Grace before their meal. I know personally when my children are finished saying grace, and I complete the sign of the cross I request, "GOD please keep Jeff Garcia healthy." Well they say you don't always get what you wish for. Bruce has enough experience under his belt now that his putrid display yesterday is totally unacceptable. I read one fan's comment about Grads not turning the ball over. His passes are so far off their mark, even the defending team can't catch his errant throws. The future is not Bruce Gradkowski, and I hope Jon Gruden realizes that.

Anthony Becht - You might ask yourself how a player involved in just one play can be considered to have had a bad game. I have grown tiresome of watching passes bounce off Tony's hands. When you have a QB like Gradkowski, it's very rare that you'll get a pass to hit you square in the numbers, and when you do you best be catching it. Becht is one of the best blocking TE's in the NFL, but that's just not enough for a former 1st round pick. Being picked that high means you better be a prolific pass catcher, and Tony just isn't that.

John Wade - The entire offensive line played well as a unit, but Wade once again was being man handled. It wasn't as glaring in the first part of the game, before Washington adjusted to take away the run and dared Bruce to pass. When Wade was getting help from the Guards, Graham was ripping off huge chunks of yardage. When the Skins brought up 9 guys within 5 yards of the line of scrimmage to shut down the run and Wade couldn't receive help from Joseph and Sears, he was getting blown off the ball. Our O-line is light years ahead of past O-lines, but Wade is still a big weakness physically.

The Ugly

Jon Gruden's Offense - Since Gruden has gotten to Tampa his offense has struggled. The young coach had been labeled an offensive genius before his arrival to Tampa. Except for a short run at the end of 2002, the offense has been dismal. Johnson, Griese, Simms and Gradkowski have all failed to run Jon Gruden's offense to his or our liking. During Sunday's game, the offense did not earn one first down the entire 2nd half. Why does it seem only Garcia and Gannon can succeed in this offense? Why can AJ Feeley step in for McNabb and lead them to a division championship? Why can Quinn Gray step in and go 2-1 and beat our Buccs? Why can the perennial loser Cleveland Browns challenge for a division championship with their back-up QB? Trent Green was the starter in St. Louis not Kurt Warner. If only one certain type of QB can succeed in Gruden's offense, how long will it be until we find a Gannon/Garcia clone? Will we have to wait and suck until we find the next one?

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly! Falcons

2007-11-24T01:22:00.000-06:00

***As in the past, sometimes the outcome of the game, and the performances on the field don't allow me to follow the traditional format of TGB&U

The Great

Ernest Graham - Graham has been a huge surprise since Carnell and Pittman went out of the lineup due to injury. Formerly nicknamed Mr. August because of his good performances against 3rd string defenses in pre season games, Graham has graduated to Mr. Graham. Mr. Graham may not have received the respect he deserved from fans in the past, but he's certainly getting the respect he deserves from his opponents as he runs over and around them. Graham gashed the Falcons defense for 102 yards and a TD on 17 carries at 6 yards per carry. With a full workload, Graham could have easily eclipsed the 150 yard mark. Enough can't be said about the job Ernest Graham has done as the starting tailback.

Greg White - Sometimes a player falls through the cracks. Terrell Davis was a 6th round pick. Tom Brady was a 5th round pick. Kurt Warner went from AFL QB/grocery store stock boy to SuperBowl MVP. No one knows what the future holds for DE Greg White, but no one can dispute the fact that he belongs in the NFL. White put in another blue collar effort Sunday harassing Byron Leftwich all day long. If he wasn't sacking the QB, he was in his face and disrupting his timing. White racked up 2 solo tackles, 2 sacks and 2 forced fumbles. The former Orlando Predator has found a home in the NFL.

The Good

Cato June - Happy birthday Cato. Thanks for giving us Buccs fans a birthday present on your birthday. June put a nice red bow on his performance Sunday flying around the field wreaking havoc, and hitting anything within reach. June amassed 9 team leading solo tackles, and a forced fumble. June has been a great addition to our defense, and it's hard to believe June hung around on the free agent market as long as he did.

Gaines Adams - Adams is progressing nicely evidenced by his latest performance. After starting out extremely slow, Gaines had some detractors wanting to pin the "bust" label on him already. Adams had flashes two weeks ago before the bye week against the Cardinals, and he followed that up Sunday nicely. While his totals were modest at 2 solo tackles and 1 sack, it was his effort that was impressive. Gaines was all over the field and showed nice pursuit to the opposite field. When he wasn't sacking the QB, he was in his face like his fellow DE White. Adams just needs to build off of each start, put in quality effort from week to week, and he'll have a nice career in Tampa.
***EDIT:11/21/07 "That strange bit of news arrived at One Buccaneer Place on Wednesday, courtesy of a statistical review of the game by the Elias Sports Bureau, the official stat compilers for the NFL. As it turns out, a play that was originally interpreted as an interception has now been ruled a fumble recovery, and the result is an additional sack for Adams."

Ronde Barber - Ronde had a nice day Sunday finding the endzone again as he has done so many times throughout his career when he picked up a Byron Leftwich fumble caused by Greg White and raced 41 yards untouched. Barber's tackling was suspect at the beginning of '07 but has looked like the Barber of old lately. He notched 4 tackles(3 solo) and was very good in coverage allowing the defensive line to do their thing.
...JJC/ABuccsFan

Scouting Department Sleeping?

2007-11-24T01:21:00.001-06:00

Whether you're a Tony Dungy/Dick McKay fan. Our a staunch Jon Gruden/Bruce Allen supporter, the one constant that remains is our player personnel departments are dropping the ball big time. Lets take look at Tampa's drafts dating back to the 1998 draft class and see who remains on the Buccs' roster, and what type of player they are.

1 will designate a good player drafted
2 will designate a serviceable player drafted
U+ will designate undecided yet, with upside
U- will designate undecided yet, not looking good at this time.

1998 - 1 Good player remaining.

2a Jacquez Green
2b Brian Kelly 1
3 Jamie Duncan
4 Todd Washington
5 traded to NY Jets for FB Lorenzo Neal
6a James Cannida
6b Shevin Smith
7 Chance McCarty

1999 - No players remaining

1 Anthony McFarland
2 Shaun King
3 Martin Gramatica
4 Dexter Jackson
5 John McLaughlin
6 Lamarr Glenn
7a Robert Hunt
7b Autry Denson
7c Darnell McDonald

2000 - No players remaining

2 Cosey Coleman
3 Nate Webster
5 James Whalen
6 David Gibson
7 Joe Hamilton

2001 - No players remaining

1 Kenyatta Walker
2nd-round pick to Buffalo
3 Dwight Smith
4 John Howell
5 Russ Hochstein
6a Jameel Cook
6b Ellis Wyms
7a Dauntae` Finger
7b Than Merrill
7c Joe Tafoya

2002 - 1 Good player remaining

3 Marquise Walker
4 Travis Stephens
5 Jermaine Phillips 1
6 John Stamper
7 Tim Wansley
7 Tracey Wistrom
7 Aaron Lockett
7 Zack Quaccia

2003 - 1 serviceable player remaining

2 Dewayne White
3 Chris Simms
4 Lance Nimmo
4 Austin King
5 Sean Mahan
6 Torrie Cox 2

2004 - 3 Serviceable players

1 Michael Clayton 2
3 Marquise Cooper
4 Will Allen 2
5 Jeb Terry
6 Nate Lawrie
7 Mark Jones 2
7 Casey Cramer
7 Lenny Williams

2005 - 2 Good players, 2 serviceable players, and 1 undecided remaining

1 Carnell Williams 2
2 Barrett Ruud 1
3 Alex Smith 1
3 Chris Colmer
4 Dan Buenning 2
5 Donte Nicholson
5 Larry Brackins
6 Anthony Bryant
7 Rick Razzano
7 Paris Warren U+
7 Hamza Abdullah
7 J.R. Russel

2006 - 2 good players, 3 undecided players 1 with upside and 2 not looking good remaining

1 Davin Joseph 1
2 Jeremy Trueblood 1
3 Maurice Stovall U+
4 Alan Zemaitis U-
5 Julian Jenkins
6 Bruce Gradkowski U-
6 T.J. Williams
7 Justin Phinisee
7 Charles Bennett
7 Tim Massaquo

The 2007 class is just too green to make a decision on. Tanard Jackson looks like a future star, but we'll skip this year's for now.

That leaves us with 6 good players, 6 serviceable players out of the 74 players drafted since 1998. You be the judge.
...JJC/ABuccsFan

Money to Burn...No One to Burn it On

2007-11-24T01:20:00.001-06:00

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers face a salary cap situation like they haven't faced in over a decade. Thanks to the shrewd business dealings of General Manager Bruce Allen, the Buccaneers find themselves way below the salary cap limit with a hefty surplus on money to burn. The last figure I had heard, and may have been adjusted, was more than $15 million cap space. With the trade deadline come and gone a week ago, there really isn't anyone to spend money on outside the current roster unless Bruce signs a free agent. At this point in the season, if someone is unemployed, it's for a damn good reason. But with the players on the Buccs' 53 man roster dropping like flies, the team may very well look to some of these gentlemen standing in the unemployment line and hope to catch lightning in a bottle. Even if the Buccs travel down this path, there is no way they will find enough quality to spend all that money on.

So who else can they spend on? Well they can spend that cash to restructure contracts and give extensions to deserving players already on the roster. Who is worthy of a raise or an extension at this point in time? I'm really not sure. Derrick Brooks is on his last contract hopefully, and will soon retire. Derrick has shown some flashes of brilliance this season, but to anyone who has followed the Buccs and Derrick for the last decade plus it's clear that his time in the NFL is coming to an end. Joey Galloway seems to have beaten the sands of time with his play the last 3 seasons, but with his age, injury history and recent contract restructure, would it be wise to give him and extension? I don't think that would be a smart move at all. Ronde Barber just got and extension not too long ago, and his play has been shoddy at times and sporadic. Ronde used to be one of the squad's surest tacklers, but this season he looks like the farmers kids trying to chase a greased pig around the farm yard. Even when he does get a hold of his opponents, they seem to slip right out of his arms. Spires? No way. His play has fallen off dramatically this season and one could argue he doesn't deserve his current contract let alone a new one. You have a list of young kids still playing off their rookie contracts, and seeing as how almost the entire 2002, 2003 and 2004 draft classes have been less than spectacular, or not even with the team anymore that leaves only one player I can think of worthy of an extension, and that's Jermaine Phillips.

