Game Time

It's here -- finally. The season opener.

We're here in the press box at Qwest Field in Seattle, and you'll be happy to know it's a crystal clear day with temperatures in the 70s. So, the conditions won't be an issue today.

We'll be updating you on developments throughout the day in the comments section below. Feel free to follow along.

As for what we can tell you right now, here's the latest regarding the lineup. For the Bucs, the inactive players today are offensive linemen Anthony Davis and Dan Buenning, defensive tackle Ryan Sims, linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, cornerback Anthony Madison, defensive end Patrick Chukwurah and quarterback Chris Simms. Trotter is not a surprise because he is still unfamiliar with the defensive system after signing a contract on Monday.

Interesting decision to leave Davis inactive. That means the Bucs will likely look to Donald Penn to come off the bench at tackle and, most likely, Matt Lehr at guard.

Also, a few interesting moves in the starting lineup. Kevin Carter is starting over Gaines Adams at right defensive end, with Greg Spires on the left. Tanard Jackson, as expected, starts at free safety over Will Allen. Michael Pittman will start at fullback over B.J. Askew and Ike Hilliard starts at flanker rather than Maurice Stovall or David Boston.

Also, for the Seahawks, Ellis Wyms is inactive today. He signed with Seattle shortly after being released by the Bucs last weekend.

(pictured: Jeff Garcia, right. Times photo - Brendan Fitterer. Click to enlarge.)

Comments

[Stephen_Holder]

One other note: Luke McCown is the No. 2 quarterback with Bruce Gradkowski listed as the inactive No. 3.

[Stephen_Holder]

Cadillac fumbles that reception on first down. Notice how the Seahawks rushed out there to run a play. They didn't want to give the Bucs a chance to review or challenge it.

[Stephen_Holder]

It's third-and-9 coming up with 12:46 left in the first. Interesting lineup for Bucs. Greg White at tackle, Cato June out.

[Stephen_Holder]

Also on third down, which Barber stuffed with a pass deflection, notice Kevin Carter was playing nose tackle for Hovan. All sorts of crazy things going on here.

[Stephen_Holder]

An early lead in this building can be huge. Now that it's 3-0 notice how quiet it is. And that's a heck of a stat by Fox noting that opponents are 6-18 playing at Qwest for the first time.

[Stephen_Holder]

Barber's hold on Galloway's punt return just now costs them a net loss of 45 yards. Bucs would have had the ball at the Seahawks' 45. Worst thing about it is it wasn't necessary. Galloway would have escaped without the help.

[Daniel]

Stephan, the O-line doesn't look bad, but the team still seems to be having a hard time running, is it the crowd noise they keep mentioning in the broadcast or is it something else I am missing?

[Stephen_Holder]

Bryant makes it 6-0 with a 32-yard FG at the end of the first quarter. But the score doesn't tell you how lopsided this game has been. The Bucs are leading in total yardage 136-21. Frankly, they should probably be up by more. They'd better hope their failure to convert TDs doesn't come back to haunt them.

[Stephen_Holder]

Daniel, crowd noise might have a little to do with the line play, but I just think it's more about the Seattle defense. They are aggressive and they are fast.

[Pete]

Only in the NFL can you completely out-play a team, yet only be up by one score. I agree, Stephen, I hope this doesn't come back to hunt them. I call it Buc-Luck ... we've seen it happen too many times before.

[Stephen_Holder]

Seahawks just tried a flea-flicker and Jermaine Phillips stuffs it with a sack of Hasselbeck. I don't know if I call that if I'm Holmgren. The Bucs defense is nothing if not fast. That play takes a long time to develop. Seattle's looking at 4th and 9 now from the Bucs' 37.

[Stephen_Holder]

Buc-Luck... That's funny, Pete.

[Stephen_Holder]

No huddle here for the Bucs deep in Seattle territory. They convert and get a first down out of it with 8:24 left in the half.

[Stephen_Holder]

Even though the Bucs come up short there on third down gotta give the offensive line credit. They're making some great adjustments against the Seattle front, which is trying its best to throw them off. Garcia has a lot of time to throw today.

[Pete]

Back to that botched attempt at a flea-flicker ... is that the first time that Jermaine Philips has made a play? Ever? I can't recall ... all I remember of 23 is him getting blown up at the goal-line by Detroit's Kevin Jones a couple of years ago.

[Stephen_Holder]

Engram just hauls in a 49-yard pass from Hasselbeck and Barrett Ruud is a step behind in the coverage. Looks like he lost track of the ball. And the biggest question is why Cato June continues to come to the sideline on passing downs. Seems stubborn to me.

[Ricky]

Bucs defense is really playing well. Bending but not breaking and Derrick Brooks missing a step? HA!......

[Mr.T]

Stephen, I thought June would be staying on the field. He's fast why would they take him out?

[Stephen_Holder]

Not sure whether this has been discussed on TV, but Boston will not play today. Seems he has a foot injury. Not sure when that happened.

