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TAMPA - After awhile, football practice tends to get pretty monotonous. It’s hard for a lot of players to get juiced up for it day after day, even when they’re in the middle of the regular season and a pivotal game is looming just around the corner.
You can only imagine then how tough it is for some players to get up for an offseason workout. With their next game still months away players often need something new and fresh to break up the monotony, and Bucs coach Jon Gruden has come up with a pretty good spritzer.
Every year he moves at least one offseason workout to Raymond James Stadium, and that’s where Thursday’s organized team activity (OTA) was held. This one was also open to the media, so for anyone Jonesing for a Bucs fix, here are some nuggets to chew on until next month’s minicamp.
The most interesting note involved defensive linemen Greg White, who took the majority of the first team reps at left defensive end. We’ve been hearing that there was a plan afoot to make White the starter at that spot and Thursday’s workout seemed to confirm that.
While White took the bulk of the reps at left end Gaines Adams worked the right side. Jovan Haye and Chris Hovan worked inside. The rest of the first team defense looked pretty much as expected, with Phillip Buchanon working at left corner and Aqib Talib working second unit right corner.
The only surprises, if you can call them that, were at SLB, where Ryan Nece worked in place of Cato June (foot) and at SS, where Sabby Piscitelli worked in place of Jermaine Phillips, who has missed this week’s workouts while tending to a family matter.
Other notable players who were absent or sitting out included RB Earnest Graham, WR Joey Galloway, WR Ike Hilliard, LT Luke Petitgout and LG Arron Sears. All but Graham, who is sitting out in an effort to spur contract talks, were taking time off to rest up from offseason surgeries or an injury sustained in a previous workout.
With Sears out Dan Buenning took the bulk of the reps at left guard. Donald Penn took the first-team reps at LT and Michael Bennett, Kenneth Darby and undrafted free agent Clifton Smith got the bulk of the looks at RB.
Bennett seemed to get most of the work there, but he also lost a fumble during a rather sloppy set of 11-on-11 drills. There were several bad center-quarterback exchanges during those drills and at least one interception was thrown, that by Brian Griese.
The offense, in fact, struggled mightily to complete its passes. In fact, the defense was so dominant that at one point late in the workout, defensive backs coach Raheem Morris shouted out, “Has anyone seen a completion here?’‘
There were a few, including one by QB Luke McCown on a 45-yard bomb deep into the end zone to wideout hopeful Cortez Hankton. Hankton showed tremendous concentration on the play as CB Darrell Hunter was the first to get a hand on the ball, batting it up in the air. As Hunter hit the ground, though, Hankton grabbed the ball out of midair to make the play.
The play was one of several for McCown, who shared reps at QB with Jeff Garcia and Brian Griese. Bruce Gradkowski didn’t get a single rep during the team drills and it wasn’t until the team was called back onto the field for a few extra plays that rookie Josh Johnson got a throw or two in.
Coach Jon Gruden said later that the lack of work doled out to Gradkowski and Johnson was part of the regular routine in which quarterbacks are given time off to rest up. He said Gradkowski and Johnson will get more reps in later workouts.
On Graham’s absence, Gruden expressed little in the way of concern. Like General Manager Bruce Allen before him he noted that Graham missed a lot of the offseason workouts last year and was confident the situation would work itself out over time.
“I hope to see him soon,’’ Gruden said of Graham. “He’s a key member of our team. In the meantime, we’re very pleased with our addition of Warrick Dunn. Michael Bennett has been outstanding in the offseason. I hope Earnest gets in here soon. He’s a good football player.’‘
Gruden also expressed confidence that Jeff Garcia’s contract problems would eventually be worked out. Like Graham, Garcia is seeking an extension to the contract that expires after this season, and while he has yet to miss a workout, he has hinted that a holdout may be in the offing if a deal cannot be reached soon.
“I’m very confident that it will all work itself out,’’ Gruden said of the Garcia affair. “In the meantime, we’re going to get ready to play. I do know this, he’s a great competitor and a great leader. He did play stellar football for us. He was clutch for us. He’s a critical football player for us and hopefully it all works out.’‘
Posted by Mitch R, NYC on 05/26 at 02:53 PM
Billy, ever hear of Tony Romo? Any idea where he went to school? Was he even drafted? What about Jake Delhomme? How about Jon Kitna? Those guys were undrafted and went to small schools. They’ve had pretty good careers.
How about Matt Hasselback or Tom Brady? Both of those guys were 6th rounders and between those two, they’ve been to 5 super bowls.