So now we take a look at recent free agents brought into from other teams that maybe deserving of an extension. Garcia was signed for 2 years, and at his age and reckless playing style, I can't imagine it to be good business to extend his contract at least until the middle of the 2008 season. His play this season has been nothing short of spectacular, but for a player at his age he could slam into that wall at anytime even though he has not showed any signs of slowing down. Askew looks to be one of the better free agent acquisitions this off season, and as his role has been increasing due to the injuries that have hit the running back position, he appears to be a guy we should hold onto for a long time. Askew though was signed to a multi year deal already, so at this time it wouldn't be wise to resign him either. Chris Hovan just got an extension, and June is working on the first year of a 3 year deal. Brian Kelly is a player who has often been mentioned as being deserving of a contract extension. There were even rumors this off season that he would be a contract holdout. Those rumors proved to be false, and Kelly showed up on time to the first day of training camp. With Kelly's recent history of injuries problems seemingly becoming a chronic problem as opposed to isolated incidents, giving Kelly the big raise he once deserved almost seems foolish at this point. If Kelly is willing to take an incentive laden contract with playing time bonuses, that may be the way to go. Phillip Buchanon was signed to a one year deal, and with the increased playing time he has received in Kelly's absence, has certainly earned an extension. He's still a young guy, and has the skills to play cornerback for a handful more years. The Buccs need to make it a priority to sign P-Buc to an extension.

I may be leaving some players out, as I took this info off the top of my head. But at this time we have a lot of money to spend, and only 2 players deserving of a contract extension, and another deserving of an incentive laced deal. The Glazers aren't hurting for money, but they get several extra million dollars of unpaid salary this season to put back in the safe. Too bad the NFL's salary cap isn't like Cingular Wireless, and we could roll over our minutes......errr millions.
...JJC/ABuccsFan

Spotlight: Donald Penn

2007-11-24T01:19:00.001-06:00

After the Buccs game vs. the Indianapolis Colts, many Buccs fans had differing opinions as to how Donald Penn performed in his first NFL start. I knew what I thought of his performance after my first viewing of the game, so I was somewhat baffled to read some of the critique by others on various fan message boards. I wanted to go back and re-evaluate after a couple days. What I did was review the first half of the game, watched each play Penn was on the field multiple times, in some instances frame by frame to get a better idea. The format is as follows: The bold numbers are the possession by the Buccs offense. The letter next to it is the grade I gave Penn for that possession. The Italic numbers represent the play, and not the down.

1st:A
1st - Nice cut block on Freeney, takes him out of the play. Garcia completes pass.
2nd - Run right, Penn non-factor
3rd - Penn stonewalled DT, as Freeny made a looping stunt. Sacked by Rocky Boiman, Freeney gets credit with 1/2 sack.

2nd:B
1st - Chipped Freeney advanced to second level to engage LB
2nd - Freeney makes tackle on Pittman for a loss. Penn engaged nicely, and a hole was there if Pittman cut inside.
3rd - Blocked Freeney effectively, kept him away from Garcia, completes pass.

3rd:A
1st - Penn blocked Freeney effectively. Dwight, inside spin move, Penn rode him inside. Inside was clogged up, so freeney looped outside and Penn rode him out.
2nd - Penn double teamed DT with Sears as Freeney tired another loop stunt. No penetration from left side.
3rd - Freeney lines up very wide. Taken by Alex Smith, passed off to Pittman. Penn double teams DT with Sears.

4th:B
1st - Entire O-line down blocks, gets 4 yard push. Penn blocks DT.
2nd - Penn stops Freeney's outside move. Gets beat with a spin inside. Garcia gets the ball off in time.
3rd - (Freeney out for a rest)Quick strike pass, neither player a factor.
4th - Not sure what the blocking assignments were on this play, seems to have been a breakdown somewhere. Sears pulls right. Penn steps inside to close gap between he and Wade, then tries to engage DE with cut block. Penn whiffs being too far away from the DE, but he's a non-factor being a run to the right.
5th - (Freeney re-enters)Freeney loops way inside, Penn stonewalls DT.
6th - Freeney takes outside first step, quickly changes direction and again loops inside. Penn double teams DT with Sears.
7th - Penn downblocks DT, Smith downblocks Freeney.
8th - Garcia rolls right, away from Penn. Freeney takes an outside angle, then spins inside. Tough to tell if Penn falls or intentionally cut blocks Freeney, but either way it has the same effect in neutralizing Freeney.
9th - Entire line downblocks right, Garcia rolls out right TD pass to Smith.

5th:A
1st - Inside dive Penn and Freeney non factors.
2nd - Freeney is lined up so wide to the left, he's not Penn responsibility at this time. Freeney chipped by Smith, passed off to Graham as Smith goes out for pass in the flat. Penn flows to the outside behind Graham looking to pick up Freeney if he beats Graham.
3rd - Again Freeney lined up so wide he's not Penn's responsibility. Penn chips DT and leaves him for Sears. Penn awaits pressure and flows to the outside protecting Garcia's blind side.

**it was between these last two plays that Moose Johnston was commenting on Penn needing help from a TE and a RB to neutralize Freeney. That simply was not the case during the first half, and Freeney had 1/2 sack and 1 tackle the entire first half. It's these comments that lead me to believe where the opinion of Penn playing poorly came from. Freeney doesn't record another tackle for the rest of the game.
...JJC/ABuccsFan

11-5 or 12-4....Realistic?

2007-11-24T01:18:00.000-06:00

Here the Buccs are 3 and 2 after a devastating ass beating at the hands of the World Champions. The worst is over. What looked to be an easy schedule last Spring, appears easier than anticipated with the injuries to Jake Delhomme, Alex Smith and the ostracizing of the K-9 Killer. With four of the next six games to be played at home in the friendly confines of Raymond James Stadium, it would appear the Cardinals, Jaguars and Redskins are their toughest opponents. Jason Campbell looks to be the toughest QB they'll face during that stretch, with Jacksonville bringing the toughest defense, and the Cardinals bringing the most complete offense. All six games are very winnable, and even allowing for one slip up, 5 wins would put this team at 8-3 heading down the stretch into December.

When was the last time Tampa was heading into December boasting an 8 - 3 record? 2002. The NFC South Division is ripe for the picking, and the Buccs have the talent to do it, even with the recent injuries to Petitgout, Carnell Williams and Mike Pittman. The next two tough tests heading into December will be Houston who seems to be playing well under the guidance of Matt Schaub, and an away game in New Orleans. The Saints have too much talent to keep losing, and sooner or later, if they haven't already, will reach a point when they have nothing to lose and play with freedom from pressure. Without the pressure of living up to the pre season expectations, New Orleans could be a dangerous team. I still can't see the Pewter Pirates losing to them with a depleted O-line, and the loss of Duece McAllister. If the Buccs can survive the annual late season West Coast let down, they could be staring their second 12-4 finish under Gruden, and only the second 12-4 record in the franchises history, right in the face.

So which team shows up during the latter part of the season? The team that forcefully steamrolled their way to a 3-1 start, or the team that "didn't" show up against the Colts? Maybe the Colts game sends a wake up call to the team, and slaps a reality check on them. Either way, this team has a legit shot at earning a 12-4 record and being crowned NFC South Champions for the third time in the division's six year existence. Will injuries be their only obstacle?
...JJC/ABuccsFan

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly! Colts

2007-11-24T01:17:00.000-06:00

The Good

Jeff Garcia - Jeff has been nothing short of amazing for this team. His uncanny knack for sensing pressure and his ability to escape that pressure has been on display all season long. Garcia extended his streak to five games of not tossing an interception. I'm not sure of the stats, but that is either a Buccaneer team record, or he's closing in on one. Jeff and the offense weren't on the field much today as the Colts methodically marched down the field for some very long, time consuming drives today, so his stats aren't going to jump off the page at you. 18 of 23 for 143 yards and 2 TD's. Not glaringly impressive, but as stated before no INT's with a very respectable 79% completion ratio and a QB rating of 121.6....that is impressive against a very good Colt defense.

Alex Smith - Alex wasn't going to be confused with Dallas Clark today with only 2 receptions for 6 yards. Although those 2 catches couldn't have come at better times. Alex seemed to get open when Jeff needed him to at the most important part of the field, inside the red zone. Smith responsible for all 14 of Tampa's points lands him on the good list this week.

Tanard Jackson - Tanard Jackson is becoming a mainstay on this weekly feature. This kid's tenacity and intensity is unmatched. He plays with such a sense of urgency and reckless abandon it just has to be admired. His downright punking of one of the better TE's in the league, Dallas Clark, has to have made a statement. Future opponents will take notice when watching game film the week before their match-ups with the Buccs. Sooner or later the anticipation of what Tanard might do, will affect the play of WR's and TE facing the Buccs defense. Just when it looked like the game was about to get away, Jackson changed momentum toward the Buccs' favor with his interception right after his bone jarring, teeth shattering hit. TJ is making a difference on defense.

The Bad

Joey Galloway - Joey took a page out of Clayton's book today, and caught a case of the dropsies. The Joey Galloway I saw out there today was unlike anything I have ever seen from him before. Just when Jackson turned momentum toward the Buccs' favor, Joey gave it right back when he dropped a sure 3rd down conversion forcing the Buccs to punt, allowoing the Colts to get the ball back with enough time to get another 3 points via field goal before retiring to the locker room for halftime.

Gaines Adams - No one is expecting miracles out of Gaines, but fans are expecting improvement. He had a great PAT block, but that one point obviously didn't make any difference in the score. He totaled 4 tackles, but got nowhere near Manning. Personally I was expecting a breakout game as he was facing fellow rookie picked 42nd overall in round 2, Tony Ugoh. Ugoh won this battle of rookies, just riding Gaines outside past Mannning as he took a wide angle toward the QB. I refuse to judge Gaines at this point in his career, but I must admit I'm becoming worried.

Barber/Buchanon - The New England Patriots drew up the blue print on how to beat the Colts a few years ago. I thought we had the men to duplicate that plan and slow down Manning and company. To slow down the Colts passing game, you have to get up to the line of scrimmage and smack these WR's in the mouth, knock them off their routes and screw up their timing. A lot of people think manning has all day to throw the football, but in fact most of hi passes are out of his hand so quick, even the best defensive pass rush is ineffective. It is vital to mess up the timing between he and his WR's and make him double clutch to give your defensive linemen time to get in his face. Barber and Buchanon provided such a cushion that it seemed like Wayne and Gonzalez weren't even breaking a sweat. To beat Manning and the Colts, you have to abuse his WR's in the first 5 yards, and we didn't do that today.

