My NFC South Rankings

1. Panthers
2. Falcons
3. Saints
4. Bucs

Official Standings
1. Saints, 3-0
2. Falcons, 2-1
3. Panthers, 1-2
4. Bucs, 0-3

The top rankings are how I think the division will shake out at the end of the year. The Panthers should be much better with Steve Smith back in the fold and the Panthers have pulled themselves out of deeper holes.

The Falcons' achilles heel was finally exposed last night, and I expect teams to start stacking the box and forcing Vick to throw to his receivers (who will then drop the ball). I would move the Saints ahead of the Falcons if the Saints could beat a good team on the road.

Then we have the Bucs. The Bucs have more talent than the Saints, but with Simms out for the rest of the season the Bucs will struggle to win six games. I would like to think Gradkowski is the second coming of Steve Young but I won't hold my breath.

Random thoughts from the Saints-Falcons game

No surprise, much like their first game from last season, the Saints are playing with more emotion than their opponent. The Saints won that game against Carolina, can they do the same against Atlanta?

NO's offense looks pretty vanilla with a couple of trick plays thrown in. It's a system that relies more on the talent than schemes and mismatches. The Saints got lucky to a certain extent that Bush and Brees where available and that Colston turned out to be so good or else this team wouldn't be staring at a 12 loss season (like the Bucs are now).

And as long as I have the opportunity, let me say I thought Houston was nuts to take Mario over Bush. Although in Houston's defense Mario will most likely have a longer career.

This is what happens when you have time to prepare, the Saints are shutting down the Falcons spread offense. And Vick can't throw the ball. Kinda eeiry how accurate my prediction is about how the Falcons can't play from behind.

Deuce McAllister (the north-south runner) is having more success against the Falcons than Bush.

These in-booth interviews might be the worst idea for Monday Night Football since Dennis Miller. Part of what makes Madden and Michaels so good is that they know when to shut up and let the game speak for itself. This version of MNF just feels over-produced much like most of ESPN's products (except Cheap Seats, which is a great show for guys that liked MST3000).

Sweet, Thiesmann just called Bush "Reggie Brown." It's not like Bush has been insanely hyped or is on every other commercial where you would recognize him immeadiately or nothing.

How dependent are the Falcons on the run? On third and five, which is almost always a passing down, the Falcons run a dive.

Theismann continues to impress, he calls Alge "Mr. Clutch" when he catchs a first down on 4 and 1, even though Alge has dropped two touchdown passes in this game.

The Saints are wisely shadowing Vick with a linebacker (Harper) something I didn't see the Bucs do a lot of last week.

Despite what Theissman is trying to sell the Saints defense is not this good (normally at least). Fujita, an outcast from a lowly Chiefs defense might be the Saints best player. Bottom line, the Falcons offense is horrible when they are playing from behind and forced to throw the ball.

Horn seems like he would be a huge asshole in the real world, the kind of guy who would rip one and start laughing when everyone else smelled it.

Remember when USC played Notre Dame last year where the Irish let the grass grow long to slow down the Trojans? I wonder why more NFL teams don't do that. The Saints crappy field is clearly working in their favor seeing as how with the exception of Reggie Bush the Falcons probably have more speed at every position. Is there any reason why the Titans or Texans shouldn't do the same thing to try and equalize the playing field?

Conflicting Emotions

There are seven seconds left in the game. Your team is up by one point. Your 0-2 team is up by one point to a hated division rival.

There are seven seconds left in the game and the bad guys send in their kicker to attempt a 46 yard field goal to win the game.

The bad guys send in the kicker you have playing in your fantasy league to kick a 46 yard field goal.

The kicker in your fantasy league where you are also 0-2.

The kicker in your fantasy league where you are playing for money.




The bastard/hero nails it.

What is the appropriate emotion at this point? Is it too early to start rooting for a really good draft pick? What is the proper reaction when your starting quarterback (who has been sucking it) loses his spleen? Am I supposed to be laughing or crying? I remember reading somewhere (maybe The Sports Guy back when he was still good) that if your team wins a Super Bowl you aren't allowed to complain for five years. 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006... I'll talk more about this in January 2008.




Cross posted on Draft Day Suit

Are the Bucs QBs cursed?

Call it the Curse of the Dilferino, but since Trent Dilfer left in 2000 this team has had five different starting quarterbacks, and that number is likely to increase to six with Chris Simms injury. Thanks heavens, all reports are that Simms should be fine but his season could be over especially if the Bucs are out of contention. Here are the quarterbacks who could possibly make a start next week with their chances of doing so.

Bruce Gradkowski: The sixth round rookie looked good at times during the preseason and moved up the depth chart past Tim Rattay. But he's still a rookie and neither the defense nor running game has looked good enough to make his transition easier.

Chances to start: 55%


Tim Rattay: Rattay, who was added after Griese went down with an injury in week 6, has the most experience in Gruden's offense after Simms. He also looked bad in the preseason.

Chances to start: 30%


Rich Gannon: He is obviously familiar with Gruden's offense, and I would be surprised if Gruden hadn't already thought about giving him a call. The only question is can Gruden lure him out of retirement?

Chance to start: 9%


Jay Fiedler: Fiedler has a good deal of starting experience but he has also been suffering from an injured shoulder. Fiedler was with the Bucs during training camp but was cut because his shoulder injury was slow to heal.

Chances to start: 5%


Other: The Bucs could trade for Brett Favre, they could sign Jeff George, with two weeks to go before their next game against the Saints Gruden and Bruce Allen has a good deal of time to make a decision.

Chances to start: 1%


Whoever earns the start it is too early to write off the Bucs season, although I tend to agree with BH, it's gonna be a long season.

Update: Pro Football Talk is already questioning Simms toughness playing with a ruptured spleen.

Update #2: Grads has been named the starter for the next game.

Best Bucs Gameday Post

SIMMS HAS BEEN HOSPITALIZED, MORE AT BOTTOM.

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My Sticks Preview is here (strike that, Sticks site appears to be down). My Fanhouse Preview is here.

The Times has an interesting quote from Keyshawn who apparently believes if he had not been deactivated the Bucs could have won a second Super Bowl.

"It would've been nice to win two (Super Bowls) in a row," Johnson said. "I felt we had the team to do it. I felt had I not been deactivated, we were right there and would've made the playoffs. We could've snuck in the backdoor. It wouldn't have been easy, but we would've done it."

Random note: Martin Gramatica is kicking for the Colts today in replacement of an injured Vinatieri.

Injuries: Bucs,
Davinh Joseph
Brian Kelly

Panthers,
Dan Morgan

Note: I am at the girlfriend's in Richmond, and since she doesn't have Sunday Ticket (what kind of girlfriend is she?) I won't be able to catch the game until I get home to watch it on DVR.

Final Score: Panthers 26, Bucs 24

My Fanhouse quick recap is up.

And more bad news for Bucs fans, Simms has been hospitalized and his spleen has been removed. Little news has been released so far but it typically takes 4-6 weeks to recover from surgery to remove a ruptured spleen.

Over the next couple of weeks where all going to learn a lot more about ruptured spleens and splenectomy (the surgery to remove the spleen). Here is some info I've been able to find...
Spleen injuries dangerous but common (ESPN)
Ruptured spleen can take 7-8 weeks to recover from (Clemson)

Peter King says he spoke to 2 doctors who said it would take 2-3 months to recover.

The St Pete Times has been updating their Bucs beat blog all night. Apparently there is a four point scale when grading spleen injuries.

Bush at practice, Kaufman perpuating rumors

Couple things to cover, when not challenging Pittman to arm wrestling contests or showing Simms how to throw the ball, President Bush was talking to players at the Bucs practice today.

Ira Kaufman appears to be spreading rumors about Steve Smith. I've gone on my rant about Pro Football Talk before so I'll save my venom for Kaufman. The local reporters and columnists are pretty atrocious for the most part but you would have figured Kaufman would know better than to report a rumor, especially one that is impossible to substantiate. Smith can make for an easy target, but it's just mean to kick a man when he's already down.

