I know we had a thread for the facility, but I don.t recall one for the team itself. I think this could be a busy thread this year, especially after yesterday! Anyone care to share their thoughts on this?

Confusing situation
The Bucs' three-headed QB attack makes little sense
Posted: Saturday March 3, 2007 4:57PM; Updated: Saturday March 3, 2007 4:57PM


With the addition of Jake Plummer, the Bucs have three QBs who'll be earning at least $2 million this season.
Peter Read Miller/SI




Try as I might, I can't quite fathom what the Bucs are thinking with their new three-headed quarterback situation. If Denver's Jake Plummer showed absolutely no interest Friday in coming to Tampa Bay to compete with incumbent starter Chris Simms, what exactly makes the Bucs think he'll now change his mind and sign up for a three-man training camp battle royale with Simms and the newly acquired Jeff Garcia?

We know Tampa Bay head coach Jon Gruden fancies himself a collector of quarterbacks, but Saturday's turn of events is a head-scratcher from almost every angle.

First off, this much seems clear when it comes to Plummer: He wanted to relocate to Houston and play for ex-Broncos offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak, where he would have walked in the door as the unquestioned starter in place of David Carr, who the Texans would like to move. Plummer didn't want his next place of employment dictated to him by Denver, via a trade, unless it was to Houston, and he didn't want any part of a quarterback competition with his new team.

So how did we get here, with Tampa Bay owning both Garcia and Plummer's rights, and the Bucs at least publicly professing that in an ideal world all three would report to training camp and duke it out?

My hunch tells me that both Denver and Tampa Bay made the Plummer deal because they were convinced that the 10th-year quarterback was trying to pull something of an end-around and get to Houston by hook or by crook. If it took the retirement threat to pull it off, so be it, Plummer reasoned.

But the Broncos, eager to show Plummer who was really in charge, spoiled that plan, shipping him to Tampa Bay for a conditional 2008 draft pick. The bottom line at the moment is that if Plummer decides to play at some point in 2007, he either has to do it for the Bucs, or talk them into trading him elsewhere. For its part, Tampa Bay could be gambling that at a later date it will be able to extract even more value for Plummer from Houston than Denver did from the Bucs.

Perhaps whatever the value of the conditional 2008 pick that Tampa Bay shipped the Broncos, the Bucs are convinced they can beat that deal once the Texans get closer and closer to starting the 2007 season with Carr remaining as their only viable starting option. If Houston still wants Plummer, it might eventually end up paying more for him to Tampa Bay than it would have to Denver weeks ago.

The Bucs could end up looking pretty darn shrewd in the whole deal if that scenario unfolds, but there is some risk in their gambit as well. What if Plummer calls their bluff and un-retires, announcing his plans to report to Tampa Bay's training camp?

Are we to believe that Tampa Bay can afford all three veteran quarterbacks? Or that anyone in that threesome would accept holding a clipboard as the Bucs' No. 3 QB? Simms signed a two-year extension late in 2006 that will pay him $5 million this year. Garcia's two-year deal calls for him to receive a $3 million signing bonus and a $2 million base salary in '07, putting him too at the $5 million mark in overall compensation. Plummer's contract that Tampa Bay inherited calls for $5.3 million this season.

That's more than $15 million tied up at quarterback in 2007, and that's not for the likes of Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, mind you. That's for one 32-year-old guy who was replaced in Denver last season, another who just turned 37 and played his best ball in three years in starting the final seven games of the season in Philadelphia, and another who struggled mightily in three games in Tampa Bay before being lost for the season due to an emergency splenectomy.

And while we're at it, it occurs to me that the biggest loser in all of this QB chaos in Tampa Bay is Bruce Gradkowski, who started 11 games in place of Simms last season as a rookie. Didn't Gruden spend most of the season insisting to anyone who would listen that the kid was a player, with real potential? Guess not. At the moment, he's Tampa Bay's fourth-string quarterback. Good luck, Bruce. You're going to need it, given that many NFL teams these days don't even carry three quarterbacks on their regular-season roster.

The whole situation, of course, is confusing and fraught with irony. Remember last year, when the Bucs' season essentially went down the drain when Simms was injured in Week 3? Tampa Bay didn't have enough quarterback experience at that point, and were forced to turn to the likes of Gradkowski and eventually Tim Rattay, going 4-12 after their 11-5 playoff season of 2005. It would seem Gruden made himself a vow to never find himself in that situation again.

In Tampa Bay this year, that's not likely any time soon. About now, the Bucs have themselves more quarterbacks than seems to make sense.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/don_banks/03/03/bucs.qbs/1.html

lol.... Only the Yuks would bring in two mediocre quarterbacks to come in and compete with the mediocre quarterback that they are trying to replace. And then have one of them promise to retire than play for the Bucs (Bo Jackson, is that you?).

Sounds to me like Bruce Allen is applying his proven method of fixing the O-line woes to the QB position now.... Oh wait, the plan of upgrading by replacing mediocrity with mediocrity didn't work... whoops.

^Garcia is ideal for the West Coast offense we run and went 6-2 with the Eagles last year. The only thing is is that he is old and if he gets hurt we're back to Simms and Gradkowski. But yea Bruce is good with the cap but goes after getting quanity player, and he tends to sign guys for the heck of it and doesn't go after the quality or right player we need.

Now I don't know why we got Plummer. The only possible reason would be trade bait. An idea was brought up that the Raiders would be forced to draft a QB instead of Calvin Johnson in the draft, so he'd fall to us. Then Plummer would be traded after.

However either way we must revamp the defense. I'm okay with an Johnson in the 1st round, but after that they need to reload the defense with our two 2nd round picks and our 3rd rounder. With the cap space we have this year, it's be nice to go after some of the bigger names in free agency on deffense too. (Kearney, Porter, etc.)

I have no clue why Plummer was brought in.


I agree about Johnson, unless that tackle guy is there, which he won't be... And yeah, the Bucs had better use most of those other high picks on DL, LB and safety... This is definitely more of a pick by need, not so much by talent draft for the Bucs imo...

You got the finger on the wrong person, Jason. Allen's not calling the shots -- he's simply lapping up what Gruden feeds him.

Gruden is the culprit more times than not, having a sychophant as GM just gives him a scapegoat.

Why would the Bucs bring in Plummer? Gruden LOVES project QB's. Period. He's done it with the Raiders (brought in guys he thought he could fix), he's done it with the Bucs too. He (Gruden) would be an interesting OC but I gotta be honest -- he sucks as a Head Coach.

He doesn't hold the offensive coaches accountable for the continued mediocrity of the squad (no firings, no re-assignments. Meanwhile, on the Defensive side of the ball, Monte held people accountable for the failing standards of the aging D). It's just a joke.

As for Johnson -- everyone will disagree with me, maybe even tar and feather me, but if he is on the board when the Bucs pick... They gotta trade down. Well, any competent GM/Head Coach who were in charge of the Bucs would trade down. Gruden and Allen are not competent howver and they think they are one piece away from returning to the Super Bowl at all times.

Why do I say Trade Down? Because the Bucs aren't in retooling mold, they are rebuilding. They need help EVERYWHERE and need to build for the future. NOt immediate contention. Having another WR weapon isn't going to turn this teams fortunes around while certain squads in the NFL would pay for Calvin Johnson -- dearly -- because they ARE one player away from contention.

This team has been a train wreck since Gruden's Ego came out after the Super Bowl victory (his drunken tirade about McKay stopping him from signing Emmitt Smith, his battles with Keyshawn Johnson and McKay, his cutting John Lynch in favor of Charlie Garner, etc)
... And the Glazer's are more concerned abotu ManU's fortunes than the sorry state of Los Buccaneeros.

I agree about Johnson, unless that tackle guy is there, which he won't be... And yeah, the Bucs had better use most of those other high picks on DL, LB and safety... This is definitely more of a pick by need, not so much by talent draft for the Bucs imo...

Yea, it defintley is a pick of need draft not just for the Bucs, but for everyone, because overall it is a down year for the draft. Johnson is a freak and if we can get him, I will be somewhat happy to eventually be replacing an aging and injury-prone Galloway as our big play receiver.

Hey, I'm always in favor of trading down when you're int he Top 10, but I don't think it will happen...


Just don't be surprised if the Bucs sit pat, and then Gruden takes Quinn with the pick...lololololol

Trading down has been the best option for the past few years but it never gets done. My only fear is that since this year is a definite off draft, there could be little to trade down to. However all of that is figured out at the combine and on draft day, so it's early and a lot can happen still.

lol.... Only the Yuks would bring in two mediocre quarterbacks to come in and compete with the mediocre quarterback that they are trying to replace. And then have one of them promise to retire than play for the Bucs (Bo Jackson, is that you?).

Sounds to me like Bruce Allen is applying his proven method of fixing the O-line woes to the QB position now.... Oh wait, the plan of upgrading by replacing mediocrity with mediocrity didn't work... whoops.

First of all I am a seaon ticket holder and Jason you of all people should know, once you win a Lombardi.. That I still say has put Tampa more on the map than anything by far.. We are not the Yuks no more.. I hope your lol is what that is in reference to..

But the excitement that was generated yesterday was so much fun as a true Buc fan could imagine..

Garcia wa the top FA QB and we got him .. Plummer is going to give in in the next 3 years and play again, and Tampa has his rights. No loss there at all..


Like Florida Future said most likely Oakland or Houston or even if a team loses a QB to injury in pre season.. There we are with all the options to get extra draft picks or a a player to play on defense, with Garcia at the helm the Brian Kelly's-Simeon Rice's and Ronde Barbers are going to realize this group , if we get the O-line fixed can make another run at a playoff spot..

Overall just a great day to be a Buc fan...I live in Charlotte right now and even the employers that I work for, who are Panther fans said the Garcia move was a very good move....



Examples::::: Jets and Saints 4-12 2005 to 10-6 in 2006..

Hey, I'm always in favor of trading down when you're int he Top 10, but I don't think it will happen...


Just don't be surprised if the Bucs sit pat, and then Gruden takes Quinn with the pick...lololololol

...You know, at first I laughed but then I realized this is a more probable course than we realize?

Anyone remember Atlanta the year they signed Dunn? I think they signed another FA running back that year and then spent their 1st round pick on TJ Duckett to much ridicule.

If we take a Quarterback, I would erupt into a tantrum.. We need a deep threat at WR -LT- DE -SS-:: before we even think of Quinn..:ohno: :ohno: :ohno: :ohno:

See, part of my worry on an offensive threat is... well, what has happened to our offensive threats the year after they were drafted?

It's like Gruden gets tired of them and goes and does other htings with his offense. Clayton and Caddy both had off years they second season in the league. Clayton got worse his third.