The Ugly

Jon Gruden - I won't even begin to try and blame Jon for the players not showing up, and looking down right scared out there today. Brooks and Tanard were the only two players that didn't look intimidated today. I won't even blame Jon for being thin at the RB position, as injuries are not his fault. What did drive me crazy today, and what I will hold him accountable for, were the run plays he called. You can only play with what you got, and all John had was Graham. With that being said, you have to call plays that take advantage of your player's strengths and exploit your opponents weaknesses. You have a guy that is a mediocre RB who's strength is running North/South. You're playing a defense that is susceptible to a bruising runner who runs North/South and who is also missing a starting DT in Booger McFarland. But instead, we tried to run laterally today with a slow lumbering Graham against a defense that is just as fast as ours from sideline to sideline. Graham had 6 carries for 11 yards with a long of 9. That's right, the one time we ran right at them, he got 9 yards. On the other hand, he averaged 0.4 yards per carry trying to run outside the tackles. That's unacceptable to me.
...JJC/ABuccsFan

Folk Hero?

2007-11-24T01:15:00.000-06:00

Carnell "Cadillac" Williams is like folklore. All these fictitious things that have been passed down from generation to generation. Such things as, "homerun threat" or "able to make people miss" or "elite." I've also heard he can chop down 1000 trees with one swing of his ax. That he captured a tornado with a lasso. Is it true he's faster than a speeding bullet, and able to leap a tall field goal post in a single bound?

These are the cold hard facts. These runners' offensive lines are struggling right now. A problem we have had in the past, but certainly not having this season.

Larry Johnson - 263 yards
Ladanian Tomlinson - 262
Frank Gore - 254
Steven Jackson - 233
Warrick Dunn - 222

Carnell Williams - 208

All the runners listed above are playing on teams that have been losing and had to revert to the passing game to play catch up. Steven Jackson and Larry Johnson's lines are beyond disgraceful, Jackson missed a game due to injury and Johnson was limited in his touches by Herm Edwards early on because of his holdout. They still have more yards than our Carnell Williams who was on a team that for 4 quarters against the Saints and Rams ran the hell out of the ball in the 2nd halves. The Buccs fans with the homer blinders on want so much to believe that we have an elite franchise back, that they are oblivious to what they have been watching for 3 years. He came into the league with a burst of thunder and the sparks of lightening. He broke a record, his shoes and gloves found their way in to the NFL Hall of Fame and the legend of Cadillac Williams grew. He's like a good fish tail.
...JJC/ABuccsFan

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly! Panthers

2007-11-24T01:14:00.000-06:00

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

Ladies and Gentlemen.......

2007-11-24T01:13:00.000-06:00

.....we have an offensive line. All they are going to do is get better. The maturation process is fun to watch, especially after games like the Rams game today. Joseph and Sears are well on their way to establishing themselves, but Trueblood has been under scrutiny and his talent has been in question. He jumped leaps and bounds today with a game MVP type performance. His pass blocking was above average today, and his run blocking was off the charts.

Davin was his usual self, just blowing up defensive linemen, and de-cleating linebackers. When I see Joseph pulling around the end, I cringe in fear for the poor defender that is about to be crushed. One of the biggest things I love about Joseph, is he is always looking for someone to hit. He'll hit anyone within striking distance until the whistle blows. I love when there is a pile of tacklers gang tackling our guys, and there is always some unsuspecting defender hanging around watching his teammates try to bring down the ball carrier when all of a sudden he's just bashed into oblivion.

John Wade had his best game in three years. While I consider him the biggest weakness on our offensive line, some think the Center position is not important and will play up to the level of the Guards around him. That's certainly possible, but I'm not buying it. I'm tending to lean more toward his knee being 100% finally. With that being said, if Wade can elevate his game to match today's performance for the rest of the season, our run game may be unstoppable inside.

Aaron Sears, probably our best draft choice in two years. This kid like a raging elephant. I tend to liken Joseph to a Rhino because he's faster, Sears is large and unstoppable when he gets off the line. He can move for a big boy too, when he gets out in front to lead block. He's like a stone wall in pass protection. I'd like to see him concentrate better to avoid false start penalties, but this kid is on his way to stardom along with his other Guardmate.

Luke Petitgout is only edged out by Cato June as our best free agent acquisition. He's given us something we haven't had at the left tackle position since Paul Gruber. He's a better pass protector than a run blocker, which ironically was the case with Gruber also. But he has solidified, at least for the short term, a continual weakness.

If today was a glimpse of the future, even the immediate future once our young guys learn the ropes, and the unit gels as a whole, they will be unstoppable. They face a tough test next week in Carolina, and this will be a nice defensive unit to gauge their progress. Another performance like today, and the Panthers will be looking up at us in the standings early on.

Petitgout___Sears___Wade___Joseph___Trueblood..........I love these guys.
...JJC/ABuccsFan

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly! Rams

2007-11-24T01:12:00.000-06:00

The Good

Jeremy Trueblood - T-Blood was a beast today. We witnessed a growth spurt first hand in Jeremy's progress. To see that big boy get his body out there in space pulling to lead block was an awesome sight to watch. He did that on a few occasions today, and when he locked onto his target he hit him. Many times you will see big linemen get out there in space and most of the time they miss the block, but still achieve their directive because they got in the way of a would be tackler. Not today, not Jeremy, he was blowing guys up at the second level and paved the way for some huge runs. His pass protection needs work, but he did a good job in that area too today handling his men for most of the game.

Jeff Garcia - I don't know where to begin. Jeff looks like he was created in a laboratory by some mad scientist specifically designed and engineered to play in the West Coast Offense. What an uncanny knack he possesses for hanging in the pocket until a millisecond before it's time to leave. Instinctively knowing when to escape, is what has me dropping my jaw for 3 weeks now. I wasn't for or against the Garcia acquisition. I thought he could help this team this season, but saw no future beyond this season and thought that was a waste of time for I didn't think this was a playoff caliber team. It's looking like I may have been dead wrong. The offensive line is continuing to progress and gel, and Jeff's presence has this team looking like a playoff contender after 3 weeks. The offensive play calling was suspect at times, but Jeff made it work. Oh, and how about that block on Caddy's cut back?

Tanard Jackson - I'm not sure if anyone has been paying attention closely to this column and has noticed that this will be 3 for 3 for Jackson making the good list. Have I fallen in love with Tanard, or do you agree he has belonged here 3 weeks in a row? Please if you read this, let me know I'm curious. Now to the game. Again Jackson was flying around making plays on defense and special teams. The opening kickoff he was a blur right off the screen forcing the returner right into Black. The guy was laying down some punishment today, coming up a plugging holes in the run game and making wide receivers pay for catching the ball next to him. I counted four times TJ made a nice play and the TV commentators gave Phillips the credit for it. At one point after a nice hard jack, the TV analyst said Phillips has been an enforcer in the run game. It was right after Tanard cranked Steven Jackson, so I'm assuming TJ should be credited for that comment. When are you buying your Tanard Jackson jersey?
Honorable Mention - Barrett Ruud, Phillip Buchannon, Cato June

The Bad

Derrick Brooks - I'm not going to argue with the fans who can't let go of aging players who's games have clearly regressed. Early in the game, Derrick totally whiffed on 3 tackles running right by Steven Jackson within the first 5 minutes of the game. One miss he did get an arm on him(snicker). Now I will admit he did some good things today. As a defense you have to set the tone early. If Brooks makes those tackles, it probably changes the complexion of the game as far as the play calling. Instead, St. Louis stayed with the run and eventually wore down the defense, and allowed Jackson to eclipse the century mark for the first time this season. I have no problem with Derrick being a situational player, but Black has to get more time while he has Derrick there to tutor him. Oh, what's up with the late hit Derrick?

Cadillac Williams - 12 rushes for 46 yards with a 3.8 ypc avg. Those numbers aren't bad, what's bad is another fumble, only 1 reception and some pretty horrible pass blocking. He's like a pesky mosquito when the defense comes charging in. They just swat him aside, or just leap over him. At this point I could accept his weaknesses in other area if he were ripping of 4.5 yards per carry and slashing defenses like the elite back we thought we were getting. When do we push the panic button with Caddy?

The Ugly

Michael Clayton - This is a quote of mine from a post on PewterKrew.com's fan forum earlier in the week.
"I gave up on Clayton. But watching the hit he laid on that Safety last week against the Saints has sparked a renewed sense of hope in me. I will be rooting hard for him this weekend, I hope he doesn't let me down."
Well he let me down. That pass from Garcia that literally hit him right in the numbers was inexcusable. Then he gets a chance to redeem himself, and he coughs up the ball after passing the first down marker. Let's not even talk about the piano he was carrying on his back on those end arounds. I'm sorry Mike, I love your hard nosed attitude when blocking down field, but I just can't wait around for you anymore. Time to move on.
...JJC/ABuccsFan

Why Even Play the Games? Buccs Win South!

2007-11-24T01:11:00.000-06:00

In 2002 the NFL world was turned upside down...or some would say right side up. With the expansion of the 32nd NFL franchise Houston Texans came balance. Re-alignment would follow, and our beloved Buccs would find them selves out of the old Black and Blue division and into what was now being dubbed the NASCAR division. Personally, I'm not a NASCAR fan so I hate that nickname, but born was the NFC South division.

Not one game had even been played yet, and the newly formed NFC South was already labeled as the weakest division in the NFL. With the inhabitants of this new division an argument could hardly be made. Long time losers New Orleans Saints who's fans hid their faces in paper bags would grace this group along with the hapless Atlanta Falcons another team on the fast track to nowhere. Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers brought some respectability to the division with both teams participating in the NFC Championship Game the previous decade. Still though, Carolina was a recent expansion team themselves, and the Buccaneers who will always have the reputation for being one of the worst teams ever in the NFL. Fair or not, that is the case.

Soon though the NFC South would stake their claim as one of the best divisions in the NFL. Wasting no time at all, the South put forth the first SuperBowl Champion in the new re-alignment era, our very own Buccaneers. The following year in 2003 the South would once again be represented in the SuperBowl by the Carolina Panthers. Although not victorious, they represented the Division honorably. The 2004 NFC Championship Game would find the South's Atlanta Falcons battling the Philadelphia Eagles for the right to represent the NFC in the SuperBowl. Although the Falcons came up short, the success of the NFC South had to be noticed. Rarely now did you hear the South being referred to as the NASCAR division anymore. The following two years boasted more of the same NFC South dominance. 2005 the Panthers found their way into the NFC Championship game, followed by the New Orleans Saints in 2006. Five years post re-alignment, five NFC South representatives in the NFC Championship game.