[Stephen_Holder]

Mr. T, because they take out the strong side LB in the nickel package, when they add the fifth DB. I thought for sure they would make some exceptions to this rule. I mean, June was the biggest offseason acquisition on defense, right? I don't get it. Seems like a waste.

[Ish Engle]

I think the foot injury happened during a sobriety test not too long ago. :-)

[Ricky]

Whats going on with Michael Clayton and playing like he does want to be in Seattle?

[Pete]

And there in lies the true meaning of Buc-Luck.

[Stephen_Holder]

That was a very Kenyatta-like series for Davin Joseph: a hold, false start and chop block on consecutive plays. Ouch.

[Ish Engle]

Not only did he NOT chop block, he didn't even block on that series.

[Ish Engle]

err, I meant that play. Sorry.

[Stephen_Holder]

Good teams find a way to win. And the Seahawks just found a way to turn the game in their favor with that 56-yard punt return by Burleson.

[Daniel]

That TD has to take the wind out of Tampa Bay's sails. They out play the 'Hawks the entire first half and barring a minor miracle on the kickoff, will probably go into the half trailing. I hope Jon has a good half time speech. They just reversed the TD, but Alexander punched it in anyway. The Bucs have a shot, but have to score TD's, not field goals.

[Stephen_Holder]

Daniel, my thoughts exactly. You can't give a team like Seattle chances. They now have the upper hand. This is still very much anyone's game, but for an underdog on the road, there's a big difference between leading 6-3 and trailing 10-6 as they are with :19 left in the half.

[Stephen_Holder]

This is very random, but the Washington State marching band just took the field -- and got booed. This is UW country I guess.

[Clint]

Where was Trotter on the last play? Is he playing today? Who is #26? Nice attempt to tackle!

[T]

Stephen,

I thought they'd make that exception, too. June is just too fast to take off the field in passing situations.

[Clint]

Why is Clayton playing? Time to let Stovall play in Calyton's spot.

[Stephen_Holder]

Sorry. Was taking a quick break. Regarding the question about Trotter, he isn't activated today. He's only been on the team for less than a week, remember. And No. 26 is Will Allen. Tanard Jackson just took is job as you probably know.

[Stephen_Holder]

Clint, remember, Gruden said he would use a committee of guys at receiver, so that's what we're seeing. Clayton and Stovall are getting reps. They'll have to take advantage when they get them.

[Clint]

Our defence looks good but the pass rush seems non-existant. (Bar Brooks)

[Stephen_Holder]

Seattle has first down at the 35 with 11:57 in the third. The defensive ends are Spires (RE) and Carter (LE). We're not seeing a whole lot of Gaines Adams. The theory up here in the press box is the Bucs don't want to make him a target for Seattle's running game. SOmehow, I thought we'd see more of him.

[Daniel]

Kelly is playing lights out today, the man he is covering, Branch, does not have a catch. His coverage was a big part of Spire's sack. We really missed him last year.

[Stephen_Holder]

Cadillac just got up after that shot from Tatupu. He looks like he doesn't know where the heck he is.

Cadillac could be going to the locker room for X-rays, quite possibly. That last series halfway through the third quarter could be the worst of the game for the Bucs when you consider how bad Garcia looked and the injury to Williams. This momentum has totally shifted.

[Stephen_Holder]

This might be obvious, but Garcia has to get rid of the ball faster. He is playing way too tentative today, especially since the end of the first quarter. He took that sack from Kerney and probably didn't have to. Hilliard was available to him on that play.

[Stephen_Holder]

Okay, people, the season is hanging in the balance here based on the outcomes of the two injuries we've just witnessed: Cadillac and Garcia on consecutive series. Garcia took a heck of a shot. Would be surprised if he doesn't have a concussion.

[Daniel]

That shot Garcia took hurt me, I hope he can come back in soon as McCoun just threw it into quadruple coverage.

[Stephen_Holder]

Garcia just came out of the locker room. He was in there to take a test of some kind, probably a required concussion test.

[Stephen_Holder]

Okay, that might be the most bizarre play I've ever seen: Josh Bidwell drops back to punt but stops and holds the ball when he thinks he hears a whistle. He gets stuffed by defenders who don't stop. Officials let the Bucs replay the down because of a whistle coming from the crowd. Believe that comes under the fan interference part of the rule book.

[Stephen_Holder]

That was a very badly missed tackle by Brooks on a swing pass to Alexander. Allows the Seahawks to make a first down with 2:40 left in the third quarter. That's not what you want to see from your defensive leader.

[Mike M]

The Bucs have totally unraveled.

[Stephen_Holder]

We're keeping an eye on Brian Kelly. He's on the sideline with an injury. Looks like a groin

[Stephen_Holder]

For those of you unable to watch, it's 13-6 on Brown's 46-yard FG. And more injury news: Cadillac is done for the day with bruised ribs, we believe. Kelly's status is questionable.

