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Gruden Not Sure About Who’s No. 1

Posted Oct 6, 2008 by Ira Kaufman

Updated Oct 6, 2008 at 11:38 AM

A full return to health by quarterback Brian Griese may not be enough to save his starting job.

Griese hurt his right elbow and shoulder during Sunday’s 16-13 loss at Denver when he was hit by blitzing cornerback Champ Bailey. He was replaced by former No. 1 Jeff Garcia, who completed 13 of 17 passes for 93 yards and a TD that pulled Tampa Bay within three points with 2:02 remaining.

Asked whether Griese would start Sunday against Carolina if he was cleared by the team’s medical staff, Coach Jon Gruden appeared noncommittal.

“Right now, we’re concerned about Griese’s arm, and we’re encouraged by Jeff’s progress,’’ he said.

Garcia, who led the Bucs to an NFC South title in 2007 while earning a Pro Bowl berth, was benched for Griese after a poor Week 1 performance at New Orleans. The Bucs won each of Griese’s first three starts before the setback at Invesco Field, where Griese hit on 13 of 19 attempts for 88 yards before he was hurt.

“Brian played pretty well, and Jeff did pretty well,’’ Gruden said. “Under the circumstances, both quarterbacks did some decent things.’‘

Gruden said Griese and middle linebacker Barrett Ruud (knee) are questionable heading into a key home matchup against the division-leading Panthers, who improved to 4-1 by routing Kansas City 34-0.

Reader Comments

Por (Michael Harris) on October 06, 2008 (Suggest removal)

Both have their strengths and weaknesses. Griese calls better audibles and seems to have a little better feel for the offense. He has a quicker release too and suffers less sacks. Garcia is truly the better passer and more gifted athlete. Griese is calm under fire. Garcia is more competitive and plays with more passion. Griese is about team. Garcia is about Garcia. It’s pretty much a toss up. One thing for sure. They’re the best two QB’s for this team. McCown is definitely a third stringer on this team.

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Por (Lou C) on October 06, 2008 (Suggest removal)

Garcia is the best of the two, with the defenses of the saints and panthers I think he would be the best to start because he will be able to move and keep the sacks down. Sacks and fumbles destroy a team and in the long run we all know the team with less TO win the most games.

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Por (Dave) on October 06, 2008 (Suggest removal)

Why is no one asking about McCown? He’s clealy our best QB. Did anyone see the NO game last year? He’s only made 6 starts, he’s been in the system for 3 years, has all the tools, arm strength, mobility, size and speed. How did Cutler, Aikman, Brady, Manning look in their first few starts. The guys got alot of talent and could be no worse that G&G. He’s a FA in ‘09 and will probably leave and then what are we left with?

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Por (cd) on October 06, 2008 (Suggest removal)

GARCIA “MOJO is working again” makes
plays scrambling out of the pocket. Last TD late…I like Griese but I believe Garcia gives the BUCS there best chance to win when he is healthy and rep rehearsed. GO BUCS!! GO GARCIA!

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Por (GGoose) on October 06, 2008 (Suggest removal)

Hey Dave in St.Pete, back away from the crack pipe please!

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Por (matt) on October 06, 2008 (Suggest removal)

this is like trying to determine which turd is better….turd 1 or turd 2.  regardless of which one you pick its still a turd.

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Por (cd) on October 06, 2008 (Suggest removal)

Garcia once said that Gruden ONLY dates his QBs and doesn’t marry…well not true he would marry Favre (vs Greenbay coach McCarthy would have lost his job if BUCS win w/Favre - nuff already!) or Rich Gannon…thus he only dates the ones with WARTS and Jeff is right - he will not marry these QBs - too inconsistent and no rocket arm! McCown is the best athelete, Griese is a good backup and Garcia is a pro-bowler. So start GARCIA for st pete sakes!

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Por (Mike Gray) on October 06, 2008 (Suggest removal)

Garcia until he is hurt again. maybe they can trade off every other week with an injury. I still think Gruden should draft a no-Sh** QB who has a rocket arm and can become a franchise player.

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Por (James R. Kinzer) on October 06, 2008 (Suggest removal)

If Gruden doesn’t know who is the starting QB, who does?????????????

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Por (James R. Kinzer) on October 06, 2008 (Suggest removal)

If Gruden doesn’t know who is the starting QB, who does?????????????

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Por (Erik) on October 06, 2008 (Suggest removal)

Ok people. I said I wasn’t going to be negative. I will ask questions however. How many more games can Gruden lose before the “Gruden Experience” is over? Does ANYONE have any faith that Gruden will make the adjustments needed? Let’s get the Panthers!!! Go Bucs!

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Por (Sandy Steigerwald) on October 06, 2008 (Suggest removal)

Gruden is as fickle as a 16 year old girl waiting for a better date to the prom.  He needs to make a commitment.

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Por (Erik) on October 06, 2008 (Suggest removal)

Now we can play “Buc Ball”. E.G.+Dunn+Bennett and defense = Superbowl. This IS OUR year!! Fire the cannon! GO BUCS!!!

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Por (Brandon Short) on October 06, 2008 (Suggest removal)

For a guy so freaking smart, Griese sure makes some stupid decisions and freezes up in game situations. 

Griese should not be starting for any team in the NFL.  If we had even average play over the last 4 weeks, the Bucs would have blown out the Falcons, Bears and Packers and beaten the Broncos, but unfortunately with Griese’s below average ability and terrible decision making, he has played well below average.

Here’s the thing about Griese and him getting us into the right play, he may very well do that… but it doesn’t matter because the bum can’t execute the play on the field.  He may one day make a good coach, but he certainly isn’t much of a player.

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Por (Michael Harris) on October 06, 2008 (Suggest removal)

GGoose, Tampa, LMAO…that’s funny stuff but so true. McCown may be ready someday to be a legit 2nd string QB in the league. Unless he shows major improvement in decision making, I don’t see him moving up higher than that. On this team he’s definitely the 3rd best QB.

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Por (Mat Gedge) on October 06, 2008 (Suggest removal)

I just don’t get it. What good is a great offense on paper if you can’t execute it? Where is this “offensive guru”???? Gruden needs to step it up and start proving he’s worth keeping!

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Por (Sam) on October 06, 2008 (Suggest removal)

Gruden can pick by going ennie, minie, miney, mo… it makes no difference who he starts.  He got the QBs he wanted, two mediocre QBs who can win games with a team around them, but will not always bring a team back.

These are two older QBs that essentially no one else wants.  I am not saying they are terrible QBs because obviously they are not.  They both are winning QBs that will not win in the playoffs.  I suspect no matter who starts the Bucs will have a winning record and might make the playoffs due to the defense.  However, I do not expect anything past the first or second round at best - and this is only if everything goes right.  The Bucs will be looking next year for a QB again and this whole situation will be moot.  Watch and see.

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