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Most Recent Entries
- Camp Q&A Recap: Roy Cummings
- Q&A With Roy Cummings: Aug. 8
- Camp Q&A With Roy Cummings
- Q&A With Roy Cummings
- What About Petitgout?
- Caddy Back On The Road?
- A Frustrating, Anxious Time
- Bucs Will Lean On Clayton, Stovall
- Bucs Love Flacco
- Fitzgerald Staying In Arizona
- Kelly's Likely Destination: Detroit
- Focus On The Draft
- June Will Eventually Replace Brooks
- Speed Is Bucs' Top Draft Priority
- Don't Count On Ocho-Cinco
Monthly Archives
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Q: With all the talk surrounding Chad Johnson and his wish to be traded, isn’t NOW the time for the Bucs to step up and compete for this guy’s services? What gives?—Charles Pruitt, New Orleans
A: It’s probably not going to happen. It’s doubtful the Bengals will trade Johnson and the Bucs probably don’t have enough to get him if he becomes available. Johnson’s a heck of a talent, but I’m not sure he’d be a good fit in the Buc locker room. Great chemistry was a key factor for the Bucs last season.
Q: Roy or Ira, the Bucs need speedy playmakers to add a new dimension to the offense. With Cadillac’s injuries, would the Bucs look at Jonathan Stewart from Oregon if he is still available when they pick? He has power and speed and catches the ball out of the backfield well.—Joseph C. White, Port Charlotte
A: I think they’re interested in any back who’s a home-run hitter like Williams. They have a very versatile back in Earnest Graham but he’s not really a home-run hitter. If they don’t re-sign Michael Bennett or find someone like him in free agency they’ll definitely look to fill that need during the draft.
Q: Hi Ira and Roy, it’s been about a year since my last post (not a lot to complain about this year). Just wondering, do you guys think there is any way in heaven that the Bucs will trade up and try and snag DT Sedrick Ellis of USC? This guy could be just what this defense needs and has not had since Sapp left, a disruptive and penetrating force at the 3-techinique. Wishful thinking or a REAL possibility?—Charles Brandon, Chicago
A: Good to hear from you again. Don’t be such a stranger. Anyway, I can’t see the Bucs trading up to get a defensive player in the draft. They really focused on that side of the ball last year obviously and with great success. The Bucs are not necessarily set at DT but they were very happy with the play of Jovan Haye this year. They’ll look to beef up that area but I don’t think they see it as a need that requires trading up in the draft.
Q: I was happy to see the Bucs re-sign Kiffin. He is clearly an asset to the organization and the community. The flip side, I fear, is losing Raheem Morris. I would have liked to have seen Kiffin re-up for another year (maybe two) while grooming Morris to be the new D-coordinator. The job Morris has done cannot be overlooked. Prior to heading to Kansas State in 2006 the secondary was fine. In 2006 they were the Achilles’ heel of the defense. Upon returning this year they were again exceptional. Surely this cannot be a coincidence. In 2006, many were questioning Phillips’ abilities. In 2007 (under Morris) he performed at a Pro Bowl level. Tanard Jackson not only started in the Tampa 2 (a rarity) but switched positions as well. I think the Bucs should do everything they can to keep Morris to be the next defensive coordinator and then head coach. Your thoughts?—Alan Moore, Treasure Island
A: Your points on Morris are well taken. When a Ronde Barber lauds you as being a difference-maker, that’s impressive. Morris lifted the play of every DB on the Bucs in 2007 and he’s got a big future in the league. If he stays for awhile, he’ll be the natural successor to Monte, but timing is everything. If he gets an opportunity to be a coordinator somewhere else, Morris could pull a Mike Tomlin and head elsewhere.
Q: It’s been a long time since I’ve written down to you guys. Thank you for always answering the Canadian Bucs’ fans too. I’m wondering about the free-agent market and what you see as a Bucs wish list? I’ve heard talk of a speedy WR to complement Joey or a young corner. Any names that stand out? Thanks again.—Matt Berry, Toronto
A: Overall, the free agent market is weak and it will be further diluted when teams re-sign potential free agents. Don’t forget, most teams have plenty of cap room to sign the guys they want to keep. For the Bucs, speed is the operative word. You saw what happened when Galloway was ineffective against the Giants. The Bucs want more offensive weapons across the board—WR, TE, RB, players who can scare opposing defenders and go the distance.
Q: Are the Bucs happy with their fillback play or would they consider somebody like Owen Schmitt, or Jacob Hester on draft day?—Joseph C. White, Port Charlotte
A: B.J. Askew impressed Tampa Bay coaches with his play in 2007 and fullback is not a priority position heading into the draft and free agency. If they address the FB spot, it will be in the later rounds. The Bucs are more interested in a speed back who can offer a change of pace like a Michael Turner.
Q: Roy and Ira, it’s obvious the Bucs will focus on speed for the offense in the draft and via free agency. But do you think the Bucs will address their defensive needs as well (defensive line, cornerback)?—Tyler Durden, Lutz
A: A young corner is definitely a priority for the Bucs, given the mileage on Barber and Kelly. The D-line will get younger because Spires won’t be back, but more depth is needed up front. I would expect they will draft a CB within the first two rounds.