[Stephen_Holder]

the Bucs are running out of key players to sustain injuries.

[Daniel]

Great, when things go bad, they really go bad. First Caddy, then Garcia, now the best performing defender of the day, Kelly. The good news is the Bucs are only down by seven, but they have to do something this series to get some momentum back. McCown looks lost out there and just called the second timeout. They need Garcia back in there, quick, before this game gets away from them.

[Stephen_Holder]

Kelly is still sitting. Buchanon is in coming out of this time out with 12:08 left.

[Fritz]

This is shaping up to be yet another stellar offensive performance.

[Clint]

It seems like last year...poor tackling..little to no pass rush. No offense.

[Stephen_Holder]

I'm not sure what to make of this, but the Bucs are playing Kalvin Pearson in the slot corner position. This makes no sense. Meanwhile, Cato June has been a spectator for most of this drive with 8:01 left.

[Mr.T]

Getting sick of the Worst Coast Offense.

[Stephen_Holder]

Derrick Brooks just got exposed on that play. He loses track of the ball and his man and the result is a 34-yard TD pass to Maurice Morris. Now this is pretty much a done deal with 7:55 left and the Bucs down 20-6.

[Stephen_Holder]

That's opportunistic defense by Tutupu right there. He punches the ball out from behind and Graham fumbles. Seattle recovers and now they can sit on it with just over three minutes to play. Bucs have one timeout left.

[Daniel]

That 20 yd. run by Alexander on 3rd and 7 pretty much seals the deal. If Kelly's and Caddy's injury's are serious, it's gonna be a looong season.

[Stephen_Holder]

We're down on the field getting ready to tackle the locker room. I'll try to get you caught up after we sort things out.

[agatha]

It was a "loosing" season anyway. This team is awful. The only improvement from last season (Garcia) won't make it through the first five games. Offsensive line a sieve; defense aging; Cadillac running like a Yugo.

[Clint]

What is the countdown on Gruden? Not like making that change is going to make a big difference.

[Ian]

I am sooo glad that we took out Simms. This was a great improvement! If Garcia isn't running around like crazy he can't do a thing. And we all know that with our o-line he will be running around.

[Tony]

Send Brooks to the old folks home; he is done. Thanks for the years, but the missed tackles and lack of coverage is killing us. Thanks Brooks but do us a favor and save us the cap space. You are officially a "has been".

[rocbucfan]

We never established the run, hard to throw when that happens. Don't bail yet, we lost ugly first game in 2002 too, we all know how that season ended.

[Daniel]

Agatha, you are probably right, but the Bucs D is a different unit with Kelly on the field. He completly shut down Branch today and his coverage causes the opposing QB to hold on to the ball thus creating sacks. I think the team is misusing June, maybe it's time he steps into the weakside spot for Brooks, it couldn't hurt as Brooks missed one tackle after another and was beat in coverage. The O-line held it's own early, but mental mistakes by the young players cost the Bucs when it counted. The season just started, I wouldn't give up on the team just yet.

[Cortney]

Dont give up? Man this is Deja Vu for 4 out of 5 years, dont give up? Did we watch the same game as you? We didnt give up, our Head Coach Offensive playcalling gave up, our starting LT and C gave up. Our RBs gave up, our LBs gave up and our pass rush gave up...This is the pits and Glazers please resolve this quickly...

[M Pipes]

It's gonna be a long year. The play calling was atrocious (Hey Gruden - some coaches run on 3rd and short), Garcia clearly needs to speed up his decision making, Davin Joseph looks to continue our streak of 1 year wonders (3 consecutive plays with penalties on Joseph (even if one was a phantom penalty)), what was up with Derrick Brooks today, what was up with all the fumbles in the 2nd half, and finally, help me understand the special team miscues (penalties on every play, fumbles, and that very entertaining punting fiasco). It's going to be a long year!!! At least our pain and suffering will be rewarded with a new GM, a new coach and an old QB (welcome back Chris Simms).

[BucsGuy#1]

Come one, its only one gamee and they are stilll our team, win or loose! Go Bucs. I thinnk the Off line played good today and Gercia just needs some morr time to get used to the Grueden system. Dont jump off the Bucs ship we can still make the playoffs and then anything can happpen.

didn't we lose the first game the year we won the superbowl. and wasn't that game at home. Superbowl here we come.

[BucsGuy#1]

Egsactly my thoughts. You and I thnnk alike. These guys are good enoughg to make the playoffs in a week NFC South confrince.

[Mike]

Don't give up on the BUCS yet. Garcia looked great. When he was in, he would continusly drive and drive. Its not easy opening up on the road on the opposite side of the country against the Seahawks. If Caddy, Garcia, and BK can stay healthy then I dont see why not we cant be a good team. Gaines needs to play a lot more then 20 plays. But I was impressed with Garcia. Hang in there BUC fans, things will improve.

