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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 Bobby Williams, tampabay on 06/03 at 05:14 PM
If you want to see the future of Tampabay Buccaneers go to youtube.com and type in Josh Johnson,if we keep Garcia around and keep Johnson on the bench to learn for two years Josh Johnson should not turn out to be a Dilfer or some other Neurotic hearing the hit type quarterback. Maybe for once we can bring along a QB. He has all the tools,quick release calm in pocket and speed if he needs it. I’m not over rating him or under rating him ,he’s a rookie but Gruden picked up someone he was personally interested in,Grudens secret pick.
Posted by Bob Sinni, tampabay on 06/03 at 03:33 PM
shame on tbo.com for censoring your blog,I thought Bill had some good comments re Pittman,Buccaneers are a class act we shouldn’t want any woman beaters on our team,that kind of behavior is detrimental to the Bucs. Worse I was looking at the exchange of blogs and found it interesting,no swearing just pretty much facts from both sides,admittingly Bill was a little different but isn’t that what makes commenting without censorship in teresting. We’re not the Atlanta Falcons or some other scumbag team that has criminals playing,we’re the Bucaneers a class act.SanDiego,please go back to your pitiful Charger team,choke,choke
Posted by Michael P, Tamoabay on 06/03 at 03:16 PM
I was very interested in the comments being made and really disappointed to see a news agency censor discussions just because they generated a different point of view. To censor a blog especially when it is truthful, Pittman has abused woman,it’s news and the people doing posting should be outraged tgat censorship of YOUR blog is taking place. Shame on you TBO.Com I hope it wasn’t done by public relations with the Bucs. We are not Falcons,or Oakland,keep our team pride,keep the scumbags off our team.It’s catching
Posted by Billy Hill, Fart Myers on 06/03 at 01:49 PM
God, are you guys boooooring.
Hi everyone. Its been awhile. I had to get a new email because TBO banned me and erased a bunch of my posts.
I guess I upset all the ##### kissing Buc fans. Sorry, If I offended anyone.
I have never been censored before but I guess that is a good example of how the media always controls what is news and what opinions you should be reading. Enjoy your lame ##### conversations about the pre pre pre season. I’m going back to chating with my beloved NY giants fans. I have never been censored in NY. Wake up Tampa.
Love,
The hill
Posted by todd, PSJ, FL. on 05/30 at 06:24 PM
Patrick,
I agree with you, the Cards are going to be one of the more inproved teams this season.
Posted by patrick dotson, tampa,fl on 05/30 at 06:10 PM
arizona will be the biggest surpise in the nfc this coming season…and billy…show me where im a hipocrite in my comments..i call it as it is…i give the bucs praise when they deserve it and i also give them neg remarks as well…
Posted by Saints Are Better, NOLA on 05/30 at 12:57 PM
Fain was hurt for a while last season, and Jonathan Goodwin, his previous backup, now starter, played just as well at center. The center position is not of concern. We picked a big OT in the draft to better the run game. I can’t say he will make it just yet, but stay tuned; he has been impressive so far. You should make a little ajustment to your prediction; put the Saints at number two and Seattle at number three. I think Seattle is going to surprise people.
Posted by todd, PSJ, FL. on 05/30 at 11:59 AM
The Saints O-Line isn’t the same this season. We picked up their C this year “Faine”. Did we or didn’t we? The Saints are going to suck ##### this season. Yes you picked up some talent this offseason but they are not geled yet,and they haven’t even started gelling yet. Next season will be a little different story. Bottom line is the Saints are going to get their ##### kicked this season. 7-9 will be your record. They are not going to the playoffs. 1. Cowboys
2. Minnesota
3. Tampa Bay
4. Seattle
wild card: 5. Giants
6. Packers/Rams
There is no room for the Saints this season. SORRY !!! Better luck next year
Posted by Saints Are Better, NOLA on 05/30 at 10:50 AM
In 2006, we beat Tampa twice. Next season, the Saints are going to have the same offense and a much faster, talented and improved defense than 2006 & 07. In fact, the Saints have never had a young LB like Vilma (pro bowl LB); he is healing well, too. Last year’s offense was a mess, mainly because Reggi should’ve never been used as the featured back. Thank God Deuce will be back and P Thomas will be there with experience to help if needed. Reggie will be used more like a WR, doing ninja moves and burning your LBs and safeties next season, like he did in 06. Reggie was one the reasons why we did so well in 06. Safeties and corners had to respect him, which gave our WRs more opportunities. Reggie is a beast, when used correctly.
Posted by Saints Are Better, NOLA on 05/30 at 10:48 AM
Shawn Golan,
Our defense won’t be made of a bunch of rookies like the Packers had in 06. So, communication and experience shouldn’t be a problem.
The Saints’ OL was ranked among the highest at protecting the QB last season. You’re right, to a point, because the run blocking did suck last season, but the Saints might have taken care of that in the draft and free agency; stay tuned.
Posted by Shawn Golan, Los Angeles, CA on 05/30 at 09:52 AM
Saints, I don’t think anyone is suggesting that your squad will be bad. In fact, i think that the Saints are a “good” [not great] football team. My only problem with N.O. is that there are way too many “maybes” with that team. People assume the offense will be stellar b/c it was in 2006, but it that proof that it is good in general, or was it just one good season? The defense seems to have improves, but it will take time for the new roster to gel, but will it happen fast enough to have another big season?
What Tampa has over N.O. is “continuity.” We bring back the same squad, only more experienced. In the end, defense wins more than offense does - Tampa takes the South! The Saints do get the Wild Card.