Makes me fearful what will happen with Johnson or any other offensive player (be it Quinn or someone else).

Joey Galloway restructured his contract, this new 3 year deal will probably lock him up until the end of his career.....I like the comment at the end of the tidbit.:lol:

Tampa Bay WR Joey Galloway agrees to a restructured deal, signing a three-year, $7.5 million deal that includes $3.1 million worth of guaranteed money. He was due $2.8 million this year, the new deal calls for him to make $1.2 million in base salary, with a $1.8 million roster bonus payment, and $100,000 workout incentive. Galloway is also now scheduled to make $1.767 million in 2008 and $2 million in 2009. It was quite the busy weekend for the Bucs.

http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/story/10033511

btw, did anyone else see that the Bears traded Thomas Jones to the Jets for 24 slots in the 2nd round of the draft? (that's right, the Bears didn't get a 2nd round pick, they swapped 2nd round picks, so all they really got was their pick moved up a few slots within the round)...

I know that Jones is a little older these days, but man... That guy always seems to get dissed considering that he is productive and always seems to be a decent locker room guy and team player.

Oh and the Bucs signed Kevin Carter this evening...

^He is a good player, but one who is past is prime like most of the players signed by the Bucs.

^He is a good player, but one who is past is prime like most of the players signed by the Bucs.

Agreed. And why they would sign this guy but let go of a young up-and-comer like Dewayne White is completely beyond me.

Surpising news about the Bears trading away T Jones. I always wonder how he would have done here if the Bucs would have kept him

Kevin Carter played on a great Miami defense, he had more sacks than DeWayne White.. White is not worth 5 million a year.. Carter can play DE or DT we are going to draft a DE OR DT so he plays 1-2 more years and mentors the young guy.
Great pickup.


We also signed Luke Petiguot from the Giants.. LT and maybe Anthony Davis can move to LG until Dan Beunning get's back..

So far A+ for the front office..

And we are done yet.

Plus throw in 5 of the first 100 picks on draft day April 28th..

Jeez... The Bucs FINALLY secured Pettigout, after nearly blowing it early in the weekend.


I do have to say that considering what is out there right now at what prices, and what the Bucs need (a lot), they are doing pretty good... I say B, B- though... I understand the whole Plummer thing was ultimately a way to screw the Raiders, but it is still a waste for the Bucs as best I can tell, and I don't think it sets a good example for the league to see teams collude against one another.

I've never been a Gruden fan and probably never will. Can we trade up and get Dungy back?!?!

^I would rather give him back to Oakland, and get their first and second round picks this year and next... lol

I was a Gruden fan for one night and that was the night we won the Super Bowl. ;) Even if it was with "Dungy's team."

I didn't agree with Dungy being fired, but once he was, I thought of Gruden as one of the more desirable options for the team... Until I heard the cost to wrest him from Oakland. The Bucs have learned the hard way that no, you can't give up that many of your best future players and still expect to be a competitive team year in and year out...

The Gruden move was saving face for blowing it with Parcells.

You know who I feel worst for? Monte Kiffin. Here's a real trooper who knows he's respected by the fans and he's got to deal with this moron calling the shots...

BTW -- the Pettigout deal, it's sorta moot. Bill Muir hasn't been fired and hasn't resigned... and hasn't done diddly squat to improve that OL in the four seasons he's been ont he job. It's just been a merry-go-round of players. It's always the PLAYERS fault. Never the coach. 8-|

BTW -- while I'd love Dungy back, my friend is convinced that the Bucs will go after Cowher after this season.

BTW -- while I'd love Dungy back, my friend is convinced that the Bucs will go after Cowher after this season.

I would love to see Cowher here, but I know it will come with a high price tag. I don't even know, but how much is Gruden making and can we afford a coach like Cowher?

Oh, the Glazers -- if they do care about their NFL investment still -- will blow what it takes to get Cowher if they believe he is the man for the job. It then comes down to which franchise that offers Bill a HC job appeals to him most.

Plummer for Randy Moss?

Simms Not Surprised By Garcia Signing
Skip directly to the full story.
By ROY CUMMINGS

Published: Mar 7, 2007

TAMPA Chris Simms says he saw it coming. He saw it coming as far back as December, when he signed his two-year contract extension; you know, the one where he described the payout as "starter's money."

It still could prove to be starter's money, but Simms knew even then he probably would have to fight for the starter's job.

So, the signing of free agent Jeff Garcia didn't surprise the Bucs' young quarterback a bit.

As for Jake Plummer, well, that did catch Simms off guard. The Bucs let Simms know he was coming, but he like everybody else was a little stunned by the transaction.

Stunned, but not surprised.

The way Simms sees it, when you're the top quarterback on a team that went 4-12 and you're coming off a season that ended with your spleen being removed after three games, anything is possible.

"I wasn't entirely shocked ," Simms said Wednesday during an interview with ESPN Radio host Dan Patrick. "I know Coach [Jon] Gruden and the way he is and the way this league is.

"And after our year last year, our organization just felt like a veteran quarterback would fit our team well. And I think it was a smart football decision.

"We don't really know what Jake Plummer is doing. From what I heard he's going to retire. We'll see. Jeff Garcia, he had a great year last year and I look forward to working with him."

Competing with him might have been a more appropriate way to put it, because that's what Simms and Garcia seem poised to do. Neither has been assured of his spot on the depth chart, so it appears a battle is ensuing.

That doesn't bother Simms either. He said he's never backed down from a challenge and won't do that now. Besides, he admits he's not the most-accomplished quarterback.

Simms seemed to say that if he had five or six years as a starter under his belt he might feel differently about taking on Garcia, but that he presently has no reason to argue.

"I have complete confidence in myself but at the same time I try to be real with myself and the perspective out there is that I haven't proven myself yet," Simms said. "I understand that."

He also understands the impending battle between him and Garcia will grab a lot of media attention and that his reaction to the situation is notable.

"The media tries to make a bigger deal about it, but I'm not going to say I'm over here frazzled," Simms said. "It's about me first of all. If I go out there and play well and have a good camp then the situation will take care of itself."

"I'm not really worried about the other person that's behind me or in front of me or whatever. That's how I approach every year. I just try to get better as a player, as an individual and go from there.

"I knew we were going to get [another quarterback]. I knew we were. So I'm not upset. This is not going to get me upset. This is a part of football. That's the way it is sometimes."

Trade rumors are a part of football, too, and the Bucs have become involved in a juicy one. [B]According to SI.com, the Bucs are one of three teams interested in possibly trading for Raiders receiver Randy Moss.

The Raiders have not responded to the speculation, but it wasn't long after the report surfaced Wednesday that football pundits began suggesting this might explain why the league has yet to receive Plummer's retirement papers.

With the Raiders in the market for a quarterback, there was talk in league circles that the Bucs might try to make Plummer part of a deal for Moss. The hole in that theory, of course, is Plummer's supposed retirement plans.

But the absence of retirement papers has created a new theory. It is also being speculated that Plummer is not contemplating retirement and that he could be attempting to force the Bucs into trading him to Houston or another team of his choice.
Either way, the Bucs on Wednesday enjoyed what — on the surface — was their quietest day since the free-agent signing period began Friday. The one move of note was the signing of free-agent defensive tackle Lance Legree to a one-year deal.

Legree is described by scouts as a hard-working player who is capable of filling in at either under tackle or nose tackle in a 4-3 scheme. He spent last season with the 49ers, appearing in two games. He appeared in 47 games the previous three seasons, recording seven sacks.

The Bucs also continued negotiating with the agent for center/guard Sean Mahan, but their failure to sign him earlier has left them in a bidding war for his services.

After meeting with the Browns on Monday and the Seahawks on Tuesday, Mahan has been offered contracts by both teams as well as the Bucs. His decision could come today.

Meanwhile, the Bucs appeared to also be losing out on a chance to sign left tackle Jordan Black, guard Carlisle Cooper and tight end Jerramy Stevens. All three were believed to be turning their attention to other teams.

But at least one player was turning his attention toward the Bucs on Wednesday — Colts safety Mike Doss. According to the NFL Network, Doss is scheduled to visit the Bucs today.

Reporter Roy Cummings can be reached at (813) 259-7979 or rcummings@tampatrib.com.


http://www.tbo.com/sports/bucs/MGBFU3VF0ZE.html

^Of course if we trade the Raiders Plummer for Moss they'll either take Johnson or trade down. Which at that point trading down would seem like the only right option for us to take.

But Jake straight for Randy doesn't make sense. Jake, and more (picks) for Randy does.

But this also seems like Gruden hasn't learned from history. Moss is a strong personality and you know what? Gruden does not have time nor patience for strong personalities. He tends to either lead them to mouthing off about him or running them out of town. Keyshawn Johnson lasted one full Gruden season. Moss, playing while disappointed with Gruden, would be horrid.

If it were Jake for Randy straight up -- the risk of the personality conflict is muted. But if it's Jake plus to get Moss, it becomes a bigger and bigger risk. Not just from cost, but because of the potential disaster.

If the Randy Moss thing is true, to be honest I'm on the fence with this. If we get the same Moss that was with the Vikes, I think I can live with him if he's scoring 16 TD and having 1,600 receiving yards. It's not like Tampa hasn't had a vocal player before.
On the other hand, I don't think Moss would be able to be coached any longer. I think Randy probably thinks he's above that now. Gruden and him would probably clash.
If we got Calvin Lohnson by some chance, there would be no need for Moss. Can't have both! Moss would definitely be a bad thing for such a rookie WR. If we do see Moss come to Tampa, I'm sure we will be going after a draft pick other than Calvin.

Moss has never been coachable.

Jason's right. He had Cris Carter keep his act straight when he began in Minnesota but when Carter retired, Moss returned to his former self. Tons of talent, but a head case and a prima dona. He can blow you away with his skills or leave you aghast from his deliberate lack of heart at times.

Interesting to hear that the Lions are now considering Brady Quinn at #2, or possibly trading down to a team looking to jump up to get Calvin Johnson...


Man, it really sucks that the Bucs lost that coin toss...

My perfect draft day scenario, would go like this.

1. Calvin Johnson WR
2A. Anthony Spencer DE He is the same mold of Simeon Rice, and is Mel Kiper's 26th best player on his board..
2B . Either Strong safety or Center.. As we have lost Mahan to the Steelers.
3. DT--or LB

I guess I must have missed the entire season last year, because I took away after 2006 is that our offense completely blows right now. Maybe I had my head in the sand. Oh, never mind, we did get Plummer..my bad. We don't need any of those picks for offense.


http://www.tbo.com/sports/bucs/MGBK6FP1CZE.html


Saints' Grant Set To Visit Bucs Today

By ROY CUMMINGS The Tampa Tribune

Published: Mar 16, 2007


TAMPA - At a time when the signing of free agents is starting to slow to a crawl, the Bucs are threatening to make one of the biggest market splashes yet.