[Stephen_Holder]

Okay, here's all I can say: Garcia looks all right. He was checked out for a concussion and the team says he did not sustain one. Cadillac Williams was nowhere to be found, and that usually means he doesn't have anything good to say. He's got a rib injury and no one would indicate whether he'll be back next week. Kelly said his groin "feels nasty right now" and that it was swollen. Sorry for the bad news, but that's all I've got.

[BucsGuy#1]

GArcia did look great! DO you now how hard it is to drive the lentgh of the field and score threee points and then due it twice in a rowe? We should meat them at the airplane and keep up there spirits. Win or loose, they are our team for as long as they are here.

[Stephen_Holder]

In a couple other matters, Brooks admitted to me that he lost track of the ball on Morris' touchdown pass. Guess that was pretty obvious anyway. Cato June says he wasn't surprised that he wasn't used more. He said he knew that would be his role.

[Clint]

Is Trotter going to be activated for next game? Thanks, Stephen for your posts.

[Daniel]

Some of you people obviously weren't around during the lean years of the '80's and early '90's. To give up on the team after one game is ridiculas. I did see flashes, Garcia played well when he was in there. The O-line needs to gel. Most good O-lines have been together for years. During our superbowl season, the O-line started out slow too. This line has alot more talent than that one, it's bigger and more agile, give them a little time together for heavens sakes! The defense has alot of new players, alot of youth and speed. I'm sure Monte will get the right players in the right places before long. The Saints lost their first game too, by alot bigger margin than the Bucs, most had them winning the division. Teams that played in Seattle for the first time were 6-18, so the Bucs are not alone. You people can give up on them if you want, I want to see how the team responds against the Saints at home before I judge them.

[agatha]

Nobody is giving up after one game. The one game is evidence of what is obvious--this team, coach and GM suck mightily. Even if the South is weak the Bucs will finish third at best. They don't face Atlanta till November and by then the Falcons will be much improved. Anyone that thinks this is a playoff team is oiva boodle.

[rocbucfan]

Agatha,

Were you a Buc fan during the 2002 season or did you jump on the bandwagon after that?? We won the SUPERBOWL after losing an ugly game AT HOME against the Saints. Our OL looked MUCH shakier then, defense was gashed all day by Duece and Stecker...we have a lot more talent now, give it more than one game to show itself.

[agatha]

I'm a realist. You sound like an eighth grader defending his Mommy

[rocbucfan]

Whatever, I sure hope you don't call yourself a Buc fan. If you were around in 2002 I bet you flamed the team HARD after week one huh??? pathetic

[agatha]

Thank you, Mrs. Gruden. Why don't you meet the plane and give your inept hubby a game plan concocted by the next door neightbor's kid?

Stephen,
Brooks said he lost the ball - what about lost the man? He was 5 yards back. Also, stephen how come jackson wasn't playing safety on the play? I tired last season of watching allen get there a second late. Even Brooks looked at him like "where the #$%$ where you?

[Daniel]

Agatha, I understand where you are coming from, there is probably alot of carry over frustration from last years debacle of a season. I never said the Bucs would make the playoffs, but it's way too early to make snap judgements one way or the other. Tampabay fans have historically been quick to judge, the same fans calling for Dungy's head after making the playoffs every year but failing to win a superbowl, are yearning for his return and saying Gruden won with his team. A new coach means a new system and a probable turnover of players with no gaurentee of success. Remember when McKay left? How many coaches did the Bucs go through before they found Dungy? An impatient owner and fan base ran Dungy out of town after turning around ten years of consecutive double digit losing seasons. Losing in Seattle doesn't mean the team sucks mightily either. You are certainly entitiled to your opinion, you might even be right in the long run. Judging the team after one game, win or lose, to me is foolish.

[agatha]

Gee..well at least you are literate, not like the guy who can't stand the thought of being outmatched by a woman. Your problem is that your reading comprehension is faulty. This is not an assessment after one regular season game; it's an assessment after off-season trades and free agent pickups, a draft, a deceiving pre-season record, and one regular season game. I predicted before the season that Garcia wouldn't last past five games. That now appears optimistic. How much better is this team than the 4-12 '06 version? In your heart of hearts you know the answer is "marginally."

[Stephen_Holder]

Hey, hey, everything okay around here? I step away to write a couple stories and you guys get out of control :) I understand the frustration. That was pretty ugly. We'll see what happens next week.

stephen,

how come tanard was out on some big plays?

[Stephen_Holder]

I asked Tanard about that... Seems they were just using a rotation of some kind according to DBs coach Raheem Morris. Not sure why. All I know is KALVIN PEARSON was in the slot at times. I have no clue what that was about. Jackson is fine and it didn't seem like he had many missed assignments or anything.

[Fritz]

Does anyone know the over/under on when the Bucs will score their first offensive TD this season?

[KL]

All I gotta say is break out the orange uniforms, looks like we've reverted back to the days of Sam Wyche.

