Rising and Falling

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!

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?

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

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!!

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.

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?

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