Tampa, Florida					Monday, September 06, 2010

DON`T FORGET; ON ANY GIVEN . . . . . . .
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
This latest Tampa Bay Buccaneer team is now 1-1 and so many who have watched covered these two games suggest these Bucs `05 are no better or no worse than in the most recent two seasons. But with a few new young players of quality, a team whose 1-1 start may well forecast the end of the regular season at 8-8. Coach John Gruden, who does not need another losing record season, has pretty much liked what he has seen, he said, but is particularly cautious about the offense line, largely because of an epidemic of pre-season injuries. Someone among those in that offensive line has to stand up and say, “Follow Me!” Like us who watch and wonder and wistfully hope for the best, we always form opinions quickly, and change those opinions often, So, after two pre-season games played to a tie, the key pre-season game that lies just ahead at the Miami Dolphins, well, bet here is general conclusions are have themselves a solid punter, a new solid linebacker, a running back who can run with speed and deception, a secure secondary, a receiving corps with speed and depth, and perhaps a placekicker who will not miss crucial, deciding kicks. We out here wonder about offensive line depth, the defensive front line, and where else—quarterback? Bob Griese’s son and his genes and brains will keep him the starter and he plays effectively most of the time, but his backup now, Chris Simms, has not. The second spot is open after the undistinguished two games of play by Simms, and pretty good play by the third man in this competition, new Buc Luke McCown. Gruden is nervous about the now backup QBs, and so are all of us. And, we are worried about the offensive scheme and/or its effective execution. The worried also worry about the short-pass offense and its apparent lack of daring and dash. But, that was before the drafting of Auburn whiz, Cadillac Williams, the speed back, who seems likely to become the most exciting running back ever in a Buc backfield, the arrival of punter (yes punter) Josh Bidwell, the return of big, sure-handed receivers Michael Clayton and Joey Galloway, veteran WR Ike Hilliard and rookie tight end, Alex Smith. That’s an especially good crowd there. Yes there’s enough leadership---All-Everything linebacker Derrick Brooks, corner Ronde Barber, snapper-fishing guide Dave Moore, stud fullback Mike Alstott, LB Shelton Quarles, plus those who emerge. Talking machine, tackle Warren Sapp who is happy in Oakland, and is succeeded by out-of-this-world DT Simeon Rice, team	philosopher and spokesman to the learned. And the Buc world surely hopes, QB Griese, can be the steady man he needs to be and Coach Gruden wants to coach him to be and is sure he can be. Most of all, it appears, these Bucs of 2005 must play better at right end, stop teams in the final minutes, or, if required, score at the end of games, in the clutch. The Bucs of a year ago could easily have won three more games and been in the playoffs with better offense, a late game tighter defense, hey, even a field goal or two near game’s end. The Bucs of a year ago were lousy closers, that more than any other inadequacy, leading to a losing season. Anther result of the minus season was a 2005 schedule that calls for no nationally televised from this three-time, beautiful and appreciated venue, no Monday Night game, and all 1 p. m. starts. Raymond James Stadium can be one hot place. And, add the fact that the Bucs open away at Minnesota and finish with three straight road games, including a mid-December outdoor at the home of the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots. Weather in that place at that time of the year could be crippling to a visiting team from the South. So this latest made-over club in the image of John Gruden—tough, menacing, grinding, intense—has kept its personality, but those in Bucland are hoping for more speed on both sides of the ball, better late game success, breakaway plays and wins at home in RJS to reward the starved loyalists. The homefolk deserve it, unqualifiedly. And have earned it, as have the owning Malcolm Glazer Family. It is nice now to be known as the home away from home for the great Manchester United soccer team, but, just nice. It would be far better to be the home of a National Football League, oh, say an NFL championship Buc team of the success and new achievements of the National Hockey League champion Lightning. The Lombardi Trophy and Stanley Cups are quite a sight side-by-side, and not a bad letterhead for the Cities of Tampa Bay. Eh? Thing is, that 8-8 isn’t likely a good enough jumping off place for the NFL playoffs. A bonus is the fact that 8-8 is a reach in the minds of most. But, a two-preseason 1-1 and a first look C overall with this work in progress club, well, don’t forget that NFL truth: “On Any Given Sunday.’’ Surely a regular season 10-6 record, with two wins in the games’ final offensive possessions and two more on stops inside the Buc five might do it. Again, eh? ##
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