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Ira Kaufman
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Posted Oct 7, 2008 by Ira Kaufman
Updated Oct 7, 2008 at 02:18 PM
With only a week to go before the NFC trade deadline, the Bucs face a dilemma.
Given the uncertainty surrounding veteran WR Joey Galloway, Tampa Bay must decide whether to pursue another downfield threat for a passing game that ranks among the league’s least efficient.
The Bucs average only 5.45 yards per pass attempt and have rarely thrown deep during a 3-2 start that leaves them one game behind first-place Carolina in the NFC South. Galloway, who turns 37 in November, missed training camp with a groin strain and has been sidelined the past three weeks due to a foot injury that leaves Coach Jon Gruden anxious for his return.
If the Bucs decide to add another target through a trade, they could look toward some of the league’s bottom feeders for help.
Roy Williams of Detroit or Torry Holt of the Rams may be available for the right price and the Chiefs may listen to offers for TE Tony Gonzalez, a future Hall of Famer who still has the speed to go deep at age 32.
Through five weeks, the Bucs are averaging a league-leading 41 pass attempts per game, but the lack of production has Gruden frustrated. Tampa Bay averages only 9.2 yards per completion, tied with the Bengals and Chiefs for last in the NFL, and the Bucs have only five completions of 20 or more yards.
In contrast, the Panthers have completed 35 fewer passes but trail the Bucs by only 22 fewer receiving yards.
The Bucs are well under the salary cap and GM Bruce Allen has repeatedly suggested the club is positioned to make a run at a significant player if warranted.
All NFL trades must be completed by 4 p.m. next Tuesday.
Should the Bucs stand pat, or would they be wise to trade for a proven WR? How much would you be willing to give up for a Torry Holt or a Tony Gonzalez?
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Reader Comments
Por (Benny Mitchell) on October 07, 2008 (Suggest removal)
I think Torry Holt is what the Bucs need we already have good tight ends, but I think the deep threat WR is the problem. If we get Holt this will give Jody Galloway time to heal and this will be a big plus when Galloway come back with full health our offense will be dangerous and this will make defending our offense hard for our opponent because we will have Ike Hillard,our tight ends, Graham, Dunn and maybe the Caddy will be back. We can talk super bowl because our defense is one of the leagues top defenses and they always ready to play against anybody.
Suggest removalPor (angel) on October 07, 2008 (Suggest removal)
i like all the WRs talk but i dont think we have a QB who has a big enough arm to strech the field. so we might have to adress that problem first. if not the bucs are going to have to run thier behinds off behinds off every week behind a developing o-line just to win.i think with a smart QB that is equipped with a cannon and addition of t.j. whourmama we could be as prolific as maybe say the broncos have look this season
Suggest removalPor (Charles Brandon) on October 07, 2008 (Suggest removal)
Yes they would have the wisdom of a 3000 year old man if they traded for a WR. I wouldn’t go for Tony Gonzalez due to the team already having an adequate TE in Stevens. As for Holt, never mind his age; just look at T.O. whom I believe is 2 yrs. older. I’d give up a 2nd rounder for Holt. For T.J. Houshmenzadeh(who’s your momma - hope I spelled right) and/or Roy Williams I’d give up a 1st rounder.
Suggest removalPor (Rodney Smith) on October 08, 2008 (Suggest removal)
If they can’t get R. Williams, don’t make the trade. The other receivers won’t be worth the price.
Suggest removalPor (Noah Burrows) on October 08, 2008 (Suggest removal)
The more weapons we have the better. I hope Dexter Jackson doesn’t end up being a bust, cause he’s looking like one so far. Getting a premier receiver like Williams, Gonzalez or Holt could be enough to get us to a superbowl because receiver is still our biggest weakness right now
Suggest removalPor (Nick Perkins) on October 08, 2008 (Suggest removal)
Lets face it Bruce Allen either has marching orders or has no interest in spending any of that cap money we have such a surplus of. Every time there is a deadline such as this we hear about how Bruce Allen is interested in getting the best players and then they go and get signed by someone else. Remember Bruce Allen never even bothered to talk to Bret Favre!!!Wake up Bruce this is a playoff team if you would just get off your butt and spend a little money or trade a low round draft pick or two!!!!!!!
Suggest removalPor (conrad) on October 08, 2008 (Suggest removal)
isnt cadilac supposed to be eligable this week he hasnt been put on ir any news about him being reactivated?
Suggest removalPor (shawn) on October 08, 2008 (Suggest removal)
we have the chance to grab some of the elite receivers for a good price, whether it be draft picks, other receivers, or money(which we have). no one in this blog has said anything about A. Boldin, even with the injury he will be back with a chip on his shoulder. also there is Houshmanzadeh, R. Williams, and T. holt. all of these guys will put us in the top 3 in offense hands down. Get it done Allen. be a real GM and give the team what it needs. u should already know by watching the games.
Suggest removalPor (Jason) on October 08, 2008 (Suggest removal)
Go get Tory Holt!
I remember Roy Willams ripping Garcia for throwing dinks and dunks to get his rating up last year before the Detroit game so I don’t see that happening. I think Holt is more consistent anyhow, and is a class guy all around. He still has plenty left in the tank, but isn’t putting up big numbers simply because he is on the Rams. Not even Steven Jackson is putting up his usual numbers in St. Louis…Go get BIG GAME Tory Holt!
Suggest removalPor (krazie 13) on October 08, 2008 (Suggest removal)
i say trade for roy williams or chad johnson or calvin johnson either 1 will be fine
Suggest removalPor (conrad) on October 08, 2008 (Suggest removal)
dont even get me started on calvin johnson bucs should have given up the 2nd rd pick to move up 2 spots for him last year but etroit will not trade him they kow they have the most talented reciever the nfl has seen in the last decade
Suggest removalPor (Mark) on October 08, 2008 (Suggest removal)
Kurt,
Total Offense ...you can’t really think that equates to winning offensively do you? The Bengals a few years ago had one of the top 5 offenses in football and won less than 7 games. If you add up the 8 yard completed passes GIVEN to us on 3rd down, compared to the teams who actually go for 10 or more yards when needed that can change the Total Offensive statistics. If you think this offense is as good as it could be you’re crazy. You give Bill Cowher those 5 offensive lineman and we’ll win atleast 3 more games than Gruden’s team every year. It’s about opportune play designs and effective game plans…Gruden lacks it in the crunch.
Suggest removalPor (Globo Ball) on October 08, 2008 (Suggest removal)
The age rap on Holt is ridiculous. His former wideout buddy, Isaac Bruce, is 36 and putting up great numbers again in San Fran of all places. Holt would be a great value this year. But between our stinking pile of dog crap QB’s and Gruden’s lack of strategy (that includes personnel and game plan), it would be a total waste of time.
T.J. Whooshmazilli? Championship!
...But who really believes he would be available? After all the crap Ocho Psycho put the Bengals through, I’d guess he would be on the trading block before Houshmanzadeh.
Go Bucs. I love ‘em, but they really do suck right now and I’m afraid to watch this week.
Suggest removalPor (Greg) on October 10, 2008 (Suggest removal)
Ira you lost it this time. The Bucs should not be willing to pay the price for getting a Roy Williams, an aged Torrey Holt or a 32 year old Tony Gonzales. Buc will have to wait for next year’s draft and take a QB and receiver with first two picks, then a defensive lineman and stud linebacker with speed; our LB’s get run through too often.
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