[Jay]

As happy as I was to see Ernest Graham out there running with the first team, his fumble did not help the cause. What are the chances he becomes the #1 with Caddy out? That hit from Tatapu looked like a rib shot and that's bad juju for a RB. Also, putting Galloway on punt return / kickoff return is just asking for an injury. I wouldn't risk him or Ike Hilliard in those positions.

[DFS]

Agatha,
Excellent work! I'm smiling just thinking about your "slice-'em-and-dice-'em approach to debate. You are way more entertaining than the Bucs. Personally, I won't predict their season outcome after one game (yes, I know there is precedent). There is a remote possibility that everything clicks all at once for the team. The QB reverts to Pro Bowl form, Carnell Williams comes back next week and rushes for 175-yards, Michael Clayton leads all Bucs receivers in receptions, Joey Galloway, 38, stays uninjured returning punts, the defensive front four suddenly become the reincarnation of the Fearsome Foursome. Really, it can happen. Really. Honest.

[Mr.T]

Stephen,

Thanks, again. Even though you have to do 5 things at once, it IS nice having a little "inside info" from someone at the game when we can't go.

I haven't jumped ship yet on the Bucs, but, I'm so tired of the WCO in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers form.

I'm calling it TB's Worst Coast Offense until I see different!
Thanks, again,
T

[DR]

1 game closer to firing Gruden and Allen. Still in shock that he's keeping 4 QBs, and they are 12 mil under the cap and keeping criminals like Stevens around. Whoever the next coach is has a lot of cleaning up to do, thats for sure.

[Tom]

Agatha, let's not get our panties in a wad here. It was the first game against a very good team in the loudest stadium in the NFL. A lot of good teams lost yesterday. The Patriots started 0-2 before they went on to win 3 of their next 4 super bowls. Let's not all jump off the bandwagon yet.

The one thing I am not happy about is not drafting A Peterson. This guy was a stud since high school and all of a sudden everyone forgets about him when he breaks his collar bone. Look what he did yesterday. We could sure use him now that Caddy may be hurt.

[Tom]

Hey Stephen,
What is the deal with all of our sophmore slumps? Clayton, Cadillac and maybe Davin Joseph (just one game). It must be coaching, don't you think?

Tanard Jackson looked great yesterday though.

[DR]

Tom, you gotta be kidding me comparing this talentless (thanks to the great Gruallen drafts) bucs team to a Patriots Super Bowl team! Thanks for the good laugh!
This is Clayton's 3rd year, not 2nd. There was a good reason why Caddy split the load at Auburn, and I know Ronnie Brown was great too, but Caddy didn't carry the load in college. Why do we expect him to carry the (heavy) load in Tampa?
I think the only reason Clayton is on the team still is the egotistical Gruden is trying to save face. Nothing more embarrassing than cutting a 1st round pick.
One more thing Tom, have you looked at the schedule? there are more teams on their schedule that are way better than Seattle- Tampa's in trouble...BIG trouble.

[Tom]

DR, I am certainly not comparing this team, or any team for that matter, with the great N.E. Patriots. I was merely just saying that not all great seasons start out great. And I am not saying our season will be great either. All I am saying is just not to get too down on one game.

This is Clayton's fourth year, knucklehead. I was asking about a trend in sophmore jinx on this team.

Laugh your way off this bandwagon. I've been watching this team since 1976 through all the bad times. Going to games and sitting on those awful metal benches. Watching Montana torch us in the first game of the season in 100 degree heat and the stadium running out of ice.

This is just one game that we lost so far. 16 other teams are feeling the same way.

[DR]

Tom,
This bandwagon is on fire. I jumped off a long time ago. I go to a few games every year, dating back to '97 and remember when I went to games that had more opposing fans in the stadium than Bucs fans. I remember driving down Dale Mabry and reading the Pressbox's sign, "Our chef is a cheesehead." The Bucs were on the verge of greatness with little fan support. The majority of the fans the Bucs have now are bandwagon fans.
Dungy helped build a winning franchise with no offense. Gruden came in and sparked that offense for one year and hassn't done anything since. He would have to be considered one of the worst offensive coaches in the league according to his stats the past 4 years. This team has little to look forward to with him coaching. I'm trying not to be negative but I am a realist. You are right, there are 16 teams 0-1, and maybe this team will find a spark somewhere, hopefully. But I won't be waiting for that spark like I've had the past 4 seasons. The Bucs made the playoffs 2 years ago but any true football fan had to know that team overachieved greatly. Their defense lead them to the playoffs again that year and that offense was worse than any Dungy offense we have seen in the past. They had no legit shot to advance in the playoffs and really didn't deserve to be there.

[Tom]

Dude, why are you writing this long winded post if you're not a Bucs fan? Go post on the Patriots web site instead.

[DR]

I am a Bucs fan. Saints 42, Bucs 3.