Though it could cost them two first-round draft picks, the Bucs appear to be contemplating signing Saints defensive end Charles Grant.

The Saints recently placed the franchise tag on the 28-year-old Grant, but the Bucs have invited him to One Buc Place for a visit today, NFL.com reported.

The visit might be part of an effort to force a trade, because the Bucs would be forced to surrender two first-round picks should they sign Grant to an offer the Saints refuse to match.

Grant has played in every game for the Saints since New Orleans drafted him out of Georgia in the first round in 2002. He has recorded 36 sacks, including six last year and 2.5 in 2005.

The Bucs went into free agency determined to improve their pass rush and have added pass-rush specialist Patrick Chukwurah and defensive end Kevin Carter.

The interest in Grant might mean the Bucs are planning to eventually cut ties with right end Simeon Rice or that Rice's rehabilitation from season-ending shoulder surgery is not going as well as hoped.

It also could be a sign the Bucs simply are planning to bolster the left side of their defensive front, where Greg Spires has been their starter since 2002.

With Grant on the left side and Rice on the right, the Bucs could work Spires and Carter inside at under tackle alongside nose tackle Chris Hovan.

The Bucs also are expected to visit today with Panthers free-agent linebacker Chris Draft.

Dave, while I agree that the offense blows, the Defense isn't getting any better either.

Regardless -- this is consistent bone-headedness from "Grullen". One big splash outshines long range building. If the Bucs think their first picks are expendable -- trade down and build for the future. Don't build for the now, the Buccaneers aren't imminent contenders even IF parity exists in the NFL.

I would assume that they are looking towards the future, not to actually try and get him now. Basically just doing it to piss off NO... Unless it was going to be some other kind of trade with NO for a pick in this year's draft... Maybe one of the 2nd rounders we have? That would seem to be a fair middling between the two first rounders NO would be due if Grant leaves now, and the nothing they get next year if he leaves as a UFA...

I would assume that the Bucs would re-sign Grant to a new deal so that his salary is manageable for the next couple of seasons until Rice retires, and cut Spires...

I'm more interested in the Bucs picking up a quality player for MLB, in case Quarles can't go this season, which seems to be a real possibility.

Linebackers Cato June and Chris Draft also visited the Bucs today, according to pewterreport.com.

I would like to see Cato June become a Buc. He knows our system and is a good fit.

Keep the high picks, period. THat's how they built the team the first time . . oh, wait . . . they could evaluate talent then

Keep the high picks, period. THat's how they built the team the first time . . oh, wait . . . they could evaluate talent then

If you recall, Smiley, 1995 was the year they really did much of the building. Traded down their high pick and still got Sapp as well as additional picks (one of which ended up being Derrick Brooks).

When you are shooting in the dark in this case -- meaning you got a team that can't evaluate talent worth a damn -- having more picks instead of one high draft pick might be the best answer.

But I digress. "Grullen" plans for next season and not long term viability. First round draft picks are flavor of the month guys to him.

Looks like the Bucs signed Cato June. It is an excellent pick-up. He fits well with the defense, and at 27 years old is relatively young.

Bucs Nab June!


New Buccaneer linebacker Cato June was the leading tackler for the NFL champions last year

Mar 17, 2007 -

In a move that unquestionably strengthened their defense, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed unrestricted free agent linebacker Cato June, the leading tackler this past season for the Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts.

As is team policy, terms of the deal, including its length, were not disclosed by the Buccaneers.

The acquisition of June comes just one day after he visited the Buccaneers as one of three defensive standouts to meet with Tampa Bay Friday. He joins a Buccaneers linebacker corps that was already quite talented; June, Derrick Brooks and Shelton Quarles have all won Pro Bowl honors.


June, who became an unrestricted free agent this month, has been a starter the past three seasons in Indianapolis and earned his first Pro Bowl selection in 2005 when he tallied 109 tackles and five interceptions, including two returned for touchdowns. That same year he was also named to the Associated Press NFL All-Pro Second Team and the Pro Football Weekly/Professional Football Writers of America All-NFL Team.

A converted college safety, June was drafted in the sixth round (198th overall) of the 2003 NFL Draft by the Colts, and quickly became a lynchpin at the linebacker position in the Colts’ Cover Two-oriented defense. In 2004 – June’s first year as a starter – he led his team in tackles, posting 128 stops. Pro Bowl honors followed the season after, and last year June’s 162 tackles were again a team-high.



Only 27 years of age, the 6-0, 227-pound June is considered one of the up-and-coming linebackers in the league and is widely viewed as an excellent fit for the defensive scheme employed by the Buccaneers because of his coverage and pursuit skills.

To date, June has played in 56 games, starting 45 of them, including all 16 last season for Indianapolis. In addition to his 162 tackles, the athletic June recorded one sack and three interceptions. And in the Colts’ Super Bowl victory over the Chicago Bears, June registered five tackles and two assists.

At the University of Michigan, June started 26 of 36 games, posting 138 tackles, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and three interceptions. He also received All-Big Ten honorable mention as a senior for the Wolverines.

http://www.buccaneers.com/news/newsdetail.aspx?newsid=5706

On the Buccaneers.com Message Board they are saying that the deal for Cato June is thought to be 3 years worth around 12 million dollars, but that the structure of the deal pretty much requires it to be restructured at one point to a lower price.

Excellent signing...

Looks like the Bucs signed Cato June. It is an excellent pick-up. He fits well with the defense, and at 27 years old is relatively young.

Bucs Nab June!


New Buccaneer linebacker Cato June was the leading tackler for the NFL champions last year




Huge signing.. I think the starting linebackers as of right now will be
Brooks-Ruud-June.

Way to go Front office...

The coolest thing about this is that in this defense, I think that June has the potential to get even better playing alongside Brooks.

^Agreed. He comes into a near perfect situation here in Tampa to thrive. He gets a future Hall-of-Famer in Brooks as his mentor, the style of our defense suits him perfectly, and he will be the starter and get all of the playing time as a pretty young guy at 27. Which he already earned in Indianapolis.

Overall I give this signing a huge- :applause:

Great acquisition, now to work on the offensive line and some depth all around.

Signing Cato June appears to be the best deal the Bucs have made thus far. Let's just see if he can deliver. . .

Signing Cato June appears to be the best deal the Bucs have made thus far. Let's just see if he can deliver. . .
Agreed, it is way up there. I was looking for us to get this guy, as he's apparently great in the cover2. He was the Colts' leading tackler last year, so I think given the combination of his proven abilities last year and in a similar system he'll produce for the Bucs.

I think Garcia was our best signing so far, personally. He's a huge upgrade from what we had last year (a nonproducing Simms, a 6th round rookie, and Rattay who I'm not really a big fan of). Garcia's a proven guy - just watch what he did with the 49ers a few years back. He just gets a bad rap because of his time with Detroit, which is basically a talent drain. We'll see.

Keep the high picks, period. THat's how they built the team the first time . . oh, wait . . . they could evaluate talent then

I don't know Smiley. Even under McKay/Dungy we were never good at evaluating offensive talent. With the notable exception of Mike Alstott and Warrick Dunn we squandered several years of high round picks. Consider that all these were 1st or 2nd round selections under McKay/Dungy.

Reidel Anthony
Jacquez Green
Shaun King
Cosey Coleman
Kenyatta Walker

On the Defensive side, we seem to be able to reach into the deep rounds and pick up guys like Ellis Wyms who has been a great roll player off the bench and now is a starter. We seem to be able to pick up DBs in the mid to late rounds fairly easily.

Unfortunately, during his tenure so far, Gruden has been unable to fix our dreadful offense - and has allowed the defense to fall into disrepair.

So what's the solution, MFI? If you were king, what would you recommend to turn our team (the bucs) around this upcoming season?

b.t.w. is Monty Kiffin still the defensive coordinator for the bucs? I haven't heard a word about him, nor from him for awhile... I'm obviously not on top of things where the bucs are concerned. . .

Yes, monte is still DC

So what's the solution, MFI? If you were king, what would you recommend to turn our team (the bucs) around this upcoming season?

b.t.w. is Monty Kiffin still the defensive coordinator for the bucs? I haven't heard a word about him, nor from him for awhile... I'm obviously not on top of things where the bucs are concerned. . .

Thanks man! No one has ever made me King before. :)

I wish I had the answers.

I would like to see us do more in FA, and pick up mid-career impact players.. not just role players and over the hill players.. Cato June was good.

The OL remains the major problem offensively. I would like to see them address the OL again in Free Agency.

Gruden has neglected the defense over the past several seasons in the draft, I would prefer to focus here as Kiffin knows how to scout players that fit into his system and I have no more confidence in Gruden's offense or his talent evaluation than I did in Dungy's (on offense).

The bottom line is the defense has kept us competitive over the years. If our defense has a good year we will be competitive again. In my opinion, Brooks had his worst pro season last year. Hopefully, it was not the first sign of age and he will recover to have a better season this year. I will be really interested to see how we play Cato June who played Brook's position (weak-side lb) in Indy.

I tell you guys what, I can't remember the last time I had less of in idea what the Bucs were going to do in the draft.

My personal sentiment is that they either get Johnson or Thomas at that spot, or trade down to around 10-15, and pick up a solid starter, and acquire another pick or two for next year, when it is expected to be a strong draft.

They'll go with Johnson. Gruden is just playing the media when he talks about doing certain things in the draft (trading UP to get Johnson for instance).

Get your tickets now.....New schedule is out.

The schedule:

Preseason
Fri. Aug. 10 NEW ENGLAND 7:30 WFLA
Sat. Aug. 18 at Jacksonville 7:30 WFLA
Sat. Aug. 25 at Miami 7:30 WFLA
Thurs. Aug. 30 HOUSTON 8 WFLA

Regular Season
Sun. Sept. 9 at Seattle 4:15 FOX
Sun. Sept. 16 NEW ORLEANS 1 FOX
Sun. Sept. 23 ST. LOUIS 1 FOX
Sun. Sept. 30 at Carolina 4:05 p.m. FOX
Sun. Oct. 7 at Indianapolis 4:05 p.m. FOX
Sun. Oct. 14 TENNESSEE 1 CBS
Sun. Oct. 21 at Detroit 1 FOX
Sun. Oct. 28 JACKSONVILLE 4:05 CBS
Sun. Nov. 4 ARIZONA 1 FOX
Sun. Nov. 11 Bye Week
Sun. Nov. 18 at Atlanta 1 FOX
Sun. Nov. 25 WASHINGTON 1 FOX
Sun. Dec. 2 at New Orleans 1 FOX
Sun. Dec. 9 at Houston 1 FOX
Sun. Dec. 16 ATLANTA 1 FOX
Sun. Dec. 23 at San Francisco-* 8:15 NBC
Sun. Dec. 30 CAROLINA 1 FOX


http://www.tboblogs.com/index.php/sports/comments/one-prime-time-matchup-for-bucs/

Much easier than last year, that's for sure. I'm actually surprised we have a night game, considering we were in the bottom 5 last year. Arizona also got a night game and is in the bottom 5.

