Bucs have a new pressing need

In the wake of his team’s 23-16 loss Sunday to the Detroit Lions, Jon Gruden suddenly has a new pressing need – a kick return specialist.

Mark Jones, Gruden told the media at his weekly news conference at One Buc Place, is lost for the season with a knee injury. He likened it to the torn patellar tendon that sidelined tailback Cadillac Williams. Gruden added that newly acquired tailback Michael Bennett could be tapped for return duty.

Despite the missed opportunities in Detroit, Gruden found some encouraging signs, including the play of tailback Ernest Graham and quarterback Jeff Garcia.

“Ernest Graham had close to 100 yards rushing (19-for-92), 100 yards receiving (13-for-99) in his second career start. Garcia, I don’t know if he was 20-for-20 at halftime or close to it (19-for-20). It’s hard to imagine him playing much better. He did some great things. Obviously, losing (wide receiver Michael) Clayton on the second play of the game didn’t help.

"Hopefully, we can get a full supporting cast healthy and ready to go for the second half of the season. But it’s unfortunate that we weren’t able to finish some drives better and we had a couple of breakdowns obviously on special teams that hurt us. There are some positive things to take away from the game; there always are. But there’s also in defeat things that make it hard to swallow.”

Including injuries. The other noteworthy one was sustained by Clayton, who was undergoing an MRI on his ankle Monday morning. The results were not available at the time of the press conference.

-- DAVE SCHEIBER, Times staff writer

Comments

[Skylar]

Why not give Bennett a crack at it? He is much more impressive in open space than as a true RB. Third down back and return man; I think it's worth a try. What do all of you think?

[Skylar]

I guess I should read the article next time before making my opinion known...

[Clint]

I don't think Bennett should be used in KR or PR roles. We are already short on RBs. Who is available in free agency? When a player is placed on IR...does that create an opening on a roster?

[Tampabaysportsfanatic]

What about bringing Chad Owens back? He looked pretty good in Preseason. As long as he holds onto the ball he should have nice runs and put us in good field position.

Clint,

Yea when a player goes onto IR, it opens up a roster spot

[Clint]

We may need another WR if Clayton goes down for the remainder of the season. (Not like he does much)

[Clint]

Thanks TBSF

[Vince aka C.O. secret lover lol]

Bring back Chad Owens! He went bananas in the preseason. Also could add some quality depth. I miss him

[Andy]

This is a fiasco. The time is right for Tampa to call it quits at 4-3. So at least they will have a winning record.

[Skylar]

Let's call it quits? Fiasco? I think you may be on the wrong blog. Bucs gave one away, no doubt, but have played beyond most of "your" expectations this year and you know it. If you don't think 10-6 is probable, you are not thinking clearly.

[DR]

10-6? You're crazy!You must not be able to read because you must not have read their schedule. It doesn't get any better. They'll have to overachieve to get to 8-8.

[Skylar]

DR, who didn't read the schedule? The opponents that the Bucs have already faced have a combined record of 24-20 while the combined record of our future opponents is 24-34, counting Atlanta twice or 23-28 counting them once. We have six opponenets left with losing records and five more home games. Let's just say that we beat the teams with losing records (although we also have a winning record.) That's 10-6. That's just pure logic and leveled reasoning. I called 8-8 to 10-6 before the season began and I really think they have a very good chance to win the division and "overachieve" as you put it to 10-6 or even 11-5. We've proven we can't hang with the Pats & Colts, but we are definitely getting better, although not healthier (which can do us in if it keeps up - firetoddtoriscelli.com will be coming soon otherwise.) Anyway, I hope this helps explain my "crazy" reasoning:)