[Tom]

Btw, the Saints got their @$$ handed to them last week, 42-10! This was supposed to be the favorite to win the NFC! Galloway will get two TD's off of Jason David. Bucs 24 Saints 17!

[agatha]

Tom, your opinions are ill-informed, unrealistic and basically suck. Since you know there is nothing positive to write about the team, you attack the posters. Your prediction for Week 2 is absolutely insane. The defense is less than mediocre and can't possibly score 24 points. You are very brave in a post but there is no way you would take that "action" to Vegas unless you are in a rubber room.

[DR]

The Saints lost to a GREAT team! Seahawks are nothing compared to the Colts man, my god, quit comparing apples to oranges. The Bucs would get destroyed by the Dungy lead Colts...maybe Gruden would kick a last second field goal to break a 42-0 shutout to break the shutout like the great coach he is. The Bucs DE ain't the same like in past years, Saints will expose them even more. BTW, did anyone watch the Broncos game? Did you see that new DE they picked up? What's his name again? The guy they wouldn't pay a signed contract to, but the Bucs are willing to pay a 4th string QB $2 mil a year! Great job by the organization, they're burning the place to the ground.

[Tom]

Agatha, me attack posters? Did you read your own posts? You haven't had anything of value to say other than the Bucs suck. Come back with some intellect.

DR, who is comparing the Colts to the Seahawks? Stop twisting my words.

You two are the typically, "Dungy team won the Super Bowl not Gruden's" fair weather fan. Yeah Dungy built a great defense. It was also Dungy's team that couldn't score a touchdown in three consecutive playoff games.

I've read a lot of your posts, and neither one of you write anything enlightening. If you want to criticize the Bucs, then what is it that you don't like? I didn't like that they drafted Adams instead of Peterson. I don't like the fact that Bill Muir gets a free pass even though our OL continues to stink. I didn't like the way they showed Rice the door on the day training camp started.

However, I still watch this team every week and still sit in the seats til the horn sounds.

[Tom]

For people who hate the Bucs, you guys sure spend a lot of time writing about them. Either you really do support them, or you don't have anything else to do with your life other than to say that the Bucs suck. I contend it's most likely the latter.

[agatha]

I'm glad to see you agree that the Bucs suck.

[Tom]

agatha,
Love your quote from 1:26PM "The defense is less than mediocre and can't possibly score 24 points" Newsfash! offense scores the points. I figured you knew zilch about football. Just another wanabe fan who jumped on the bandwagon when the Bucs won it all. You don't know a tight end from your rear end, the three technique from the three little pigs. I bet you think the "cover two" is when the players wear two pair of underware. Take your unknowlegable butt to the Falcons board and post your "Debbie Downer" comments there.

Tom, good post...like you said Dungy's team couldn't score in PLAYOFF games. Gruden can't get them to score in the regular season. Eight QBs later we are still in the same boat. It is over for JG, his system doesn't work with the players he was given or with the ones he decided to draft. I love the Bucs but it is time for a change at the head coach position. The blame fell on Dungy because he couldn't win the big one! But we traded away playoff chances for a Super Bowl! Yeah one SB is better than none but at least give us playoff chances. No one can say that Dungy would have had as many chances to collect losses like Gruden has. Hell people still don't think of Dilfer as a great QB and he has a SB ring...so why don't we apply the same knowledge to Gruden. I don't know a person that could argue with that not even Chucky!

[Bucsfan]

Tom,
That's underwear not "underware", otherwise your post id 100% accurate. I beleive agatha knows nothing about the game. "Sam","Will"and "Mike" are not linebackers, but the names of her three illegitimate children. Her post from 9:55 last night saying the preseason was decieving is unknowlegable at best. Last year the Colts did'nt win a game in the preseason and went on to win a Super Bowl. Preseason is for evaluating players, you don't gameplan or show your "looks". Why would a preseason be decieving? Experts loved our draft and free agent signings, not the "expert" agatha. Stick to needlepoint, agatha.

[peterman]

What incredible morons (Tom and Bucfan) not to understand the remark about defense scoring points. If you can't comprehend sarcasm, you guys have the sense of humor of a three year old. Imbeciles: I said that because it's a given to the entire football world that if anyone scores points for the Bucs, it's the defense. It's because the offense is woefully inept. Get it now???

[agatha]

Thanks, peterman. I had given up on those ignorant tools and wasn't going to go to the trouble of explaining what is obvious to a couple of jerks.

[Tom]

agatha, or should I call you peterman, you are the same person aren't you? I love in your "peterman" quote you said "I said that because it's a given to the entire football world that if anyone scores points for the Bucs, it's the defense". Need an alter ego to stick up for you? You didn't explain your lack of ignorance about the preseason or "expert" opinion of the offseason either. You can dish it out, but you can't take it. Go play with your dollies and leave football talk to people who have at least played the game once in their lives.

