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

[Duffiedawg]

Hey, as much as I admire Garcia, and I think he is Gruden's salvation, give Grads credit.

He is 4/7, for 50 yards. He has rushed once for 11 yards.

He was thrown into the fire las year, and another year studying with Garcia will produce a miracle. He is good, just inexperienced.

[Tony]

I dont understand the short pooch kickoffs we do every so often. Is it just to keep the return team guessing, because it sure dosn't work for field position.

[Stephen_Holder]

I must say, if the Redskins go down and score on this drive, I'd be feeling pretty good with a 16-7 deeficit if I'm them. The Bucs have not taken full advantage of these turnovers. This game is in the very early stages.

[Stephen_Holder]

Phillip Buchanon just came off the field with some kind of injury. Sammy Davis is now the fifth DB as they are in the nickel.

[Tony]

I think the Skins recievers are hearing footsteps, and have seen the film of the Tampa safeties lighting people up.

[Dave]

Don't call it too soon, Stephen. What pursuit by Gaines Adams, that's what we picked him for.

[Bob]

Steven:

Any updates on Garcia? We may need him in the second half. However, if we can hold out with this lead, I think the experience is good for Grads.

[Mike]

The only experience good for GRADS is holding Jeff Garcia's smelly JOCK STRAP on the sideline..

[Dave]

Mike, presumably, wouldn't Garcia be wearing his jock strap?

horrible throw by gradkowski there.

[Stephen_Holder]

Okay, I was holding back, but I'm with you guys now. I can't watch Grads anymore, either!

[Mike]

It's his spare.

[Dave]

It was a good idea, a good read, but he should have just thrown it over the top. When Galloway has a step, no one is gonna catch him. He didn't need to do anything fancy; he just needed to throw it up.

[josh]

Wow doesnt this look familiar: Gradkowski misses a wide open Galloway, deep downfield.

[Mike]

Stephen, beyond that though, it is unacceptable that GruAllen didnt upgrade better in the offseason for a backup and TRYING to land Plummer does not count. Results count. This is unacceptable.

[Tony]

Stephen, are reports out of practice that Grads is that much ahead of McCown.

[Justin]

With the turnovers we have had so far, the game should be out of reach. With that said we will either hope for Garcia to come back after halftime or make the best and rally around Grads.

[Daniel]

Grads has the same arm strength as Garcia, but I have NEVER seen complete a long pass in the two years he has been playing. The Skins HAVE to know that too, and it just shortens the field.

Tim Tebow for Bucs anyone?

[Tim]

Did you just say,"Throw it up" ?? I think I will go throw up during half time..
Gradkowski is just plain ugly ...
Time for The Godfather and the boys to pitch a second half shut out..

[Dave]

Did anyone else just hear Tim Ryan (the color commentator) say that Campbell hurt his hand attempting to tackle Brett Favre? For some reason, that seems unlikely. Also, I guess Buchanon isn't hurt that bad.

[Stephen_Holder]

This is what you have to do with Grads... dink and dunk with quick, short stuff. And I like the use of the shotgun. He used that extensively at Toledo and is very comfortable in it.

[Stephen_Holder]

Tony: I woulnd't say anyone has suggested that Grads is way ahead of McCown. Remember, McCown was the No. 2 quarterback at the beginning of the season. I am yet to hear Gruden give an acceptable explanation as to why they changed places. Might be Grads' mobility. I don't know.

[keith]

BOOO gruden BOOO

[Stephen_Holder]

Take back what I said about Garcia's hand/elbow. That was Campbell apparently. Must have happened when I pointed it out to you earlier on the Ruud hit. But the info re: Garcia's back is correct.

[Daniel]

Stephen, the only problem with that is the Skins D will move closer to the line(LB's and safetys) and limit the run game and mid range passing game. You have to be able to throw deep to keep the defense honest. Teams should have NO respect for Grads long ball, that is a big problem he needs to work on.