More bad news injury wise, Simeon Rice hurt his knee in practice and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game. He joins Brian Kelly, Booger, Chris Hovan, Ryan Nece and Davin Joseph on the injury list.

Give me an R!

Give me an R! Give me another R! What's that spell? ARRRRRRRGH!!! Avast matey, today be talk like a pirate day, so in honor of buccaneers from all seven seas I bring you my favorite gameday chant.



Before I get to the most overlooked story from the Bucs game, I have two Fanhouse posts to pimp. The first is my long game review and the second is 5 Reasons the Falcons are better than the Bucs. I might just work in a herpes simplex joke in there.

You wouldn't know it from reading any of the Falcons blogs but Atlanta unveiled a new offense, finally abandoning the west coast offense. Instead they are running more of a spread option offense, lining up Vick in the shotgun with Dunn next to him and allowing Vick to read the defense. The Falcons offense caught the Bucs by surprise, and kept them off balance while gaining 99 yards rushing from the shotgun. Braves and Birds has the best take on the Falcons I've seen so far...

I was very happy to see the Falcons do what I and most fans with a passing knowledge of college football wanted them to try: running zone read plays. The personnel fits the play perfectly. It was great fun watching Vick and Dunn repeatedly break big gains on the play that Texas rode to a national title and West Virginia rode to the best season in school history. Eventually, Tampa figured the play out and started blitzing on the weak side of the play to stop Vick from breaking outside, but it seems likely that the Falcons have (or will put in) a countermeasure, probably a pass play to the outside to take advantage of that sort of blitz.

It also makes sense for Atlanta to throw more deep balls as defenses start stacking eight or nine men in the box. Vick threw only two deep passes on Sunday, both to Lelie, who will be the target of most of Vick's bombs. Vick is still not good enough to complete more than 55% of his passes so the Falcons will be screwed if they have to play from behind, but as long as the Falcons offensive coaches are creative the Falcons should be competitive. Although I will add the caveat that the offense will fall apart if they have to play a hard-hitting defense a la the Steelers or Jaguars.

Bring in Major Applewhite!

Well, it's started. John's prediction has come true and Buccaneer Fandom is beginning to demand that backup quarterback Gradkowski be promoted to starter. Never mind Grads is a sixth round rookie who looked spotty in the preseason.

For the record, I say stay with Simms unless the Bucs are mathematically eliminated from the playoffs. In which case Simms first born should be sacrificed to The Spirit of Vince Lombardi to make appeasement for Simm's transgressions.

0 - 2

0 - 2 doesn't even begin to cover how bad it has really been. As Gabe likes to say, watching the game yesterday was like watching a series of slow motion train wrecks.

I can't take much more of this.


Just promise me next week will be better. Oh wait, we play Carolina? I think I am going to be sick.

The Best Bucs Gameday thread

Two previews for you to read, I have one up at the Sticks and one at the Fanhouse.

Injuries:
John Abraham is out.

UPDATE: My recap is up at the Fanhouse. Let's just say I'm not happy with Gruden or Simms.

Since everyone's talking about it...

Cadillac Williams is suffering from back spasms but will play tomorrow.

It's anybodies guess how much the back spasms are affecting the normally taciturn Cadillac. Last season Cadillac failed to tell his coaches how much the foot/ankle injury was bothering him, leading Gruden to run Cadillac more times than he should have. Which means Gruden will have a tough balancing act tomorrow, the Bucs have relied on Cadillac to beat the Falcons before but they also don't want to re-aggravate his injury.

Is Clayton Back? (and other catching up)

Ok, I had a whole post written up before it disappeared into the nothingness of Blogger so I'm going with the condensed version here. First off, I have a post up a the Fanhouse which basically says Clayton will outgain Galloway this season. Since I'm basing my post on a one game sample size I'm sure there are no holes in my argument.

Also at the Fanhouse, I lost a wager to the Ravens blogger and since the Bucs got their asses kicked I had to post 5 reasons the Ravens are the better team. And since I'm pissing off Ravens fans I must be doing something right.

I'm not sure who's to blame (the illegals) but this site has not given much love to Buccaneer Harbour. Despite my negligence BH has a good breakdown of the Ravens game.

Finally an injury report...
Cadillac: strained back, should play Sunday.
Davin Joseph: out until October with knee.
Buenning: returned to practice.
Quarles: will be back for the Falcons game.

Pleased to Meet You

If you've been reading this blog for a while, you probably already know me from the comments section. Ski has been kind enough to ask me to join up here on Best Bucs Blog.

My name is Sarah. I grew up in Tampa and lived there again for seven years after college. I recently relocated to the D.C. area* where people for some odd reason seem to actually like The Redskins. (I know, I don't get it either.) There are four people living in my house and we collectively own eleven Bucs jerseys, five of which are size 4T or smaller. We're fans.

I want to keep this fairly brief, because I don't think there is much I can say about the "game" yesterday without using a lot of very bad words, and I don't want to get off on the wrong foot. Here is what I will say - Cadillac Williams was my first pick in my fantasy football draft. I was not pleased.

But it could be worse - I could have played Chris Simms.

Stupid Ravens.


Anyway, come visit me at my regular haunts and say hi. I'll be around.



*Did I mention that the Bucs play both of the teams that I can easily get tickets to this season and BOTH games are in Tampa? I think the NFL scheduling committee hates me.

It's just one game

I keep telling myself that. No week is more atypical of a team's performance than the first week. That being written, if this game is a microcosm of the Bucs season then it's gonna be a long one.

Joe Montana would look like Ryan Leaf behind the Bucs offensive line yesterday. Simms was constantly being pressured and the Ravens defense didn't let him get into a groove. The interior of the Bucs o-line looked especially bad, and had difficulty picking up the blitz. In the words of the Captain, "what we have here is a failure to communicate."

The offense flat out looked scared of the Ravens defense. On one play Joey Galloway dropped an easy catch because he he took his eyes off the ball to look for Ravens defenders. It just seemed like the Bucs offense tried to do to much, but instead of hitting the home run they struck out.

On the flip side the defense looked good even with Ruud in for an injured Quarles. McNair did what you expected him to, buy time with his feet and find open receivers. For a team that has had so much success against Vick the Bucs failed to contain McNair. The defense will be top ten this year but they are not so dominant they can win games by themselves. Simms and company need to pick it up.

Well that was embarrassing

Ravens 27, Bucs 0. I need some time to digest this loss, will get my thoughts out later.

Again, ouch.

So apparently some football is being played today

And just in time I have my game day preview up at the AOL Fanhouse. If I can ever figure out WordPress I should have my second preview up at the Sticks.

Boston has been released to make room for offensive lineman Scott Jackson. It sounds like Boston will be resigned when the offensive line heals up.

Can't we all just get along?

First, my secondary preview is up at the AOL Fanhouse. The Bucs corners look solid but how reliable will the safeties be this year?

The Bucs and the Tampa Sports Authority are going at it again. First it was over who was going to pay for extra security at Raymond James, now it's over who gets the $12 million originally designated for the new training facility. Since the Glazers spent their own money for the training facility, TSA is demanding that the voter approved $12 million is their's to spend. The Glazers say the money was approved for their use and should remain in their back account. Much like the extar security costs this dilemma will most likely have to be solved by the courts.

A couple of quick updates

It looks like Davin Joseph and most likely Dan Buenning will miss the season opener. Bummer but neither injury sounds serious....so far.

BucStats was/is correct, first round bust Charles Rogers worked out for the Bucs yesterday. Unless the Bucs lose two or three receivers its hard seeing Allen offering Rogers a contract.

Jamal Lewis is questionable for the Ravens game against the Bucs and even if he does play will not lack any kind of a burst. Kinda glad I dropped Lewis in my keeper fantasy league.

Also, Ravens tackle Jonathan Ogden is worried that Simeon Rice might make Ogden his bitch. There's no need to worry Ogden, it will definitely happen.

Finally, I have a little wager going with Eric from Off Wing Opinion, who is the Ravens blogger for AOL Fanhouse, if the Bucs win Eric has to write 5 reasons why the Bucs are superior to the Ravens. I'm not going to even mention what I have to do if the Bucs lose.