[agatha]

I don't have to do that unlike you who forged my name to a couple of the "fruit" comments above.

[Tom]

agatha, the only person forging names is you. In you peterman quote, instead of using "she", you used "I". A little slip up you didn't catch in your anger. It is quite obvious you know nothing about football as all your posts say is the Bucs suck, management
sux, the players suck. Blah, blah, blah. Nothing about what players you would have drafted or what schemes you think the coaches should use. You bring nothing constructive to the conversation except a bunch of negativity with no concrete solutions or REAL football conversation. Just insults to who ever disagrees with your opinion and you certainly can't take it when it's dished back. Study up on the game and come back when you know what you are talking about.

[Tom]

Wow! Someone is posting using my name. I haven't posted anything since 4:03. But the funny thing is the guy said everything I was thinking. Thanks pal! That's so funny about the peterman thing! Agatha, ur a joke.

[Tom]

Wow! Someone is posting using my name. I haven't posted anything since 4:03. But the funny thing is the guy said everything I was thinking. Thanks pal! That's so funny about the peterman thing! Agatha, ur a joke.

someone had to put that unknowledgable pest, agatha, in her place, I'm glad there is another Tom.

[DR]

Tom, what dress did you put on your Gruden doll last night? Ever since the SB, Gruden's offense has been horrible! look at the stats. You guys dog Dungy's offense and yet can't see that Gruden's offense is just as bad, if not worse. You guys must be going to Clearwater beach and watching the games with your head in the sand. What insight have you brought to the table? My dead grandmother knows more about football than you.

[Tom]

DR, Agatha, Peterman...whoever you choose to use as your name, I am not saying Gruden is the greatest coach. However, what he did during our SB year was remarkable. He exposed mismatches like Jurevicious on a LB. He used effective misdirection plays also against the Raiders. Don't forget, he also gave us great insight into what the Raiders were doing since it was, in fact....his team we were playing(which no one gives him credit for). Do you remember Lynch saying "Slide on seam"? Where do you think he got that from?

Dungy was an amazing coach. I think he is a better player's coach and maybe better overall. But I don't think he is a real X and O's guy, which was his downfall. Wanting a power running game with Dunn and having puny receivers like Green and Anthony who couldn't block. Not using those guys in space or catching on the fly (crossing patterns like the Rams did in the day). Instead, all they ran were either hook in or hook out.

I don't watch them with my head in the sand. I criticize them also. But have some freakin' respect. You wouldn't call him "Grudumb" to his face would you, chump? In the end, I don't go on public posts anc call those guys names and act like a child. They risk their bodies every sunday entertaining your fat @$$ on the couch.

[DR]

Tom, your the one who sounds like a fat pathetic idiot. And yes, if I had the opportunity to tell Gruden how horrible of a coach he is, I definitely would. He's definitely not going to beat me up, thats for sure. He's a flat out liar and everyone knows it,well, except those with their head in the sand. If you were face to face with Gruden, would you give him oral like you do on these posts, you fruitcake?
How long does a Super Bowl victory last? It was 5 years ago, its over with. 3 out of 4 losing seasons since,soon to be 4 out of 5, what a genious he is! Oh, the poor guy doesn't get the proper respect, haha. He drafted a kicker in the 1st round for the Raiders. Why are they struggling? they never had young talent to build with because Gruden can't evaluate talent. He can only pick up vets, which was all the Raiders had. Look at the Bucs man, they have busts all over the field. You guys make fun of Kenyatta and yet, he was better than a Clayton or even a Cadillac. And those 2 1st rounders they lost to get Gruden, what a waste. Any coach would have won with Kiffen's defense that year. Brooks scored what 4 times, Barber 3TDs. Lead the league in TOs and they put Gruden's overrated offense in great field position all year. Barry Switzer won a Super Bowl as a coach so Gruden wasn't the first shmuck to win a SB.

[Tom]

DR, it's amazing you even had enough mental capacity to turn on the computer. You're (not your!, that is a word for possession) a babbling idiot. You are a great example of how the human race really needs a good predator to prey on the weak and stupid.

It's amazing that you beat out 200 million other sperm to the egg!

Any coach could have won with Kiffin's Defense? Well, Dungy did't, did he, you little cretin?

Anyways, you're a waste of my time and waste of good oxygen. Need to speak to someone who likes rooting for this team. Go post on the Patriots site

I am so sick of hearing people say we should fire Gruden. They are the same damn people who said we should fire Dungy. Now EVERYONE in Tampa LOVES Dungy....It's amazing how that works. Now eveyone is calling for Gruden's head...He'll get fired then go and win the super bowl with someone else. and Tampa will say "I loved Gruden, we never should have let him go"...If we fire Gruden who the hell do we hire? Dont say Bill Cowher, bc that damn guy has never said he is going back.....its speculation at best!Gruden is a hell of a football coach, who was handed a terrible saly cap situation in 2003. The Bucs go 9-7 this year and if they keep him 12-4 in 08.