FF, I wouldn't say that "Tampa gets a night game" for sure. A Sunday Night telecast, per the new NFL TV deal, is subject to change. ESPECIALLY late season games.

Lets face it, the Bucs vs. Atlanta the previous week or against Carolina the next week would probably be a hell of a lot more entertaining than a game against San Francisco at that point in the season.

It's a non division game, it's two teams that have been sub-par for a few years now... Unless both teams have stellar seasons or are on the bubble going into week 16 -- that game is most certainly going to be moved to 4 PM on Fox.

Oh, that is something else to mention about the schedule -- more 4 PM games this year. Last year the Bucs played virtually every game at 1 PM.

This article out of the TBT is gag worthy.

Looking Down the Road, Dec. 30 Could Be Bye-bye Week 5-10-1
Tom Jones
Article Link (http://www.tbt.com/sports/bucs/article38661.ece)


Sept. 9 at Seattle

Jeff Garcia should start at QB. But it won't matter if it's Jeff Garcia, Andy Garcia, Chris Simms, Phil Simms or Molly Simms, the Bucs won't be able to stop Shaun Alexander. Our pick: Seahawks, 27-10. (0-1)

Sept. 16 vs. New Orleans

The Saints' Reggie Bush might be banned from the Playboy Mansion, but not from the Bucs end zone, so we assume Bush is free to go wild. He'll run for one score, catch another, return a punt and a kickoff for TDs. Then in the second quarter ... Saints, 38-7. (0-2)

Sept. 23 vs. St. Louis

The Bucs will beat the Rams. Why? Because they always do well against the Rams ... well, except for that little NFC title game. Bucs 23-14. (1-2)

Sept. 30 at Carolina

Tampa Bay can't stop the other team from scoring. We're talking, of course, about Joe Maddon's Devil Rays, who finish another 100-loss, last-place season on this day. The Bucs? Yeah, they lose, too. Panthers, 24-14. (1-3)

Oct. 7 at Indianapolis

Here's the lone hope: Peyton Manning, while filming a TV commercial in Las Vegas, runs into Pacman Jones and Chris Henry. Next thing you know, Peyton is using MasterCards to make it "rain'' and ends up in Interrogation Room 3. Otherwise, we're going with Dungy's team. Colts 42-7. (1-4)

Oct. 14 vs. Tennessee

See Vince Young. See Vince run. See Vince run fast. Oh, how he can run. I do not like to see Vince run. I do not like him on the road, I do not like him at home. I do not like to see Vince run. Titans, 30-20. (1-5)

Oct. 21 at Detroit

For all you Bucs fans tired of Bruce Allen calling the shots, count your blessings. You could instead be stuck with Lions head cheese Matt Millen. He took over a team that hit rock bottom then used a jack hammer to dig even deeper. Bucs, 7-3. (2-5)

Oct. 28 vs. Jacksonville

Did you know that this is only Jacksonville's second trip to Tampa Bay in the regular season? Of course, you didn't. No one did because no one cares about the Jaguars. Can the Bucs win two in a row? Why not? Bucs 12-9. (3-5)

Nov. 4 vs. Arizona

Making fun of the Cardinals is like fishing with dynamite. It's too easy. "Will the woman who left her 11 kids in the parking lot please pick them up? They're beating the Cardinals, 27-0.'' So ... Bucs 24-23. (4-5).

Nov. 11 Bye Week

Slowly becoming every Bucs' fans favorite week of the season.

Nov. 18 at Atlanta

Falcons QB Michael Vick misses the first half because security won't let him bring in his special water bottle. Still, the Bucs only muster a three-point half-time lead. A fresh Vick comes out in the second half, runs for 210 yards and throws for three touchdowns - two of them right-handed. Falcons, 38-17. (4-6)

Nov. 25 vs. Washington

It's kind of sad to watch Gibbs go from one of the greatest coaches of all time to babysitter for a five-wins-a-year team. Unfortunately, this might be one of the five wins. Redskins, 17-13. (4-7)

Dec. 2 at New Orleans

The shocker. Down by one point with 30 seconds left, Bruce Gradkowski completes three passes to set up a Matt Bryant 62-yard FG attempt with one second left. It's high enough, it's long enough and it's ... oh, just wide right. Saints, 20-19. (4-8)

Dec. 9 at Houston

Two bad teams that never seem to know who their quarterback is. Yeesh. Tie, 0-0. (4-8-1)

Dec. 16 vs. Atlanta

Once a season, the Bucs slow down Michael Vick. Usually it's at home. It used to be that the Bucs' defense was too quick for Vick to outrun. Now, unless the Bucs D uses walkers to trip up Vick, there won't be any stopping Vick. Falcons, 27-10. (4-9-1)

Dec. 23 at San Francisco

This is NBC's Sunday Night Football game. Of course, the NFL has that flexible schedule, meaning NBC could switch to a more high-profile game. Why don't they do it now. It won't mean a thing. 49ers, 3-2. (4-10-1)

Dec. 30 vs. Carolina.

Last game of the year. Maybe the last game of the Gruden Era. Maybe the last game for Derrick Brooks and Mike Alstott. By this point, either Carolina will have wrapped up a playoff spot or Keyshawn Johnson will have turned the whole thing into a circus. Either way, the Bucs go out with a bang. Bucs 33-3. (5-10-1)

Tom Jones himself is gag-worthy. He's the former Lightning beat writer at the Times (joined one of the Minneapolis newspapers after the Wild started and then came back to Tampa a few years ago) and now is in this (disgusting) niche at the Times trying to cross-pollinate things with pop references and sports.

jon gruden can burn in hell for all i care

jon gruden can burn in hell for all i care

Haha wow you really are the same cee from the TBBBB. Fantastic!

Gruden get's 1 more year to turn it around..
I just got my invoice for the 2nd part of the season tickets due in by May 3rd..

Draft is in 2 weeks...

jon gruden can burn in hell for all i care

I agree with this post :)

Gruden ain't so bad...

What kind of team would you have if you were handed a team that was stripped of its best draft picks for a few years, had several years worth of salary cap 'hangover', and while the team you largely inherited was good enough to win the Superbowl, it was also at the edge of a 'talent cliff', in that everyone who was good on your team was at or past their prime. What exactly do you think would be left say, 4 years later?

Imo, the only time that Gruden truly "let down" anybody was in 2003, when the Bucs should have done better, even with a HORRIFIC schedule and injuries... And last year when Gruden should have clued in that Gradkowski wasn't the answer after the 2nd, maybe 3rd game...

But otherwise, what the hell else would you expect to occur considering everything that went down? Remember, both of those down years had; a BAD schedule... More major injuries than the other years... And a major overturning of the coaching staff, especially on 'D'.


Now, if Gruden had bombed in 2002, or had not brought the team back from adversity to win the division in 2005, when they really had no right doing so, then I would be more concerned that Gruden just sucks. While he's probably not the golden boy coach everyone made him out to be a few years ago, it's not like finding someone better than him is a matter of picking up the phone book. Replacing an NFL head coach is hard enough. Quickly replacing a Superbowl winning coach with another one is usually an effort in futility.

The salary cap "Hangover" was presented in part by signing overaged players who never made a difference on the roster. You can make a difference on your roster by actually SIGNING players that make sense instead of your ego. That goes for draft picks as well -- losing #1 draft picks doesn't kill the team. Hell, have the Raiders become a powerhouse because they secured 2 first round picks and a second from the Bucs? Hell no. The draft is just one part of building (and retooling) a team.

Gruden getting carte blanche over the franchise as he has -- having the GM he conflicted with fired and replaced by a sycophant who basically just nods and agrees "What Jon wants, Jon gets". Player conflicts, a standards loss on a team (and a tendance not to hold coaches on offense accountable for failings).

Jon has yet to fire an offensive assistant or coordinator even with rampant failings and a perpetual low quality product on offense (even though he continues to meddle and retool the offense). That tells me ego is involved. "My scheme will work and guys who are loyal to me will be rewarded by staying as long as they wish. It's the players fault if the scheme doesn't work"

He's an overglorified offensive coordinator. That's the standard he's shown in Tampa. 2002? Rich McKay's assembled roster, Monte Kiffin/Rod Marinelli's indomitable defense and Jon Gruden's offense. I don't give Gruden a free pass because he won a Super Bowl... Hell, think of the ultimate circumstances for the super bowl -- we won with thanks to playing the very team Gruden coached LAST season. You were playing against his offense.
(But he beat Jim Johnson's defense in Philly in order to get to the SUper Bowl, I will give him credit for coaching a hell of a game in that one).

But saying the draft picks and the schedule were the ultimate factors that hurt this team -- that's just making excuses. The quality has gone down the tubes as well as the standards since Gruden took over. He blames injuries and shuffles around the OL and nothing changes on offense... Except who we blame. Johnson, Griese, Simms, Gradkowsk, Rattay, Garcia, etc.

Winning the Superbowl was the dream of my life, to have some down years after that was well worth it..They can never take that away from us.. It is something that 15 Nfl clubs have never achieved..
Plus with the additions in FA and the draft in which we get 5 of the first 100 picks we will get younger on defense and be back, maybe even in 2007..

Another thing Gruden did for the team (re:Glazers). Helped them make oh, I don't know... Let's say $200 million? $300 million? More? Could they have been able to buy ManU if the Bucs don't win the SB and see their value explode? I doubt it.

Not saying that matters to me, but it sure helps explain any sort of seemingly unusual generosity or patience the Glazers show with Gruden at the helm... And really, if someone helped make you that kind of roll, would you be so quick to kick them to the curb?