Super Bowl predictions and other useless information

First off, go check out my list of least sexy NFL teams at the AOL Fanhouse. The Bucs come in second in my highly official ranking of which teams have gotten little to no love going into the season. Which team takes the top spot?

My Sure-to-be-wrong Super Bowl prediction:
Long time readers of this blog will remember my uncanny ability to incorrectly pick every game in the postseason. I'm the George Castanza of NFL Pick'em, I'm always wrong. Which means the next two teams have zero chance of making the Super Bowl.

AFC: Cincinnati Bengals

This pick is partly fueled by my man love for Chad Johnson, the next great showman of the NFL, but the Bengals have everything you're looking for in a great team. The offense was already one of the best in the NFL and is only going to get better. The defense is still young but Marvin Lewis' hallmark has typically been defense, so the Bengals should be better on both sides of the ball.

The biggest roadblock for the Bengals is not Carson Palmer's health but the teams mental condition. If the team comes out satisfied with its performance from last season, they are going to rack up the losses early in the season. But if they come out with a chip on their shoulder then they should easily repeat as division champs.

NFC: Chicago Bears

A bunch of idiots have been knocking Sexy Rexy, citing him as the reason the Bears don't stand a chance come playoff time. How quickly people forget that the Bears offense put up 21 points in the playoff loss to the Panthers, and that the vaunted Bears defense lost the game for Chicago. With the exception of the Pats, the last couple of teams that have won the Super Bowl have had crappy quarterbacks (Roethlisberger, Brad Johnson, Trent Dilfer). A defense and a solid running game are more important than quarterback play.

The biggest question mark surrounding the Bears is whether their head coach has the balls to lead his team to the Super Bowl. Lovie Smith is a defensive guy, so it's a bit of a red flag that the Bears defense played so poorly against Carolina. But I'm going to give the former Buc coach a mulligan in his first playoff game.

Anyway, those are my picks for Super Bowl XLI. Who are your picks to play in Miami on Feb 4th?

Loyalty, where is it Tampa Bay?

Bizjournals.com has released an interesting study which ranks the Bucs 23rd in terms of fan loyalty. If I can find a hole in the study they seem to give a lot of weight to cold weather teams. The only warm weather team which even cracks the top ten is Dallas. After all, is it really the Bucs fault that the citizens of Tampa Bay can go to Clearwater Beach, Busch Gardens or Mons Venus instead of the game?

And a big thanks to Tommy at Sticks of Fire for the heads up.

Best Bucs Preview

My season preview is up at the AOL site, along with all of the other 31 team previews.

The Bucs are the Adrien Brody of the NFL. Both were rarely watched during their early years. Both have been overlooked for their more star-studded counterparts despite consistent strong performances. The Bucs and Brody even won their profession's top awards in the same year (Lombardi Trophy and Oscar for Best Actor respectively). But unlike Hollywoodland the Bucs are not garnering the type of accolades you would expect from a defending division champ returning 21 starters from last season.

And synching in nicely with my preview, the Panthers have garnered 67% of the vote in the division champ poll on AOL. The Bucs come up short with 15%, narrowly edging out the Falcons with 13%.

My quarterback preview is up as well. Find out which quarterback I think should start this season.

Atlanta should just give up now

(big tip of the hat to MJD)

Boston makes roster, I eat crow

If Gruden had not said he was praying for Boston to make the roster (WTF?) then this move would have come as more of a surprise. Although Boston was a workout warrior in training camp, come game time he disappeared and he showed absolutely no reason for Gruden to keep him until the last exhibition game. But come Saturday, Edell Shepherd was cut and Boston was on the final roster.

To be honest I was rooting against Boston making the roster, not so much because I despised Boston but because I wanted to see Shepherd redeem himself. There's a fine line between hero and scape goat and for Shepherd that line was holding onto the ball for one more second. And while everyone remembers the dropped touchdown in the 'Skins game few people remember that Shepherd was wide open in the endzone the next play only to be overthrown by Simms. Here's hoping Shepherd can find some measure of redemption playing in Houston for the Texans.

There's still a MLB team in Tampa Bay, right?

And do they have a new nickname yet?

To be honest one of this site's failings the past year (and to be truthful the only one....ever) has been the lack of DRays coverage. Sure I've played the role of abnoxious, over-supportive fan at an away ballpark (last Friday at Camden Yards) but haven't given the DRays the support they deserve on this blog. Well, in an effort to absolve my sin I strongly recommend visiting Rays Index's latest offering, the Devil Rays Trade Value Index and 2007 Roster Projections. Even if it does make me feel a twinge of guilt about my own lack of contributions to Western Civilization.

Exhibition Game: Take Four

My preview is up at the AOL site for the most meaningless game the Bucs will play all year. Read it, live it, love it.

Oh yeah, and Doug Jolley is now a Buc. This is a move out of right field and I'm still waiting for more info before I can fire off my rant.

What am I, chopped liver?

Sports Illustrated.com is running a poll asking which is the best Bucs website, and noticeably absent is yours truly. Now I can't hold a candle to Pewter Report's inside information or BucPower's comprehensive historical knowledge but how do the Captain's Deck and Go Buccaneers Go make this list? Captain's Deck only has one post in the past month (on the SI poll non-the-less) and I've never even heard of Go Buccaneers Go before today. Seriously, who do you have to give a hummer to around these parts to get some love?

Anyway, apparently most people feel the same way I do because Pewter Report and BucPower are blowing away the competition and are neck and neck heading into the proverbial home stretch. Both sites have links on their front page directing their fans to vote for them so it will be interesting to see who wins out. My money's on Pewter Report but my heart is with BucPower.

Cheerleaders in lingerie

It's Wednesday which means it must be time for the Hump Day Cheerleader pic. Today's pic is brought to us courtesy of Maxim's latest issue which features Buccaneer cheerleaders Rachel Watson, Barbara Hancock and Jeni Summers.

Enjoy.

Papa's got a brand new bag

... and it's called the AOL Sports Fanhouse.

This is a little project AOL Sports launched this week to bring together bloggers from every team in the NFL under one house, to work together and have their lives taped, to find out what happens, when people stop being polite, and start getting real.

What does this mean for the Best Bucs Blog? Well, more content but less of it on this space. I will link to noteworthy posts on the AOL page, for example I have just posted my receiver preview there. But I plan on continuing to post here since there are limits on what I can get away with at AOL. Which means, overall, you will end up with more Best Bucs Goodness to enjoy.

Why does no one care about steroids in football?

If ever there has been proof that steroids are a media driven story this is it. A Panthers team which made it to the Super Bowl has proven that the NFL's steroid policy is a joke and nobody bats an eyelash. Maybe if Golden Boy Tom Brady had been involved the reaction would be different, but that would really just prove how important the media is to generating hype.

You're so cut

The cuts are coming. By today the Bucs must reduce their roster to 75, which means 14 mostly no name players will be trimmed from the roster this afternoon. Another round of cuts come on Saturday.

Which receivers will make the final roster? When training camp started I thought Galloway, Clayton, Hilliard, Stovall, Shepherd and Mark Jones would stick around and I have seen nothing to sway me from that prediction. Which means Paris Warren, David Boston and Chas Gessner are fighting for at least a spot on the practice roster.

Pollock Positional Preview: D-Line

Over the next two weeks I will be previewing each position as only a Pollock can, with a complete inattention to detail and a shocking lack of research. And since I’m sure many of my viewers are of the fantasy football ilk, I will slant the previews to ensure you know everything to draft a winning team (as long as you only draft Bucs). Enjoy.


What will Dewayne White do this year? The Buc’s second round pick is heading into his fourth year and has shown flashes of brilliance but has failed to move up the depth chart.

Despite the outstanding play of his teammates on the defensive line, Greg Spires (White’s competition for the right end spot) suffered a drop in performance last season. Two seasons ago Spires strength was his run-stuffing. But last season Spires was one of the worst defensive ends against the run according to Scientific Football 2006. Using SF ‘06’s metrics Spires had the worst Success % against the run (10.2%) of 71 ranked defensive ends. Which essentially means Spires was not beating most of his blocks.

