Quarterback carousel
Expect a revolving door of quarterbacks tomorrow night against the Jets in the Bucs' first preseason game.
Coach Jon Gruden said today he would start Chris Simms, of course, but then would go to Tim Rattay (left) and, later, rookie Bruce Gradkowski.
There was some speculation that Gradkowski has risen above Rattay in Gruden's QB rotation. While that might still happen, tomorrow's quarterback depth chart is probably a result of Gradkowski still not having learned the offense completely. Rattay, who has been here nearly a year, knows it well. This way, Gradkowski can ease his way in and play against mostly third-string competition in his first NFL action.
It'll also be interesting to see what Rattay has to offer. After all, with his midseason acquisition last season, he never has played here in the preseason. So, to most in the Bay area, he remains a secret. This will be our first peek and alot of people -- the Bucs coaches among -- are curious.
In other news, looks like receiver Michael Clayton has a green light to play against New York. Rookie right tackle Jeremy Trueblood will get the start in place of Kenyatta Walker (knee) who is expected to return to practice on Sunday.
Times photo by Brendan Fitterer; click to enlarge.
Bucs Beat is the online destination for Buccaneer fans interested in the latest news about the team. St. Petersburg Times reporters Rick Stroud, Stephen Holder and Joe Smith will provide regular updates. Readers can comment on players, coaches, the front office - all of it.
Offence,
I assume we needed the entire game to establish a running game. The passing offense looked lack luster. How many wide recievers caught passes last night. That concerns me big time. I would have like to see more passing this season to widerecievers...
qb
Posted by: Quintin | August 12, 2006 at 08:48 AM
I thought that the first team offense didn't show me anything new that I haven't seen in the regular season. I also felt as though that they need to put the shotgun formation into the offense. They have failed to do so. If gruden doesn't want to improve the offense by putting it in the offense, it will be the beginning of his failure in tampa
Posted by: Jacques | August 14, 2006 at 05:46 PM
Jacques and Quintin's comments only indicate how ignorant and stupid they are. This PRE-SEASON! Gruden is doing what needs to be done, Period!
Posted by: Keith | August 16, 2006 at 09:51 AM