Can anyone laugh anymore? Can anyone make fun of the NFC South anymore? Sure they could, but they'd just make themselves look stupid. The NFC South is a force to be reckoned with, and other team's better take notice, respect it, and come prepared on game day.

While all this success is taking place for the South, something else very interesting is also happening at the same time. Some may know, and others may not even have realized what was going on. In 2002 the Buccaneers were the first place team, and the Panthers were the last place team. The following year, the Panthers were the first place team and the Falcons were the last place team. Again 2004 would serve more of the same. The previous year's last place Falcons would take first place in the South and drop Tampa all the way to the basement. Sure enough, 2005 comes along and the Buccs climb out from the basement and over the backs of the Saints, Panthers and Falcons to stake their claim atop the South, and the Saints would find themselves in the dungeon. Finally it's the Saints turn. Previously in last place, the Saints shock the world with their number one ranked offense and find themselves at the top of the South. What an unusual pattern. Since the inception of the NFC South, every season's last place team finds themselves winning the division the next year. It's astounding to me how these crazy things happen sometime.

Well it's 2007 and the South's last place team last year was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Will this pattern stop? Can this unusual pattern stop? Surely it can't go on forever. Is it destiny's way of giving a little taste of success to each team in the division, the division that was called losers before they even got a chance to play a game as members of their new division? I'm a very superstitious person, and I believe in the quirky situations life brings us every once in a while. For that reason, I expect the Buccs to win the NFC South in 2007. It's their turn. The Saints, Panthers and Falcons don't stand a chance against fate. Fate always wins, and judging by fate's history, so will the Buccs. Why even bother playing the games.
...JJC/ABuccsFan

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly! Saints

2007-11-24T01:09:00.000-06:00

The format of this weekly article is to praise 3 good players, point out 3 bad players, and expose the player who had the ugliest performance of the game. With the results and performance of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers versus the Saints, it's impossible to follow this format this week. I'm going to have to fly by the seat of my pants this week.

The Unbelievable - Joey Galloway...what else can be said about this guy. After and injury plagued beginning to his career, this guy is like a fine wine. He's getting better with age. Watching Joey blaze down the field leaving kids 2/3 his age in his wake made me think of Julio Franco. For those of you not baseball fans, Franco is a guy that has played baseball at a competitive level deep into his late 40's. The violence of the sport of football would never allow that, but one has to wonder after watching Galloway today, just how long will he play.

The Awesome - Barrett Ruud...wow Ruud is the real deal. I thought he played well last week at Seattle. He had his critics last week, for what reason I couldn't understand. This week however though, he gave every Buccs fans hope and proof that there will be life after Shelton Quarels. Ruud was instinctive, attacking, smart and explosive in his play today. He caused 3 fumbles in the first 5 minutes of play, and was laying some serious lumber. Plenty of Saints won't forget #51 after today.

The Great - Jeff Garcia...was on target today. He was hitting his receivers between the numbers, hitting guys in stride and creating plays when the pocket did break down. Jeff's passes were crisp, strong and accurate. He showed complete control of the offense and game plan, and played flawlessly. Ig he and galloway can stay healthy for a couple more years, the future could be bright.

The Good - A:Offensive line...Garcia was hit once today. Hit, not sacked...hit. That is so fulfilling as a fan to watch after the performances of our O-line for the past decade. They did have a few breakdowns, which was to be expected. Saints front 7 is no bush league group. Trueblood was pancaking people, Joseph and Sears were blowing their guys 5 yards off the line, and wade held his own. The fact that Smith finished sackless says all you need to know about how Petitgout performed.
B:Cadillac Williams...played hard today wearing a "homemade" rib protection contraption made by Trainer Todd Torcilli. Caddy showed no ill effects from last week's rib injury, and ran hard all day long. He started off slow, and the production wasn't there starting off with 7 yards on 7 carries. As the game wore on Caddy's production increased. Caddy has a reputation of getting stronger as the game goes on, and that was on display today. Caddy found the endzone for the first time in 209 carries, and followed that up with an encore TD later in the game.
C:Cato June....this dude flies around the field like he's on roller skates. One has to wonder why the Colts let this guy go. He recorded the first interception of his Buccaneer career, and along with Ruud was laying down some punishment today. With some crazy good defensive picks in this year's draft, and June still being a young guy, this defense has a good future ahead of them.
D:Tanard Jackson...first two games of this kid's young career and he has seriously impressed. The most exciting part about him is the fact that his game still has room for improvement. Jackson has showed good grasp of the defense, quickness, confidence and a knack for laying some smack. All you heard today was the smacking of helmets and pads today by the defense and TJ was a big part of that. His play on special teams makes this kid so valuable right now. What a steal in the 4th round.
E:Defensive line....the entire defensive line and the replacements kept Brees off balance and with happy feet today. Words can't explain the excitement I got watching guys like Haye, Peterson and White making splash plays. Adams had another batted pass, and Hovan was clogging the running lanes as usual. Was New Orleans O-line that bad or are we Bucc fans in for a real treat with these yound D-linemen.

The Ugly - ABuccsFan....my total and complete psychological breakdown last week after a horrible performance at Seattle was pretty funny. After waiting nine months for football and monitoring the Buccs all offseason on a daily basis, one comes to expect good things. I thought the offensive performance last week was inexcusable. It was very refreshing watching today what Garcia has to offer this offense. Now if the Buccs can achieve what they're capable of for the rest of the season, they may keep me from being admitted to an Insane Asylum. Anybody have any Prozac they can loan me?
...JJC/ABuccsFan

It Was Just One Game!!

2007-11-24T01:08:00.000-06:00

Honestly, the people who make this proclamation must have not been paying attention for the last 5 years. Gruden has coached this team for 81 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 81 games?

Only 19 games under John Gruden has the offense scored 3 or more TD's in a game.
Yet 62 games his offense has only scored 2 or less TD's
Of those 62, 15 times his offense has scored ZERO TD's.

IT"S NOT JUST ONE GAME PEOPLE!!!!! Open your eyes.
JJC/ABuccsFan

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly! Seahawks

2007-11-24T01:06:00.000-06:00

The Good

Barrett Ruud - Barrett Ruud was all over the field today making tackles and big hits. He was deciphering plays and messing up plays in the backfield. He was laying some lumber too. There were questions surrounding Ruud, a lot of fans weren't sure if he could succeed The "Q." Those question won't be answered after one week, but it certainly was a good start.

Tanard Jackson - Tanard Jackson missed a big tackle on Shaun Alexander the turned into a 1st down, but that one play can't bring down what was a great display by a rookie in his first NFL game. Jackson had a huge ST tackle showing great speed anfd hustle getting down field and being the first player to the ball. He was hitting people hard on ST and defense all day. Other than once, he showed sure tackling ability. Let's hope he can build off this game and continue to progress.

Aaron Sears - Sears was a wall today. He showed nice burst off the line, and I could almost feel the DE-linemen's bones vibrate every time Sears hit them. Aaron showed quickness I didn't expect on plays where he pulled around. He zeroed in on his target and put a lot of meat on them. Another great start to another rookie's career. Keep up the good work Sears.

The Bad

Derrick Brooks - It's just one game, but it certainly looks like Brooks' time has come and gone. Brooks' career was built on speed, instincts and sure tackling. I'm sure the instincts are still there, but he is a step short on a consistent basis. When he does make it to the ball carrier on time, he can't make the sure tackle anymore. He bounces off ball carriers, and sometimes doesn't even slow them down. Brooks once one of the best and hardest tacklers in the league has fallen from grace slowly over the last three seasons. It may be time to move on. While covering Maurice Morris on a deep pass, Derrick looked like an Alzheimer's patient wandering outside a nursing home. With the ball traveling deep toward the sideline, Brooks began drifting infield toward the hash marks????

Davin Joseph - This one pains me personally. Davin Joseph has taken the place of Mike Alstott as my favorite Tampa Bay Buccaneer. I have very high expectations of DJ, and I was bothered by what I saw today. I'm not going to jump off any tall buildings, with Joseph having the responsibility of blocking one of the game's premier D-lineman, but he wasn't sustaining his blocks as long as he needed to, and was plagued by mental mistakes. This has to be DJ's worst game in his short career. The penalties are unacceptable.

Carnell Williams - Caddy! Oh Caddy did your mother not give you any milk to drink growing up? Hurt again!!! Even before he was injured he appeared to be hesitant to hit the hole with authority. He danced around, and a few times holes that were there, albeit not long closed by the time Caddy danced to the line. Add to that, another fumble. He's a young kid with a world of talent, but he needs to stay healthy and get his head on right.

The Ugly

Jon Gruden's Offense - Again it's only one game, but one of the biggest things I was looking for the Buccs to accomplish this season was improving it's overall offensive production. That was very far from happening today. Buccs didn't sniff the endzone, had way too many short drives, and were shut out for 3 quarters of football. Jon has his QB now, and the offense has to get better as the season goes along or this could be his last in Tampa.
...JJC/ABuccsFan

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly! Jaguars

2007-11-24T01:05:00.000-06:00

The Good

Jeff Garcia - Garcia displayed the athleticism and escape ability every Buccs fans was hoping for when he signed with the Buccs way back in March. On one particular play early in the game, Jeff was caught in the cross hairs of a looping DE who stunted with the DT. He ran through the line untouched and hit Garcia. Somehow Jeff stayed on his feet and escaped the pocket. Only Jeff and the defensive end were the only two people to know Jeff hadn't been brought down. The live crowd, the viewing audience and the commentators were all fooled on that play. Jeff went 6 of 6 for 43 yards and 1 TD. Jeff's eyes are always focused down field looking to make a play when he vacates the pocket. That was certainly evident on his lone touchdown play when he was inches from going out of bounds, but found an open David Boston in the end zone and delivered the ball. When Garcia is under center, opposing defenders better know the play is over until the ref blows the whistle.

Tanard Jackson - Tanard Jackson was a man possessed Saturday night. He was a man on a mission. A man who has set his sights on making the Buccaneers' 53 man roster, and it appears he's not going to let anyone stand in his way. Jackson could be seen all over the field the other night, simply put, making plays. He defensed two touchdown passes in the end zone, and tripped up Labrandon Toefield behind the line of scrimmage not allowing him to get any steam as Toefield lunged for the end zone. Every pile of bodies in the middle of the field, you could be sure Tanard was somewhere inside it. He played with a sense of urgency, and a sense of purpose. He keeps playing like that, and he'll make the final roster cuts no sweat.