Players . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Success % against the run
Booger McFarland . . . . . . . 28.6%
Ellis Wyms . . . . . . . . . . . . 22.5%
Simeon Rice . . . . . . . . . . . 20.6%
Chris Hovan . . . . . . . . . . . 14.7%
Greg Spires . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.2%

While these stats only tell part of the story (especially since White is not listed in SF ’06) they clearly show Spires needs to pick up his performance to hold off White. I expect Spires to hold onto the starters job for the beginning of this season, but White will see more playing time as the season progresses. Spires has barely held onto the right end job in previous years and, more importantly, will come at a higher price tag next season than White.

The rest of the best: a quick glance at the remaining starters

The Bucs resurgence last season can be directly attributed to the addition of Chris Hovan. The Tampa Two defense the Bucs run is dependent on the front four creating pressure on the quarterback while also holding up against the run. With Booger frequently out with injuries, defenses where free to double team Simeon in the years between Warren Sapp’s departure and Hovan’s arrival. Hovan was average in his pass rushing but excelled at plugging up the middle.

Catching up

Bunch of things I want touch on but first I wanted to mentioned that it appears Pewter Pirates will being take a bit of a siesta from blogging. I've given Cutthroat a hard time before but his presence will be missed. I wish him the best of luck with nursing school.

Second, missed the Bucs game and since it will not be replayed on the NFL Network I will miss the game entirely. Fortunately, Buccaneer Harbour has a good roundup of the game and I agree 100% with his analysis. Except I don't think Gruden can bench Kenyatta this year, seeing as how Trueblood would fare no better at right tackle.

My take on Simm's batted ball woes should surprise no one, I blame the offensive line. The Bucs offensive line leans toward the heavy side (i.e. bigger than average), which means they excel at pushing guys off the line in the running game. But when asked to play off their heels in the passing game they tend to allow too much space between the defender and their bodies. This will be a problem all season long.

Dwight Smith gets his freak on

And good for him. Stupid, but would you expect anything less from Dwight Smith?

Although (as MJD points out) this still does not top Fred Smoot's double ended dildo.

For your eyes only

Finally, pictures from the inside of the Bucs new training facility, which up until now has been kept under top secret wraps. My first impression....well, to echo Monte Kiffin, awesome.

And on a separate note, will be busy for the next couple of days and posting will be sporadic at best. As always check out BucStats or Buccaneer Harbour in the interim.

The Outback Steakhouse Verizon Wireless Buccaneer Training Facility?

Looking for a unique birthday or anniversery present? Well for just two million dollars a year you can name the Bucs new training facilty after a loved one.

In an ideal world I would like to see the Bucs keep the name One Buc Place or a slightly altered version (Two Buc Place, One Buc Place 2.0?). But realistically I've got no problem with this, since the Glazers paid for the roughly $30 million facility with their own money. After all, we can always dub the new facility with our own nickname. The old place was affectionately called the Woodshed by Gruden, but what does that make the new place...the Promised Land?

Hump Day Cheerleader Pic

I've been slacking on the hump day pics, no pic last week and barely got this one in before the deadline passed. While I can blame forgetfulness for the first error, Direct TV is to blame for the second (at least they make a convenient scape goat). Been trying to install the DVR box and wouldn't you know, you need a special piece to make the DVR features work and conveniently enough the box does not come with the piece. I hate technology.

Falcons land Lelie

In the rare three-way-trade-that-is-actually-noteworthy Atlanta traded T.J. Duckett to Washington and received Ashley Lelie from Denver. Washington traded a third round pick to Denver.

This is either pure genius or absolut stupidity on the part of the Falcons (I'm leaning towards the latter). Lelie is the perfect fit for Vick but a horrible fit for the west coast offense the Falcons coaches have attempted to implement in Atlanta. In no way shape or form does Lelie fill the role vacated by the injured Brian Finneran, who was Vick's second security blanket (after Alge) the last couple of seasons.

Pollock Positional Preview: The Runningbacks

Over the next two weeks I will be previewing each position as only a Pollock can, with a complete inattention to detail and a shocking lack of research. And since I’m sure many of my viewers are of the fantasy football ilk, I will slant the previews to ensure you know everything to draft a winning team (as long as you only draft Bucs). Enjoy.




Gruden’s offense is like a highly tuned engine powered by Cadillac Williams. But when Cadillac’s tires are flat the rest of the offense might as well be a Ford Pinto. So pay attention to Cadillac oil change tire pressure or else empty gas tank broken drive shaft vapor lock.

OK, now that I’ve gotten that out of my system, (for the next couple of weeks at least) let’s talk us some runningbacks.

There are basically three knocks on Cadillac going into the season. In order…

1. Injury bug
2. Not used on 3rd down
3. Few Goal line carries

And the responses in order…

1. This might be the most certain uncertainty on the Bucs roster (digest that for a second). For no apparent reason some guys go their entire career without getting injured, while a guy with the exact same body type gets injured every season. But if I can grab at straws, Cadillac was 100% roughly a month after he injured his foot, which would seem to indicate that he is able to bounce back well from injury. I’m definitely grabbing at straws. Knock on wood.

2. Michael Pittman replaced Cadillac on third and long last season. Cadillac has been working on his receiving skills in the offseason, although trying to improve your pass catching skills at this point in your career is like Shaq trying to become a better at shooting free throws. Once you become a pro you either have it or you don’t.

3. Alstott “stole” many of Cadillac’s goal line carries and will continue to do so this season. Alstott has been fantasy football’s version of The Grinch, stealing touchdowns from Warrick Dunn, Pittman and now Cadillac. This is less a criticism of Cadillac and more a confirmation of Alstott’s prowess around the end zone.

Crumbs: Throwin’ some love to the backups

After the trinity of Cadillac, Pittman and Alstott the Bucs have a good deal of talent although none of it exciting. Fullback Jerald Sowell was brought in to replace the much missed Jameel Cook, and should see plenty of playing time in power running situations. The other true fullback on the roster, Rick Razzano, is almost a lock to get cut and would be fortunate to make the practice squad.

There are three backs fighting for the 3rd spot on the depth chart. Earnest Graham is a preseason all-star and is above average when you ask him to run in a straight line. Carey Davis is listed as a fullback but has a running style similar to Graham. Derek Watson has done little to impress this preseason and is in danger of being cut.

Exhibition Game #2: No Notes

Missed this morning's replay of last night's game and the next replay on the NFL Network is not until Thursday (I gotta get DVR). Although it sounds like from reading the local inksheets the line was a bit on the porous side. I would be interested in seeing where the pressure came from but since 2.5 of the Dolphins 4 sacks came from defensive tackles I am concerned that the interior of the line did not hold up. Which is even more troubling since Mahan got the start over Wade at center.

Exhibition Game: Take 2

Rookies and injuries, the only two reasons to watch a preseason game.

Again, I'm going to be watching to see how Trueblood plays. Additionally, I'm interested to see which young buck locks up the last receiver spot, Edell Shepherd, Paris Warren or The Chas. My money's still on Edell to win the race, but Warren is the darkhorse. The Chas is just the horse's ass.

I would be watching Joseph but he's locked up the starting job at right guard and he looked good last week anyway. On a side note, this is the second straight year a rookie guard has won a starting job on the Bucs line. Whenever Mahan wins the center job from Wade (maybe this season, at the latest next) the Bucs will finally have a nucleus to build the line around. Although I get the feeling it will be awhile before we see the dominant offensive tackle I hoped the Bucs would draft this spring.

St Pete Times preview

Pewter Report preview

Orlando Sentinel preview (Bucs)

Miami Herald preview

South Florida Sun-Sentinel preview

Orlando Sentinel preview (Phins)

A Farewell to One Buc Place

Hat tip to the St Pete Times for a nice piece on One Buc Place, the Buc's training practice since the franchise was founded 30 years ago. A walk down memory lane, Rick Stroud shares some of the best stories involving the run down facility with the Venice Beach-like outdoor workout area.

