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Post Game Bucs vs. Patriots (August 21st)
A 27-10 win looks more encouraging than a loss where holes are exposed.You're right it's only pre-season.
But Bucs fans had to be encouraged by what they saw in the first quarter playing against the Patriots first-unit defense.The opening 17-play, 80-yard drive took up almost 10 minutes off the clock. Eight of which were running plays for 40 yards in a nice balance of run /pass.
The offensive line controlled the Pats defensive front, opening-up running lanes ... without getting flagged. Two of the Bucs three penalties were on special teams - the third was TE John Gilmore, caught holding.
Brian Griese was efficient - working the field with short gains, high percentage plays and ball control.
The Bucs offense didn't turnover the ball ... while the defense forced three turnovers -- each followed by a score -- two field goals and a Sabby Piscitelli touchdown return.
Sabby looks like a playmaker, doesn't he?
And some big, electric plays from Michael Bennett and Antonio Bryant! Both flash breakaway speed! Antonio tells me after the game, he's not taking anything for granted and is just going to keep working hard!
So, what's left to see this Saturday Night against Jacksonville?
How about some reassurance from a Jeff Garcia performance showing he's returned from his calf strain? And what about answering those questions about a lack of consistent pressure coming from the defensive ends??
They're getting closer to getting game-ready!
August 13th Bucs 4pm Update
Jon Gruden again says the wide receivers are not stepping up. But one is standing out and that is Antonio Bryant.
Bruce Allen today said they're looking at several players to make their team better.
The rookie hazing continues. Dexter Jackson has to carry his teammates helmets and shoulder pads.
Bucs had a short afternoon practice. Were only outside for about 10 minutes and then went inside.
Some funny video tonight at 11on Toyota Sports Connection where Jermaine Phillips busts in on Philip Buchanan's interview.
Gruden again today said it looks like Garcia and Galloway will not play this Sunday night.
August 13th Bucs AM Update
Breaking news! We have a Joey Galloway sighting with shoulder pads on. Gruden afterwards sarcastically said "I'm thrilled." Gruden is not too happy with the wide receivers. You'll hear his take and wide receivers coach Richard Mann at 11pm tonight on Toyota Sports Connection. Gruden was beaming when talking about his favorite sports star who was here last night. Tiger Woods spoke to the team and spent time with Gruden. They used a lot of crown noise today and worked on their two minute offense.
My bad on yesterday's blog. Ryan Nece got into a fight with Brian Clark, not Jimmy Wilkerson. I think I need to go into the tent and get some IV's immediately.
August 12th Bucs Afternoon Update
Gruden is getting increasingly annoyed with Joey Galloway not practicing. Gruden was a little ticked at how I questioned how Galloway is training on his own. You can watch this tonight at 11.
I talked with Chris Simms today who says his uncertainty in the NFL is hard on his family. His wife gets anxious as to where they will be living this year, but Simms says it's not affecting him on the field.
Greg White was funny today pretending to never have heard of Brett Favre. We'll show you on Toyota Sports Connection at 11 on Catch 47. Plus More on Gruden's game plan for Sunday night's game in our next blog.
August 12th Bucs AM Update
Not as hot today... no Jeff Garcia and no Joey Galloway. Garcia did spend time after practice signing autographs.
Gruden may change his Quarterback rotation for Sunday night's game.
Ryan Nece got into a fight with Jimmy Wilkerson. Both said it's forgotten now. We'll show you tonight at 11 on Toyota Sports Connection.
August 11th 5pm Bucs Update
After practice Gruden said he's happy to have Garcia back. Gruden said he doesn't know if he's going to use Garcia in Sunday night's game. Garcia was honest when he was asked about if the whole Favre situation bothered him. He says he realizes this is a business. You'll hear his comments about Gruden and Bruce Allen tonight at 11 on Toyota Sports Connection.
August 11th Afternoon Bucs Update
A real small turnout of fans at today's afternoon practice.
Gruden gave the boys the morning off.