Aaron Sears - Aaron Sears was flat out mauling people in Jacksonville. The Jaguar defense is widely known as having one of, if not the best front seven in all of the National Football League. That did not intimidate, nor did it stop Sears from making a serious case to justify Tampa drafting him early in round 2 in April 2007, just in case there still are some doubters out there. Sears made one mistake that I saw, and that was on a defensive end stunt when DE looped around the defensive tackle. That assuredly can be chalked up to a rookie mistake, that will surely be looked at during film session this week. Other than that one play, Sears played a perfect game. As good as his book end Guard Davin Joseph is, it would appear that Sears is much further along in his development than Joseph was at this point last season. Get used to the name Sears, he's going to be around a long time.

The Bad

Ryan Nece - I included Nece in the bad category this week, because of three plays. I realize Ryan is learning a new position, but for a guy with his ability, experience and knowledge of the system, I feel there is no excuse for the tackles he totally whiffed on. Nece tied three other defenders with 5 tackles on the night to top the list. Unfortunately with 3:16 left in the 1st half, Greg Jones takes the handoff straight up the middle, then breaks to the outside. Nece unblocked has a great angle on Jones and just misses him. On the very next play at 2:31 on Toefield's touchdown run, Nece appears to have a good angle of pursuit but either misjudges or slows up thinking Toefield is going to make a move as #22 runs right by him on his way into the end zone. With 0:23 on the clock, Toefield takes the ball right up the gut behind the lead of his fullback. Sure the FB got an arm on him, but I would hardly call it a block. Nece gets pushed aside, and Labrandon follows right behind to the 3 yard line. Nece has to take that block head on, and hold his ground. Either shed that blocker and make the play, or at the very least make the RB have to slow up go around his blocking FB, and maybe help arives. I expect better from Nece.

Torrie Cox - Like Nece, Cox ends up on this list because of two plays. Two plays that in my mind are unacceptable as members of the Tampa Buccaneers defense. A defense predicated on sound tackling was let down on consecutive plays by Torrie. At 0:14 in the 2nd quarter after a time out taken by Jacksonville, Garrard passes to the right, just outside the end zone to Matt Jones. Cox drops his head and tries to tackle the huge Jones using just a shoulder. While Cox does force Jones backwards, Matt is still on his feet and lunges toward the pylon for what would have been a touchdown had he not stepped out of bounds by a fraction of a inch. On the very next play with 0:08 left in the half, Garrard drops back and as the pocket collapses from the outside in, David takes off through a seem up the middle. Cox meets Garrard at the goal line, and has a clean shot at him. Torrie again drops his head, as if to see if his shoe is untied, and Garrard runs right by him into the end zone. This type of play coming from a five year pro who has issues off the field is unacceptable. Look for Torrie to be cut if Zemaitis can improve and continue his development.

Julian Jenkins - There really is no way to say this nicely. Jenkins was pushed around like the nerdy kid in the school yard Saturday night. If Julian wasn't being stonewalled and kept out of the back field on passing plays, he was being driven back five to seven yards on running plays. It was a horrible display, and I don't expect Jenkins to make is past the first round of cuts.

The Ugly

Josh Bidwell - Wow! What can you say about a Pro Bowl punter going into the 9th season of his career and has two punts, one for 28 yards and one for 32 yards? Both giving the Jaguars exceptional field position that eventually led to two touchdowns. Josh, I'm sorry but Saturday you were ugly!!!
...JJC/ABuccsFan

Rivers or Rice?

2007-11-24T01:04:00.000-06:00

There was a frequenter of a Buccaneer fan forum that went by the screen moniker of Radioman. Radioman claimed to be a retired radio personality who was privy to inside NFL information with numerous inside contacts. Prior to the 2005 trade deadline, Radioman had informed the public of a supposed trade in the works that would send Simeon Rice to San Diego in exchange for Phillip Rivers, which would allow the Chargers to relieve themselves of a hefty early round QB draft pick's salary, and give them the financial freedom they would need to re-sign their own free agent to be, QB Drew Brees.

I remember at the time this rumor circulated, many Buccs fans were up in arms declaring how trading away Rice and receiving Rivers in return was a bad deal for the Buccs, and how they hoped it wouldn't come to fruition. Looking back, as hindsight is always 20/20 I wonder how many of those same fans would give their left nut for that trade now? As a fan who never cared for Rice I was one of the very few that was all for it. Even I though, never imagined how lopsided and uneven that trade would have been in favor of the Buccs.

Simeon after a horrible start to the season and injuring his shoulder around week 6, played gimpy for two games before being placed on injured reserve after week 8, and ending his season prematurely. In those eight games Rice did play in, he produce a dismal 2 sacks. Fast forward to 2007 season, and Rice's failure of a pre-training camp physical sent him out the door and to the unemployment line.

Conversely, Rivers helped guide his team to a 14 - 2 record and came within minutes of playing in his first AFC Championship game as a rookie. Sure Rivers rode the coattails of one Ladanian Tomlinson, only the best player in the NFL, but Rivers certainly lent a helping hand and did more than his share. Yes, Rivers was treated with kid gloves for the first part of the year, but very quietly had a productive season. Phillip was in the top half of the NFL averaging 211.8 yards/game. Ranked in the top 7 in QB rating among starters 92.0, and amassed 3388 yards, completing 61.7% of his passes tossing 22 touchdowns and only 9 interceptions. Had those stats by Rivers been performed while wearing a Buccaneer uniform, it would have been one of the best seasons by a Buccaneer QB in the history of the franchise.

Sure Rivers would not have had the same success behind Tampa's offensive line, a line that donated Chris Simms' spleen to science without his permission. But for a franchise that has been searching for a franchise QB for most of it's 31 years of existence, Rivers would have been welcomed with open arms.
...JJC/ABuccsFan

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly! Patriots

2007-11-24T01:03:00.001-06:00

The Good

Ken Darby - Darby stole the show Friday night at the running back position. He showed great balance, good vision, and explosiveness hitting the hole. Ken tallied 84 yards on 15 carries, at a clip of 5.6 yards per carry with a long of 21 yards. While he didn't find the endzone himself, his efforts set up two of Tampa's scoring opportunities. Before the second quarter expired, Darby took over after Graham did most of the bulk work on the drive, but his 7 yard scamper to the New England 11 set up Luke McCown's touchdown pass to Paris Warren to help the Buccs to a 10 - 7 lead. With Lionel Gates and Darby each getting 4 carries a piece in quarter 3, it was the Ken Darby show in the 4th. Albeit weaker competition in the last quarter of the game, Darby seemed to get stronger as the game progressed ripping off 10 carries for 64 yards at 6.4 yards per carry. At 4:30 left in the game, Ken took the role of workhorse and rattled off 7 straight carries taking the Buccs to the Patriot 14 yard line and leaving just 0:03 on the clock setting up Matt Bryant's game winning field goal.

Luke McCown - 7 for 7! What else can you say about that? After having an excellent showing to the start of 2007's training camp, Luke followed that up with a great performance in Friday night's game tossing 7 passes, and completing all of them. He showed nice touch and accuracy on his passes, excellent leadership, good command of the huddle and adequate knowledge of the play book. Couple those attributes with a fine display of scrambling ability, and Luke McCown looks like he has the tools to lead this team in the future, or in the near future if Garcia were to succumb to injury.

Parris Warren - All the rave in training camp has been surrounding Muarice Stovall, but Parris Warren burst onto the scene last week with a vengeance. Warren had four passes throw his way, and he pulled in all of them for 46 yards averaging 11.5 yards per reception with a long of 13 and scored Tampa Bay's only touchdown. Parris looked quick, got nice separation, ran sharp routes all against decent competition as New England mixed and matched their starters and second stringers during part of the second quarter. Bucc fans can look forward to big things from this kid, who just may be the one to push Mike Clayton out the door.

The Bad

Dan Buenning - This one is short and not so sweet. Dan went from being our best O-lineman as the starting Left Guard to being a failed experiment at Center, to third string Left Guard behind Aaron Sears and Anthony Davis. We have been told by team doctor's and officials that his knee is healthy, and he did pass the team's pre-training camp physical. So until told otherwise about his health, I'll have to consider him a player going in the wrong direction.

Derrick Brooks - Like Ronde Barber, Brooks didn't have a poor performance, but when a player sets the bar so high the fans come to expect a certain level of play from a veteran icon. Derrick missed a "gimme" interception opportunity, after it appears to have bounced off his face mask after diving in front of the receiver to make a play on the ball. While he did still defend the pass, he needs to create that turnover. Especially for a player who shares the record for most interceptions returned for touchdown in a season by a Linebacker. Then there was a flash back to last season's Falcons game where Griffith punked DB on his way to the endzone when Sammy Morris trucked Brooks on his way into the endzone for a 2 yard score.

Lionel Gates - Gates is a young RB who most felt wouldn't even make it to training camp after off field legal trouble. The charges were dropped, and Gates showed some quickness and smooth moves in camp. Gates had some fumbles early in camp, then seemed to correct it during week 2 of camp. Well, not only did Gates rush for a putrid 6 yards on 5 carries for 1.2 yard per carry average, but his fumbling problem reappeared late in the 3rd quarter to kill a nice drive by the Buccs. Giving the pats new found momentum, they then drove down the field for the game tying field goal in the 4th quarter.

The Ugly

Ronde Barber - Ronde Barber, an icon of the Buccs' defense. One of the most consistent players to ever step on the grass in Tampa didn't have the worst performance of Friday night, but his efforts were ugly. Ronde has a reputation of being one of the surest tacklers in the league, and for sure one of the best tacklers to ever put on a Buccaneer uniform. With that being said, watching him lose his jock to Kelly Washington after a pass from Matt Cassel to convert a 3rd down on an eventual scoring drive was just too much. Added to two poor attempted tackles when he slipped off of the ball carrier like they were greased pigs was enough for Barber to earn the "ugly" performance of the game.
...JJC/ABuccsFan

Forget 13!... 14, 15, 16 Are Unlucky Numbers for Buccs!

2007-11-24T01:00:00.000-06:00

What's significant about numbers 14, 15 and 16? They are draft positions where the Buccs have drafted some of their worst busts. In 1997 the Buccs drafted Florida wide receiver Reidel Anthony at the sixteenth overall spot. Two years later the Buccs drafted LSU defensive tackle Anthony "Booger" McFarland at the fifteenth spot. Another interesting pattern developing here, that's 1 Florida Gator and 1 LSU Tiger. 2001 came rolling in and and GM Dick McKay traded away our 2nd round pick to the Buffalo Bills for the right move up to the fourteenth spot and draft Florida offensive tackle Kenyatta Walker. In the most recent story of failed expectations, the Buccs drafted at the fifteenth spot overall, LSU wide receiver Michael Clayton.