Even if you don't agree with the decision as so many don't, Tony Dungy was let go despite turning the team around, despite bringing respect and admiration to the organization, and despite having a world class defense. Dungy was let go because he was unable to field a competitive offense and Gruden was brought in to fix that. Here is what he has done in 5 seasons:

OFFENSIVE RANKINGS UNDER GRUDEN
YEAR......BY YARDS............BY POINTS

2002......24........................18
2003......10........................18
2004......22........................23
2005......23........................20
2006......29........................31

DEFENSIVE RANKINGS UNDER GRUDEN
YEAR......BY YARDS............BY POINTS

2002......1.........................1
2003......5.........................4
2004......5.........................9
2005......1.........................8
2006......17.......................21

I should clarify - that I thought letting Dungy go was the correct thing to do. It was a travisty to waste our defense with an offense that could not score. However, I am equally fed up with watching Gruden's offense.

I love Gruden's Playbook, I love the motion and watching one formation morph into something totally different. But in my opinion, his play calling is suspect, his ability to evaluate talent is poor, and his strategic decision making is just questionable. I was shocked to see the defending NFC South Champions start a rookie quarterback last year. You just don't do that. Rookie quarterbacks are meant to be developed over a period of years. Only the most exceptional players are able to walk in and be even somewhat effective in the rookie season.

http://media.tbo.com/photos/trib/2007/april/0424shelton.jpg

Quarles To Be Cut
Posted By Katherine Smith at Apr 24, 2007 at 01:19 PM
Updated Apr 24, 2007 at 03:20 PM


On Saturday, Bucs middle linebacker Shelton Quarles wasn’t sure what his future was with the team.

Now it’s clear. Bucs general manager Bruce Allen announced Quarles will be cut after failing a team physical. Quarles missed a couple of games last season with groin, knee and ankle injuries, but finished the season as arguably the best defensive player.

‘’Shelton has been a great contributor for the Bucs,’’ Allen said. ‘’It’s been 10 years of solid football. He’s provided a spark for the team. He’s a football player. If we were sitting here in 2017, he’d still want to be playing football. We feel very good we have Barrett Ruud. It’s nice for the club that we have that.’’

Quarles has been getting other medical opinions as to whether he can play this season. Once he’s released, he’ll become a free agent and can sign with whatever team is interested in him.

Ruud, a third-year middle linebacker, becomes the starter now.


http://www.tboblogs.com/index.php/sports/comments/quarles-to-be-cut/

Draft starts in 30 minutes.

Could go down as the best Buc draft in history..

4 of the first 68 picks..
I'll give this a CJ bump..

Gaines Adams... meh.

didn't see that.... Gaines... Gift to Monty maybe.....

With J. Thomas and C. Johnson gone...I guess they got their man.....

2nd. rd. Guard from Tenn. All the video had him playing left tackle...

3rd. Safety

4th . LB

1. DE - Gaines Adams
2. G - Arron Sears
2. S - Sabby Piscitelli
3. LB - Quincy Black
4. CB - Tanard Jackson
5. DT - Greg Peterson
6. LB - Adam Hayward
7. T - Chris Denman
7. CB - Marcus Hamilton
7. RB - Kenneth Darby

Well, color me amazed. The Bucs decided that the trenches need to be addressed and did so. 3 of the first 4 picks go defense. Sabby Piscatelli -- read the guys bio. That's John Lynch's replacement or so Monte hopes. Monte's fingerprints are all over this draft and I love it. Adams being picked is debateable -- Okoye could have gone there, the Bucs could have traded down, etc -- but as it stands, that's Simeon Rice's apprentice and heir apparent as it stands right now.

The pick I question the most is the Sears pick. I think Center was a much bigger priority then Guard/Tackle and Ryan Kalil was still there. However Sears can play the other four O-Line positions so his versatility as a rotation player is good. Also I'm surprised we got 2 OLB's and no ILB's. Although, I've been haering that Quincy Black will add around 5-10 pounds and be moved to middle. All we have at ILB is Ruud.

I probably would've taken Okoye over Gaines but that is just me. Greg Patterson supposidly fits our scheme perfectly at Under Tackle. I like Piscitelli and Tanard Jackson as future starter quality prospects. I'm also surpised we didn't grab a receiver towards the middle of the draft.

Also the Bucs signed former Seahawks TE Jeremy Stevens today.

About the center position...it has been rumored that Behnning (spelling???) will move to center, and Sears will start at guard.

Buenning.

As long as what's-his-name remains as OL coach there will be problems with the line -- unless things turn around completely this year and the OL ends up actually formidable.

Thanks...I was always the first one out during the spelling bees

Tam -- I'm always the first one out in typing accuracy competitions. Just keep an eye out for all my mispeelings and teyepos ;)

Gaines Adams signed today!!

http://blogs.tampabay.com/bucs/2007/07/big-gaines.html

July 26, 2007
Big Gaines
Gaines Adams is officially a Buc.

Adams, the team's first round pick, just strolled into the Celebration Hotel alongside his agent, Fletcher Smith, just after signing his contract. And what a contract it is. We've learned Adams signed a six-year deal worth $46-million, $18.56-million of it guaranteed. Those numbers represent a 14.4 percent increase over the value of last year's No. 4 pick, the Jets' D'Brickashaw Ferguson.

It was feared Adams' negotiations would extend into Friday, when the first training camp practice is scheduled to be held. But Adams held true to his word and reported to Celebration before even most of his teammates.

He became the highest-drafted player to sign thus far from the 2007 draft class. Others, such as Cleveland's Joe Thomas, the No. 3 pick, might have protracted negotiations that extend well into camp. Smith said he and Adams were happy to finalize the deal if the Bucs were willing to offer what Smith projected Adams' market value to be.

His presence in camp is key. The Bucs want to experiment with several different lineups and looks with their defensive front seven, and Adams is liekly to be a major part of those efforts.

He, like the rest of us, doesn't know precisely what the team's plans for him.

"I'm not worried about that," he said. "I'm just coming in and working hard and doing whatever Coach (Jon) Gruden wants me to do."

He's just ready to play.

"I'm very excited," he said. "It's a dream come true."

(Pictured: Gaines Adams on draft day. AP photo. Click to enlarge.)

July 26, 2007 | Permalink

And Simeon Rice was cut today!

Which is especially messed up imo, because it's not like they need the cap room. They had a fair amount of it already before they disrespected Rice.


Oh and btw Mr Gruden, you just lost the Bucs some coin for the coming season with that stunt. I'll be supporting the Colts and a real coach this coming season.

No more spending on Bucs stuff from me until that fucker and his drone are G-O-N-E.

I have season tickets and will be there always.. 1 player does not make me root for another team.. He failed the physical, why would you pay someone 7 million, when they might not play that much..

I love Rice, don't get me wrong, he won us a Superbowl.. But he had the chance also to take a paycut and he denied it..

I say Go Bucs can't wait for the Pats game in 2 weeks..

I wasn't too keen on the way Rice was cut either and I'm not the biggest Gruden fan, but I will still root for them.

This started for me with Dunn. Rice was simply the last straw.

Lynch failed a physical too....and has gone on to 3 probowls with the Broncos.....

Losing Dunn still makes me sick. And PLEASE use Alstott this year!!!

I was listening to Ian in the a.m. on 620 and he said that Rice told him that he was not ready to go and was at least 4 weeks away. So that being said, 7 million is alot of money to spend on a player that may not be able to go much this season.

Seems like Gruden/Allen don't really handle these things the right way.

I have season tickets and will be there always.. 1 player does not make me root for another team.. He failed the physical, why would you pay someone 7 million, when they might not play that much..

I love Rice, don't get me wrong, he won us a Superbowl.. But he had the chance also to take a paycut and he denied it..

I say Go Bucs can't wait for the Pats game in 2 weeks..


Have you heard anything on what is going to happen with the seat deposits next year? Regular seats, not club :)

Have you heard anything on what is going to happen with the seat deposits next year? Regular seats, not club :)

No I have not heard that much, but the Bucs are the hottest sports team in the Tampa market and don't see that much of a drop off.. I think most will renew there season tickets.. This is only my 3rd year of a 10 year contract..

Today's game:
Fri. Aug. 10 Vs. NEW ENGLAND
7:30 PM
WFLA-TV

... And the cycle starts a new. Bravo. I never get too into the pre-season, but it satisfies that football itch.

I actually love the preseason. Its the first chance to see all of the new draft picks and additions. It's a great teaser of what is to come, not just this year, but farther down the road as well.

Bucs won 13-10.

Not too bad of a game... The defense did ok, and the benchwarmers showed some grit at the end.

There is a fairly decent writeup in today's TBT that I am trying to find an online transcript of, but it addresses the trust issue with the Buccaneer franchise since the entry of Gruden, the dismissal of McKay and the arrival Bruce Allen. All things considered, if one can take what is inferred from player interviews to heart, the franchise is in more dire trouble than most had thought.

Bucs lost 31-19 to the Jags

Yea, I went to the game last night to see Jaguars unfortunately pounce all over the Bucs 31-19. Surprisingly, there was a pretty good amount of Buccaneer fans that turned out to show their support. No sweat though, I hope the Bucs make the Jags "walk the plank" :lol: when they play each other again at Raymond James in October. Go Bucs!!!

This is not the way you want to try and make the team.....

Boston Arrested For DUI

By: Jim Flynn

August 24, 2007 @ 10:29am



Tampa Bay wide receiver David Boston was arrested and charged with DUI on Thursday night (Getty)

Tampa Bay wide receiver David Boston was arrested Thursday night and charged with driving under the influence. Boston, 29, was listed as the Bucs’ starting Z (flanker) receiver. Boston passed a breathalyzer test and is awaiting the results of a urine test.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Buccaneers wide receiver David Boston was arrested Thursday night and charged with driving under the influence.

According to the Tampa Tribune, Boston was found asleep at the wheel of his vehicle at 49th Street and Park Boulevard in Pinellas Park. The vehicle’s engine was still running.

The report goes on to state that Boston explained to police that he had traveled from Celebration in Orlando and was headed to the Tampa International Airport.

Although breathalyzer tests showed that there was no alcohol in his system, Boston was also given a field sobriety test, at which point it was determined that there was probable cause to arrest him and charge him with driving under the influence of a controlled substance or alcohol.

Police are waiting on the results of Boston’s urine tests.

Boston, 29, re-signed with Tampa Bay in January after being released by the Bucs in September of 2006. He was working his way back from two serious knee injuries and was listed as Tampa Bay’s starting Z (flanker) receiver on the team’s official depth chart.

Depending on the outcome of his urine tests and case, Boston, who was suspended by the NFL in 2004 for a positive steroid test, could face anything from a fine and suspended license to being released by the Bucs and/or suspended by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.

The charges could also be dropped if Boston’s urine tests do not test positive for any illegal substances.

http://www.pewterreport.com/articles/view/3249

Lovely... I was havig some hope the guy would pan out this year.

He's extremely gifted, just not as intelligently as he is physically.