Jeff Garcia returned to practice today. He looked good, his calf didn't seem to bother him.
Joey Galloway and Cadillac Williams worked out on their own on the far field. No word as to when Galloway will practice.
Bucs went inside tent for second half of practice. We'll update you tonight at 11 on Toyota Sports Connection on the latest Simms trade rumors.
August 7th 12pm Bucs Update
Favre a Jet! Garcia still a Buc!
I ran into Jeff Garcia at Starbucks this morning. He looked real somber and down. When I told him that a lot of fans feel sorry for him he said, "thank you very much." I said, "You have to face Gruden tonight." He just sighed.
Bruce Allen denied ever having negotiated with Green Bay. Put a major spin on the whole story. We'll play the Bruce Allen's side of the story tonight at 11 on Toyota Sports Connection.
For Bucs fans wanting to come out for the night practice. Here's a Catch47 exclusive for you. One of the biggest Buccaneer fans favorites will be there tonight!
August 6th Bucs Update 5pm
The media contingent grows here at Bucs camp. More cameras, more microphones, more note pads. All everyone wants to talk about is Favre. As a matter of fact, after today's afternoon practice, there were no media requests for interviews for any player other than Jeff Garcia. Garcia went out onto the far field and did exercises and drills with the team trainer. He looked good, but he avoided the media by sneaking around the side door.
Bruce Allen also pulled a Houdini, disappearing after leaving the indoor practice facility. Allen has still not done any interviews and Jon Gruden will not talk to the media until after Thursday night's practice.
August 6th 3pm Bucs Update
GM Bruce Allen has arrived back from his meetings in New York. Allen was meeting with high level NFL officials and says it had been scheduled prior to this Favre news. Allen apparently had time to get a haircut in NY when I asked him how his trip was, he said beautiful. I asked Allen if he had any info on the rumored trade for Favre. All he did was stick up two fingers, giving the peace sign to me.
Another hot afternoon where the team went indoors for the second half of practice. Bruce Allen is inside the tent with the team. Still no Jeff Garcia. We have heard from Simms, Griese, and McCown who says the Favre talk is not a distraction.
Garcia has come out and is joining his teammates in the tent. He is not dressed to practice and is walking without a limp.
August 6th Bucs Update 11am
Jon Gruden was bombarded with Brett Favre questions after practice. Gruden specifically was asked repeatedly, "Did you talk to Brett Favre last night?" Gruden would not deny nor confirm, and kept answering, "I'm not going to talk about Favre right now," Gruden says he is the most uninformed member of the Bucs on the Favre story. He says he will talk with GM Bruce Allen later today for an update. Allen is in NY talking with league officials. We talked with Simms and Griese about all of this and we'll have their reaction tonight at 11 on Toyota Sports Connection.
August 6th Bucs Morning Update
The buzz continues at Bucs camp about the Brett Favre story. However, it has dampered a bit based on some of the reports that came out overnight. The Tampa Trib had a report that said the trade for Favre was very close and could come sometime today. Jay Glazer of Fox Sports is reporting that the Trib's report is not true, that the Bucs are not close, rather one of a few teams in the mix.
Jay Glazer is also reporting that the Jets have a better offer to the Packers than the Bucs do. But that Favre may not be willing to play for the Jets over the Bucs.
The Packers are holding another press conference at 12:30 today with Ted Thompson. We will take that live on Catch 47!
Aug 5th 4pm Bucs Update
Despite the extreme heat, Bucs are practicing outside this afternoon. Chris Simms and Josh Johnson are taking the majority of the reps in the afternoon practice. Gruden did say that Chris Simms will play vs Miami this weekend. Jeff Garcia says he does not think he will play. He says he's getting bored rehabbing his calf.
With all the Brett Favre centering on the Bucs again, Bruce Allen is nowhere to be found. He was not at the morning practice and Bucs officials admit that he is out of town. Allen is expected back at Celebration late Wednesday. More on this at 11pm tonight on Toyota Sports Connection.
August 5th 2pm Bucs Update
The Brett Favre to the Bucs report continues to grow.