Security used to be a big issue. One day, a shirtless man entered an unlocked gate near the rear of the facility and walk into the personnel department. Seated around a table was McKay, Jerry Angelo and Tim Ruskell.

"He was driving by and heard on the radio that we had taken the franchise and transition tags off Reggie Cobb and Ricky Reynolds," McKay said. "He wanted to know what the hell we were doing. He was extremely inebriated. After a while, Jerry was getting upset and actually began to physically confront the guy. That led to increased security measures. We put a lock on the gate."

Sand-filled training fields, rat infested offices the size of a closet, a mysterious magnetic wall that made everyone next to it sick, One Buc Place was worse than many Division II training facilities. But, what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger right? After all One Buc Place was good enough to propel the Bucs to a Super Bowl victory.

Breaking Camp

If I can steal a line from one of the most influential poets of our time, today is a good day, especially for our boy Gruden. Last day of training camp. Gruden's 43rd birthday. And when the Bucs get back their new digs will be ready for them. And it's not even Friday yet.

And if you're wondering what to get Gruden, try another Cadillac.

Chad Johnson is our Martin Luther

Chad Johnson might be my favorite non-Buc in the NFL, and this is yet another example of why. It's no secret that the NFL rules limiting touchdown celebrations have been largely aimed at Johnson, so what is his response?

“Look, they said you can’t use props, right? You can’t bring anything onto the field, or hide it in the end zone, or whatever. I mean, to me, it’s silly, because on one hand they really want us to be entertainers, and then they take away a way to entertain people. But here’s the thing: Every week, I will get in front of the cameras and kind of announce, in a secret way, what I want the fans to do for that game. I mean, it’ll be kind of like a code, but there will be enough hints that people should be able to get it. And every week, the fans will be my props. They can’t fine me for that. It’s going to drive the competition committee crazy trying to figure it out."

Considering the NFL has become the elder brother of the sports world who takes himself way too seriously, I'm rooting for Johnson in this situation. Somebody needs to knock some sense into the NFL before it collapses under the sheer weight of it's uniformity and monotony. If the NFL keeps demanding more and more money from people while lowering the quality of its entertainment it's only a matter of time before the people lead a revolt.

Johnson posts his (much condensed) 95 Theses

(Tip of the hat to MightMJD)

Stupid Things I've Written

Introducing a new gimmick here where we take a look back at things I've written that, in hindsight, were incredibly stupid. Why am I doing this? Consider it a mea culpa on my part. An admission that nobody is perfect, most (or least) of all me. Anyway, let's go for a trip in the wayback machine., and remember to err is human, yada yada yada.

Date: Monday, August 12th 2005

Scene: The Bucs are coming off their first game and win of the season against the Vikings.

...once the o-line improves its play Cadillac will be a force to be reckoned with. But for right now he can not carry the offense.

All Cadillac did the next three weeks was carry the offense and prove me wrong. But I've learned from my mistake and fully expect Cadillac to carry the offense this season. Which probably means Chris Simms will be the engine behind Gruden's offense.

The Preseason Debate, Renewed

I was really high on Clinton Portis until today. Already one of the NFL's top runningbacks, the Skins had added more offensive weapons (Brandon Lloyd, Randle El) and the architect behind the Kansas City offense (Al Saunders). Fantasy wise I had him pegged as my number one pick.

But now Portis' stock takes a rather large plummet following an injury in a meaningless exhibition game. Michael Wilbon describes it better than I can:

Only four minutes in, Portis suffered a partial dislocation of his left shoulder. The starters on offense took 13 snaps. But that was long enough for Portis to get crunched while making a tackle after Mark Brunell was intercepted. So Portis got hurt making a typically earnest effort on a worthless play he shouldn't even have been involved in during a meaningless game.

Besides being a perfect example of why Gruden should continue to withhold Cadillac from exhibition games, this SHOULD be the clarion call for the NFL to shorten the preseason to 2 games. Actually the Vick injury some years back SHOULD have been the clarion call. But like the aftermath of the Vick injury, I expect to see plenty of uproar over the next week about shortening the preseason, but little movement from the NFL.

The Next Vick?

No, not Marcus Vick, I'm talking about Reggie Bush who is easily the most hyped rookie since Ron Mexico. There are many parallels between the two players, both led their college teams to national championship games. And both possess the athletic ability to make game changing plays that make SportsCenter wet with anticipation. As you can see from the Saints first preseason game...



When both players were drafted they were tabbed as the saviors of their respective franchises. Vick has saved the Falcons commercial viability and marketability, although he has yet to lead them to the promised land of the Super Bowl. Bush has also made the Saints more marketable as evidenced by the large increase in season ticket sales.

But, as Confucious once said, one man does not a team make. Elway needed Terrell Davis. Marino and Barry Sanders needed more talent. It remains to be seen if Vick and Bush can make the jump from the highlight reels to the Super Bowl.

Exhibition Game #1: Notes

The Bucs success this season will depend on the play of the o-line. Last season the Bucs o-line raised their level of play from poor to average and the team was able to make the playoffs. Still, the Achilles Heel of the Buc’s o-line last season was pass blocking and it appears nothing will change this season.

The two highly touted rookies the Bucs brought into the fold, Davin Joseph and Jeremy Trueblood looked impressive at time but still betrayed their inexperience. Joseph played better than Trueblood but had a stupid facemask penalty early in the game which would have killed the Bucs drive if they had not been bailed out by an equally stupid pass interference on the Jets. But really other than the one penalty Joseph looked good in run blocking, and more surprising, pass blocking. The same can not be said of Trueblood.

I’ll save final judgment for another exhibition game or two but from what I saw tonight Trueblood is not ready to pass Kenyatta on the depth chart. Trueblood struggled in pass blocking, even though about half the time he was double teaming defenders. Trueblood did not look like he was in synch with Joseph quite yet, so more reps with Joseph might be all Trueblood needs to fix his pass blocking woes.


Other Random Observations:

I have not commented at all on the Bucs backup quarterback battle, mostly ‘cause I’m still bitter they did not resign Griese (yes, I’m prob the only one who holds that opinion). Gradkowski made some impressive throws although he also betrayed his inexperience when he mistook a zone for a man defense and threw what should have been an interception. When Fiedler returns Rattay may be the odd man out, assuming Gruden sees the same potential in Gradkowski that I do.

Bye, bye Chas. Edell Shepherd and Paris Warren both looked better than the Ivy Grad who loves the “Hampty Hampts.”

Those of you that have read this blog for awhile now of my affection for Gators so it should come as no surprise that I love Graham. He always does just enough each training camp to make the team. He excels at running in between the tackles and has a nose for the endzone.

Stovall will be good if not great in Gruden’s offense. Tall, lanky receivers have always excelled in Gruden’s offense and Stovall has shown enough potential to make this writer salivate.

Finally, does anyone else find the Bucs preseason announcing combo of Jaws and Chris Myers to be lacking? Just a small example but Jaws kept referring to Michael Clayton as Mark. At halftime the NFL Network switched from the local Tampa announcers to the local New York announcers, a move which I actually appreciated. The New York graphics were crisper and the commentary more interesting.

Exhibition Game: Take 1

When exactly did exhibition game become a dirty word in the NFL? For some time now, the uptight organization that it is, the NFL mandated that these meaningless games be called preseason. And to make matters worse the NFL charges you full ticket price for exhibition games. There is absolutley no good reason to move back to 2 exhibition games before the season.

Who I will be watching: Jeremy Trueblood

Technically I will not be watching the game tonite (will have to catch it on the NFL Network) but when I do I want to see how Trueblood fairs while stepping in for a banged up Kenyatta. The Jets are introducing a 3-4 defense this year, so it is doubtful the Jets defense will be 100% but the defense should still be a good warmup/test for Trueblood. Shaun Ellis, who was about average last season, will go up against Trueblood.

It will be difficult for Trueblood to move ahead of Kenyatta based on just this game. Trueblood will be expected to hold his own against an unspectacular Jets defense which is still learning the 3-4 scheme. Ellis was not strong against the run last season, which is the one area Trueblood will be expected to excel. I think Trueblood will struggle against the pass rush but if he doesn't then he definitely improves his standing in Gruden's eyes.

