Bryant, Bucs ready for kickoff

They just kicked off here at Raymond James Stadium, with kicker Matt Bryant in the lineup just one day after burying his infant son, who died Wednesday.

The Bucs and Packers are evenly matched on paper, so this should be a good one.

For the Bucs, the lineup news today would be receiver Michael Clayton's insertion into the starting lineup opposite Antonio Bryant. Elsewhere, fullback B.J. Askew and receiver Joey Galloway are out, as expected. Byron Storer starts at fullback.

The Packers are missing injured safety Atari Bigby and cornerback Al Harris, who has a lacerated spleen.

I'll be analyzing things and reporting news throughout the afternoon. You know the drill: see me in the comments section below.

Comments

[Leo in Canada]

How BAD is the field today Stephen? It does not look good on TV.

[Tim]

it's going to be a long day.

[benbolt fan]

By my count that is 4 tds that #20 has given up this year. Is this what happens when you are past your day you fall down???

Leo... The field does start to get a bit messy this time of year. But it shouldn't be too bad. USF has played on the road two weeks in a row and the Bucs were on the road last week. Unless there's been a high school game here that I don't recall, it hasn't been in use the past couple of weeks.

[Stephen Holder]

Benbolt: I think that sounds about right (4 TDs). And don't forget, the TD in New Orleans against Henderson (84 yards, I believe) was an identical scenario: Barber inexplicably fell down.

[Leo in Canada]

How long before Ronde is the third corner behind Talib?

[Stephen Holder]

Just one first down for the Bucs that they actually earned (the other was via penalty). They've got to have more consistency on offense. This team is asking too much of its defense (as usual) and that's when bad things happen.

[Leo in Canada]

Looks like Bryant is definitely slower than Galloway. Would DJAX have been open on that post pattern where Bryant wasn't? Would he have caught it? Why not give Jax that chance?

[Czantos]

Ronde is finished. Retire his jersey but don;t play him anymore. We need to win games, not get by on nostalgia. I hope Jerramy Stevens sees the ball a LOT today. This kid is for real and could be a mainstay here in Tampa for the next 5-10 years.

[jose]

two questions:

when did rondee get so bad and when did gruden get so fat? he is huge.

[Stephen Holder]

Jose, I'm not touching that question about Jon. I too put on a few pounds during the season. working 12 hour days , being on call around the clock and traveling half the time doesn't bode well for a healthy lifestyle. As for Ronde, well, I think we're starting to see the effects of age, as much as I hate to say that. For many players, it happens rather suddenly (Simeon Rice?)

[Jeff]

Gonna have to pass to set up the run.

[Turk]

I don't guess Bennett is playing, right?

[ben bolt fan]

When will #78 stop getting beat to his left on pass plays. The same week every week with tis guy. The d-line for the Pakers is twice as good as the Bears. The Bucs cannot block in the pass or the run.

[Stephen Holder]

Bad news for the OL: Arron Sears just went down. He walked very slowly to the sideline and they're looking at something on his lower body.

[Stephen Holder]

My colleague says he was hurt on the previous play, which might explain why he got beat. If that's the case, he's got to get out of there and not hurt his team.

Even great players can get old overnight. Barber has clearly lost a step (I think even the most ardent Ronde fans will acknowledge) and now -more than ever- must rely on wisdom and his vast experience to make plays.

Bennett's on the sideline again.

[Stephen Holder]

Problem with Ronde is they can't leave him isolated too often. that's when he gets in trouble. He is a great DB when it comes to working within the zone. Problem is, they have some good cover guys now (Buchanon, Talib) and would like to use that flexibility. Ronde's the weak link in that scenario, however.

[Karl]

Big play! 7-7. We're going to win this game with relative ease. I sense a SECOND Rodgers interception before the end of the half.

[Leo in Canada]

Griese to Smith! Deja Vu from Griese's last go 'round. Fire the cannons! Keep 'em ready. You are going to wear them out today!

[Stephen Holder]

Michael Bennett is activated today, actually. Not saying he'll play, but he's available.

[Leo in Canada]

Can Bennett run the deep routes?

Brooks, on the other hand, still has plenty left! GO DB - GREAT play!!!

[Stephen Holder]

Brooks read that stretch play all the way and stuffed Ryan Grant for a loss of four. Watched him even before the ball was snapped and he saw it coming. Then he drops a pick on the next play, but it was at least a hell of a pass breakup. He is a having a splendid day. Gotta give him credit for a pretty impressive season thus far.

[Turk]

Re Bennett and deep routes...that is what I am hoping to see. Doubtful he will see the field though.

[Susan]

I'd like to see Bennett get a little time today. The Bucs look electric after a little opening lull. The Bears win and the momentum there is carrying over. Brooks very nearly intercepted AR for another 6. We need to keep it in overdrive and put this one away.

[Ben]

Derrick Brooks-
first ballot HOF!

I'd like to see a deep throw. Lots of Bucs momentum right now. Go deep!!!

[pj]

Stephen,
it looks like Aquib is playing more single corner the last few series, and Ronde is coming in on nickel... is that your take?

Is it me or does Griese look splendid as well today?? Since that 4th quarter drive in Chicago drive until now he's been a lock. Stevens needs to make that catch...

[Jeff]

See...I was right. BTW - Matt Bryant's a stud.

[Leo in Canada]

The deep routes are open. They need somebody to get open.

[Turk]

I like the matchup with Bryant and would have like to see that last play go his way.

[jose]

the bucs offense has been pass interference calls. without them, they are not on the board. the call against clayton was a joke.

A slight shame not to get 6 there. Ouch - Jennings 1st down. 21 yard gain. Let's NOT get overconfident.

[Jeff]

Nobody cares what you say Jose.

[Stephen Holder]

PJ, re: Aqib, I think they're just playing a lot of nickel package today. That leaves Talib on the outside and Ronde in the slot, where he's at his best.

[USF #10]

WILKERSON!!!!!

[Karl]

I knew there would be another INT...knew it! Go Bucs! Now let's convert for 6!

Clayton dropped...

[Leo in Canada]

It's not rocket science, Mr. Clayton. Catch the ball FIRST, then run!!!!!

[Dan]

STEPHEN HOLDER, MICHAEL CLAYTON DOES NOT DESERVE TO START OR BE ON THIS TEAM...THIS GUY CONTRIBUTES NOTHIN!!! ABSOLUTELY NOTHIN!! NEVER HAS.

[Stephen Holder]

I don't know that I'd say that Dan after the third-down play Clayton just made. He basically did that on his own. He was well short of the marker when he caught that ball. I can't justify the drops either, but if you don't play him, it's not like Jerry Rice is sitting on the bench waiting in the wings.

[USF - 10th]

That's a little strong Dan. Perhaps he (Clayton) shouldn't be starting, you can make a case for that, but not on the team?? Yes, he drops passes but he's tough and durable and does make plays.

[Leo in Canada]

Mr. Brooks hands may be failing him today, but his head surely is in the game (& gameplan).

This one scares me right now. We thoroughly won the half but it's only 13-7. We need to be careful and not blow a game we should win ala Chicago last week.

[Turk]

Let's just hope they didn't get Rogers calmed down at halftime. I think we may have him a tad bit rattled.

[Leo in Canada]

Please let me take my hat off to DJAX. I was one of the first to question him this week.

[Jack]

Stephen, I'd agree with Dan. The Tampa media is a bit wussy when it comes to calling it like it is...In New York the media doesnt put up with mediocrity like Clayton. And there he goes again. The boy stinks and wont be playing on any New York teams that's for sure. Let's hope he isnt asked back next year.