What is significant about this? Maybe nothing, but I'm a superstitious fellow. The thing that is already bugging me with the draft more than eight months away is, most pre season predictions have the Tampa Bay Buccaneers finishing second or third in the NFC South with a 7-9 record. Guess where a 7-9 or 8-8 record usually lands you in the next year's NFL College Player Selection Meeting? You guessed it, somewhere right around 14, 15 or 16. If I see any pre draft rankings that have any Florida Gators or LSU Tigers ranked around those spots, I may just have to puke!!!
...JJC/ABuccsFan

Clayton vs. Gessner

2007-11-24T00:58:00.002-06:00

Oh, how Mike Clayton has fallen. The once promising 2004 #15 overall pick, who some Buccs fans argued until blue in the face for Rookie of the Year, has worn out his welcome for this Buccs fan. If you go back and read my blog, "Mapquest: From Boston to Tampa" I made a case for a scenario that had David Boston and Maurice Stovall both leap frogging Clayton in the depth chart. Not only does it seem that that has come to fruition, but another player appears to be on the verge of dropping Clayton even lower on the depth chart.

After a stellar performance in the first pre season game of 2007, Parris Warren looks to be knocking down Clayton's door to the #4 spot on the depth chart. If that's the case, then it is clearly time to cut ties with Mike Clayton and shop him for a draft pick. It doesn't matter what we get in return for him, as long as we get something.

Chas Gessner is a wide receiver some Buccs fans have been pulling for, and other Buccs fans couldn't care less about. Gessner is the guy who should replace Clayton on the roster. I'm not going to sit here and try to tell you Chas Gessner is a better player than Mike Clayton, that would just be a waste of time. What I will tell you is why I think he deserves a shot.

Chas Gessner stands 6' 5" and weighs 225 lbs. He has nice size, and is fierce blocker. I would say he's as good of a blocker or maybe even better than Mike Clayton. Gessner hailed from the Ivy League's Brown University where he re-wrote the record books. Chas is the Ivy League's second all time receptions leader where he reeled in 292 receptions and 3,383 yards and 36 TD's. He averaged 9.14 receptions per game and 114 yards. He broke Hall of Fame WR Jerry Rice's NCAA Division II single game record by brining in 24 receptions for 207 yards and 3 TD's vs. Rhode Island in 2001.

With Clayton's plummet to the bottom of the depth chart, I will argue that Chas Gessner as the 6th WR on the depth chart is much more valuable to the Buccaneers at his minuscule salary than Clayton is at #5 on the depth chart earning $1.75 million this season. Let's be honest with ourselves, how often will Mike even see the playing field? Will he be good for 3 plays and 1 reception per game? Will he even have a ball thrown his way? There is only one football, and a lot of hands it could be in on any given play. That low on the depth chart, Clayton could possibly go without a reception all season. Mike's biggest impact will be on special teams where he has displayed a knack for great blocking. Chas Gessner is as devastating a blocker as Mike Clayton or any of the other great blocking wide receivers. In that role laid out before you, what's more valuable? Mike Clayton the special teamer at $1.75 mil or Gessner the special teamer at $150,000 and an extra maybe 3rd or 4th round draft pick Clayton could land the team?
...JJC/ABuccsFan

A Look Ahead!

2007-11-24T00:58:00.001-06:00

It's a warm day, the sky is blue and spattered with small white puffs. There is a cool breeze blowing in from the north. Unseasonably cool for an early August day, even for Canton, Ohio. A large crowd gathers in front of the stage anxiously awaiting the celebration. United States President Chelsea Clinton is in attendance along with some of her staff, and of course some Secret Service agents. Who knew she was such a football fan when her mom and dad resided at the White House.

Former NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell graced the crowd with his presence, but declined an offer to say a few words at today's ceremonies. Mr. Goodell isn't getting around well these days, even with the aid of his walker, so he declined Commissioner Bruce Allen's invite. Bruce, in his first year as Commissioner is excited about today. Not only is this his first induction ceremony as Commish, but today one of his very own will be inducted.

Today August 2, 2026, is much different than twenty years ago. Back then LeeRoy Selmon was the only Tampa Bay Buccaneer to own a yellow jacket with the NFL Hall of Fame insignia sewn on it, but today sitting behind the podium in the crowd of alumni are Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks, Hardy Nickerson and John Lynch. I'm sitting thirty rows back, but I can still hear Warren Sapp talking trash to Brett Favre. I don't know if Hardy's teeth are still all his own, or if they are false, but that smile is as bright and wide as it ever was. The glare from them was blinding on such a sunny day.

We've sat through five speeches now, some good some bad. But now is the moment why myself and many other Buccs fans have made our journey to Canton for. Bruce Allen introduces the presenter of the next enshrinee. This presenter is none other than former legendary Buccaneer Head Coach John Gruden. John gets up from his chair to a raucous crowd, cheering frantically. I can see the sunlight sparkle off of his four SuperBowl rings as he strolls across the stage to the podium. His bright white hair almost sparkles as much. Jon stands in front of the podium and begins to speak.

"Thank you. Thank you all very much. Please settle down so we can get to the business at hand man. I appreciate the applause man, but save it for later. You know what I'm saying? I am very honored to be here today presenting a fine football player, a fine teammate, a fine Buccaneer, a fine human being. I had the privilege of coaching him for thirteen of his fifteen year career. A great example of a leader, a hard worker, a professional at his craft. He's probably one of the best players I have ever been around. It was a joy to watch this twelve time Pro Bowler beat his competition week in and week out for fifteen years. Sometimes sitting alone in my office in the wee hours of the morning watching game film, I would have to rewind, rewind, rewind and rewind again. Watching over and over again the power and dominance displayed in front of me. Most of the time I was awed."

"I could go on all day folks, but let's just get right to it. It's my honor and privilege to introduce to you today twelve time Pro Bowler, ten time All Pro, three time SuperBowl champion, the all time greatest offensive guard in Tampa Bay Buccaneer history, and new Hall of Famer Davin Joseph."
...JJC/ABuccsFan

How Much Is a Booger Worth On the Open Market?

2007-11-24T00:56:00.000-06:00

A Booger is worth one feisty Italian with great hands, super athletic ability, and the ball hawking skills of.....well a Hawk. The rookie phenom Sabatino "The Hit Man" Piscitelli is gracing us with his presence at Buccaneers training camp thanks to one chubby 1st round bust by the name of Anthony "Booger" McFarland. Thanks to the lack of production by the defensive line of the Indianapolis Colts, General Manager Bruce Allen's phone rang one beautiful day in October. On the other side of the line was one very desperate Colts GM by the name of Bill Polian, looking for D-Line help. What better place to look than the defense their current Head Coach helped build along with current Buccaneer Defensive Coordinator Monte Kiffen. This was a win/win for both teams. The Buccs wanting to part ways with Booger a long time ago had their hands tied by a hefty contract gift wrapped by former GM Dick McKay. Football fans who don't hold the Buccaneers near and dear to their hearts may not even know, or realized at the time that Ellis Wyms was the starting Nose tackle for half the season, and during the Buccs post season SuperBowl run. The oft injured, under performing and overpaid Booger had always spent more time on the golf course than on the practice field or weight room, and it showed on game days. But that chapter in Buccaneer history is closed.

The Colts GM offered to the Buccs a 2nd round pick, #64 overall for Booger's services. Landing Sabby Piscitelli with that choice was like essentially trading Booger for Sabby. Sure Mcfarland helped the Colts win the SuperBowl last year(at least he earned his ring this time), but with his newly acquired torn patella tendon, it would seem the Buccs have already gotten the better of this trade. The Hit Man is having a stellar camp so far, and the only reason he hasn't been named the starter is because Phillips who's back was against the wall has risen to the challenge. Whether it's the presence of Defensive Backs Coach Raheem Morris or the thought of losing his job to a rook, no one knows, but something has lit a fire under Jermaine this off season. Most experts predict though, that Sabby will win the starting job at some point this season. Hell, all Sabby has to do is make it through one season healthy, and he already would have outplayed Booger. I wonder how Sabby's golf game is?
...JJC/ABuccsFan

Rising and Falling

2007-11-24T00:55:00.000-06:00

I'd like to take a quick look at some players who's stock is rising and some players who's stock is falling. I'll take five from Offense, and five from defense. There is no particular order.

Falling:

Torrie Cox - Torrie? Torrie? Torrie? Anyone? Where's Torrie Cox? Is he even in camp? Talk about a guy that has fallen off the face of the earth, I haven't heard this guy's name at all. With the rising level of play by one Alan Zemaitis, Cox is certainly in jeopardy of losing his roster spot. In my humble opinion, Cox has been a guy that has graced the Buccs roster out of necessity rather than due to his ability. With his troubled off field past, I fully expect Zemaitis to take Cox's spot even if Cox has a better camp, as long as the race is close.

Bruce Gradkowski - After a dismal performance once Grads got the opportunity to start last season, many fans expected him to build off of that valuable experience and come into 2007's camp a hungry man. Well the hunger may be there, but the ability sure hasn't been. While he has made some good plays in camp, he has been replaced by Luke McCown when it comes to reps for the back-up spot during drills. He's showing a serious lack of accuracy in his deep throws as expected, but now it seems he can't hit his intermediate throws either. He's been overthrowing, skipping balls off the turf or missing his wide receivers by two or three feet to the right and left. It certainly makes sense that Grads is a better fit in Jon Gruden's scheme, so it's expected that Bruce will claim the third QB spot, but if Simms can recover in time by the end of camp and throughout the preseason Grads could be unemployed.

Jermaine Phillips - JP had a sub-par season last year, often getting caught out of position and allowing receivers to get behind him. Poor tackling also plagued him, which is unacceptable in a Monte Kiffen run defense. Phillips is still expected to start, but it's not etched in stone by any means. Jermaine is feeling some serious heat from rookie phenom Sabby Piscitelli. Many fans feel Sabby will take over the Strong Safety position part way through the season. Sabby keeps making plays and showing flashes of brilliance this preseason, and JP will find himself riding the pine. It's your job Jermaine, elevate your game and claim it.

Ryan Sims - It's hard to say Sims is falling, personally I feel he was never elevated to begin with. Most fans I have encountered couldn't get past his draft status, and therefore expected good things from him simply because he was a high 1st round pick, that's why I'm including him. Personally, I don't see anyway he makes this team. With the emergence of Javon Haye, and the team not ready to give up on the raw talent of Greg Peterson, there simply isn't room in Tampa for him, and his play on the practice field sure isn't making his case.

