Quarter Pole

The 1st quarter of the season is already over and it was a good one for our beloved Bucs. Oh it wasn't necessarily a pretty 3 and 1 but it is 3 dash 1 no less and we'll take it.

It didn't take Coach Gruden long to pull the plug on Jeff Garcia and replace him with Brian Griese who has posted 3 victories in his 3 starts. Garcia has been deactivated for those 3 outings and has been regulated to clip board duty. Griese has been very much like his old self, looking like a world beater on many plays, and then throwing some absolutely god awful picks at some crucial times. Sooner or later this will cost the team a ballgame. And despite 3 straight W's, Garcia got more reps in practice this week so this bears watching.


The team has given fans reason to be encouraged in several other areas. Although the offense hasn't been spectacular and is very much a work in progress, the running game looks strong but the receivers have made just enough plays when called upon. And they've been able to do it without Joey Galloway and Davin Joseph. This team's public enemy #1, Jeremy Stevens is back from suspension and his return made off season free agent pickup Ben Troupe expendable.

The defense has been terrific for most of the first 4 contests. They are flying around the field, getting turnovers AND scoring. Barret Ruud looks like he's on his way to Hawaii, Gaines Adams has made some splash plays, the D- line has done yeoman's work up front, and Derrick Brooks continues to amaze and is a key ingredient to the success of this defense (in case there are still any doubters out there, go to the DVR and check out the Reggie Bush vs. Matt McCoy play in Game #1).

The one glaring liability, and I hate to say this but I can since I proudly sport the #20 jersey, has been my man Ronde. I don't know if he just needs some new cleats or what but, clearly he has looked very beatable and teams are challenging him. Chucky gave him a nice vote of confidence telling reporters, "Ronde Barber is the least of my concerns" and I agree. Ronde will snap out of it... won't he? C' mon 20!!

Last Sunday's performance by Matt Bryant after unexpectedly losing his infant son mid week was incredible. He buried his boy in Texas on Saturday and was back in Tampa in time for the game and made all of his attempts. Our hearts go out to you and yours...

Next up is a trip out Denver for a game against the Broncos, after which the Bucs will return to play two games at home against NFC opponents (Carolina and Seattle) before winding up at the half way point with a clash against powerhouse Dallas so we will have an excellent idea if the Bucs are pretenders or contenders after this difficult stretch.

And as a public service announcement, remember to have your heart medicine, alka seltzer and stress relieving elixir of your choice on hand when watching the games. "Go Bucs!" Oh and when jogging on rural roads in Alaska it is NOT recommended that you wear old style orange Bucs gear. You run the risk of being ridiculed and accosted by meth freaks from Wasilla.

BBQ... out

-A