Anyway, go Bucs!

More Summer Sizlin'

Continuing the hump day cheerleader pic tradition...



Ahhhh, training camp.

Who is Chas Gassner?

I’ll be honest, before today I had never heard of Chas Gasner but after The Chas beat Torrie Cox on a deep route The Chas officially became the surprise of camp. So with that I went on a quest to discover more on The Chas. Did I mention his name is Chas?

First off, Chas is an Ivy Leaguer, or more accurately a Brown Bear. Although Chas has never played in an NFL game he has a Super Bowl XXXVIII ring when he was on the Pats practice squad. Chas has played in a championship game, World Bowl XII for the Frankfurt Galaxy (that’s NFL Europe for all you bowlers).

Chas, your prototypical big man on campus, was an Ivy League Rookie of the Year, captain of the football team, and an All-American in two sports, football and lacrosse. He also has no anus.

Finally, and I swear I’m not making this up, when asked where his favorite vacation spot is he responded, “Radziwells in the Hampty Hampts.” Ok, it’s official, I’m rooting for him be cut.

Say Jeeves, get me scissors for the rest of my shirts.

Pick Me

Automatic.



You should prob be sitting down when I tell you this but Simms does not pull of all these throws in one take. In fact in the last take he ended up hitting the cart driver.

Training Camp: Weekend in Review

Allen undergoes surgery to fix hand. Safety Will Allen suffered a fracture in his left thumb on Wednesday, which required surgery to fix.

Pittman cranky after getting his wisdom teeth pulled. Michael Pittman misses Saturday practice to go to the dentist.

Smith out of Saturday practice. Alex Smith watches from the sidelines with a tender hamstring.

Kenyatta misses Friday morning practice with knee problems. Kenyatta returns for Friday afternoon practice but is still under the watchful eye of Gruden and the trainers.

Fonoti out with injury. Backup guard Two Ton Toniu Fonoti misses Sunday practice because of a sprained right ankle.

Tucker also hit by injury bug. Tackle Torrin Tucker misses Saturday practice with tweaked right knee.

Gradkowski #2 on depth chart. Rookie quarterback Bruce Gradkowski is getting reps at the #2 position until Jay Fiedler is medically cleared to practice.

Clayton looks better than last season. Michael Clayton is in better shape this training camp than last year when he was coming off of surgery.

Boston impressing press. David Boston has been wowing the Bucs beat reporters and is looking like a better bet to make the team.

Hook and ladder could make an appearance this season. Gruden runs the trick play with a pass to Pittman who then flipped it to Clayton.

Zebras brief team on new rules. NFL officials were at the Bucs practice on Thursday to review the new end zone celebration limitations. More on that and Peter Griffin here.

Barber makes it official

Ronde Barber signs five year extension.

The odd thing about this deal is that, as opposed to most deals for older players, it is front loaded. Which got me wondering...do the Bucs plan on moving Barber to safety in two years?

Hear me out on this.

Outside of Will Allen the Bucs have no impressive safeties (obviously I'm not a big fan of Jermaine Phillips). Hell, right now they don't even have much depth at the position. Barber is a bit on the big side for a corner (but not for a safety) and is more comfortable than most corners playing close to the line (as evidenced by the much ballyhoed 20 sacks, 20 interceptions). And if Barber is moved to safety it would pretty much guarantee he would finish his career with the Bucs.

Of course, throw everything I just said out the window if the Bucs draft a safety on the first day next year.

Summer Sizlin'

Football players are not the only ones who go to training camp in the summer, the Tampa Bay Buccaneer Cheerleaders all spend a couple days training under the Florida sun. What do they spend all their down time doing? I'm not sure but I imagine it involves naked pillow fights, undressing in front of windows...basically everything that happened in the sorority in Animal House.

Barber to reup with Bucs

Ronde Barber to sign five year extension.

The deal would guarantee Barber $12 million over the next two years. Good to see Barber finally get his, although I would be interested to see how much of the $24 million total is guaranteed beyond the first two years.

Foozball Truthiness

I was contemplating throwing out some team previews as I did last year but after these works any effort I attempted would smell like Bigfoot's dick in comparison.

My favorite part about these previews? The focus on coaching changes, and the impact that a new coaching staff can have on fantasy football. Without going to much into the fantasy football side, the NFL is a coach's league which is why all of the Falcons so-called talent means jack shit as long as Mora the Younger is at the helm of that sinking ship.

Anyway, check out Breakaway Beach, it'll do you good.

Training Camp: Around the NFC South

Finneran likely out for season. Second leading receiver for Falcons goes down in practice with knee injury.

Smith is day-to-day after injuring hamstring. Panthers receiver Steve Smith could miss one or two preseason games.

McAllister still not fully recovered from injury. Saints runningback Deuce McAllister is about “85 percent to 90 percent” recovered from knee surgery following a torn ACL he suffered early last season.

White looks shaky in practice. Falcons receiver Roddy White “drops more passes than he should have.”

Two major fights break out during Falcons practice. Linebacker Ed Hartwell “appears” to kick player.

Bush to show up late to practice. Saints wunderkid Reggie Bush should arrive at training camp later than expected because of a delayed flight.

Jenkins returns to practice. Panthers defensive tackle Kris Jenkins missed Sunday’s practice because of back spasms.

Alge still being held out of practice. Recovering from offseason surgery Falcons tightend Alge Crumpler continues to watch from the sidelines of training camp.

Training Camp: Weekend in Review

Caddy tweaks back. Cadillac sits out first day of practice with back spasms, participates in practice next day.

Joseph works with first unit. Last season's starting right guard Sean Mahan is competing with John Wade at center, freeing up the right guard position for either Davin Joseph or Jeb Terry.

Barber wants to remain in Tampa. But Bruce Allen and Ronde Barber's agent remain less optimistic.

Clayton has shed nine pounds. Michael Clayton eager to put last season's injury plagued sophomore slump behind him.

Boston looking good in practice. David Boston has dropped 30 pounds from his playing weight three years ago. Boston is also limited to one practice a day.

Stovall could see time at tightend. The Bucs coaches have contemplated lining up rookie Maurice Stovall at tightend. Injuries have thinned the Bucs depth at the position.

Wade carted off practice field. Severe dehydration and cramps keep center John Wade out of practice.

Colmer to miss season. A rare nerve condition knocks offensive lineman Chris Colmer out for the season.

Winborn to backup Brooks. 49ers import Jamie Winborn, who had hoped to compete for the strongside linebacker position, will instead backup Derrick Brooks on the weakside.

And so it begins

Some recent ink sheet blog headlines...

New wheels for Caddy

Cadillac off the blocks

In fact, I think I might turn this into an unofficial contest of sorts. A competition among the local newspapers for the worst/best Cadillac pun of a headline. Any ideas for the name of the contest? The best I got is the Caddy Pun Race.

Orange you a big fan of puns?

Training camp is one of my favorite times of the year since it marks the beginning of the season AND it is full of useless minutia. For example, did you know Shelton Quarles is known as the Candy Man because he brings $300-400 worth of candy to training camp? Or that Ryan Nece carried all his clothes in Hefty plastic bags?

Even more interesting is that Derrick Brooks would like to see the Bucs bring back the ugly orange for the Thanksgiving game. I've thrown my support behind this but it is highly unlikely it will happen this year. The NFL deadline for new uniforms designs went by a couple of months ago and the ugly orange was not submitted by the Bucs. (Or something like that.)

And a pat on the back to the local ink sheets who have deployed blogs for their beat writers. I've already mentioned the Tribune's so I'll point you in the direction of the Time's blog and it's witty headline writers.

(And just as an aside since I don't know where else to throw this, counting the newspaper blogs the number of Bucs blogs has doubled in the past two weeks. Looks like I'll finally have some competition for my title.)

Five More: Training Camp Preview

I’m following the format Rick Stroud from the St Pete Times used, but asking five additional questions he did not. Also, check out Roy Cummings’ blog for the latest from Orlando.