Jeff Garcia spoke with us today. Says his calf injury is lingering longer than he expected. He's never had anything like this, so it looks like at this point Garcia probably will not play in the pre-season game vs Miami.
Meanwhile, Gruden continues to harp on Luke McCown's inconsistency. Griese has been o-k during camp, which leads us to believe that Bruce Allen is really making a push for Favre. Allen is continuing to turn down all interview requests from the media.
Ike Hilliard was working on returning punts. So far it's been Dexter Jackson and Michael Spurlock working as returners. But Gruden likes Hilliard's experience.
Bucs are scheduled to practice the entire afternoon workout outdoors, but the heat index is at an all time high near 105 degrees.
August 5th Morning Bucs Update
The Brett Favre story is all over Wide World of Sports. It's because Fox insider Jay Glazer has been here for two days now.
Glazer is not doing any local interviews, but on Fox Sports Radio he said this morning that Bruce Allen has called the Packers just about every day since the Favre story started. Glazer is insisting that the Bucs are trying to trade for Favre. Neither Bruce Allen or Jon Gruden would talk about the Favre story today.
Ronde Barber just told me that the team is happy with the QB's that they have. Warrick Dunn just told us that he's never seen a story like this in the NFL. He said don't compare this to the Michael Vick story. We'll have that tonight at 11.
Still no Jeff Garcia. He walked out onto the field, but is not practicing. You have to wonder how bad his calf injury is.
August 4th 4pm Bucs Update
The Bucs were treated to a movie this afternoon. Just like in previous years, several players fell asleep.
No word on whether Jon Gruden left the movie theater. Last year Gruden reportedly snuck out once the lights went down.
Gruden quoted a Bon Jovi today when describing his life. Tune in tonight to Toyota Sports Connection at 11pm to find out what song that is.
The reason why Dexter Jackson switched his number from #1 to #10 is because he was told that #1 was illegal in the NFL for a Wide Receiver. #13 was available, but after calling some of his friends, they told him that would be bad luck.
Don't expect much of a game plan for the Bucs vs the Dolphins. Gruden says they are going to keep it basic as they have in other years for the first pre-season game.
Attendance surprisingly has picked up in week two.
Gruden used crowd noise again today. McCown struggled, but Griese moved the chains.
We may find out tomorrow if Simms is going to play Saturday night.
August 4th Bucs Update 12pm
Sloppy second half of the morning practice today, where Luke McCown fumbled several snaps. Gruden was ticked off and said he'll make the offense stay out there all day long if it keeps happening. McCown also threw a couple of picks today and Gruden says that's what you get with a young QB.
Will Allen and Aquib Talib had interceptions.
Gruden has given the players the afternoon off. We found out he's taking them to the movies.
Warrick Dunn never thought he would be back in a Bucs uniform. He says Michael Vick is remorseful for what he did, but he has no time for his old coach Bobby Petrino.
More on the Miami Dolphins game plan later.
August 4th Bucs Morning Practice Update 10am
They're in full pads again this morning. They worked on the hail-mary play with Chris Simms at QB. Ran fake field goals, and pooch punts.
Dexter Jackson changed his number from #1 to #10. I'll find out why for the next blog.
Two position changes today. Chris Denman goes from Tackle to Guard. Greg Peterson goes from DT to DE.
Gruden spent the entire cool down time talking with Bruce Allen at the 50 yard line.
Jeff Garcia and Joey Galloway did not practice this morning.
NFL insider Jay Glazer from Fox Sports is here at camp.
August 1st
A couple observations from week one of Bucs training camp... by Joe Girvan
Best story: Without a doubt, it's Chris Simms. He's come so far physically, that he barely resembles the player he was a year ago at this time. In July 2007, seeing Simms practice was a bit like watching a train wreck...it was awful, but you couldn't take your eyes off it. Simply put, his body was betraying him. Now, he's much closer to being the quarterback he once was. Then again, if Bruce Allen thinks he's going to get a third or fourth-round pick for him, he's out of his mind. Take a sixth or seventh, and be happy you got that much.
