Live from Bucs-Dolphins

We're underway here in the press box at Dolphin Stadium.

We'll have lots to say tonight, so stay tuned.

David Boston is in uniform and ready to go after his DUI arrest Thursday night. The Bucs have finally said their piece regarding his case, releasing the following statement from general manager Bruce Allen a little while ago.

"We have investigated the David Boston situation and feel that we have an understanding of the facts. At this time, we have seen no objective evidence to support the charges that were brought against him."

Elsewhere, guard Arron Sears is out as expected with that ankle sprain. Everyone else should be ready to go.

(Pictured: Cadillac Williams runs during the second quarter. Times photo - Brian Cassella. Click to enlarge.)

Comments

[Stephen_Holder]

That blow Jeff Garcia just took is not what Gruden had in mind. That was a double whammy from Jason Taylor and Vonnie Holliday. But nice to see Garcia showing some elusiveness for the second consecutive week.

[Daniel]

Stephen, I know you are commenting on the game, but have you seen the Boston police video? I have looked at the whole 15 min twice and I see no evidence of impairment. Could it be he was at a girlfriends house and didn't get much sleep? I'm sure his wife may not be happy about it, but it could explain his sleepliness. What is your take on that whole mess?

[Stephen_Holder]

Weird happenings on the defensive line. Kevin Carter was announced before the game as the starter at right defensive end, which was a new development. But on the first defensive play of the night, Carter was on the left and Spires on the right. That's a new one. We'll have get to the bottom of that after the game ends.

[M. Reynolds]

Hmm..any more questions on the D or Cato June?

[Stephen_Holder]

We'll get to Boston in a minute, but Cato June just showed how good an athlete he is with that interception that he took away from Ronnie Brown. That was a cornerback-like play. The Bucs could use more of that.

[Stephen_Holder]

Regarding Boston, I think it's a weird one. I saw the video and my feeling is that whatever prompted the cops to think they had probable cause must have happened before the camera started rolling. That's the part we're not sure of. Remember, it wasn't the police who stopped him. It was passersby who called them thinking something was wrong with Boston, who was in the middle of the street with the car in drive. That's more than a little strange. That said, this isn't exactly a slam dunk case, either, at least based on what we know.

[Stephen_Holder]

One more note on Boston... read the statement above produced by the team and notice how strongly it's worded. I talked to some team officials today and they don't feel like they're sticking the neck out by saying this. They say they've looked at the facts of the case and talked to the appropriate parties, and that's the conclusion they've come to. I thought it was rather bold, but they're standing by that statement.

[M. Reynolds]

Eh...maybe I spoke too soon about the D.

Re Boston: remember that the charge is DUI but he blew a perfect 0 on the breathalyzer. Granted that doesn't mean he wasnt doing something else-it could have been Nyquil, Kava Kava, or Smack for all we know, but it's likely to get the charges dropped, so hopefully that'll be the end of that and the man can keep his business private from here out.

[Stephen_Holder]

If you're counting, that's an 18-play drive by the Dolphins. It took nine minutes, 13 seconds. That's not exactly a nice follow up to the big play on the previous before. If this D can't be consistent, this team is in trouble. They HAVE to be able to get off the field.

[Daniel]

Not only did our offense get pushed around on that drive, Rudd seemed to get pushed around the most. Was that his man for the TD catch?

[Daniel]

Obviously, I meant defense

[Stephen_Holder]

For what it's worth, noticed something from the Bucs on that TD play: Patrick Chukwurah came on for June at SLB. Wonder if it was him who had the tight end assignment. Someone obviously missed an assignment there and let David Martin slip by uncovered.

[Stephen_Holder]

Donald Penn at RT should have engaged Matt Roth on that play. Roth was able to sit back and watch Garcia's eyes the whole time, and presto, he takes his swing pass right out of the air. If your guy isn't rushing, that means he's up to something.

[Stephen_Holder]

Cadillac Williams had a minus-1 rushing total for the preseason before ripping off that 12-yard run. Ouch.

[Stephen_Holder]

Jeff Garcia is going to make Jon Gruden have a heart attack if he keeps scrambling like this. And will he please get down a little faster. He's going to get himself killed.