Jeremy Trueblood - It hurts me to include T-Blood on this list. Trueblood's job is safe, but he has been getting his ass beat on a daily basis by defensive end Greg Spires. Personally I think that has to do more with Spires playing like a man on a mission this year than it has to do with a regression by Trueblood. But it can't go uncommented upon how often he has been getting beaten around the edge. Jeremy has a huge wing span, and once he gets his paws on you, he can effectively take you out of the play, but his biggest knock is slow footwork. If the DE gets the jump on him, he's done and quarterback beware. T-Blood has got to improve his pass blocking for this season to be a success.
...JJC/ABuccsFan

Rising and Falling

2007-11-24T00:54:00.000-06:00

I'd like to take a quick look at some players who's stock is rising and some players who's stock is falling. I'll take five from Offense, and five from defense. There is no particular order.

Rising:

David Boston - After a great start to his career in Arizona, Boston's career took a turn for the worse. While I won't go into detail about his history, it is important because Boston was viewed as a long shot to resurrect his career and make the Buccs roster this season. Almost two weeks into camp and it seems Boston has recovered nicely from his knee surgeries. He has his speed back, has been running sharp routes and has been displaying soft hands. He has been on the receiving end of a few deep balls that have resulted in touchdowns. If camp were to end today, it would seem David is slotted at number three on the depth chart.

Luke McCown - Don't look now, but it sure appears that Luke McCown has already won the back-up quarterback spot behind Jeff Garcia. A couple months ago, any Buccs fans would have been sure McCown wouldn't have made it past the second round of cuts unless the position was seriously depleted by the injury bug. Luke has displayed accuracy and some serious zip on the ball. By looking at his stature, one wouldn't guess he could throw with such velocity. He has also shown a good grasp of the in's and out's of the play book, and has impressed onlookers at training camp. One reporter stated, "Luke has the prettiest spiral I have ever seen."

Barrett Ruud - This may seem like an odd choice for a player who was the starter when camp began. What the fans were saying prior to camp, and their expectations are what makes Ruud a candidate for a player on the rise. Most fans knew the end was going to come at some point for Shelton Q, and that Ruud was the expected replacement. Most knew of Ruud's skills and speed, but question his knowledge of the play book. After a short time in camp, Ruud has shown an impressive grasp of the Tampa 2 scheme. His teammates have expressed their trust in Barrett's play calling, and his ability to lead as the quarterback of the defense. He's been flying around the practice field with reckless abandon making plays and looks to be the solid replacement for Quarels we all hoped he would be.

Maurice Stovall - Stovall entered camp with a mixed opinion of his place on the depth chart. Muarice or as some fans are calling him "MoSto" has been exceptional this off season. Every aspect of this young man shows an abundance brilliance. His play, his work ethic, his attitude, and his leadership have been second to none. Stovall's work ethic has served as a leadership tool alone. Showing up early for practice, and staying thirty five to forty five minutes late everyday has prompted veteran receiver Michael Clayton to follow his lead this past week, as he feels Maurice stealing his job away as I type this. MoSto has displayed exceptionally soft hands, coupled with sharp, crisp route running. Whenever he's on the field you can expect the play to be made. He's looking like the favorite for the number two WR spot on the depth chart behind veteran Joey Galloway.

Alan Zemaitis - Hmmmm...what to say about Alan. Well, first off Zemaitis was a huge disappointment last season in the fans eyes. Most fans after 2006's draft were penciling in Z-Man as the starting nickelback. Well that couldn't have been further from the truth. This offseason, early reports from OTA's and mini-camps weren't glowing when referring to Alan. He was displaying a knack for being out of position, bad footwork, and a lack of knowledge of the system. The biggest surprise was the latter, we had been told by Alan himself that he was a huge Buccs fan who had not only studied their defense at great length, but actually played a version of the cover 2 in college. Zemaitis hasn't been making a lot of noise, but very quietly has emerged as the number two corner behind Ronde Barber, and has been taking the majority of snaps with the second team defense. This certainly places Alan on the "rising" list, as many people were expecting his Buccaneer career to end before it even got started.
...JJC/ABuccsFan

No Respect!

2007-11-24T00:53:00.001-06:00

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

Super Hero In Disguise?

2007-11-24T00:51:00.000-06:00

Who knew there could be a super hero lurking among us? Disguised as Clark Kent....errrr Luke McCown. Let me start off by saying, this isn't by any means a prediction as it is definitely more wishful thinking. If you go back to my first blog, where I stated that we Buccs fans have been waiting for a franchise QB for 31 years to no avail. The closest we came were Steve Young and Doug Williams, and we all know what happened in those two situations. Our longing for that franchise QB is what always has my radar dish up scanning the heavens for that guy to enter our world of Buccaneer football.

After Luke McCown was acquired, Gruden made no hesitations to praise McCown during off season workouts, and just how impressed he was with Luke's athleticism and work ethic. Just when heightened expectations reached their crescendo before training camp, Luke sustained a knee injury that was originally shrouded in mystery. There were reports that he was hurt. There were reports he had been seen playing golf, and while walking with a slight limp, was healthy enough to swing his 1 iron. We didn't actually learn he had a tear of his MCL until a week and a half after initial reports. The feeling among Buccs fans was a kind of "Oh well, too bad" attitude as there was this new kid on the block named Bruce Gradkowski everyone was eager to see.

Fast forward one year, and in only two days of training camp practices, Luke McCown has already raised some eyebrows. This is note worthy to me anyway because about three weeks ago, most Buccs fans didn't envision Luke making the first round of cuts. Now it seems that he could legitimately be fighting for the number two quarterback spot behind Garcia. Sure it has only been four practices, but that is just how impressive he's been. He's got a long way to go, but he surely is off on the right track.

Any real die hard Buccs fan who has felt the pain of Chris Chandler, Trent Dilfer, Eric Zieir, Shaun King, Rob Johnson, Casey Weldon or Scott Erickson and many, many more, knows all too well the longing and anticipation for that franchise QB we have all been waiting for. Wouldn't it be a great story, a fairytale perhaps, if that guy has been sitting here right under our noses this whole time. Same as the way Superman was right under the nose of all his co-workers disguised as Clark Kent. Maybe Luke can swoop in from out of nowhere and save our franchise. At Garcia's age, he is no more than a band-aid, a short term fix at the position. A healthy year of training camp and practices while learning how to run Jon's offense under the tutelage of Jeff Garcia could do wonders. My interest has been piqued. Now we just wait and see if Luke emerges from the phone booth at One Buccaneer place.
....JJC/ABuccsFan

Map Quest: Boston to Tampa

2007-11-24T00:50:00.000-06:00

Competition will be fierce in training camp. There are a plethora of positions up for grabs either because of sub par play by vets such as Jermain Phillips and Will Allen or because of vacated positions like DT. The Buccs look to have drafted an exceptional class in in 2007. Sure every team's fans this time of year think they've just acquired the next Hall of Famer, but something is different about this year. This season's draft class seems special, and stocked with play makers which can do nothing but strengthen the Buccs depth and make a fun filled, competitive training camp.

One of the more competitive battles will be between incumbent #2 wide receiver Michael Clayton and last season's third round pick Maurice Stovall, who some fans have nicknamed ''Mo Sto.'' While some fans have lost faith in Clayton, some are still holding onto hope that Mike will eventually revert back to his 2004 rookie season form. Most fans you talk to already have Stovall penciled into that spot. It's going to be a good battle.

Hold on though. Not so fast. There is an intriguing element to this #2 wide receiver battle that I think has been flying below the radar. It's 1359 miles from Boston to Tampa, but if you ask David Boston, I'm sure he'll tell you it's been a hell of a lot longer. Boston, a once very talented wide receivers hit the league and the state of Arizona by storm. Some touted him as the next great wide receiver, and he showed proof that statement could've been true. But his time in the limelight was short lived. He left Arizona for a tumultuous experience in San Diego where he and the strong personality of head coach Marty Schottenhiemer just didn't mesh. He was traded to Miami for a 6th round draft pick where his career really took a turn for the worse. His first season was nullified first by a four game suspension for violating the leagues Substance Abuse Policy on steroids, a blown out knee cost him the rest of the season. Then he followed that up the next season by tearing knee ligaments once again appearing in zero games in 2005.

Enter 2006. Boston finds his way onto Tampa's off season roster. While showing some flashes of the Boston of old, he just wasn't fully recovered from knee rehabilitation, or in game shape so there was no place for him on the Buccs' opening day roster. 2007 could be different matter all together. Some media outlets have reported Boston looks a lot closer to his previous Cardinals version of himself than he has in the last 5 years. He is said to be in great shape, running close to his rookie speed. At OTA's and minicamps word is Boston has been very quick, explosive off the line, has displayed soft hands and precise routes. If that's the case, and these reports are accurate, we Bucc fans could be in for a huge surprise. Imagine bookend wide receivers of Joey Galloway and a resurrected David Boston, with Stovall falling in behind at #3. Wow, what a corp of receivers that could be. Unfortunately for Mike Clayton, that would make him #4 on the depth chart, and surely fasten the bust label to his career. We'll have to see how this plays out. It won't be easy for Boston, and we shouldn't expect any greatness from Boston, but I don't know about you........after last season, we could use a nice surprise.
...JJC/ABuccsFan

Forever Our Beyotch!!

2007-11-24T00:48:00.000-06:00

Panthers. No Falcons. Wait it's the Panthers. Oh hell, I hate them both. Who is your most hated Buccaneer foe? When taking a simple survey of Buccs fans as to who their most hated Buccaneer foe is, you get varied answers. I've heard the likes of Lions, Packers, Vikings and Bears stemming from the Buccs past membership of the NFC Norris division, aka Black and Blue division, aka NFC Central. Unfortunately, for most of the 25 years between 1977 and 2001 that the Buccs spent in the NFC Central, they were the division's whipping boy. That doesn't mean to say there weren't some epic battles and hard fought close contests won by the Buccs, because there were, but not many. Some fans will even proclaim the Philadelphia Eagles as their most despised Bucc foe. It's easy to understand after the Eagles ended the Buccaneers Super Bowl hopes by knocking them out of the playoffs two season in a row in 2000 and 2001.

