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Bucs Gain Confidence, Healing Time As Bye Week Arrives

Posted Nov 3, 2008 by Anwar S. Richardson

Updated Nov 3, 2008 at 12:43 PM

Tampa Bay coach Jon Gruden was still beaming with pride during his Monday morning news conference a day after the Bucs knocked off Kansas City, 30-27, in overtime.

Gruden was proud of his team’s effort, and with Tampa Bay having a bye week, it was a win his team needed - and deserved.

“It helps you [gain confidence],” Gruden said. “I think success is a great motivator and confidence builder, but this team has done it all year.

“We came from behind in the fourth quarter against Green Bay. We came from behind in the fourth quarter at Chicago. This is a team that plays for 60 minutes. We’ve fallen short a couple of times, but in our three losses, we were knocking on the door in those games, too. It’s a solid football team that plays hard. I’m really proud of the guys, and hopefully we can get some players well that need to get well.”

Gruden was referring to health of RB Earnest Graham (knee) and TE Alex Smith (knee), who both sustained injuries against Kansas City. Both players were being evaluated on Monday, and the Bucs might reveal their status later this week.

Graham’s injury was significant because Tampa Bay was without RB Warrick Dunn (back) and FB B.J. Askew (hamstring) heading into Kansas City. Instead of leaning on backup RB Michael Bennett, Gruden went with rookie RB Clifton Smith, who has become a playmaker Gruden wants on the field.

“He really helped us not only in the kicking game but from scrimmage,” Gruden said. “Earnest went out in the first half and missed a few possessions and gritted it out, but on those final couple of drives, you saw a lot of Clifton Smith as a runner and a receiver, picking up the blitz, knowing what to do. It’s a real credit to him, and certainly [running backs coach] Rich Bisaccia and [assistant running backs coach] Tim Berbenich have done a great job with him.

“You look at him, and he’s not a tall guy, but he’s a very thick and quick, shifty, elusive back. He’s a natural. He understands the game and shows great poise for a young player. That’s just a credit to him.”

Gruden was also not at any loss of words when it came to describing WR Antonio Bryant’s recent surge. Bryant had eight receptions for 115 yards and one touchdown and has quickly become Tampa Bay’s biggest offensive weapon.

“He was a superstar yesterday. Lets be honest,” Gruden said. “Two one-handed catches. An unbelievable catch on the touchdown to make it 27-25. After the catch as a blocker.

“He was a great receiver on the tape I looked at this morning. He’s our leading receiver, and he’s got two 100-yard games in the last three outings, and he’s running all the routes. He has great stamina and I’m really happy for him.”

It appears players will be given the rest of this week off and return to practice next Monday to prepare for their home game against Minnesota on Nov. 16.

Reader Comments

Por (Larry Norris) on November 03, 2008 (Suggest removal)

Coach, When going for 2PTS. You have to throw into the in zone. That’s 3 yds., not 2. Almost cost you the game.