[Tom]

You have nothing to say other than derorgatory statements about homosexuals. Watch yourself. There are strict laws against hate in this country. I am not gay but I don't have any prejudice against homosexuals. So keep your comments mature little man. How old are you anyways, chump?

As for football, our 1999 defense was pretty darn good. Held the Rams to 11 points. We scored 6 points against the hapless Rams defense. Your point?

Go Bucs!

[DR]

You're the one who had to begin the path down that road. I didn't make any derogatory statements about anyone but you. Little man? haha How old are you? Couldn't be too old.
You don't remember the '99 season obviously. You don't know what a hapless defense is. Does a hapless defense hold their oppents to 14pts or less in 11 of 16 games? Remember that whopping 45 points the Bucs gave up to Gruden's Raiders? Oh, I know, thats not proving my point but did Dungy kick a last second field goal that game to break a 45-0 shutout? No he didn't, he's not a coward.
Bucs DE had 47 TOs in '02 which is more than the 34 they had in '99. TOs will make an offense even better, especially if they put you in scoring position. And if Gruden was the missing piece to the super bowl, where did his offense go? The Bucs have been at the bottom in offense the last 4 years. Go back into your closet.

DR, I have read you negative posts since BEFORE training camp started. The Bucs didn't even snap the first ball in a preseason game and you were bad mouthing the team, the coach, the GM, the players. I'm waiting for you to say the cheerleaders are ugly. You remind me of a guy who doesn't drink yet goes to happy hour every day, then complains about drunks. Don't you have better things to do with your time than troll on the blog of a team you obviously hate? You have some serious problems dude and need some help. Get a hobby, go to the gym, get a life!

[Tom]

Good or bad, I am a loyal Bucs fan. I've personally known some guys past and present who break their tails out their every Sunday. Much more effort you have ever given, DR, Peterman or Agatha, whoever you are.

So back to your village. You're depriving it of it's idiot.

[DR]

Tom, do you want a cookie? I played every sport under the sun and have won championships at all levels. I played football for 2 weeks with a broken arm before being treated and had numerous other injuries. Only one finger has yet to be broken. Playing in pain is part of the game, thats what makes it football. You can watch your "friends" bust their butt while you sit and watch on your sissy butt. You don't know what pain is you sis.
All in all, football is just a damn sport with employees who are well overpayed, as all other sports are. I don't see these guys spending 15 months in a desert fighting for something they may or may not believe in. The military puts you in jail and kicks you out when you fail a drug test and you babies want to give these guys second, third, and fouth chances.
Break their tails, hahahaha. You don't know squat. You back to your hole under that rock you came out of.

[Tom]

My father was a MACVSOG that died in combat. You don't even know what that is so google it doofus. So don't talk to me about pain @ sacrifice. Give people who bust their tails to entertain ur fat @$$ some respect. Dude from the Bills just broke his neck last sunday. Btw, breaking ur arm in Madden 2007 is not a sport jack.

[Tom]

My father was a MACVSOG that died in combat. You don't even know what that is so google it doofus. So don't talk to me about pain @ sacrifice. Give people who bust their tails to entertain ur fat @$$ some respect. Dude from the Bills just broke his neck last sunday. Btw, breaking ur arm in Madden 2007 is not a sport jack.

[DR]

Not to be disrespectful to your father, butWwat does your father have to do with you being a fat *** loser who puts sports players on pedestals? I can bench my own weight 20 times, and have had 7 major surgeries in the past 10 years due to sports.
What happened to the Bills player, he does have a name, Everett, is a tragedy.
What's also a tragedy is these athletes getting paid big time and acting like bafoons and a coach who is willing to lose his soul to get them. I don't see any negative press up in Indy. Thats the way it used to be down here before Gruden. There were hiccups but nowhere near as bad as it is now.

[Tom]

Bottom line.....I'm a Bucs fan that chooses to root for them, win or lose. I don't care if the coach is McKay, Leeman Bennett, Wyche, Dungy, Gruden or Mickey Mouse. They're still my team.

You're a fair weather fan who only stays around when they're winning. When they're losing, everyone sucks to you. Stop wasting your time watching them. You're guaranteed victories with the Patriots this year. Go root them on.

Enough said!

[DR]

I never said i'm rooting against the Bucs, I support the team and the players who are trying to improve and want to win. But, I can't ignore the reason they have been losing and not improving in a lot of aspects, and of course, that reason is Gruden. The things he has done to embarrass this city is inexcusable. He has a decent track record with free agent pick ups, (not lately, however) but has a horrible track record with drafting and developing talent. Kicking a field goal in a shutout to avoid the shutout just shows what type of person he is. He didn't do that for the team, he did it for himself. No respectful, good coach does that. Not taking firm action with these idiots who get in trouble with the law is another thing. He should suspend Stevens and Boston for a game which the CBA allows. The Bucs will not move on until he is gone.