Q: Hey guys. With this season officially over, I’m curious how you would evaluate the youth on the defensive side of the ball. The optimism that is there for players like Ruud, Adams, Jackson and possibly Piscitelli seems extremely apparent. Could we be seeing the making of the next great defense in Tampa Bay?? Thanks as always!!—Frank Stazzone, Long Island, N.Y.
A: Frank: The overhaul on defense has been impressive, especially up front, where the loss of Simeon Rice was hardly noticed as White, Adams and Haye stepped up. Ruud looks like a keeper in the middle and Jackson played like a veteran at free safety. With Brooks and Barber returning in 2008, the defense appears to be in good shape. The Bucs will add a young CB and another young defensive lineman. The key, of course, is to keep Kiffin aboard so he can coach up all these young guns.
Q: Roy or Ira, with the season over, why is it that it doesn’t seem the offensive game plan changes from week to week? I understand you play to your strengths but you should also try to exploit the other team’s weaknesses. The Giants were weak in the mid-range area of 15-25 yards and the Bucs rarely tried this area. Everything was short or long.—Joseph C. White, Port Charlotte
A: With Galloway so ineffective, the Giants were able to constrict the field Sunday and reduce Garcia’s options. When Galloway flashes his speed, it opens up the rest of the field for the tight ends, backs and Hilliard on those mid-range slants. New York’s defense dictated to Tampa and that’s why the Bucs looked so feeble after the first quarter.
Q: What is the future of Mike Alstott? Didn’t hear much about his possible retirement. Is he still planning on playing in Tampa next year? Great Bucs Coverage Guys!!!!—K.L Olson, Dakota City, Iowa
A: Alstott hasn’t decided whether he wants to play in 2008 but quite frankly, he doesn’t fit into Tampa Bay’s plans going forward. The Bucs are interested in a speedy complement to Graham or Cadillac and they like Askew in the fullback role. It appears Mike’s distinguished NFL career has come to an end at the age of 34.
Q: For the first time I can remember, the Bucs have almost clinched the playoffs early AND can virtually be assured to play at home against the Giants. You should mention that realistically there is about a 90 percent chance that will happen unless Seattle falls apart drastically, which probably doesn’t happen. We could basically start game-planning for the Giants now. I think it’s a good matchup for us at home. What do you guys think, interesting it’s even a probability.—Dave Morgan, Deerfield Beach (from Tampa)
A: Dave: Seattle doesn’t have to fall apart for the Bucs to grab the No. 3 seed, although the Seahawks do own the head-to-head tie-breaker. It looks like the Giants will be coming to Tampa in the first round, but don’t be shocked if the Bucs finish 12-4 with an eight-game winning streak and own the No. 3 seed in the NFC. That could be crucial in terms of going to Green Bay for the divisional round instead of Dallas.
Q: I have heard rumors that Monte Kiffin could leave Tampa next year for Oakland to coach under his son. Is there any truth behind these rumors??? I hope not.—Walter Miller, Glen Burnie, Md.
A: Walter: I think it’s unlikely Kiffin leaves Tampa for another NFL job. He’s very well paid by the Bucs and he loves the area. And as long as Brooks and Barber are around, he’s having the time of his life right now.
Q: Hey guys. It seems like some areas the Bucs have the most dire concerns are in areas that they actually have recently made first round draft selections to resolve (RB - Williams; and DE - Adams). My two-part question is: Do you think the Bucs will look to target the RB position for another upgrade (specifically someone with better hands than Williams); and although only his first year, do you see promise for Gaines Adams that he will get better at rushing the passer or do we need to address that again this offseason? Thank you very much!—Frank Stazzone, Long Island, N.Y.
A: I think it will take the better part of two years for Williams to come back, and then there’s no guarantee he’ll regain the form he had. For that reason I think the Bucs will look very hard during free agency at another back and will take one high up in the draft. I think they’ve done a good job of positioning themselves for now by adding Michael Bennett. Bennett, Earnest Graham and Michael Pittman are a good group. Not great, but good. As for Gaines Adams, he just needs time to develop. If Adams, Greg White and Greg Peterson can develop into good pass rushers the Bucs should be fine - in time.
Q: When do you think Jeremiah Trotter will see some action? Do you think he can make a positive contribution to the team?—Joel Schaffer, Belleair Bluffs
A:Joel, unless Barrett Ruud gets hurt, I don’t see Jeremiah playing much, if at all. He’s not a great fit in the Bucs scheme, but he does add some experience to an area that was lacking that before he came. His presence is good for the team but he won’t play much here if Ruud stays healthy.
Q: Hey guys, just wanting to know if there is any news on the Jake Plummer situation. The Bucs and the Broncos were both trying to get back the signing bonus. When will the NFL make a ruling? Thanks.—Kenny Spindola, Wellington
A: Nothing new on Jake, Kenny.
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