I'm not betting that his urine test comes back positive for anything crazy, maybe some pain medication for his twisted ankle. The video (http://video.syndication.msn.com/v/Default.aspx?partner=en-ap&g=7f3e97cc-a7d6-4049-8616-d1bdebb1e995&f=FLPET) shows him agitated but completely in control and making lucid arguments (I'm not drunk, use a breath test, this is crazy, etc etc). Getting a DUI cop to admit he was wrong is harder than getting a response back from Jesus, so I guess we'll have to wait for the test.

Bucs beat the Dolphins 31-28. Galloway, P. Warren, Cato June, and Earnest Gahram all had Touchdown's.

Bucs down 10-6 just before halftime to the Seahawks in the regular season opener.

^^
UPDATE: Bucs lost, 20-6.

Issues abound for Bucs in home opener
Sunday, September 16, 2007

TAMPA (Bay News 9) -- Today is a very important game for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

It's the season's first regular season home game and they play against the defending NFC South champion New Orleans Saints.

But, more importantly, the Bucs are dealing with not only pressure to succeed, but pressure from bad press such as losing liquor sales and players in trouble.

Recently, the Tampa city council voted no to allowing fans in regular seats to buy mixed drinks, saying the extra stiff alcohol will cause unruly fans.

Then, tight end Jerramy Stevens was found guilty of drunk driving in Arizona and will be sentenced October 2. For now he's still on the team.

That was followed by wide receiver David Boston's arrest in August after toxicology reports showed he had in his system. The Bucs reached an injury settlement with the 29-year-old Boston and he's already been replaced.

Looming over the team is also the pressure on the coaching staff, with head coach Jon Gruden's job in reportedly in jeopardy unless the team produces a playoff season. Last year's 4-12 record was the Bucs third losing season in the last four years, bringing about the Gruden speculation.

The team will also play this season without fan favorite Mike Alstott, who was placed on injured reserve after a neck injury during training camp. There's no word yet if he plans to return next year.

Today's game at Raymond James Stadium starts at 1 p.m.

http://www.baynews9.com/content/36/2007/9/16/288194.html?title=Issues+abound+for+Bucs+in+home+opener++

I'll say this much. If the Bucs don't make it to the playoffs this year, Gruden may very well be ousted from the team. Just like Tony Dungy was in 2001. Now don't get me wrong, Dungy was a good coach. He started turning the Bucs around even though the team never made it beyond the playoffs. Unfortunately time came for a new slate, people got sick of him, and that resulted in Dungy getting fired. Now Gruden is under the same gun and unless the Bucs make a turnaround this year, he may be ousted as well.

As for Alstott, I wish him the best...

I'm not trying to down high spirits but it is unlikely we make the playoffs this year. That said I wish the team the best for a good exciting, healthy season. :)

Bucs palying well.

21-0 at half over Saints.

Whoohoo!

Bucs won, 31 - 14.

great game by the Bucs today. New Orleans is stumbling pretty bad in the opening weeks.

^^
I forgot by midday that it was even on. But I'm glad they won.

MLB Barrett Ruud

http://www.givingthanksalways.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/10/ruud.jpg

LEADS THE NFL IN TACKLES THROUGH WEEK 2: 28 tackles

NFC DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK (WEEK 2): 16 tackles, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery

Today's game:

Buccaneers (1-1) vs.
Rams (0-2)
1 pm kickoff

Bucs win 24-3.

Defense palyed well and took advantage of a couple bulger interceptions. Cadillac was benched in the 2nd half after fumbling twice. Graham and Pittman replaced him nicely:

Graham: 8 rushes, 75 yards, 2 touchdowns
Pittman: 7 rushes, 56 yards

Bucs are doing very well. I hope they keep this streak up. :banana: :banana:

MLB Barrett Ruud

http://www.givingthanksalways.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/10/ruud.jpg

LEADS THE NFL IN TACKLES THROUGH WEEK 2: 28 tackles

NFC DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK (WEEK 2): 16 tackles, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery

Right?!?! Ruud has more than stepped up to the plate for the Bucs thus far. Gotta admit... this Buccaneer team appears to be much more focused when compared to last years squad. Personally, I haven't been the biggest Gruden fan, but I've got to admit, he's definitely doing something right this season. :)

GO BUCS!

Bucs are doing very well. I hope they keep this streak up. :banana: :banana:

They're doing well yes, but both teams we've beat are winless.

Important to remember. ^^ This week's game with Carolina should be a good test of both the defense and offense, as it is a division opponent with the same record. If we can come out on top of this game, the season will indeed look very promising as the NFC South is relatively weak otherwise.

^^
I wonder how good Carolina will be this time. I know in a couple years past, they slammed the Bucs down like crazy. I still remember those blocked field goals from a couple seasons ago.

^They're not that good anymore either. Probably better than the Bucs though, so if the Bucs win, that's indeed a good sign.

Correct. Because if the Bucs win the division record will be on their side, and there is no other team in the NFC south which can challenge them. Unless of course NO or Atl make some drastic turn arounds.

The thing is though, the Bucs should get better as the year goes too, so long as they avoid crippling injuries... That has generally been the team's pattern of performance for years now.

I think that if they finish the first 1/4 of the season 3-1, they're practically a lock to make the playoffs in some way.

It will be interesting to see what capacity Carnell plays this Sunday's game, Earnest Graham seems to have taken over the Alstott goal line package.

I think it's a combination of Caddy being banged up and the line encountering a gassed defense that could have made one of the Glazer boys look like a serviceable back... Point is, I don't think Cadillac is going anywhere. Perhaps Caddy isn't a Top 10 back, but EG isn't the next Emmitt Smith, and being the next Errict Rhett isn't good enough to bench Caddy, even with the ribs.

The thing is though, the Bucs should get better as the year goes too, so long as they avoid crippling injuries... That has generally been the team's pattern of performance for years now.

I think that if they finish the first 1/4 of the season 3-1, they're practically a lock to make the playoffs in some way.

That's true.

Bucs attempt to tackle Panthers in Carolina
Sunday, September 30, 2007

TAMPA (Bay News 9) -- If the resurgent Bucs are for real after two consecutive home victories, today's game at Carolina will provide a strong barometer.

Both teams enter 2-1, with first place on the line in the NFC South. Game time is 4:05 p.m.

The Bucs defense has played well in its three games, shutting down New Orleans and high-powered St. Louis in victories the past two weeks. Carolina, however, has traditionally been a thorn in the Bucs side because of their physical play, particularly on defense.

That's where the mobility of new Bucs quarterback Jeff Garcia could effect the outcome. Garcia has shown an ability to change plays at the line of scrimmage and keep defenses off balance with quick-hitting pass plays. That, in turn, has opened up the run game for a more diversified attack than the team had last season.

Garcia has also been efficient, completing 66 percent of his passes with no interceptions.

Tampa Bay has only one win in its last 10 road games, that coming against a weak Cleveland team late last season.

Also making the game important is that the Bucs play at the world champion Indianapolis Colts the following week. So a key divisional win at Carolina will further prove the team's improved status entering the meat of the season.

Carolina leads the all-time series 8-5. The Panthers won both meetings last year, with the first game when quarterback Chris Simms ruptured his spleen and was lost for the season.

The Panthers may be without starting quarterback Jake Delhomme, who was hurt in last week's victory at Atlanta. If Delhomme can't play, David Carr, who led two scoring drives against the Falcons after Delhomme left, will start.

http://www.baynews9.com/content/36/2007/9/30/290691.html?title=Bucs+attempt+to+tackle+Panthers+in+Carolina

Doesn't look good for Williams, he was in a lot of pain. Hopefully he's not out for the season. Otherwise we're still looking really good, rolling along 14-0 after one quarter.

20-0 Bucs with 10min. in the 4th quarter. The Bucs did turn it over on downs on the Panthers one yard line but other then that it has been domination by the Bucs.

They're both having season ending knee surgeries within the next few days.

http://blogs.tampabay.com/bucs/2007/10/cadillac-petitg.html

Indeed. I was thinking that Petitgout would at least be able to come back, since it seemed to be just a sprain.

Update: not sure how this post got tagged as being made at 6:14am, I made it at 2:30pm and had just opened up the browser window.

It is a good thing that the Bucs won yesterday's game. But I'm hoping that the two injured players can return soon. Hopefully thier injuries are not that serious. Williams definitely did not look good when he got hurt.

They're both having season ending knee surgeries within the next few days.

^^ Its just too early in the season to be losing "Cadillac" already. :ohno:

Cadillac, Petitgout Out For Season
Posted By TBO.com at Oct 01, 2007 at 11:13 AM
Updated Oct 01, 2007 at 01:43 PM


Coach Jon Gruden’s weekly news conference started late Monday, but once it did the news was bad – running back Cadillac Williams and left tackle Luke Petitgout are out for the season with knee injuries.

Gruden said the two will have season-ending surgery this week.

‘’It’s a big blow. Other people need to step up now. Tough day that way,’’’ Gruden said.

‘’We’ll move on and do the best we can in the absence of these players.’’

Gruden said Michael Pittman and Earnest Graham will fill the hole left by Cadillac, who tore his patellar tendon at the end of the first quarter of Sunday’s 20-7 victory over Carolina. He also said there
were a lot of thoughts going on regarding roster moves, but he would not comment on whether Ken Darby would be recalled from the practice squad or anything else.

Gruden said he did not feel snakebit over the injuries.

‘’I don’t think catastrophic is the word. You think of hurricanes and things like that,’’’ Gruden said. ‘’We have to rally around this football team.’’

While Pittman and Graham replaced Williams against the Panthers, Donald Penn lined up at left tackle after Petitgout went down early in the second quarter. Anthony Davis, who has started at left tackle, was inactive Sunday.

Gruden was proud of the defense’s effort and Monte Kiffin’s game plan against Carolina. The Panthers avoided a shutout by scoring with 22 seconds left.

‘’We had a pretty good pass rush at times. It was a collaborative effort,’’ he said. ‘’Standards are high. We want to win games and to do that we have to play very good defense; stop the run, get some three and outs, get turnovers. We need to do that Sunday’’ when the Bucs travel to Indianapolis to play the undefeated and defending champion Colts.

With the first quarter of the season over, and the Bucs sitting atop the NFC South with a 3-1 record, Gruden said the team will have a different look.

‘’Just like the first quarter started on the road against Seattle, this quarter starts at Indianapolis and it will be a great challenge,’’’ he said.