6. Will Boston make the roster?

If Boston is going to make the team he will have to beat out Ike Hilliard and Edell Shepherd. Boston’s chances largely hinge on whether Gruden considers him a third or fourth receiver. If it’s the former then Boston is competing against Hilliard’s experience with the Bucs offense. If it’s the latter Boston, who is still recovering from injuries, will be expected to play special teams…and his expose himself to more opportunities to get re-injured.

Prediction: As of right now, I’m leaning towards Boston not making it out of training camp.

7. Who will win the punt return job?

Mark Jones is the favorite but there is a chance rookie cornerback Justin Phinisee could take over punt return duties. Jones stepped into the job last season and performed admirably. Phinisee averaged 11.6 yards last year as the primary punt return man for Oregon, and also racked up a return touchdown.

Prediction: I don’t know but if Phinisee wins out and Jones gets cut then that opens up an additional receiver spot…possibly for Boston or Hilliard.

8. Does Alex Smith move ahead of Anthony Becht on the depth chart?

Smith was on fire right out of the gates with two touchdowns in his first game, but then went without a touchdown for the rest of the season. With the Bucs pass blocking woes last season the tight ends were kept on the line during passing downs to help protect the quarterback. Which meant Becht, the more proven blocker, saw more playing time.

Prediction: Smith, who caught more passes (41 to Becht’s 16), will move ahead of Becht.

9. Who will win the nickel cornerback job?

This is essentially a battle between Juran Bolden and Alan Zemaitis. Bolden held the job last season, while rookie Zemaitis is the future.

Prediction: Bolden holds onto the position for at least another season.

10. Will this training camp see a youth movement in the Bucs defense?

I’ll have more on this subject later in training camp but the Bucs more competitive training camp battles on the defensive side of the ball are between young guys and established veterans. Shelton Quarles vs. Barrett Ruud. Greg Spires vs DeWayne White. Bolden vs. Zemaitis. Kiffin’s defense has lost key players and still played exceptionally well but Kiffin has a new challenge on his hands, breaking in young players and two new defensive coaches.

Prediction: The youth movement won’t come until next season, although we are likely to see some of the younger guys get more playing time as the season progresses.

Draft Pick Update

Bucs sign Jeremy Trueblood.

With the deadline to report to camp just minutes away, the Bucs still have three unsigned draft picks. Davin Joseph, Maurice Stovall and sixth round tightend T.J. Williams. Joseph and Stovall have zero leverage so I would not be surprised if their contracts are finalized shortly. Also, it will be interesting to see what the Bucs do with Williams, who is out for the season with a torn Achilles tendon.


UPDATE: All reports are that Bruce Allen is close to a deal with Joseph's agent. Which leaves the question, how far along are the Stovall contract negotiations?

UPDATE #2: Bucs sign Joseph. Still no word on Stovall.

UPDATE #3: Stovall signs contract. And it appears there are no holdouts going into camp.

More on the new digs

The Glazers have been all Mission Impossible (for your eyes only) about the new training facility, to the point where they have banned the media from taking pictures of it. But that didn't prevent Tampa Bay Magazine Business Journal from getting the inside scoop.

It should come as no surprise that the workaholic Gruden has a shower in his office. What should scare you is that the shower overlooks the practice field. Plenty of other good stuff in the article so check it out.

(big tip of the hat to Bolts Mag)

Distracted

Today's cheerleader(s) of the week comes courtesy of Michael Clayton's Celebrity Hoop Jam. Could someone explain the appeal of this event to me? I love me some basketball but I don't get why you would shell out 50 bucks to watch NFL guys miss wide open shots and dribble off their own feet?

Anyway, some random facts from the Hoop Jam...

• Chris Simms was the only player with his shirt tucked in. Chris Simms is also very white.

• Nickelback Juran Bolden is a cherrypicker. This fact puts any respect I had for Bolden in jeopardy.

• The game was decided in a soccer style three point shootout with (surprise!) Clayton winning it.

Draft Pick Update

Zemaitis signed.

That leaves four out of the Bucs ten draft picks unsigned including the first three, Joseph, Trueblood and Stovall.

Great, another Bucs blog

Just what the intraweb needs another Bucs blog and this one hosted by the Tribune to boot. Which I’m sure means said blog will be more family friendly than Disney World on prozac.

What’s that you say, said blog brings the big stick?

And it’s run by the same persona who could potentially challenge this site’s title of Best Bucs Blog?

Extra tall shot of yager to Scott for his subversive takeover of the Tribune’s website. Even if he is the bastard love child of Phil Hellmuth and Sammy Farha.













= ?

So long, farewell

...auf Wiedersehen, good night Dwight Smith.

Not to go all Sound of Music on you but Smith just signed a three year deal with the Vikings. Rumor was that Minnesota was offering a better deal than Tampa Bay and Tomlin's presence as the Viking's defensive coordinator (Tomlin was Smith's coach in Tampa Bay) only sweetened the deal.

Draft Pick Update

Bucs sign the next Dan Marino, aka Bruce Gradkowski.

For those not keeping track at home that makes four draft picks the Bucs have signed with six remaining. The Bucs have yet to sign any of their first four picks.

Also, the Tampa Tribune further muddies the Ronde Barber waters by coyly suggesting the two sides are close to a deal while providing no new information (thanks Roy Cummings!).

Anyone else hoping training camp would go ahead and start already?

Extension on the way for Ronde?

Chris Harry of the Orlando Sentinel says so.

Ronde seems to hint that he is looking for Champ Bailer money which would be a big mistake on Bruce Allen's part. Even if he is overrated Bailey is one of the best at what he does. Ronde, on the other hand, has benefitted from Monte Kiffin's defense and would only be valuable to other Tampa Two teams (i.e. Bears, Colts, Lions, etc.).

While it would be nice to see Ronde get his, I hope it does not come at the expense of the Buc's long term financial stability.


UPDATE: (7/24, 10:15) Or maybe not.

Rick Stroud of the St Pete Times spoke to Bruce Allen and Ronde's agent and both confirmed that they are no where close to an extension. And since Allen reconfirmed his deadline is March '07, I'm guessing Barber will not sign a new contract before training camp begins. Keep in mind Chris Simms will be a free agent next season also and will most likely require both top dollar and Bruce Allen's full attention.

What could have been...

The Year: 2008

The Game: NFC Championship

The Scenario: Bucs down 24-30 to the Lions. 7 seconds left in the 4th.

With memories of the Music City Miracle the Bucs, with Andre Hall returning, prepare to receive the kickoff. In an unusual mental lapse Monte Kiffin’s young defense has just let up a last second touchdown. John Madden, Al Michaels and Weird Al Yankovic are already drawing comparisons to the Buc’s collapse against the Rams in ’99.

It’s a long, high kick to the five yard line. Andre Hall cleanly catches the ball.

To the ten, the fifteen.

Hall meets the first wave of attackers. Rick Razzano lays a monster block and Hall jukes past the first wave.

To the twenty, to the twenty-five.

Ernie Simms has an open field shot at Hall, but with a vicious spin move Hall breaks free.

To the thirty, the thirty-five, the forty.

One man between Hall and Glory…Martin Gramatica. Gramatica awkwardly lunges at Hall but falls a foot short.

To the forty five, the fifty.

Nobody stands between Hall and the endzone. No time left on the clock. And…he…goes…all…the…way. TOUCHDOWN!!!

Tampa Bay has just returned their first ever kickoff for a touchdown! Not since Shaun King has a local boy made good for the Bucs. In a matter of seconds Andre Hall has gone from nobody to Tampa Bay legend. Grandfathers will sit grandchildren on their knees decades from now and tell them youngin's how they saw THE Andre Hall win the NFC Championship.

The Bucs are going to the Super Bowl. All because of USF grad Andre Hall!

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

Unfortunately this scenario will never pan out. Andre Hall has been cut by the Bucs before training camp has even started. Unlimited possibilities involving Andre Hall will never play out.

But at least Hall has a USF degree to fall back on, right?

ONE LAST TRIBUTE TO ANDRE HALL:

Saints release Smith

Free safety Dwight Smith has been cut loose by the rebuilding Saints.

