Ready for Redskins-Bucs

We're awaiting kickoff here at Raymond James Stadium where the 6-4 Bucs are about to host the 5-5 Redskins.

This is shaping up to be a tough one for Tampa Bay despite Washington's .500 record. This team posted over 400 yards of offense against a stout Cowboys defense last week and nearly pulled off the upset. This will be the biggest in several weeks for Tampa Bay.

And the Bucs will have to play this one without Michael Pittman, as expected. Pittman is inactive today after aggravating that sprained ankle. Also inactive are QB Luke McCown, CB Keiwan Ratliff, LB Jeremiah Trotter, G Dan Buenning, TE Keith Heinrich, DE Greg Spires, DT Greg Peterson.

As you might know, Washington S Sean Taylor is out with a knee injury for the second straight week. That's a huge loss for a secondary that already has been vulnerable this season. In their past three games, Washington has given up nine touchdown passes. That's ugly.

Stay tuned for my comments and analysis throughout the afternoon by clicking on the comments tab below.

(Pictured: Joey Galloway. Times photo - Brian Cassella. Click to enlarge.)

Comments

[Daniel]

Stephen, Where is Garcia? How bad is he hurt? Any word, as Grads just took the last three snaps?

[Stephen_Holder]

They're looking at Garcia's back it seems. Not sure the extent of it but he's going to the locker room which isn't a great sign.

[Daniel]

Thanks Stephen, I expect a heavy dose of EG today, he looks good so far.

[Stephen_Holder]

Bucs say Garcia's return is probable. In fact, he just ran out of the tunnel.

[Duffiedawg]

Talk to me. What happened? I have no TV coverage.

[Tony]

Just what the Bucs needed a turnover, and rushing touchdown

[Mike]

Stephen, Why didnt anyone know about Earnest Graham sooner? he looks better than Cadillac ever looked..

[Stephen_Holder]

Phenomenal job by the right side of that offensive line. We're seeing some great run blocking from those guys. And Alex Smith is laying the wood over there too. That's making life a lot easier for Graham right now though he also does a great job of finding the creases and hitting them quicker than some of th other backs we've seen around here.

[Daniel]

That's great news, I would expect the Skins to put 8 or 9 in the box for Grads if Garcia didn't return and make Grads beat them with his arm, even though they have a bangd up secondary.

[Stephen_Holder]

Winston, Jeff scrambled on the first play from scrimmage and sort of dived head first underneath a couple of oncoming tacklers. I'm not sure that's when it happened because he stayed in there a couple more plays, but that's my best guess. It wasn't anything obvious unfortunately, so it's hard to be more specific.

I am so glad Mr. August is finally getting a chance. I regret it is at Cadillac's and Pittman's expense, but this is a good tailback. Ask any of my GA Bulldogs

[Tony]

Stephen, who would come in if Garcia and Grads were hurt? I saw McCown is inactive today.

[Daniel]

Mike, In a story this past week, a very humble EG gave credit to his young line and said last year he would have done just as good as the backs who played, which was awful. Something tells me with the way EG hits the hole HARD, he light have done better.

Tks Stephen

[Stephen_Holder]

Tony, McCown is technically inactive but you're allowed to play a third quarterback in an emergency situation. He'd be the guy. Ike Hilliard, I believe, is the absolute last resort. I hope to not havve to write about that.

[Tony]

The D is really laying the wood and all over the ball

[Daniel]

Greg White is a great FA pickup and what more can you say about Jackson with his SECOND fumble recovery. The D is setting the tone early.

[Stephen_Holder]

Tanard Jackson with another fumble recovery. And when the offense trots out, Gradkowski is still in there. Gracia's on the sideline looking all right but maybe they want to give him some more time I suppose.

[Mike]

Stephen, I am scared of Gradkowski. WHERE is Garcia? I thought he was coming back?

This defense is as hot as it ever has been, just with different fires.

The O is warming up as the line is strengthening.

Look out Dallas and GB in the playoffs!!

[Mike]

UGHHH, Gradkowski is HORRIBLE. HELPPP!!!!!!

[Daniel]

Mike, You have reason to be scared of Grads if the last series is any indication. Last year is very fresh to my memory and without Garcia, kiss the playoffs goodby.