Posted by Billy Hill, Fart Myers on 05/29 at 11:22 PM
Hey BigButFan, yor getting carried away. Besides I was just agreeing with another post if you read. Why don’t you threaten him with your physical stats. To be honest I’m impressed. It must be very hard to get that big. I will meet you at the Ship for a beer. Just so you know: I am 6’2”, 210 pounds, 26 years old, abs of steel and calves and biceps to match. My favorite color is green and Im a libra. Did you need any more stats from me?
Posted by todd, PSJ, FL. on 05/29 at 09:48 PM
Saints,
I agree the Saints will be a little better. The score will probly be 31-17
this time instead of 31-14 like last season’s week 2. It’s going to be a good game no dought, I can’t wait to see it.
Posted by Saints Are Better, NOLA on 05/29 at 08:50 PM
Grant isn’t going anywhere. Please… why do you think they only held him on 10k? He was a victim himself… They held 7 people for information, and Grant was given a cheap bond because they knew he was innocent. Smith will get his new contract; don’t let that worry you.
Our offense will take your defence next season. It will be another close game, but we will be better than what y’all think.
Posted by Mike Lukes, San Diego on 05/29 at 08:19 PM
WOW billy, billy, billy. i canot belive what i am hearing is some one from the armpit of florida clowning SD. you have nothing better to say and so you revert to homless jokes. when you look at the bets places to live in the states you dont ever see tampa. its hot and muggy and stinky. it feels like your living on the tip of jabba the hut tounge. and plus at least in san diego we can distinguish between who homeless and whos not, in tampa the man down the street playing for pennys ends up being your neighbor.
Posted by BigBucFan, Sarasota on 05/29 at 05:52 PM
The Saints are at best 8 & 8 next year and that will not win the NFC South. Billy, Billy, Billy. Please clean it up or just go away. I would like to see you tell in any of the Buc Players, face to face, that their team sucks. I think you would lose the last few teeth you have in your head. It is good when people agree to disagree, but for all of you who hate the Bucs or your not a fan, please leave. Billy, if you do clean up your act, I’ll buy you a beer or two at the first preseason game. We always hang at the ship as soon as the gates open. You can’t miss me. 45, shaved head, 6’-6” 290 lbs. Beer Belly but not too fat, 55 Brooks jersey. Thanks for your cooperation.
Posted by Billy Hill, Fart Myers on 05/29 at 03:37 PM
PS. Shawn, how do you think LA’s team will do this year? Oh wait you don’t have one. The raiders moved to Oakland. Think about how bad LA must blow for them to move to Oakland. Oh well at least you can cheer for a team that is 3,500 miles away I think that is awsome. Seriously. I’m not being sarcastic at all hear. Bless you.
Posted by Billy Hill, Fart Myers on 05/29 at 03:33 PM
Shawns, rite. Both the Bucs and Saints will suck this year. I’m looking for the Panthers to capture the NFC South, Atlanta will surprise as the wild card and then the bucs and saints will be fighting with nives for last place. Well done shawn. you do have football smarts and I’m totaly impressed. Don’t sell yourself short I hear Sports Illustrated calling for your vital comentary!
Posted by todd, PSJ, FL. on 05/29 at 03:30 PM
Your right the Saints DE Grant is going to jail and the other DE Smith I heard is holding out or something.So either one might not play.
And their offense will not match up to our defense “NO WAY”. When do we play them? Week 2: we will put a strangle hold on them.
Like Pittman did to his wife, Right Billy Hill? lol
Posted by Shawn Golan, Los Angeles, CA on 05/29 at 03:05 PM
It’s clear that the knife-fight for the NFC South crown will be between the Saints and Bucs, but neither team clearly has the edge. The Saints have improved some on defense, but there will be chemistry problems with so many new faces. Not to mention that the Saints’ offense has yet to prove they can be consistent - other than 2006, what have they done in the last 10 years? [no answer necessary, we all know already]. In the end, unless the Saints can go back to scoring 25+ per game, they’re going to struggle. The new defense isn’t good enough to make up for a pitiful running game and a mediocre offensive line. Besides, Charles Grant is going to jail…so you’re down to one OK defensive end.
Posted by Saints Are Better, NOLA on 05/29 at 02:10 PM
todd,
What you probably don’t know is that the Saints have really upgraded the LB positions. The DEs, Smith and Grant, will be just fine with the help of Vilma and Seddrick Ellis to name a couple. Our defense sucked last season because we couldn’t get any pressure up the middle. When you can’t get any pressure up the middle, not even the best corners in the world can keep speedy receivers and decent QBs from making a play; you won’t see that nearly as much next season from the Saints. Gay from the Patriots should make a difference at corner also.
The Bucs will not destroy the Saints next season.
Posted by todd, PSJ, FL. on 05/29 at 01:06 PM
Saints,
Your even more an idioit then Billy Hill is. The Bucs are going to destroy the Saints. The Saints D-Line totally sucks this year no DEs. The Saints are looking at the #2 pick of the draft next season. They are totally not a threat to us next year. You are delusional.
Posted by todd, PSJ, FL. on 05/29 at 12:55 PM
Billy,
AHHhhh I see the problem now, your ##### right? That explains everything.
Posted by Saints Are Better, NOLA on 05/29 at 12:46 PM
Its okay, the Saints are going to bring it to the NFC South, and Tampa and the rest will have to start looking forward to the 2009 draft before the season is halfway over. I already know how you will feel.
‘Geaux’ Saints!
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Posted by Byron12, St. Pete on 06/04 at 04:35 PM
Hey Billy, its too bad you let them get to you. Keep posting, its been refreshing. I have never posted before but i feel that you should know that you did change my opinion on Michael pittman leaving. I had no idea that he was arrested four times four the same thing. After reading the news story you posted I felt idiotic for actually liking the guy. My wife felt even worse for being a fan.
Thank you for not being like everyone else on this site.
PS
Do you think Pittman would have been playing still under Roger Godell? I bet not after the fourth arrest…