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Buc slide began seven weeks ago

Posted Oct 6, 2009 by Ira Kaufman

Updated Oct 6, 2009 at 09:47 AM

By IRA KAUFMAN
TAMPA—It all began with a league release seven weeks ago.

The tranquility of Tampa Bay’s first training camp under Coach Raheem Morris was shattered Aug. 18 when starting FS Tanard Jackson was suspended four games for violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy.

That started the wrecking ball rolling.

Two days later, starting CB Aqib Talib was arrested, accused of punching a cab driver in the back of the head.

Meanwhile, the QB competition between veterans Byron Leftwich and Luke McCown dragged on, with the Bucs unable to meet Morris’ preferred deadline of choosing a starter by the third preseason game.

Only 10 days before the season opener, Tampa Bay jettisoned new offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski, promoting QB coach Greg Olson to a dual role. The offense was impressive against Dallas in Week 1, but three more losses have provoked some grousing as the Bucs prepare for Sunday’s matchup at Philadelphia.

Kicker Mike Nugent was cut Monday, despite a $2 million base salary and a $400,000 signing bonus that alienated incumbent Matt Bryant and led him to believe the kicking competition would not be a fair duel.

Bryant is working out for the Giants today and still hasn’t heard from the Bucs, who signed unproven Shane Andrus to handle the kicking chores.

Add it all up and it’s been a dispiriting start for Morris and first-year GM Mark Dominik.

Buc fans are understandably deflated at an 0-4 getaway and an 8-game losing streak, dating back to the December collapse that cost Jon Gruden his job.

Barring a winning streak, the only intriguing story line remaining is when rookie Josh Freeman will make his first start under center. Second-year pro Josh Johnson wasn’t awful at Washington, but the offense couldn’t generate much, despite four Redskin turnovers.

All the while, the Glazers are watching and evaluating. Tampa Bay’s owners knew this would be a difficult year on the scoreboard, but they didn’t anticipate all the distractions that have ensued since Jackson’s suspension.

Jackson is back this week, but he’s no savior for all that ails an organization in turmoil.