[Tony]

Nice props for Sears by the comentators, he has had a very good rookie year.

[joshua]

Gradkowski has got to get that ball away on the 3rd step. Just shows, this team is going nowhere with him as QB. I dont even think he's shown the development to be called the QB of the future...

[Daniel]

Stephen, Are there many Skins fans at the game? When Cooley caught the ball, I heard the chant COOLEY, or was that booing? I was at the Skins playoff game and there were MANY Skins fans there.

Ruud seems to be everywhere!

[Tony]

Really lucky on that fumbled punt, we can not have any turnovers today.

[Stephen_Holder]

Tons of Skins fans. That's par for the course when they come to any town. They have a HUGE following

[Tony]

Stephen, do you think it was a mistake to use Pittman so much last week?

[Stephen]

Stephen, Can you pls find out why Garcia is on sideline? Bucs nation is scared!

[Daniel]

Good catch by Smith, but Grads throws one UGLY spiral, he also does not have the pocket awareness that Garcia has, so look for plenty of sacks and hurries as long as he is in there.

[Tony]

Grads looks scared and unsure of what to do with the ball.

is Michael Bennett active today? Has he been doing better in practice... ie, has his "package of plays" increased?

[Stephen_Holder]

Keep this in mind: I believe Campbell may have injured his hand on the play where Ruud knocked him down on the previous series. After watching a couple of errant passes from him I'm starting to think he's not 100 percent. Just a theory. Not totally sure about that.

Would be a good time to use Bennett's speed, since they are keying on Graham

Winston

[Daniel]

I can't see the Skins winning this challenge, a waste of a timeout and challange by the Skins. Greg White again, although the annoucers said he stocked shelves at Best Buy, I read were he said he was security at BB.

[j.k.]

Stephen- What did I tell you. There is the Redskins first gift from the refs/league in the form of a bogus grounding call. Try that in Green Bay, Dallas, or Pittsburgh and there would be an investigation. The ball was thrown in the middle of the field floating for anyone to catch.

[Dave]

I don't think Gradkowski has played very poorly so far. He really has the same skill set physically as Garcia, he's just not as mature. That slant he threw to Galloway was on the money, so was the pass to Alex Smith. He just needs to feel the pressure, because Gregg Williams loves to bring the heat.

[Stephen_Holder]

Yes, Bennett is active today. Just haven't seen him yet.

[Daniel]

Dave, you are right, he does have the same skill set as Garcia, same arm strength, probably faster. But Grads lacks the experiance, pocket awarness and the decision making ability only years of playing bring. It is no wonder why Gruden likes experianed QB's

[aakBstn]

I hate to sound like a pessimist but if you get the ball three times inside the 20 and only come away with 13 points, that's a out in the first round of the playoffs type of performance.

They should have put this game out of reach already...

All of us never give Bryant enough credit. This man is premier!

Winston

[Dave]

I completely agree, Daniel. Those two possessions would likely have resulted in TDs if Garcia had been in the game. I hope he comes back, but it's nice to see if Gradkowski is ready to be our QB when Garcia is done.

[Tony]

We really need touchdowns, can't settle for field goals. This has been a problem all season.

[Daniel]

aakBstn, Keep in mind, Grads is playing QB, you remember last year don't you? We are lucky we have the turnovers. Woth Garcia in there, it is 21-0

[Stephen_Holder]

Since I'm in the press box I don't know what is being said by the sideline reporter. But I understand they are saying Garcia has a lower back injury. They used a heating pad on it to soothe it but he's still out. Also apparently has something wrong with his wrist and had a sore elbow coming into the game (remember the sore arm story we told you about a couple weeks ago?). Suppose as long as the Redskins keep screwing this up there's no need to push it.

[Mike]

Once again....no one is with me here......Gradsuckski stinks and no one is really saying anything about Garcia...he must be really hurt.....

[Tony]

Shades of last year with Grads, what a difference one experienced QB can make on a team and season.

[Stephen_Holder]

Just as an aside, that fourth fumble recovery ties a franchise record for the Bucs -- and we're in the second quarter!

[Daniel]

Wow, Tough crowd, The Bucs are up 13-0 and the fans are booing Grads after the last series. I know those were some UGLY passes and reads, but really, is that necessary?