[Stephen_Holder]

Still no David Boston on the field, by the way. Wonder if we will.

[Stephen_Holder]

Check that... Boston just came in on the last play.

[Stephen_Holder]

Alex Smith is down and -- bad news -- they're looking at his left knee.

[Stephen_Holder]

I thought for a minute there Garcia was a tad late with that throw, but a nice recovery by Galloway to tip toe the back of the end zone for a 26-yard TD. Very ballerina-like. 14-14 with 11:40 left 2Q.

[david]

Does the o line look as good in person as it does on TV?

[Stephen_Holder]

My bad on Smith. Team says it's his left ankle and he won't return.

[Stephen_Holder]

David, I can't exactly say they've done a superb job. I mean, look how much Garcia is having to scramble. Some of that has to do with solid coverage, to be fair. Overall, not a bad job by the line however.

That's a bad drop for Clayton. Bad timing considering he continues to free fall on the depth chart.

[Stephen_Holder]

Luke McCown has taken a few bad sacks this preseason. That was another one, and on third-and-10, no less. He has to get rid of that ball. Can't take a sack on third down. Don't they teach you that in high school?

[Mr.T]

How's Jeff's hand Stephen?

Also, Caddy looked ok in those 2 long runs. I think once the OL gets more reps together they'll get better and he'll see his numbers more consistently 4 and 5 yds.

[Stephen_Holder]

There's been no injury report on Garcia, for what that's worth. Usually we'd hear if something is truly wrong with a guy. For now, I'm assuming he's all right. And I agree on Caddy. This is the best he's looked, and that's definitely because they've done a better job run blocking.

[Mr.T]

The channel 8 guys were saying they were looking at his hand after that first series. Can't be that bad.

I think we'll see Boston, but, he's clearly way down in the rotation again. Good way to discipline him without suspending him a game.

[Stephen_Holder]

One other note on Caddy: he finished with four carries for 25 yards. That's better than six yards per attempt.

[Stephen_Holder]

Yeah, well the TV guys are down on the field, so they'll sometimes get more detail than we can up in the press box. I agree with you. He must be all right. But goodness, he has to start sliding and stop trying to break tackles. Otherwise, me and you guys aren't going to have much to talk about this season.

[Carl]

So Gained Adams gets another sack? This kid seems to be making plays when he's in the game. How long until he starts and plays every down?

[Mr.T]

They haven't looked like world beaters, but, I have to say based on what I have seen of them, CAR, and ATL, if we can make it through the first 5 at 2-3, the Bucs could be a playoff team.

[Stephen_Holder]

Mixed bag in that first half. We had the defense show some of its best and some of its worst. Cato June showed a nice spark on that interception and touchdown, but then the D gives up a staggering 18-play, nine-minute drive. Then, on offense, Garcia and Galloway finally hooked up, but why is the quarterback running for his life? How you feel about all this depends on your perspective, I suppose.

[Stephen_Holder]

Re: Adams, I thought he would start tonight, but he didn't. Maybe they're just content to have him come off the bench.

[Daniel]

I am concerned about Garcia running for his life too. The Bucs D has always been vulnerable to the run up the middle, so not much has changed there. I think they will be alright when the new players get used to each other. The second team D has shown consistancy though, they were scored on easily this week as well as last week.

[Stephen_Holder]

And speaking of Adams, the guy must have a homing device that helps him locate the ball. He just batted down Beck's swing pass there, making this his third consecutive game with a batted pass or forced fumble (last week). And he is getting some decent pressure on the quarterback this week. Looks to be getting his bearings.

[Stephen_Holder]

Well, that was Chris Simms' first series of the preseason, and it sure won't do anything to help his cause. A short, 5-yard pass to a tight end and an illegal forward pass. The rest were handoffs. I still say he gets cut.

[Stephen_Holder]

Not sure what was gained by playing Simms for one series. He could be done for the night seeing how Gradkowski is in the game now and is expected to get extensive playing time. We're almost done with the third quarter at this point.

[Stephen_Holder]

Lately, all Gradkowski seems to do is lead touchdown drives. That was his third in two games, giving the Bucs a 24-20 lead. I wonder if Gruden has given any thought at all to amending his QB depth chart. Seems Gradkowski is a different player this fall.

