Meh, Who Needs a QB?

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

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

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

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

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

All good things must come to an end.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Youth Report

2007 Draft Class

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

First Year Players

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

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

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

...JJC/ABuccsFan

West Coast Woes

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

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

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

***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