The point I’m trying make is give Johnson a chance to succeed before you tout him as a failure. School and draft position doesn’t always equate to success in the NFL, just ask Ryan Leaf, Heath Shuler and Tim Couch.
Posted by todd, PSJ, FL. on 05/26 at 02:28 PM
Billy, Relax man, take it easy go drink another beer and smoke another blunt and come back and give us some more insight on whats happening out of Bucs camp that everybody is not seeing.
It is alot of laughs hearing somebody that is so full of information. Thanks for letting know about Josh Johnson.lol
Posted by Billy Hill, Fart Myers on 05/26 at 01:30 PM
Todd, remove your tongue from Mitch’s bum and you will see more clearly. Plus, Mitch is a big boy he knows what he said. He does’nt need you to be his mommy and fight his battles. And for your info Fart Myers is Fort Myers. I just choose to call it Fart Myers. Don’t be hatin!
Posted by todd, PSJ, FL. on 05/26 at 12:18 PM
Mitch,
Your going to have to excuse Billy, not everybody has football smarts. Look he says he is from Fart Myers, there is no such place. He is somewhere all on his own,leave him alone. The kid is delusional.
Posted by Billy Hill, Fart Myers on 05/26 at 12:11 PM
Mitch, lets be real. Pick number 160 that can’t throw a 20 yard spiral and played division 1-AA. Your right this kid is going to be the next Bruce Gradkowski. Hail to the future king Josh Johnson. Yea! Go Bucs! Go Bucs. You can do no wrong. I’ll never question another draft choice again.
Posted by Mitch R, NYC on 05/26 at 07:02 AM
Billy, you’re an idiot. To say that someone wont do something before he’s even had a chance is moronic. I’m not saying that he will be the starter by 2010, but I’m at least going to see what he has in pre-season over the next couple of years before I make judgement.
Posted by Billy Hill, Fart Myers on 05/25 at 10:06 PM
All im sayin is this guy does not look like he is gonna be able to pick up the NFL game. Sorry guys. I wish this kid could be the next Shaun King or Joey Hamilton but he wont even be that good. I hear the AFL calling. I hear the have a less diifucalt sestem to understand there.
Posted by Mitch R, NYC on 05/25 at 04:21 PM
Hey Billy from Fart Meyers, in case you didn’t know, Johnson was running almost the same exact offense that the bucs run at San Diego. That was part of the draw for Gruden as many of Grudens former assistants coach at San Diego. So, I think he has a leg up on learning this complex offense. As for the Defenses (not DEFENCE genius), all college QBs have the same learning curve, some do, some don’t. Only time will tell for Johnson.
Posted by todd, PSJ, FL. on 05/25 at 03:54 PM
Billy Hill,
Are you going by his “photo” by saying he don’t look smart or are you going by the way he performs on the field? Because I haven’t seen Josh Johnson perform in the NFL yet nor I haven’t seen him perform in the very first couple of OTAs in his rookie season. Are you seeing something I’m not?
Posted by Billy Hill, Fart Myers on 05/25 at 03:36 PM
I dont know about this Josh Johnson Fella. He dont look to smart. I bet he will have trouble with a complex NFL offensive system and NFL defences will be even more complex for him.
Posted by todd, PSJ, FL. on 05/24 at 11:16 PM
teamguy,
We might have one in Josh Johnson. This kid might start sooner then everybody thinks. He might be a true baller. I can’t wait to find out.
(GO BUCS)
Posted by teamguy, Gulfport MS on 05/24 at 09:31 PM
We need a QB…long term. a good one. I hate the fact that every year we struggle on offense to the point the defense has to carry them. Where’s the jaugernaut “O” gruden is supposed to put out?
It all start with he main ball controller. Then the O Line. Lets get a gamer in there.
Posted by RCG2, Tampa on 05/24 at 08:44 PM
Todd and Dan,
Like it or not, old man Garcia did NOT last the whole season last year. I hope he plays well and stays healthy, but he couldn’t do it last year. And it get no easier as you get older. I think it would be foolish to put all your hopes on Garcia.
Posted by todd, PSJ, FL. on 05/24 at 08:09 PM
Well said Dan!!!! I know a whole lot of old farts that can get the job done alot better than the young Bucs out there. I believe experience tops youth anyday in most cases.
Posted by dan bredwell, tampa on 05/24 at 07:03 PM
How about we stop anticipating how someone is going to play based on their age…If Jeff can walk the walk, than lets just sit back and enjoy the show!