A youth movement in the Saint's secondary combined with his expensive salary made Smith expendable to the Saints. Additionally, there are rumors that the volatile Smith was not getting along with the new Saints coaching staff.

Obviously, Tampa Bay will be the most likely landing spot for Smith, who was originally drafted and started for the Bucs. But do we want Smith?

At 27, Smith is in the prime of his career and has the versatility to play multiple positions in the secondary (he was originally drafted to play corner). And he can be had for a cheap one year deal.

On the other hand, Smith has been a lightning rod for trouble. The addition of Smith might further retard Will Allen's development, assuming Smith starts at free safety over Allen. And most importantly, signing Smith will take even more time away from Bruce Allen that could be spent negotiating with Ronde's agent for an extension.

Thoughts?

Joseph guarantees he'll be in camp

First round pick Davin Joseph says, "I know I'll be at camp on time."

Reports have been that Joseph has struggled to pick up Gruden's offense so if Joseph is serious about winning the starting left guard job he will need to be in training camp when it begins.

Also in the St Pete Times report, Bruce Allen has taken the first potshot at Me-Shawn. During a question and answer session with fans Allen slipped in film of Keyshawn dropping a pass among Galloway highlights. Allen also remains hopeful he can sign Ronde to an extension, although Allen says his deadline is March of '07.

With less than eight days to go the Bucs have nine more draft picks to sign. Expect some of the lower picks (with the highest being Zemaitis) to be signed in the next couple of days.

Draft Pick Update

Bucs sign seventh round tightend.

Making Tim Massaquio the first draft pick signed. Nine more picks to go.

Where have you gone Mr. Tony?

Even with the World Cup this summer/offseason has felt like it has dragged on unnecessarily long. At first I though that had more to do with the NFL's desire to pander to the Television Networks and push the Super Bowl into February (thus pushing back the start of training camp) until the following realization hit me. I've been missing out on my regular Tony Kornheiser fix.

A year ago I could depend on daily Mr. Tony fixes through either his radio show, the Washington Post, and/or PTI. With clockwork like certainty I could listen to Mr. Tony rants on subjects as far ranging as the 'Skins bandwagon to cyclists on DC roads. And it was great.

This year, though, Mr. Tony has all but dissappeared. He went off the radio in March. He has not written for the Post since April (about the "Keith Hernandez/girls don't belong in the dugout" controversy). And now, I've been subjected to Dan LeBetard for the past couple weeks on PTI.

Consider this an open request to Mr. Tony, come back! I know you've been resting up (mentally and physically) for your Monday Night Football stint but sports fans need you. Hell, I need you. I'm a mess without you. I miss you so damn much. I miss being with you, I miss being near you. I miss your laugh. I miss your scent; I miss your musk. When this all gets sorted out, I think you and me should get an apartment together.

Christmas in July

Continuing the Hump Day Cheerleader tradition (two times makes it a tradition, right?) and considering the heat wave which has gripped the U.S. I present you an icy picture to cool your hot heart. Or is it a hot picture to cool your icy heart?

Either way, enjoy.

Draft pick update

Bucs made an offer to Zemaitis last week.

Although certainly not the cornerback I hoped the Bucs would offer a contract to. Bucs have still not signed any of their draft picks.

No more tail-gazing at Buc's games

...if you know what I mean.

Which is a shame really. Strippers at a Tampa Bay game were/are as quintessential as a Phillycheese steak at an Eagles game or crack rock at a Ravens game. As hard as local politicos try to fight it Tampa IS strip clubs and strip malls.

And if you get rid of the strip clubs all you have is strip malls.


(hat tip to Sticks of Fire)

New York Times uncovers the obvious

Cadillac Williams took automatic A classes while at Auburn.

I'll tell you straight out I'm on the fence about this. Obviously this happens at every SEC school (except Vanderbilt) and even your humble and incredibly geniusfied host could be accused of taking college classes which where a guaranteed A. And since none of these guys are going to become brain surgeons or rocket scientests it probably doesn't matter if they took a lighter than average course load.

But, at the same time, the idealist in me is upset that athletes are given an easy ride at the taxpayer's expense. This may just be crazy talk but I believe anybody on a scholarship should be held to a higher standard than students who are paying their own way. In the grand scheme of things, we would all be better served if the scholarships given to athletes were instead given to future teachers and nurses. Of course, in this perfect world the Bucs, Rays and Lightning would win championships every year and broccoli would taste like steak.


Update: Of all the reactions I've seen to this story Grits has prob the best one. Go check it out.

To pat down or not to pat down

That is the question.

Not often that you hear the words "Constitutional protections" mentioned in the same breath as the Bucs but this ongoing case could be decided soon by a federal judge. And while the two main parties in this case are a local Bucs fan opposed to pat downs and the Tampa Sports Authority, the judges decision will likely impact all 32 NFL teams and stadiums since the NFL mandated pat downs began last year.

Run Forrest!

Ravens linebacker Green shows off his 40 time.

A camera outside the bowling alley has caught Roderick Green's flight from the knife wielding bowler. In any other city Stabby McKnife would be identified in a short time but since this is Baltimore, home to the Stop Snitching campaign, the police don't really have a good chance of finding Green's assailant.

(tip of the hat to the Sports Frog)

Hurrah, another list!

In case my thinly veiled disgust for the effortless efforts has not yet become apparent I can not stand lists/rankings. Most lists reek of apathy, both on the part of the writer and the reader, and are typically little more than attempts to drum up viewership/readership without substantively contributing to any kind of sports dialouge.

This ranking of quarterback units by the Football Outsider guys stands in stark contrast to most rankings since it is backed up by the Outsider's unique brand of stats. In what should come as little surprise the Bucs quarterbacks do not rank highly. What does come as a surprise is that Simms is injury prone.

20. Tampa Bay

Chris Simms looked good as the starter last year, and improved as the year went along. Unfortunately, Simms has been injury prone in the past, and so have all his backups. Simms had shoulder issues in 2004. Jay Fiedler hurt his shoulder last year and might not even be ready for training camp. Luke McCown already blew out his knee. Tim Rattay broke himself in three places during the time it took you to read this sentence. It would surprise nobody if the Bucs had four guys on the injured list and undrafted rookie Bruce Gradkowski starting by Week 17.

As much as I appreciate the Outsiders stats, the Outsider's Achilles heel has always been their inattention to detail. This effort, in so many ways is quintessential Football Outsiders material, ahead of the curve yet fundamentally flawed.

Hump Day Cheerleaders

New gimmick I'm introducing here at the Best Bucs Blog, the Hump Day Cheerleader pic. Just consider it a little something to make your work week move a bit quicker.

Today's pic comes courtesy of the NFL Network's Making the Squad: Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I finally caught this show the other day and it reminds me of a really bad date. I've got to listen to some clueless airhead prattle on for an hour about her family and runt of a dog in the blind hope I will see her naked. And just like most of my dates, you will not get to see any of the cheerleader's birthday suits.

Anyway, enjoy.

Baltimore: City of Criminals

I just can't quit you. I had told myself, "no more of this blogging in your Superman underoos crap," at least for the next few weeks but like a compulsive gambler who has found his mark when I saw this story I just couldn't keep away. Or to make an even more lame sports analogy (since I am watching the Home Run Derby right now) this story was my slow, hanger over the plate.

Raven's linebacker NOT a criminal.

I have serious difficulty believing this guy is really a Raven though. I know Roderick Green is on Baltimore's roster but a TRUE Raven would not have avoided the fight, and he definitely would not have run away. You think Ray Lewis would have run away? Hell no, the stabbing bowler would be in a bodybag right now. You think Jamal Lewis would have run away? Well....you see where I'm going with this.

But Green's still a young guy, so I'm sure Baltimore will turn him into a hardened criminal. The city has a way of doing that to law-abiding citizens.

The Dead Zone

With roughly three weeks (and counting) to go until the start of training camp we have officially entered the NFL Dead Zone a dark hole from which (almost) no news can escape. From here on out the only news which can escape the Dead Zone will be the embarassing variety, player arrests and suspensions.

So sit tight, try to avoid the football addiction shakes and I'll see you on the other side.