Biggest improvement: Gaines Adams is a new man. He's reshaped his body, turning much of his baby fat into lean muscle. Adams is faster than ever off the ball, and that innate ability is the number one reason the Bucs drafted him with the fourth overall pick last year. He also looks comfortable dropping back in coverage, which will allow Tampa Bay to zone blitz. Adams has also come light years in terms of his confidence on the field, and comfort level in dealing with the media. I'm expecting double-digit sacks and, perhaps more importantly, the ability to defend the run.
July 31st Bucs Afternoon Update 4pm
by Rock Riley
Latest on Garcia: Right calf strain. Should not miss too much time. But Gruden said again, this will give Simms some opportunity.Simms and rookie Josh Johnson haven't been getting too many reps, but both have stayed late working with the QB's coach on their own.
When I told Simms that Gruden mentioned this, he said, really? Gruden was all over the practice field today. He was holding, locking pads, and playing defensive back again.
When Garcia went down today, every reporter was on their cell phone. It was a funny sight to see.
Gruden hinted that a big name celebrity is going to make an appearance. We'll keep you posted.
July 31 AM Bucs Practice 10:30am
by Rock Riley
Just when it appeared that the Favre trade rumors to the Bucs were dead, Jeff Garcia goes out.
Garcia hurt his lower leg on a routine QB drill, stopped and left the field. Gruden says the injury to Garcia is a "calf strain" and the teal will have more updates on his status later this afternoon.
Jovan Haye goes down with a groin problem.
Bucs in full pads again today. Best play in practice, a Russian defensive back broke up an attempted pass to Alex Smith. His defensive teammates came over to high five him as Alex Smith was taking heat from his offensive teammates
The afternoon practice is inside the tent and closed to the public. Garcia update on the next blog.
July 30th 4pm update
by Rock Riley
Ran into Billy Donovan in the milk house #2. It's an indoor arena hosting national AAU hoop games.This is a new arena that has been built and is plush.
Michael Jordan is expected here because his son is in the tournament.
Bucs had their afternoon workout split. First half indoors, second half outdoors.
Gruden says they will practice all afternoons on certain days inside soon.
GM Bruce Allen again turned down all interview requests. Allen has not talked to media at all.
A lot of veterans were given the afternoon off.
The vibe among reporters here is that it's looking less likely that Favre will be a Buccaneer.
Garcia and especially Griese looked real sharp in both practices today.
July 30th 1pm Bucs Practice Update
by Rock Riley
Hall of Famer Lee Roy Selmon is here. In his honor, Bucs ran Oklahoma drills. What's that? Tune in to Toyota Sports Connection tonight at 11pm to find out.
Selmon spent time with Doug Williams and Bruce Allen on the sidelines today. All three were smiling and laughing throughout practice.
Gruden again was playing defensive back. He says he worked on his conditioning in the off-season.
Everyone around here is wondering if Favre will be coming. For the first time Gruden did not get even one Favre question.
Some great catches today by the wide receivers. Especially Maurice Stovall. Gruden's response tonight at 11.
Jovan Haye was asked when the time will come when his legs will get tired. He said, it's already happened, on day one.
Jeff Fayne, the new Center, showed off his tattoos on both arms, and says he's got flavor. What flavor is he talking about? You'll have to watch tonight at 11!
July 30th Bucs Morning Practice Update
by Rock Riley
Great action for the fans at the morning practice. Red zone full contact with pads! It was split about 50/50 with the offense scoring only on run plays. They only ran it today but did try a fake field goal. Josh Bidwell, keep your day job. Ball was blocked on his attempted pass.
Matt Bryant has hit every field goal attempt in camp so far.
Graham is practicing despite a sprained ankle. Still no Joey Galloway.
GM Bruce Allen has been on the field for the entire practices and has not gone to his cell phone at all.
The afternoon workout is first half outside, second half indoors. Indoors is closed to the public.
Send Comments to Rock.Riley@catc47.com
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