Posted by Greg, Bradenton on 05/24 at 01:08 PM
Wide Receivers who should make the team: Galloway and Jackson. Stovall and Warren. Antonio Bryant or Clayton. Hilliard if there is room. But, then again Jon will get in the way of talent won’t he!
Posted by RCG2, Tampa on 05/24 at 08:00 AM
Bucs have some interesting stockpiles at the “talent” positions on offense. At QB, Garcia is obviously the top dog. Although he had a nice 1st half, he was not able to complete the 2nd half of the season. I don’t see that changing with age. I’m not sure why Luke McKown isn’t in the lead for the #2 spot. Seems to be a talented guy who just needs a little experience. Griese is NOT the answer, nor is Simms and Gradkowski. At running back, you have Graham(hopefully), Dunn, and Bennett. Who knows what Caddy will be able to do and when. Receiver are not as bad as people might think. Just my opinion, but I would not give up on Michael Clayton. I think he could have a big year given a few more opportunities.
Posted by Joseph c White, port charlotte on 05/24 at 07:56 AM
Mr Hicks I also have been a fan of the Bucs since they were the yucs . I remeber the superbowl Dungy new defense and is a very good coach, Gruden took us to the promised land. Now as far as our QB’s go we can win with Garcia if Griese has to play for any extended time he’ll move the ball but when it comes time to go for the win he’ll throw the killer interception. There is a reason why he was with the Broncos, Dolphins , Bucs , Bears and back here. Its not because he is a playoff caliber Qb . Griese Sucks ! If he was any good he would be still in one of those other cities.
Posted by kyle fountain, kansas on 05/23 at 07:49 PM
griese version 2.0
Posted by Neo Ross, Tampa FL on 05/23 at 07:17 PM
Well ill start by saying that i love my Tampa Bay Buccaneers and ive been a fan since i found out what football was lol and as far as the QB’s goe well i like all of our QB’s except Bruce K sorry kid i just dont believe in him, and as for Griese and Garcia Garcia had a real good year with the bucs and now he is a year older and Griese as far as i remember he went 5-1
before Zach Thomas rolled on his knee then it was the Sims show but i dont believe that Gacia will go all 16 games with out getting hurt i just dont want to lay my entire season resting on some scronny ##### 38 year old qb ..again thats just me .
Posted by todd, PSJ, FL. on 05/23 at 06:43 PM
Neo Ross,
We also have Antonio Bryant
Dexter Jackson
Ike Hilliard
Paris Warren
Marice Stovall
Also the WR we signed to the practice squad “Hankton.” We have some talent there NEO. We just have to wait and see what happens. Bryant,Jackson,Warren those three are the key on who’s going to step up and help Joey. I think all 3 of them step up and do well.
Posted by George Leslie Hicks, Dallas,Texas on 05/23 at 06:38 PM
I can’t believe you the fans in my hometown where I grew up in 60’s. How dare you say that if Garcia goes down Griese would’t step up and do a quality job. Griese is a veteran and if he is the b/up then if Simms is still here then he would be the third QB. With the rookie the 4th qb or the practice team for a year. . I guess people forgets we WON A SUPERBOWL . I will always remember that. How PROUD I WAS WITH TAMPA. I know it was a DUNGY ERA Team. But The Owners Decided to Let Him Go, And 4 High drafts Choices and 8 million dollars to Oakland. Here we are, May be Tampa can return to the playoffs again just like last year. Iam 63 this SEPT, and I will always be a BUC at Heart until I die. GO BUCS
Posted by Neo Ross, Tampa FL on 05/23 at 04:05 PM
Well i dont think all this contract issue will continue or even reach training camp ,and Garcia is a very Good QB and a big reason why we where competive last season but the man is 38 years old , and we are counting on him not to get hurt and last i checked this is THE NFL where people get hurt is the nature of the beast and i do agree that Griese isnt the answer but is a good insurance incase Jeff goes down ‘‘wait i meant to say when he goes down which is only a matter of time’’ and Simms i like him he’s a good QB and a good arm but i dont see him in our future , and for all the bucs fans lets hope all goes well because we have one other concern that is NO WIDE OUT’S besides Joey G who else we have ????
Posted by todd, PSJ, FL. on 05/23 at 02:07 PM
I think your right Mitch.
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Posted by Mitch R, NYC on 05/26 at 02:56 PM
Billy, you claim to have some proof that Johnson stinks, please pass that along to us, I’d like to see this proof. Or are you just talking out of your farting #####?