[Mr.T]

Yes, Grads has gotten TDs...vs. the 2nd and 3rd string. I still think he's a backup or better suited for the CFL or AFL. But, with Simms playing like this, we need a 3rd that's decent.

[Rohan]

Im concerned about Garcia he has not looked like the QB savior we needed here in TB. Yes I know that its preseason but all the other elite QB's have looked good

[Daniel]

Mr. T, I'm with you on this one. Last year Grads was all-world during the pre-season too. He looked so good, he earned the 2nd string behind Simms. He's just not savvy enough yet to make up for his lack of arm strength.

[Rohan]

Geez first we give a 4th and 3. Then a 30+ yard TD. Not good!

[Stephen_Holder]

On Gradkowski, I'm not nominating the guy for the Hall of Fame. Trust me, I was at all of those games in person last year and I still have nightmares after being subjected to that slop. But what I would say is that he deserves some reps earlier in the game. I would think Gruden would like to see what he could do at least.

[Rohan]

Stephen, what are the chances Gessner will make the team?

[Daniel]

That second and six is what I am talking about with Grads, a little more arm strength and he completes that pass deep, he was lucky that pass wasn't picked off as it was five yard short of the reciever and batted away.

[Mr.T]

Darby doesn't look near as good as he did that first game. Kid need a couple of long runs before next week. I hope he can get them.

Though, I wouldn't mind Graham being our 3rd option.

How do we get rid of Gessner and keep Clayton?!

[Stephen_Holder]

Sorry, Rohan. I don't see a place for Gessner. I think he's a practice squad guy again. My receivers lineup: Galloway, Boston, Clayton, Stovall, Hilliard, and if they carry a sixth guy, Mark Jones for special teams. And remember, I think Paris Warren is ahead of Gessner, but I say they both get cut. Just my opinion.

[Mr.T]

Ok, Stephen, Grads was trying to throw that one out of the endzone! Good gosh, the kid has luck!

[Rohan]

Gotta agree with Stephen...Gruden should give some earlier reps to Grad. He has been outplaying McCown.

[Ron]

I hope the Bucs make some room for Warren. He looks like he has potential. But I agree, I'm not sure there is room for him.

[Rohan]

Darby is gonna hear it from Gruden on that chop block penalty it took them out of field goal range

[Daniel]

Paris has outplayed Clayton this pre-season, even if they decide to keep Clayton because they have a first round pick invested in him, Boston could have a positive on that drug test the police gave him. That would mean a four game suspension and egg on the face of GruAllen for backing him so strongly. Paris may still make the team if the chips fall a certain way.

[Stephen_Holder]

Been in the locker room. Couple of things: It sure seems like Trueblood got benched. I'm reading between the lines, but he says he's not hurt and Gruden admits he came out early. Alex Smith is wearing a huge walking boot on that ankle, so that's bad news there. Mark Jones thinks it's still a tight battle with him and Chad Owens at kick and punt returner. Kevin Carter says he started at left end and Spires at right because it was just an opportunity to look at some different options for later, if necessary. I don't see Spires as a legitimate option at RDE though. And Gruden is hinting that there may not be a true second WR. He said it may be done by committee, and he's okay with that. Seems that might not be a bad way to go about it given the lack of a single player stepping up.

[Stephen_Holder]

By the way, a good tidbit of info here: Jeff Garcia tells us that Joey Galloway's touchdown catch was a total "improvisation." Turns out, Galloway's original route was a shorter pattern that ended around the first-down marker. But when the Dolphins were waiting in the wings, Garcia went to a second option, his running back, who also was covered. By now, Galloway decided to go for broke and was streaking toward the end zone. That's when Garcia found him for the 26-yard score.

[John John]

Anyone know where I can get that last touchdown highlight?

[Jay]

Stephen, I gotta disagree with you on Gessner. He's a monster on special teams, and with Warren being so inconsistent, I wouldn't be suprised to see him passed up for the 5th reciever job for Gessner.

Also, what are the chances that Graham gets to play anytime during the regular season?