Not-so-special teams?

So, the Bucs cut Mark Jones, who was probably more than adequate as a punt returner, and now the Bucs are going to use a "committee" of players to return kicks and punts, according to Jon Gruden.

Anyone else see a problem with this?

Here's what the Bucs have in mind: they'll use a combination of Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard on punt returns. And on kickoffs, Michael Pittman is probably at the front of the line. That means the Bucs' youngest returner is Hilliard, at 31. Now, none of these guys has been particularly injury-prone, but is this really a good idea?

Galloway, in particular, is a surprise. There's no doubt he could give the Bucs some energy as a punt returner. But considering the way Gruden shields him from contact whenever possible in practice, why then would the Bucs subject their top offensive weapon to the 11 kamikazes on the other team during punt returns?

We think the Bucs might address this need eventually, but there's always the chance they could stand pat. What do you think they should do?

Comments

[Eric]

Where is Ean Randolph? ;)

And what about Phillip Buchanon?

[clad]

I say the punt returner will be Taye Biddle.

[William]

Taye Biddle is our next punt/kick of return man!!!! Go Bucs!!! Great move!!!!

[Skylar Zalamut]

Cut Simms and sign Jones back.

[Daniel]

Galloway's early career was filled with injuries, he was a nonfactor for the Cowboys and was rarely on the field during his stint there as a result of those mishaps. We limit his practice during camp to prevent injuries, now Jon wants to subject Galloway to the violent and risky duty of punt returner? Not a good idea for our most important receiver. I can't see him risking one of four backs either. I think previous posters are correct in thinking Taye Biddle will get the job.

[74]

LOL! To all of you who hit the ceiling about Darby being cut instead of Simms! Seems 31 other teams don't see what you clowns do. He cleared waivers and was signed to the practise squad. I guarantee Simms would have been claimed.

[Carlos]

Mark Jones is boring. I'd rather see Pittman and Clayton return kickoffs, and Galloway and Buchanon return punts. Remember seeing Marshall Faulk do this at times? We don't quite have that kind of guy, but still these should be exciting times. Let's get it on!

[AL]

good comment 74. clad and william are probably right. However, am I the only one here who sees that Gruden is not making all the calls. I think Gruden is a little p.o.'d that he is losing players or not losing players for that matter. I think Bruce Allen should be gone after this season and the Glazers should give Gruden a little more control.

[C.J.]

Cut Gruden's QB pet (Gradkowski) and resign Jones. This guy is not a franchise QB. High dink/dunk completions equals a BORING 50/50 (or less)season, not the Super Bowl.

[aaron]

you speak the truth C.J.!

[Kurt]

That's funny you say that CJ, because Grad had more 20+ yd passes of any rookie QB in franchise history. He also had more 40+ passes than the vaunted Vince Young last year (in two less starts mind you.) I guess there goes the dink/dunk theory. Sorry to delete you theories with facts. Go Bucs!!! BTW - Jones isn't very good. I'd rather see Hilliard get the reps at PR and Pittman at KR as they are proven commodities at those respective positions = no turnovers!

[aaron]

dont even compare grad to young. those completions were not thrown 30 yrds. they were thrown 10 yrds and then ran for another 20. get off grads jock! he stinks. and if it wasnt for gruden he wouldnt even be in this league. he has orlando predators written all over him!

[aaron]

gruden is PO'ed that he isnt making all the decisions. but his conflict is not with allen, it is with ownership. the glazers said to keep simms. they have a lot invested in him. gruden is on the incredibly hot seat. they dont want to axe the guy (simms) that gruden/allen just this past winter sold them on. a year ago this time simms was the future. the glazers still think so, and that is all that matters. because we will be 6-10, 7-9 at best this year and gru-allen will be gone.

[Floridafan]

I just think they are waiting to see if they can trade Sims and get anything for him while Torrie Cox is on suspension. Probably would have used Biddle on punt returns but used his spot for Trotter. After the first few weeks Gruden will pick up someone to use for punt returns and kickoffs. As for Gradkowski time will tell.

[Erik VanLaningham]

Why didn't Galloway practice on Wednesday...any ideas?