Then in 2002, the NFL decided it would be best served with a league wide re-alignment. This overhauling would include a new expansion team, the Houston Texans, and the relocation of another team from the AFC West to the NFC West. That team being the Seattle Seahawks, who ironically began their NFL lives as members of the NFC back in 1976. With this bold new look to the NFL, a new division was born, the NFC South. Right out of the gate the NFC South cemented it's reputation as one of the toughest, if not the toughest divisions in the League, buy producing the new era's first Super Bowl Champs. The following season, another NFC South team represented the NFC in the Super Bowl, but didn't come away victorious. Since then an NFC South team has participated in the NFC Championship game every year, and a different team has won the division title every year, with only the Buccs being crowned twice. The instant success and competitiveness of the NFC South has spawned immediate dissension and dislike not only between the teams but without a doubt among their fans. Sure some still hate the old NFC Central foes, but most Buccs fans when asked will obnoxiously blurt out a South foe without hesitation.

I have noticed something odd though, the Saints are hardly ever mentioned as a fan's most hated Buccaneer foe. Why is that? In 2002 during the Buccaneers' all time greatest season, the Saints punked us twice. Only four losses for the season, and half of those were at the hands of the Saints. Yet not much, if any ill will toward the Saints? I think I know why. It's just a hypothesis, but it's the reason why I have no ill will toward the Saints, and maybe it's the same reason you don't.

Let me take you back. Back in time to a period when the VCR was in it's toddler years. The year the Alaskan Pipe Line opened, and Jimmy Carter was President. Heck, it was two years before the rings of Saturn were even discovered. The year was 1977. What is significant about this year? I'll get to that in a moment. The city of Tampa was awarded the league's 27th franchise in 1974, and entered into it's inaugural season in 1976. A year of celebration for Americans all over the country, 1976 was a great year. For the country was celebrating it's 200th year of independence. Soon though celebration would end for residents of Tampa, and Buccaneer fans around the globe. The Buccs were miserable. Bad play, highlight reel follies, and loss after loss, after loss. They became the laughing stock of the NFL when they racked up 14 losses in a row. There were three games throughout the season where the Buccaneers almost pulled out a win. Week 3 vs. Buffalo, weeks 6 and 7 vs. Seattle and Minnesota, losing 9-14, 10-13, and 20-23 respectively. Branded with the nicknames such as Yucs, and Bad News Buccs, they ended their first season winless.

Enter 1977. The Buccs now in their new division, NFC Central after one season in the AFC West continued to lose, and so did the laughing. In week 2, Tampa came very close to winning for the first time by battling Minnesota to a 3-9 defeat. "Will the Buccs ever win a game," fans asked. Well of course they would win a game sooner or later. That's when fear struck the hearts of other teams around the league. The Creamsicle losers then became the most feared team in the NFL. What was the cause of this fear? No one wanted to be known for eternity as the team who lost to the Yucs. After a horrible offensive output for twelve weeks averaging 4.41 points per game, along with six embarrassing shutout losses, the Buccaneers exploded for 33 points in 33-14 beyotch slapping of the New Orleans Saints. Mashing their faces in it further was the fact that this monumental Buccaneer victory was carried out on the Saints home field in front of their home crowd. The Saints, the team that will always be known as the team the Buccaneers had their way with. The team the Buccs popped their cherry against. This single embarrassing distinction can't and won't be blurred or eroded with time. For one Sunday back in 1977 the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were the New Orleans Saints' daddy. For that reason, they will forever be our beyotch. How can the Saints be the foe Buccs fans hate most, we're still too busy laughing at them. Who's Your Daddy?
...JJC/ABuccsFan

He Raised the Bar.

2007-11-24T00:47:00.001-06:00

Warren Sapp. Sit there for a minute, say those two words aloud, "Warren Sapp." Now reflect.

What words come to mind? For me, loud. Proud. Obnoxious. Intense. Focused. Dedicated. Mean. Nice. Professional. Honorable. Reliable. Assertive. Accountable. Winner. Champion. Buccaneer!
What images come to mind? The first image that came to my mind, was his look of intense displeasure that he had just been drafted by the "Yucs." That's how he referred to the organization that he would come to love and cherish. Then images flooded my mind of his first TD against Chicago. His intense and comical interviews. His on field competitive feud with Brett Favre that escalated in the 1997 Divisional Playoff game, and provided us with years of intense Buccs/Packer games. His airplane celebration after a sack. His congratulatory praises to other players when they made the play. His intense and fiery inquisitions when someone didn't make the play. His gleeful skip through opponents calisthenics. His first offensive TD as a Tight End. Followed by his Beyonce TD celebration. Finally he and Derrick Brooks, arms around each other, on the sideline during the Super Bowl.
What thoughts come to mind? I thought, you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone. I wish he was still in Tampa. Can he ever be replaced? How long will it be until he's replaced if he ever is? Will he retire a Buccaneer?

Warren Sapp revolutionized the position of Defensive Tackle. Every year when the flowers start to bloom, and the trees begin to bud, it's draft time and we are guaranteed to hear comparisons of this year's college DT's to Warren Sapp. "This kid is the next Sapp. That kid reminds me of Sapp. He has Sapp's explosive first step."
By virtue of it's position, and it's responsibilities in the overall defensive scheme, the position of DT isn't meant to sack the QB. Any sacks by a DT are a bonus. The DT's job is to create havoc inside. Against the run, The DT's job is to occupy as many Offensive Linemen as possible to keep the Linebackers free to make tackles. DT's job on passing plays is to collapse the pocket from the inside, not allowing the QB to step into his throws or escaping the pocket inside, and forcing them outside into the waiting arms of the Defensive Ends. This is hard and fast evidenced by DE's gracing the top of the all time sack leaders list, both for seasonal and career standings. One to three sacks is respectable. Four to six sacks is great. Seven to eight sacks per season by a DT is Hall of Fame worthy. Sapp has averaged 7.87(almost 8) sacks per season during his twelve year career. He's had such exceptional seasons compiling 10.5, 12.5, 16.5, and 10 in 1997, 1999, 2000 and 2006 respectively. Those totals are Hall of Fame worthy with out question.
The problem we as Buccs fans face after witnessing first hand what Warren accomplished, is our expectations. We want...no we expect every DT who walks through 1 Buc place to perform at the same level. Well folks, that's just not going to happen any time soon if ever again. Anthony McFarland averaged 2.8 sacks per season, which is respectable. The problem was, he was a first round draft choice, and we expected him to replace Sapp someday. To the fault of Booger, he accepted the type of money Warren made, but didn't produce the same results. Sure we can't expect him to say, "no Rich, I don't deserve that money, I'll take half." But you reap what you sow. His Grim Reaper was a fan base that turned on him and labeled him a bust.
In 2005 Chris Hovan was our best defensive lineman. He was an animal, and was the key factor to a resurgence to run stuffing by the Buccs defense. Sure Chris got credit by most fans, but there were still a portion of fans and media who pointed out the fact that he had zero sacks on the season. What? The guy puts in a team MVP performance, and still has detractors? Sorry Chris, you followed too closely behind a Buccaneer legend. You played great, and this Buccs fan loves you for it. The team rewarded you for it with a nice contract, but you and any other DT who walks through the Buccaneer locker room will be compared to Warren for the foreseeable future.
So right now, up front I will apologize to you Kevin Carter, Jovan Haye, Greg Peterson, Julian Jenkins, Darrell Campbell and Ryan Sims. If you're Boo'd, it's not your fault. Warren Sapp raised the bar, and it's almost unattainable.
...JJC/ABuccsFan

The Dangling Thread of Hope?

2007-11-24T00:45:00.000-06:00

Let me start off by declaring my allegiance to Jon Gruden. I love Jon Gruden. I love him as the Buccs coach, and can only think of two other coaches I'd like to have if Jon wasn't steering the pirate ship. Those two gentlemen would be Bill Cowher and Charlie Weis. With that being said, I have to admit I'm embarrassed sometimes reading recent articles since the acquisition of Jake Plummer. Many times, too often actually, I'll read the words "who has yet to file his retirement papers with the league office," when referring to Jake's current playing status which is unofficially retired. I can't help but get the feeling, I'm witnessing the the cliche' obsessed ex-boyfriend who clings to that ever dangling thread of hope. I mean Jake has stated countless times he's "retired," that he has "no desire to play anymore," or "he's satisfied with life after football so far." But wait, he hasn't filed those papers yet, there is still hope. To me it mirrors the ex-boyfriend who just spent fifteen minutes on the phone with his ex-girlfriend being told every possible way, maybe even in more than one language that their relationship is over. But when he hangs up, he looks up at the ceiling and says to himself, "there's still hope, she didn't hang up on me, or threaten me with a restraining order. She must still love me."

Can you move past this? Can you admit you made a mistake? Can you move on? So you traded for a player who was already retired, it's no big deal. Everyone stopped laughing weeks ago. Personally I don't see how the fact that Jake hasn't filed his paperwork is indicative of anything. Does Jake actually need to file those papers anytime soon? I could be wrong, and I probably am but I would think that he only needs to officially retire when he wants to collect his pension. It's not like the average blue collar worker who needs his money right away when he retires. Jake is rumored to have over $20,000,000 in the bank. Jake was smart with his money. He didn't waste it on senseless material things, evidence by his driving of a Honda Element. He wasn't a rain cloud who frequently hovered over strip club stages. Jake is a smart guy. So if Jake is too busy fishing in the mountains of Montana, or skiing in the mountains of Colorado, or even doing the backstroke in the Pacific ocean and is too busy to put pen to paper and file those papers, exactly how does that equate to Jake still wanting to play football? Personally, I hope he comes back. But I'm not holding my breath.
...JJC/ABuccsFan

31 Years and Still No Franchise QB

2007-11-24T00:43:00.000-06:00

Driving to work this morning at 4am, Jason Smith of ESPN all night had Sal Palantonio as a guest, who stated Gruden has again recently been reaching out to Plummer...because....Chris Simms is in danger of not making the team. His post surgery recovery has thrown his mechanics off worse than has been reported. Sal who stated, ''Simms who had one of the greatest long balls in all of the NFL, can't even throw it now'' do to pain from his scar tissue. Simms who has only been able to use his arm, and not able to use his torso in his throwing motion has picked up a hitch that has him performing horribly.

So Simms career may be over, and we traded for a retired QB instead of David Carr. Now David's critics may end up being right, and Carr may never become the QB some thought. But at least right now he is playing.

Once again our QB position is critical. I don't care how good Garcia plays this season, we have no future. Gradkowski is not the answer. At this point, I'm hoping Plummer does report. I'm not a Jake fan in the least bit, but at least he's a temporary future, and better than Bruce.

Next April, if this Brohm kid proves to be the real deal, I'm not opposed to giving up the farm for him. After 31 years all we have to show for is a disrespected Doug Williams, and a wasted opportunity in Steve Young. We have to have a franchise QB someday.
...JJC/ABuccsFan