Lighten up on Grads for God's sake. He is 9/16 for 105 yards, and 2 rushes for 24. Had he been that good last year, the Bucs would not be enjoying Gaines Adams this year.

[DR]

Bucs defense looks good, but you have to be disappointed with the Bucs offense. 4 turnovers and only 19 points on the board. This game should be over if this was truly a good team.

[mike]

How can you BOO Gruden...I think the bucs have come out ready to play almost every game. You cannot blame the coach for injuries...I will take a 16 point lead at the half anytime

[Stephen_Holder]

Here's my two cents on the decision to let the clock run out and kick the FG at the end of the half: They made the right call. I don't know that I'd trust Gradkowski to manage that situation where they're trying to get two plays in, even though there probably was enough time. If he takes a sack or doesn't throw the ball into the end zone or on the sideline, the half is over. No points, nothing. I'm with Gruden on that one.

[DR]

Why's Grad in the game if his coach has no confidence in him? Gotta stick with the game plan no matter what. If the Bucs walked off the field with 0 points from that drive, at least they went for the throat. You won't win too many games playing not to lose.

DR,

You play every game not to lose. Only if you have a Joe Montana-class QB do you let it all hang out. Even he got his butt kicked sometimes with that method of play

[Daniel]

Dr, That FG makes it a three score game instead of a two score game, how is that playing not to lose? The way the Bucs D is playing, three scores may be tough. BTW, some teams don't have one good QB, much less two. Are you confident w/ Brad coming in for Romo if he went down? Based on his play with the Vikes, I wouldn't be.

[aakBstn]

I think we broke Campbell...or at least made him cry a little bit...

Now we get down to the nitty-gritty. Go Defense

[Skylar]

I hope Grad has a big second half. He and Galloway need to get on the same page...they missed a couple in the first half. We'll need him down the stretch.

[Stephen_Holder]

For those who can't see the game, just wanted to let you know that Garcia is done for the day according to Gruden. He told that to Fox during the sideline interview at the half. He said they don't believe it's serious. I hear from others in the organization that, being a back injury, they want to be very careful.

now I am crying

[DR]

Well, look in NE, when Bledsoe went down, they didn't hold back with Brady and I don't need to tell you the end of that story. Brad Johnson would have to get a different play call because he isn't as mobile. Grad is mobile enough to keep the playbook the same. I'm just saying show a little confidence in your QB and you may see something special. It's tough on an athlete when you know your own coach doesn't have confidence in you. You play tight and mistakes happen because of that.

Gradkowski is just not a good passer. Period. Maybe 30% of his throws are good. And the receivers drop 15% of those anyway. This is not good.

[Stephen_Holder]

Make of this what you will, but Garcia is on the sidelin moving around, jogging and such as though he's trying to see where he's at.

[Justin]

Well all things aside, we are going to need a td or two to win this game, not field goals.

[Duffiedawg]

Dang, DR,

I never expected those comments from you! I really believe Grads is the future, he is a minature Garcia, but he just need experience. Where better to get it than understudy of Garcia? If the football Gods are kind, we can have a Garcia-class QB for the next 10 years.

[Tony]

We keep blitzing and not getting to the QB, unacceptable.

[Daniel]

Dr, Bradys first year the Pats did hold back as he only attemted a little over 400 passes in 15 games. He had a 85 QB rating his first three years also. When he took over for Bledsoe, Brady had 18TDs and 12INTs in 15 games hardly HOF numbers. Look up his stats, I would say the Pats held back.

[Stephen_Holder]

Now Garcia's throwing on the sidelines. I think maybe we haven't seen the last of him.

[Mike]

See this is what fans dont understand...when the bucs play not to lose, they lose!!!!!

if garcia doesn't come back, i have a really, really bad feeling about this.

[DR]

Gotta love Keenan catching 2 3rd and long passes. Winston, you could be right with Grad but he gets no respect from his own coach so he'll likely do well somewhere else, where he'll have a coach not hold him back.

Maybe the defense can move the ball? Come on turnovers!