‘’We realize the Colts are very talented and we’ll probably be a heavy underdog.’’


http://www.tboblogs.com/index.php/sports/comments/cadillac-petitgout-out-for-season/

If the rest of Cadillac's body was as hard as his hands, he could actually make it through a game. It's a shame to see him go down with an injury this serious, but I'm more concerned about Petitgout considering how well the offensive line has been playing... finally.

They're both having season ending knee surgeries within the next few days.

:ohno:

If the rest of Cadillac's body was as hard as his hands, he could actually make it through a game. It's a shame to see him go down with an injury this serious, but I'm more concerned about Petitgout considering how well the offensive line has been playing... finally.
well said... At least this will probably spur the team to finally sack up and invest a top pick where they should have been ever since Gruber retired... At LT... Problem is, with Cadillac all but certain to lose a step after such an injury, the Bucs also need to invest a top pick in a RB now as well.

^^
Perhaps...I see your point there.

Also, I heard on one of the sports programs yesterday about something about Ricky Williams. What's that all about? I don't want to distort anything.

Cadillac's biggest weakness continues to be durability. You are not worth anything unless you can actually complete a season now and again. Unfortunately, this may well be the end of Carnell's career.

From ESPN:
Oct 3 - Roto: There's no guarantee Williams (knee) will be ready to play by the time the Buccaneers' 2008 training camp opens, and there's a chance Williams will never be the same again, the Tampa Tribune reports.

Spin: Williams underwent surgery Tuesday to repair a torn patellar tendon suffered in Sunday's game. A significant rehab effort would follow, and there's no guarantee that Williams' rehab would be complete by next July. Even then, orthopedic experts agree that this type of injury significantly saps leg strength and drive, quite possibly permanently. As a result, Williams may never regain the form he showed as the league's offensive rookie of the year in 2005. The Bucs are expected to place Williams on injured reserve on either Wednesday or Thursday.

I hope he can make it back, and at 100%... but for some reason, I don't feel good about this.

Honestly, as much as I hate to say it, my inclination is that this is the end of Carnell's NFL career. Very sad to see, particularly as he only really had one strong/complete season. I hope I am wrong, but only time will tell.

Yeah, I smell a Robert Edwards situation... Something ain't right about the way they're talking about this.

Caddy has youth on his side.. Willis Mcgahee came back from the same injury.

On a brighter note I love my Bucs 3-1 baby.. UNDER THE RADAR..:cheers:

On the upswing, it would seem that Carnell has made pre-taxes a little more than $7.3M in his short NFL career, salary, bonuses, etc considered. According to my math @ my current income of around $80K it would take me 91 years to match that..... I suddenly don't feel quite so sorry for him. I think I would take a career ending knee injury for that payoff and a lifetime to invest and spend it.

Lets see how the Bucs do against the Colts. 4:05PM Start Time.

Will it be Gruden or Dungy?

Time to schedule running back tryouts... Pittman is out.

Jeez... At least the Bucs are playing about as well as one could hope for with a gutted running game, playing on the road against the SB champ and offensive juggernaut.

Well, Kenneth Darby is still on the practice squad, isn't he?

He's not starter quality right now, but maybe between him and Gahram they can hold it down.

I liked how the yahoo news put out the game for today. Made it look like if the Bucs win, they had an advantage since 2 of the Colts main players were out. Just can face the facts that the Bucs are doing great this season.

33-14 final, Bucs lose.

A little worse than I expected, and far less than what I had hoped for a couple weeks ago, looking at this game before Caddy and Pettigout went down.

Agreed, I had hoped that the defense would be able to keep a little more pressure on Manning and hold the score under 20, but at least if they were going to lose like this it was to an undefeated team.

I'm hearing Pittman is out 6-8 weeks.

Tanard Jackson is doing very well this season though. A solid 4th round pick for sure.

Yeah, Pittman broke his leg getting rolled up on.

As I said before, if the Bucs started out 3-1, they were a near-lock for the playoffs, barring crippling injuries... Well, they got to 3-1, and then the crippling injuries decided to take over.

One would think that with all of the injuries the Bucs always have, that they would invest a little more time and effort into conditioning thier players, and teaching them how not to get injured so frequently.

^ It's not just the Bucs, there have been an insane number of injuries this year.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/injuries

Seems like the Bucs are especially adept at getting hurt though. This happens just about every year.

Fanatical Buc fans have another place to vent
Tuesday, October 9, 2007

TAMPA (Bay News 9) -- A couple of die-hard Bucs fans in Hillsborough County are taking their love of the team to a new level.

Derek Fournier and Dave Sanchez started a fan-based Internet talk show - What The Buc - that's gaining popularity.

It's pure grassroots radio, where the two friends broadcast live Monday and Thursday espousing on all things Bucs.

"We're just normal dudes who figured out how to do this stuff on-line and talk about the thing we love," Fournier said. "You have to love the Bucs, be computer savvy and be able to sit in front of a computer at 7 o'clock on Mondays and Thursdays."

Sanchez said it takes some time to prepare for the show, but it's a labor of love as they take live calls and answer e-mails.

All About The Bucs
About the show
What The Buc
Football Headlines
Catch 47 sports
"We try to provide information to our fans and to our listeners on more detailed stuff than what you get reading the newspaper or what you get from listening to the radio on the way home from work," Sanchez said.

"It does take up time. But the time that we put into it is worth it to me. We'd be sitting here talking sports and the Bucs anyway."

Both men said the response has been encouraging.

"The feedback we've gotten has been overwhelmingly positive from the people who are listening," Fournier said.

The show airs Monday and Thursday nights at 7 p.m. On Monday, they talk about what happened in the game the day before. On Thursday, they preview the Bucs upcoming game.

http://www.baynews9.com/content/36/2007/10/9/293951.html?title=Fanatical+Buc+fans+have+another+place+to+vent+

Simms was officially chopped today and placed on IR to free up a slot for a free agent RB.

Which the Bucs in turn signed Zachary Crockett. (FSU, old guy)

Crockett is/was a great player. I enjoyed watching him during his years at FSU.

Bucs are up 3-0 at the half over the Titans.

10-3, Bucs lead now 4th quarter.

Another major injury is to Alex Smith though. They're saying it was an ankle injury and Smith is done for the day.

Bucs win 13-10. It was pretty messy there in the 2nd half... Go Bucs!

Barber couldn't buy a turnover. A few reversed picks and he fumbled a fumble recovery. But a win all the same. We've never played well against the Titans, so it was great to win. Especially without a running game.

^^
It was a rather close game. I'm still happy the Bucs won though. Good luck on the next game...uh who are they playing next?

Lions on the road... I think the Bucs win that one... Garcia will be jacked up, and Mike Martz has never been able to pull the offensive wool over Kiffin's eyes. Having Marinelli as head coach ain't going to help now imo.

The Bucs traded a conditional 6th round pick for RB Michael Bennent out of KC....

I think the Bucs will win as well against the Lions.

Lions are okay this year I guess. I think the Bucs will beat them.

Bucs FTW. Going to have to try and find a sports bar in Savannah with the game on this weekend.

Good luck to the Bucs today. I will be in Sarasota and won't be able to watch the game.

The Lions crushed the Bucs last week. Lets hope the Bucs can crush the Jags today. 4:05pm start time.

8 minutes to go in the game. Jax is up 24-23.

Bucs lose. 24-23. :ohno:
What a ridiculous end of the game :mad2:

Man, if that throw to Ike had 2 feet less on it, he would've walked in for 6 and the game.

Oh well, better luck next week. :(

24-23 final.

Thats 2 in a row we should have had!

^^ You took the words right out of my mouth. The Bucs should be 6-2 right now!!! :bash:

They certainly shoud be. Oh well. Lets see what happens next.

Thats 2 in a row we should have had!

Dave walk:),
why complain:ohno:, .
A child custody judge asked a 7 year old girl who she would like to live with for the rest of her childhood years,
The little broken up family girl then said,
" The Miami Dolphins "
They don't " beat " anyone !!!:lol::nuts::lol:

^^
:lol:
chuck, you always make my day...

Dave walk:),
why complain:ohno:, .
A child custody judge asked a 7 year old girl who she would like to live with for the rest of her childhood years,
The little broken up family girl then said,
" The Miami Dolphins "
They don't " beat " anyone !!!:lol::nuts::lol:

Haha. Very nice.

Today's Game

Cardinals VS Bucs
@ Raymond James
1:00pm Start Time
WTVT CH 13

It's the end of the 3rd Qtr and Bucs are leading 3 - 17. Whoohoo!

Bucs win! 10 - 17!
:banana:

Bucs play in Atlanta tomorrow (1pm). Let's hope they win against the Falcons.

Yep, Falcons are going to be our whipping post. We're coming in off a much needed bye and will be prepared to throw both our offense and defense at them with everything in it. A healthier, Bucs are going to be unstoppable in the NFC South.

^^
:yes:

Bucs won big:
31-7
Garahm was over a hundred yards rushing on just 17 carries.

The Bucs put on an old-fashion a** whoopin today over the Falcons by crushing them 31-7. Btw, the rest of the NFC South teams lost today as well. :cheer:

Bucs look to take down 'Skins in key NFC match
Sunday, November 25, 2007

Bucs look to take down 'Skins in key NFC match
Sunday, November 25, 2007
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TAMPA (Bay News 9) -- Every team has trap games during a season, and the Bucs must be mindful of such a contest today against visiting Washington.

Tampa Bay (6-4) can control it's own destiny, leading the NFC South by two games with six to play. A loss could bring back the Bucs to the pack, but the stakes may be higher for Washington (5-5).

The Redskins are one game out of the NFC wild card race, but have the tiebreaker after having beaten the team they are chasing, Detroit, 34-3 earlier this season. So they can't afford to fall much farther back in the race.

Washington played well against NFC East rival Dallas last week, but lost a key 28-23 matchup. The Bucs blasted Atlanta, 31-7, to take control of the NFC South.

A key matchup today will be Bucs quarterback Jeff Garcia against Redskins middle linebacker London Fletcher. Each wily veteran is the leader of their unit, and the chess match between them and who calls the right plays and formations will go a long way in determining the outcome.

At 37, Garcia is enjoying one of the best seasons of his career. He is the third rated passer in the NFC and has Tampa Bay coach Jon Gruden, notorious for being tough on quarterbacks, singing his praises. Aside from his impressive throwing statistics (he has not thrown an interception in nine of 10 games), he is still a threat as a scrambler.

The onus is on the 32-year-old Fletcher to keep Garcia in check. In his first year with the Redskins, Fletcher has also enjoyed a standout campaign. He is second in the NFL with 84 tackles and has anchored a defense that has improved from 31st last year to 12th this year.

Game time at Raymond James Stadium is 1 p.m.

