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Gruden Happy To Be 3-1

Posted Sep 29, 2008 by Anwar S. Richardson

Updated Sep 29, 2008 at 01:04 PM

Tampa Bay coach Jon Gruden fielded more questions about quarterback Brian Griese’s three-interception performance against Green Bay, but chose to focus on the three consecutive wins Tampa Bay has enjoyed since Griese took over in week two.

“What I say publicly and what I say behind the doors are two different things,” Gruden said. “I’m not going to be overly critical publicly. I got a lot of respect and confidence in Brian Griese. There are three or four throws he’s had the last two weeks that have hurt us, and there about 35 or 40 throws that have helped us.

“He made some throws yesterday after the third interception that were big-time plays. They changed the game in terms of field position. He made some decisions in the running game that were outstanding. So there are some areas, I think, that are very clear and obvious that we need to clean up. He knows where I stand and where our team stands on turnovers. We got to clean that up and we’re going to work our butt off this week to get that done.”

Gruden also said S Sabby Piscitelli hurt his right elbow. Piscitelli spoke in the locker room with a brace on that arm and said he would play through the pain as he struggled to put on a sweatshirt.

In addition, Gruden was unsure whether WR Joey Galloway would play this week at Denver, while adding T Jeremy Trueblood and G Arron Sears were both banged up against Green Bay, but their playing status did not appear to be in jeopardy.

Gruden also was very complimentary of his offensive line, which has not allowed a sack in 97 consecutive passing attempts.

“A lot of that is because of Griese. He does a great job of getting rid of the ball,” Gruden said. “Our line is doing some good things, no question about it. They were very good, particularly in the second half when we were running the football. When you throw the ball 97 or 98 times in a row, whatever it may be, without a sack, that’s a credit to a lot of guys. We’re really happy with our line. We expect them to continue to get better throughout the year.”

Finally, Gruden was happy his team is 3-1 and looked forward to this weekend’s game against Denver.

“This season is so long. It seems like training camp was last year,” Gruden said. “You can isolate four games and get familiar with them and get a couple of common themes; that’s big to help your guys focus, otherwise you’re looking at the big picture instead of a few steps in advance. We have to concentrate on the next month of the season, and some players who maybe didn’t play in the first quarter, are going to have to step to the forefront now.

“I just think it’s important to get familiar with Denver quickly, isolate the things we haven’t done well in the first quarter because those are the things that will come back to bite us in the second quarter. The things that we’ve done well, we’ve got to do better. I just try to break it down in a one-month segment so we can all try to focus in on the short term. If you go 3-1 in every quarter, the last I checked that was 12-4 and you’ve got home-field advantage for the most part.”

Reader Comments

Por (BigBucFan) on September 30, 2008 (Suggest removal)

Lou, you are the definition of what is wrong with society today. Look for the worst in everything. Complete negativity in every word you write. Your glass has a gaping hole in it. As long as people continue to think like you, their lives will never get better. Life is what you make it. I don’t have a lot, but I don’t need a lot. I’m thankful for this Team, players & coach. I’m thankful for all of their hard work and dedication. Win or lose, I’m on board. The sad thing is that there is no Bail-Out plan for people like you. Bask in your Misery Dude. You might even consider moving to New Orleans. You’d fit right in there.

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Por (bobbyd) on September 30, 2008 (Suggest removal)

Lou,

Of course we don’t get the whole story. Have you ever believed you were getting the whole story?? Ever listen to a Bill Bellychick press conference? He has three phrases that he repeats over and over again. You’ll never hear the whole story from anyone in pro football.

How many actual players have told you that Gruden is not a “player’s coach”? Hearing it from the media doesn’t count. People on the radio like Steve DUImig love to spread rumors because they don’t like Gruden. They have an agenda.

As someone else said, Lynch was released because of injury concerns. I also theorize that there were salary cap issues but I’m not certain. It totally sucked. I hated it. But I also understood the thinking behind it.

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Por (Lou C) on September 30, 2008 (Suggest removal)

BigBucFan—-Damn, your a buc’s fan but why get personel in this!!! You have your thoughts and so do I. Where did I say I am not happy with my life? YOU need to stop taking things so serious. I will tell you that I will watch for you post and when Gruden and his pet QB start losing and the buc’s get beat bad a few times I want to see you come on here and admit that they were wrong. Nice when there 3 and 1 to spout off but wait, he who laughs last laughs best!!!

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Por (BigBucFan) on September 30, 2008 (Suggest removal)

OK Lou. Sorry if I offended you. I guess that was a little harsh. My bad. I will be the first to admit when I’m wrong. But don’t look for that anytime soon, because the Bucs are on a Roll. I believe they will continue to prove people wrong every week like they have for the last 3. Too many teams get credit for their Players Names and not their ability to play as a Team. The Bucs have that chemistry. So many people bash Gruden constantly, & some of us feel the need to defend the Team & their decisions. I would never pull a winning QB. (agree to disagree)Gruden is hoping for 12-4 this Season. I think that is a realistic Goal. I predicted 16-0, but I guess I was wrong about that, so I’m sticking with 15-1 & Ray Jay in February.

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