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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.”
Posted by wade less, clermont on 09/29 at 02:55 PM
What’s the deal w/ Joseph? Any word on his potential return? We’ll need him soon, particularly if Trueblood and Sears’ injuries require missed starts. Griese is killing me with some of the throws. I wouldn’t mind if Garcia got back in there but honestly he wasn’t playing that well either. The team looks to have good d, o-line play and chemistry so I think that could go a long way. If only our divisional foes would drop an occasional game.
Posted by bobbyd, Tampa on 09/29 at 02:52 PM
AJ,
“get a new coach who knows how to run a team.”???
You do realize the Bucs are tied for 1st place and that the only team in the NFC that has a better record is the Giants. Seems like he’s running the team just fine to me. Maybe you’re talking about a different team.
Campy,
I hear you on the QB and WR, but you know, it takes a whole team to win. So, sometimes you have to work with a lesser-caliber player who is just good and not great. It’s clear that the Bucs have been focused on building a foundation these past couple of drafts (o-line, d-line, bringing youth to the defense). But I really have a feeling they will do as you suggest though and draft a QB and WR in the first rounds next draft.
Posted by Pinocho, Tampa Floirda on 09/29 at 02:46 PM
Josh # 1
Brian # 2
McCown # 3
Posted by Pinocho, Tampa Floirda on 09/29 at 02:42 PM
Send Garcia back home and try Josh Johnson.Gruden need to do better with calls.
Posted by Rich Kenneth, Lompoc, CA on 09/29 at 02:37 PM
A win is a win. I remember when I was a kid the Bucs never won. Lets be greatful that they are winning and tied for 1st place. Imagine if they were losing? I am proud of the team. I don’t agree with everything that goes on during the game, but I can’t argue with the result.
Posted by Scott, Florida on 09/29 at 02:31 PM
AJ - It is you Gruden/Griese/Bucs haters who need to get on a cruise ship out-of-town ASAP! Gruden has done his best job of play calling since Brad Johnson (2002) with Griese (both in 2005 and the past couple games). Will Griese continue to throw picks - yes. Will it be 3 per game - no. Will Clayton stop dropping balls - maybe (not). This is the best offense we’ve had since 2002 - we’re ranked 7th in the NFL! We will only get better with Davin and Joey coming back and Brian getting better. With the defense sacking and scoring and Dexter Jackson running instead of slipping - lookout! We can be damn good!
Posted by CampyOne, on 09/29 at 02:29 PM
Just think how good this team might be if only we had a QB. Maybe this is the year when for only the fourth time in franchise history we use a first round pick on a QB instead of a 6th or 7th rounder. And while we’re at it, let’s use a 2nd round pick on a WR to replace Clayton.
Posted by AJ, Tampa on 09/29 at 01:59 PM
Gruden and Griese need to go on a ##### cruise leaving channelside ASAP. Put Garcia back in the line up, and get a new coach who knows how to run a team.
Posted by bobbyd, Tampa on 09/29 at 01:41 PM
Amen, Klopfer.
This is the best o-line I’ve seen in Bucs history, hands down. AND they’re doing it with a ROOKIE RG. I hope they take their time bringing back Davin, but boy when they do, it’s gonna be fun.
Posted by John Klopfer, Ocala, Florida on 09/29 at 12:47 PM
The Bucs are putting themselves in good position. Griese will get better
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Posted by bobbyd, tampa on 09/29 at 03:07 PM
Joseph practiced last week, but experienced a bit of a setback. As long as there are no injuries on the rest of the line, I say let him rest and heal completely. Zuttah has been filling in quite nicely for a rookie.