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Dadgumit, Buckos!


CrackerJack Jock Jack Harris used to ask his audiences loudly, “What Do You Think of Your Rowdies/Bucs Now?,” after a particularly good or lousy performance.

He could have, perhaps should have, done that Saturday night from his broadcast booth at Raymond James Stadium.

The Bucko circumstance was perfect.

They lost 23-17 to a good Jacksonville Jaguar team that did not play particularly well either—didn’t have to—23-17, giving a decent crowd on a rain threatening night little about which to cheer, notably early and late and helping with the traffic because of lack of zest.

CrackerJack could have, in reviewing the cheerless developments of the night these, among others:

Buc turnovers early led to a 10-0 Jax lead.

Senior starting quarterback Jeff Garcia started and got the loss. He did throw for a score and played decently after a slow/unsteady start. He seems to be a favorite of Coach Jon Gruden. He was the starter last year, taking Tampa to the playoffs. Brian Griese came on next and was fine, followed by Luke McCown, who was 11 of 14, threw a touchdown pass, ran for 29 yards on a scramble, which was about all the running game the Buckos showed — or have.

But, McCown had a chance to win the game late, and did not, or could not. And therein lies a big-time problem for the Bucs. Who of those quarterbacks who played, and youthful, talented Chris Simms, will Gruden keep, and in what order or depth? Bet here, hope here, hope out there in Fanland, is, they don’t have to make that decision today. Got Houston in the preseason left. Got time.

The Bucs missed top receiver Joey Galloway against Jax, but despite drops, wideout Maurice Stovall seems to have the right stuff. So does aging Ike Hilliard and so does little-used so far, but talented, Warrick Dunn. Don’t forget about Warrick.

The Buc defense will be fine. Defensive Coach Monte Kiffin will see to that. They hurt some people but they had a couple of injuries, too. All-World corner, Ronde Barber, is better than ever. A cornerback with the team’s most engaging name, Aqib Talib, is going to be a real keeper. He will hit you.

Kicking game? Punting is okay. Place kicking on kickoffs should be higher, deeper. An NFL team can’t miss as many field goals as the Bucs and Matt Bryant can be better. He’s got the wide-rightis.

The mighty Bucs ought to be a little better now. There ought to be three quarterbacks out of what Coach Gruden has assembled. He wants so — and so do the fans Cracker Jack addresses regularly — to have a quarterback to whom he can flip the football, and tell him to do his job.

Tired of writing these post-game dadgumit columns.

But, dadgumit, the Bucs got the best personal facilities, the best stadium, the best playing surface, best pirate ship with the loudest cannon, superb marketing, understanding and patient owners, devoted coaches, and this great place in which we live behind them.

Dadgumit, Buckos.

Right, CrackerJack Jock Jack Harris?

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About Tom:

Longtime readers of The Tampa Tribune can relive Tom McEwen's witty thoughts, insights and recollections in his TBO.com blog, Breakfast Bonus. McEwen, sports editor of The Tampa Times from 1958-62 before being named sports editor of the Tampa Tribune in 1962, graced the Tribune sports section with his award-winning column, ''The Morning After,'' and his ''Breakfast Bonus'' notes columns were a signature offering from the 19-time Florida Sports Writer of the Year.


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