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By ANWAR S. RICHARDSON
TAMPA - Tampa Bay recently concluded its morning practice, which probably could not have come fast enough for Bucs quarterback Jeff Garcia, who noticeably struggled.
Garcia threw behind and over receivers during Wednesday’s minicamp at Raymond James Stadium. His throws were so erratic, the ball even slipped out Garcia’s hands on one pass attempt, and he was noticeably frustrated during practice.
During the final play of practice, DE Kevin Carter batted down Garcia’s pass attempt, ending a rough day for the veteran quarterback, but Bucs Coach Jon Gruden was not worried about what he witnessed.
“He struggled today,” Gruden said. “I’m pretty sorry for what you saw earlier in the 7-on-7 [passing drills], but he’s had a great camp for us and he’s leaps and bounds ahead of where he was this time last year.”
Two players who also seem to be making strides are Bucs QB Luke McCown and WR Michael Clayton.
McCown appears to be ahead of backup QB Brian Griese right now and is usually the second quarterback to receive reps after Garcia. So far, McCown has looked tremendously sharp and Gruden has praised his progress during my recent conversations with him.
During a red zone drill, Clayton caught a slant pass from McCown for a touchdown, resulting in the cannons being fired from the pirate ship, which typically happens during games.
“That scared me to death,” Gruden said.
Tampa Bay also appears to be experimenting with some defensive line changes.
In addition to Greg White apparently moving into a starting spot at left defensive end and Gaines Adams on the right side, Ryan Sims appeared on first team at defensive tackle along with Jovan Haye. Chris Hovan started at defensive tackle last season, but it appears he and Sims will battle for that spot during training camp.
Bucs safety Sabby Piscitelli showed his field awareness during practice after RB Michael Bennett broke free and headed down the sidelines. Piscitelli ran toward Bennett and knocked the ball out of his hands, and even though it landed out of bounds, his attentiveness was impressive.
On special teams, Tampa Bay tinkered with three kickoff return combinations – Maurice Stovall/Bennett, Phillip Buchanon/Clayton and Micheal Spurlock/Brian Clark. Rookie WR Dexter Jackson will also have a chance to return kickoffs during training camp and the preseason.
Lastly, Gruden said he expects the Bucs to have night practices during training camp to prepare for evening games this season against Seattle, Carolina and San Diego.
Tampa Bay will have its final minicamp practice on Thursday and begin the grueling process of dwindling down its training camp roster from over 90 players to 80.
Posted by Joey, Russell,KS on 06/20 at 03:09 AM
Jeff Garcia is the best QB that has ever been at Tampa, he has a bad day and everyone freaks out, there is no way McCown is taking his place at #1
Posted by todd, PSJ, FL. on 06/19 at 05:05 PM
Ron,
Josh Johnson played for U. San Diego. Played in a system simuler to the Bucs system. Last season he threw for about 5,000 yrds and only throwing for 1 interception and 44 TDs. I forget how many yrds he ran. He is fast runs like a 4.5 40. And in the Bucs mini camp he completed all of his passes and throwing a TD to Dexter Jackson.
Posted by Ron, Whittier, California on 06/19 at 03:58 PM
Amazingly enough McCown might be the best QB we have had on a Buc’s roster in years. The great thing though is the fact is that he still seems to have tremendous up side left. He could possibly start now or replace Garcia. When ever he leaves.
I have to agree with the some of you who have stated that it is kinda sad to hear that Griese still is struggling with things from few years back.
Lastly, Does anyone have any input of how our Rookie Johnson?
Posted by todd, PSJ, FL. on 06/19 at 12:04 PM
No reason to get all freaked out because Garcia had a bad day. Superman even has a bad day every now and then.
Posted by drdneast, Sarasota, Fl on 06/19 at 09:42 AM
Ryan Simms was a former No.1 draft pick by the Kansas City Chiefs. Chris Simms, a former No.3 pick by the Bucs, may want to rethink his current stance about continuing his career here with the way Garcia and Griese seem to be struggling. Then again, why would you want a player who doesn’t want to compete for a starting job. Much like Plummer. Wide receivers are supposed to be the prima donnas, the QB is supposed to be the leader. Gee, do you think after 5 years Clayton might actually get it. Of course this is his last year on his contract, so he is not only playing for his job, but more money next year. Some players always seem to have their best year right before their contract ends.
Posted by Tony G, Pinellas on 06/19 at 08:32 AM
Gruden refused to make eye contact with me at the Frog Pond last week…feel better? 
Posted by JVand, Nashville on 06/18 at 09:44 PM
Ryan Simms? He has been on the team for a year and I still don’t know who he is?
Does McCown look as good as Gradkowski did the last 2 years?
Posted by Kurt, on 06/18 at 06:59 PM
Our greatest hope is that McCown actually takes the starting job and begins a new era of offense in Tampa.
Posted by John Tibby, Lithia, FL on 06/18 at 06:21 PM
Wow, four posts and no Gruden bashing. What’s wrong with you people!
Posted by ref813, memphis on 06/18 at 04:28 PM
I had hoped he had improved, but I just read that Griese threw a red zone interception to June while he was playing. That’s always been his biggest weakness so it’s unfortunate to hear he hasn’t improved. I guess we’ll see McCown as the #2 QB. If he gets rid of the dumb mistakes, he could be the best we’ve had in a long time.
Posted by mikr j, Jax on 06/18 at 04:03 PM
I agree, good piece, nice info, thanks.
Posted by JR, orlando,fl on 06/18 at 03:22 PM
very nice read. solid article anwar.
Posted by Charels Fiske, KC, Mo on 06/18 at 03:10 PM
Good atricle. This is what I want to hear about. I hope Clayton can return to his rookie form.
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Posted by Andrew, IL on 06/20 at 09:32 AM
Look - we dont need any new superstars on our team. what we need is role players. we have a good core and we have an identy. We will play top notch D and have a few playmakers that you need to respect on O. That is all we NEED. If any of our rookies can make half the impact as Tanard did last year we will be in great shape. As a team just stay healthy and we will make some noise in the playoffs! RB Boyd is a sleeper!