Did you know? Tampa Bay wide receiver Joey Galloway has caught a touchdown in each of his past two games against the Redskins. ... Washington WR Santana Moss had his best game of the year last week with nine catches for 121 yards and a touchdown. ... The Buccaneers have won two of the past three meetings to knot the overall regular season series at seven a piece.

http://www.baynews9.com/content/36/2007/11/25/304884.html?title=Bucs+look+to+take+down+'Skins+in+key+NFC+match
================
I hope they win today...

Bucs up 10-0, end of the 1st quarter.
Garcia was knocked out, but they said return in today's game is probable.

Bucs avert a spectacular collapse with timely turnovers. Final: 19-13

There were no 1st downs made by the Bucs in the entire 2nd half!!! :ohno:
Nevertheless, a win is a win.

Watching the defense win the game reminded me of the Dungy years. As long as it's a W I'm happy.

The defense was on the field a majority of the time in the second half. They looked exhausted. I don't know how we won that game. We didn't look like a playoff team to me.

The Bucs did what they had to do, with Garcia out. The bottom line it was a W and keeps us 2 games atop the division. Hopefully, even with Garcia coming back this Sunday they will get lots of reps in for the backups.

Today's Game

Bucs VS Saints
Start Time - 4pm
WTVT - FOX 13

If Garcia sits out, as appears to be the case, the Bucs are going to lose imo...

Unfortunately, I'm with you on that one Jase.

Maybe not, McCown is looking great. Perfect actually, 12-12 for 190 yds.

Bucs up 13-7. Mid 2nd quarter.

Good thing McCown looks great, we might be without Garcia for a bit more.

http://blogs.tampabay.com/bucs/2007/12/report-garcia-h.html

Report: Garcia has hairline fracture

Quarterback Jeff Garcia has a hairline fracture in his back, according to a report by ESPN's Chris Mortensen.

Last week, Jon Gruden denied that an MRI or CAT scan had revealed any structural damage to Garcia's back.

Believe who you want to believe.

It's the same injury that Brad Johnson suffered in 2002, one which took him 21 days to recover from.

Garcia won't start today and will be the inactive third quarterback. Frankly, it's very unlikely he will play next week at Houston.

The Bucs will go with Luke McCown, who took nearly all the first-team reps last week.

It's not unusual for the Bucs to vague about injuries. But we'll see if they will give us more information after the game.

Wow Bucs were down 21-20 with 4 min. left with the ball on the two and McCown got sacked for a sfety. Now the Saints have the ball at midfield with 3:36 left. Looks like this one got away form us unless the Bucs can pull out a miracle. :(

McCown- 26/33, 287 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT :)

Oh my God! Bush just fumbled, Bucs have it on the Saints 34 with 3:30 left....

Anyone else want to brief McCown on the intentional grounding rules? An exciting game at least, here's to a FG tying it.

RED Zone!

Edit- TD! Tampa Bay! 14 seconds left!

Holy shit, that was nuts. Bucs go up with a TD. 14sec left. Gruden looks like a hero for not hitting the FG.

Hell of a game....

Yikes :eek2:, that was too d**n close. Bucs win 27-24.

I couldn't think of a better way to break in a new QB. He had a great game, but still had some areas to improve on (like not taking a safety). It's not too far fetched for us to win out, no one we're playing has even a .500 record. New Orleans is the only real competition for the division, so it's almost a lock.

Anyone else want to brief McCown on the intentional grounding rules? An exciting game at least, here's to a FG tying it.

forget that play. I want to hug the guy after that performance. he played a hell of a game, minus the safety (which was totally his fault from what I could tell).

Have the Bucs found their QB of the future ?

forget that play. I want to hug the guy after that performance. he played a hell of a game, minus the safety (which was totally his fault from what I could tell).

Right?!?! Even the best quarterbacks make mistakes every once in a while. Tell ya what, Jason - after you're done huggin' him, I'm next in line. :)

I think that this was one of the most exciting games of the season. Lord knows, I've certainly not been one of Gruden's biggest fans these past few years, but I've got to admit - I'm coming close to buying a set of pom-pons. :lol:

Go Bucs!

Today's Game

Bucs @ Houston
1pm

I feel good about today... Houston will play them tough, but the D has to be smelling blood, and the O seems perfectly capable with either QB at the helm.

It's going to be McCown again. Should be interesting to watch.

McCown is efficent (11-14) but its been all short passes. (86 yards) The offense needs to spread it out in the 2nd half and be more consistent as far as sacks and turnovers go.

Bucs down 14-7 with a minute to go in the 1st half.

28-14 final. Bucs lost. :(

Oh phewy!

The Bucs will still clinch the NFC South if NOLA loses tonight.

Today's Game
Bucs VS Falcons
Raymond James Stadium
1:00PM Start Time
WTVT - FOX 13

=====================

Division title at hand for Bucs
Sunday, December 16, 2007

TAMPA (Bay News 9) -- The stakes are simple for the Bucs as they face Atlanta at home today, win the game and the NFC South is theirs, as well as a home playoff game.

For reeling Atlanta (3-10), the situation is more complex.The Falcons were thoroughly dominated in a 34-14 home loss against the Saints Monday night, and then dealt another blow Tuesday when coach Bobby Petrino resigned to take the college post at Arkansas.

Long-time defensive assistant Emmitt Thomas will coach the final three games.

Quarterback Jeff Garcia is expected back for the Bucs after missing most of the past three games with a lower back injury. Backup quarterbacks Bruce Gradkowski and Luke McCown kept the team moving ahead, winning two of those three contests. But the Bucs (8-5) are looking forward to again having Garcia's playmaking and poise at the controls.

The Bucs enter 4-0 in the division after going 0-6 last season. For the Falcons, the season started off poorly when quarterback Michael Vick was suspended for his involvement with a dog fighting ring and rapidly deteriorated from there. Vick was sentenced to 23 months in prison this week.

A key matchup to watch will be Atlanta linebacker Keith Brooking against Bucs running back Earnest Graham.

Brooking is the longest tenured player on the Falcons defense and remains the linchpin on a unit that is ranked 27th against the run. Despite the team's struggles, Brooking has played well individually with 82 tackles and two sacks.

Graham, meanwhile, has made the most of his opportunity to start since replacing the injured Cadillac Williams in Week 4. He is second in the NFC with nine rushing touchdowns and has 798 yards on the ground while starting only eight games.

Unless Brooking can find a way to slow him down and get the Falcons' rush defense on track, look for more big numbers from Graham.

Game time at Raymond James Stadium is 1 p.m.

Did you know? Buccaneers rookie defensive end Gaines Adams had two sacks in his last meeting against the Falcons. ... In Week 11, the Buccaneers started the Falcons' current four-game losing skid by defeating them 31-7. Atlanta has won two of the past three meetings to trim Tampa Bay's overall series lead to 16-12.

http://www.baynews9.com/content/36/2007/12/16/310022.html?title=Division+title+at+hand+for+Bucs

Holy shit, we finally ran one back. Spurlock broke the curse. I didn't think I'd ever see the day. He should get a statue at One Buc Place.

Bucs up 17-3 with about 10 minutes left in the 2nd quarter.

Can we say this game is pretty much done for?

:cheers:

37-3 Final.
Absolute slaughter. :yes:

I actually feel bad for the Falcons. Last week their coach is telling them they need to stay strong and keep together and then he signs a deal for some college, that's like telling them, you suck.

But anyways, Go Bucs!!

37 is more than any other team has scored this week. Not too often you see the Bucs setting the high water mark on O.

Playoff predictions?

Bucs play with fire and win first game against whoever it is (pro bowl snubs have a way of doing that)... then play fairly tough on the road in the cold and lose.

I wonder who they'll face

my predictions...bucs will lose in the first round,regardless of who they play...most likely,minnesota....and pats will steamroll the rest of the league! go Pats!

I see us winning one at home and then losing on the road. Especially if it happens to be Green Bay.

Nah, Bucs for the upset. I see us making it at least to the NFC title game. Green Bay vs Tampa Bay. ;-)

^^
I think so too.

I wonder who they'll face
It doesn't matter imo.



Also... Imo, the Bucs won't stop Peterson if they play him, but he won't beat them either. MN's run D ain't as good as advertised, and their pass D is a joke. Bucs win, unless something goes way wrong (turnovers, injuries, flukey stuff)

Yay, I see them facing Vikings aswell. And even though I come from Minnesota, I say the Bucs will win that game. I can see the Bucs over Cowboys aswell

^^ Hopefully so, especially if Jessica Simpson shows up to that game against the Cowboys. :lol:

I don't see the Bucs beating Cowboys at home... MAYBE the Packers, if it was 70 degrees at kickoff... not gonna happen.

It's been a incredible year already, 3 division titles in 6 years.. Gruden get's his extension.

I don't care who we play, I'll be there.. The thing is with our 3rd ranked defense anything can happen, you win 1 game then anything can happen..

Garcia was rusty last game, but look for him to do big things against his former team San Fran this weekend..

Go Bucs..

Bucs lost 21-19 @ San Fran.
Too many dropped balls, missed oppotunities in the redzone, little protection for McCown, and no running game.

What a messy game. I hope they don't play this bad next week. When does playoffs start?

What a messy game. I hope they don't play this bad next week. When does playoffs start?

Well they didn't have anything to play for and pulled the starters really quickly. And even then they were 3" away from winning.

Yeah, I wouldn't sweat that game at all. It was pretty clear that if the game mattered in the least, the Bucs starters would have been in there, and the Bucs would have won, probably by more than 7 points. I thought it was pretty encouraging to see a team largely comprised of 2nd and even 3rd stringers battle back and almost win it as they did.

Are the Bucs still holding on to the NFC South? Or is that no more?

They had clinched the NFC South before last week's game which is why we saw the second and third string.

This weekends game will be like a preseason game. I would be suprised if you saw any of our star starters playing. We are definitely banged up on offense!

Yeah, this will def be treated like that 4th preseason game... The 1st team will be in a while to work on their rythym, and then they're gone, regardless of the score.

Pretty much all teams that have their spot in the playoffs are goin to sit their starters.. Dallas, NYG maybe, Bucs, GB, Indy,

Are the Bucs still holding on to the NFC South? Or is that no more?

Not much of a football fan eh. :lol:

Pretty much all teams that have their spot in the playoffs are goin to sit their starters.. Dallas, NYG maybe, Bucs, GB, Indy,

Yep, and its a royal PITA for all of us involved in FFL. My league's production was in the crapper this past week.

Bucs lost: 31-23 :ohno:

Don't go by the numbers on this one, the Bucs 2nd and 3rd string nearly beat Carolina's starters...thats damn impressive. Things look good for the playoffs.