It's a numbers game at receiver

We're still a week away from the first round of cuts, but it's not too early to start  debating some looming decisions.

There will be some tough ones to make at receiver, in particular.

There are plenty of bodies, but there has been a lack of the sort of notable performances that would make those tough calls a bit easier. So, let's take a closer look at who might be in and those who could be out.

If Joey Galloway ever gets back on the field, he obviously won't have to worry about a roster spot. By the way, as an aside, did anyone catch the comments of coach Jon Gruden last night in the postgame interview? He said the following about Galloway, who was dressed for the game but had no chance of playing since he hasn't practiced yet because of the groin injury:

"He's got to get back on the field, We need to get him back out there. This guy hasn't worn a football uniform since the Giants game... This is as close as we could get to him playing. We wanted Joey to have a real NFL experience tonight."

I believe sense a hint of sarcasm in there. Could be the coach is growing annoyed with Galloway's protracted absence?

Anyway, getting beyond Galloway, I think we have to consider Dexter Jackson a lock. As a second-round pick, the Bucs have a lot invested in him. He also is a return man, which makes him a dual-purpose player. I don't see anyone else as a shoo-in.

Ike Hilliard has proven himself a reliable target, especially in clutch situations. So, I think Gruden will have a hard time parting ways. The Bucs don't appear ready to give up on Michael Clayton, despite his lack of production the last few years. Though that doesn't mean he can't be traded, if the Bucs are willing. I also think the team believes Maurice Stovall is yet to fully tap into all of his potential.

And then we have Antonio Bryant, who has been the bright spot thus far. He showed a lot of versatility against the Patriots, showing speed on that early end around play and toughness by running slants inside. He is doing many of the things the Bucs have hoped to see from Clayton.

That's already six receivers, which might be the cutoff. The Bucs almost never use more than three at any given time, so it'd be hard to justify keeping any more. Based on my gut feelings, that leaves Paris Warren, Chad Lucas, Cortez Hankton, Micheal Spurlock and Brian Clark on the bubble.

Maybe yu disagree. Feel free to engage in a little debate. But this is the way I see things playing out as of now. Of course, we still have a couple more preseason games, which certainly could change things.

Comments

[rk]

one overlooked factor about Clayton; he is a blocking machine. he's old school that way. watch the decent runs from the preseason games and you will see Clayton laying guys out.

[Brandon]

Ike Hilliard is awesome. He's not a homerun threat, but is so valuable to the team. He's like the coach of the recievers. Galloway even says so. Also, Hilliard is only 32. Lets not force him to retire just yet. He's been a solid contributor to the Bucs offense.

The other thing about Hilliard is he's smart and is a team player. He's good for team chemistry.

[Scoop]

Here is the scoop on DR...

DR stands for "Dallas Reject" which means he is not even allowed in that wretched town.

He lives is Peahole, FL in a hut, and drives to work in a swamp boat. He works as a liposuction "artist" but has a side job as a swine gynocologist. he claims it is his passion.

He once was a woman in a man's body, now he is just with no gentials because he cut them off in a self gyno exam.

He loves abuse, that is why he keeps coming back to this blog.

More to come....

[DR]

Man, you guys are typical Bucs fans that were chanting "Green Bay" when they came in town in the 90's. That's why you were begging for that old guy who loses more playoff games than any other QB that used to wear green and yellow. You front running losers don't know jack. Who really cares about arm strength? Obviously, the guy is in the NFL for a reason and its because he is good enough to be on a roster. Did Joe Montana have a great arm? No, and he is arguably the greatest QB to play the game. Romo doesn't have the strongest arm but he's good enough to lead the Cowboys to 13 wins, one more win than the Bucs best season. He did it in the toughest division too. To say Keyshawn wasn't double teamed is too funny. Key was doubled more than Galloway. Why? Because he ran good patterns and could catch the ball. Galloway doesn't get caught from behind but neither do the 40 WRs that caught more balls than him last year. You think Holt gets caught from behind? Edwards? Fitz? Well, there i go again comparing galloway to WRs that are 10 times better. Galloway should be the #4 WR right now, but he will have to come off that prima donna pedestal Gruden puts him on before that happens.

[Scoop]

Its all in fun DR

[Kurt]

Steve is right DR; I've never seen Keyshawn double covered. Why would you? He's slow as molasses. He's a great possession receiver, but it doesn't take 2 to cover him; that's basically for speed alone in the NFL unless you're 6'5". I guess if you're talking about zone coverages, he might have two on him briefly, but that would be the case for everyone. The gist is that nobody ever rolled safety coverage to him as he was not a deep threat, so once again, you're wrong. I agree with Brandon concerning Hilliard and anyone who acts like he's old and doesn't contribute greatly is just plain living with blinders on.

[Vince]

DR, you are funny, even if a little predictable. You definitely live in your own litle world. If I did not know better, I might think you work for the Times as one of those guys who says idiotic things to generate responses . . .

Keep up the good work.

[Kurt]

And btw DR, those weren't Bucs fans morons; those were Packer Backers! Any fool knows that, which is why you don't! Acting like one division is tougher than the other is stupid and pointless as it changes yearly due to injury and strength of schedule. It would be one thing if you posted ideas that had validity and worth, but you don't. Please go away as your rhetoric is neither stimulating nor informative and is ever-tiresome dribble to read. A true two-party participator you are; ignorant and apathetic.

[DR]

lol, another good response by Kurt. The NFC South is the only division to have its previous cellar dwellar (last place- for you morons, 90% of you) finish in first for 5 consecutive years. You're also ignoring the fact that the NFC East has put in 3 teams the last two years. They all have a tough schedule but that could happen again this year. The South might be in luck, I don't think the Falcons will win the division this year, but you never know. It wouldn't surprise me if they did.
You can't question Keyshawn's toughness. If Galloway took hits like he did, he'd be in a wheel chair right now. And again, Keyshawn was doubled... a lot. And again, what is speed? Keyshawn caught at least 70 balls in 9 out of his 11 seasons and Galloway has only caught 70 or more passes in 2 out of 13 seasons. there are a lot of corners who have enough speed and of course corners love WRs who can't run patterns. Galloways best games are against the worst corners. A 5'9" corner has an easier time guarding a 5'9" fast WR than he does covering a 6'4" possession WR who knows how to position his body and has good hands.
I knew there was something missing from this blog, Skylar, I mean Kurt's pee wee league comments.

[Oliver]

DR, Galloway and Keyshawn aren't the same player, they aren't used the same way. Warren Sapp always challenged Keyshawn to be a #1 reciever, and Keyshawn never did it. He was an awesome over-the-middle possession guy. Joey Galloway is the exact opposite man. Nobody has ever said that Galloway is one of the best in the NFL, but he's a serious deep-threat and has gone over 1,000 yards for the last three years, and he's isn't exactly playing for a superpower here, is he? Clayton has had one good season. Only this summer has he dieted properly and been injury-free. Wow. Galloway has been doing that all of his time here, and he's 36.

The NFC West is technically weaker than the NFC South.

I'm glad Favre isn't here too.

[Kurt]

You're just stupid DR admit it. It's ok; everyone knows already...

[Kurt]

Don't make me get out the b!tchsl@p stick on you again this year DR. Your face hasn't healed yet from last year...

[DR]

Kurt, you're taking a b-slapping right now. You provided nothing. You always claim you have stats that back you up and yet you provided none.

The Bucs just flat took advantage of the Cowboys in the Keyshawn for Galloway trade. Keyshawn has been trying to catch double entendres while Galloway is still a big contributor to the Bucs.