Tell us what you think

Give us your take on the Bucs 30-21 win over the Packers. Include your name and hometown and you'll have a chance to see your comments in tomorrow's paper.

Comments

[doug]

Obviously, we should be concerned about the INT's. That's a huge negative.

The defense is playing really good, except for giving up the occasional big play -- which championship teams don't give up on a regular basis.

The running game is really good, especially late in the game. Graham should have 1,200+ yards this year.

[Leo in Canada]

You keep the stats...I'll take the WIN. .750 in the first quarter of the season. And it could not be more exciting. It is a true roller coaster watching & listening to the Bucs games this year. So far.
Burlington, Ontario

[Hammer]

Two words. Derrick Brooks

[DV]

Before you tools start complaining too much about Griese, remember the team is 3-1, it is a TEAM effort all the way, including the head coach. As far as the interceptions go, remember the Chicago D is still very respectable, and the Packers D is a huge reason the team went 13-3 last year. Regardless, this team has an attitude and a swagger we haven't seen in years. Griese seems to inspire confidence in his teammates despite his shortcomings, and that's a quality no other QB on this team can currently provide.

[John Klopfer]

Play of the game: Gaines Adams taking a knee after his interception. He was aware enough to realize that the Packers would have tried to strip the ball. Brilliant move!

[Brandon]

DV, you're freaking delusional. If that bum had played even average football the last two weeks, we blow the Packers AND Bear out. He flat out sucks for reasons that I have documented numerous times. When defenses challenge our receivers in the shortzones, Griese sucks.

Don't give us any horsecrap about inspiring teammates, he is freaking awful and Gruden pretty much benched him by showing that psuedo-QB no faith by not allowing him to throw in the last two drives, opting for running plays only and a QB draw instead of risking having that turd throw another pass.

Where's that douche, Kurt, and his moronic comments about how great Griese is? HEY KURT! YOUR BOYFRIEND IS A BUM!!!!!

[Henry]

Certainly happy that the Bucs won; we've now defeated to mediocre teams.

Griese is NOT a good QB, and I don't say this just because he has tossed 6 INT's in the last two games. The man has been in the league for 11 years and his career totals are 118 TD's and 98 INT's. Nobody with that history has a chance to get this team to the Super Bowl. Moreover, when we have to play good teams, they will eat our lunch with Griese under center.

Jon Gruden (aka Napoleon), the little general with the outsized ego, needs pull his head out of his butt and get Garcia back in there, or this season isn't going to end as well as it started.

Great defense, they played like champions but passing offense struggles again...offense is bringing the team down...there is no deep threat receiver and they cant get open. I think our defense will keep us in every game , therefore offense needs to improve to stay on field longer and finish drives.

[Mr. Ed......Strahan]

The defenthe played ekthellent. Gwiethe sthill scares me. Whath going on with the turf in that sthadium? heeeee---hawwww.

[bobbyd]

John,
That was a GREAT play, but I think the play of the game has to go to Donald Penn who chased down Tramon Williams after the Griese interception in the 3rd quarter. If not for that tackle, that was 7 points for the Packers. The Bucs D managed to stop the Packers on the ensuing drive and gave up zero points.

[Stephen]

A win is a win and I'll take them. Greise's whole career has been this way in that he cannot seem to shake that one or two big mistakes that has shadowed him. I would agree we have been able to overcome these mistakes with great defense but the last 2 wins should have been blowouts and due to mistakes we are leaving alot of offense on the field. This team should win the division but they sure like to take the hardest road to get there. Solid start to the season. Go Bucs!!

[Joseph Feldman (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)]

The Buccaneer's Defense was just to much for the Packers. I can't think of many bad things to say about our defense. 1 Defensive Touchdown (Jermaine Phillips), 3 interceptions (Barrett Ruud, Derrick Brooks, and Gaines Adams) and 3 sacks (Kevin Carter, Barrett Ruud, Jimmy Wilkerson).

Our offense did not play amazing however. Our offensive line was amazing, now not allowing a sack in 97 pass attempts. Griese threw 3 bad interceptions, and went 50% throwing. In terms of running the ball, Dunn had a good game all around, but Graham was ineffective up until the 4th quarter, where he just broke out!

Our Special teams did a lot better this week. Dexter Jackson looked fearless when returning the ball, and his blocking was really good. Matt Bryant went 3/3 (23, 24, 36) although being questionable all week.

GAME BALL: Matt Bryant decided to play in Sunday's game after his family tragedy and kicked three field goals and three extra points.

[GEORGE IN LARGO]

IN LOOKING AROUND THE NFL, THE BUCS BREAKS, ONE WAY OR AN OTHER AREN'T MUCH DIFFERANT THAN ANY OTHER TEAM; DEFENSE IS. THREE MORE QUARTERS LIKE THE FIRST AND WE CAN LOOK FORWARD TO DIVISION CHAMP HATS (NOT THE SAME CRAPPY HATS THE AL EAST CHAMP RAYS GOT STUCK WITH).
12 & 4. GO BUCS.

[Brad]

Henry,

Good point on the TD/INT ratio... Only there's a problem: There's a quarter back in NY that leads the NFL in career TD's and INT's and he DID get his team to the Superbowl--twice!

[Carmine]

HENRY, dude, napeolean was right on target!! Brandon, couldn't have said it better.

The Bucs are winning DESPITE Brian Griese. He is adequete at best, or a journeymen QB, back-up, whatever you want to call him, but DON'T call him a starting NFL QB, or a winner, or an 'inspiration"?? are u kidding me? lol!

Gruden needs to lead this team back to Garcia, soon... and hopefully Johnson or McCown step up in the next year or so.

Derrick Brooks turned the clock back today, Great game, Rhonde... seems to be watching dexter Jackson too much, but D. Jacks looked good today..

[Frank]

DV, you are completely wrong!! Griese is only making up for mistakes that HE made. Ball control.....Gruden preaches it all the time. His INT's are devastating in impact. Griese is a disaster and the Bucs continue to win... Thank you Monte Kiffin!!!!

[Mr. Ed......Strahan]

The defenthe played ekthellent. Gwiethe sthill scares me. Whath going on with the turf in that sthadium? heeeee---hawwww.

[jay feeley]

Derrick is playing like he's 27 again and Gaines is playing like a linebacker but Barb is playing like he needs to be taken behind the woodshed.

[Geoff]

I am really proud of this team. I like how our defense is playing, I like how mean our offensive line is, and Graham and Dunn appear to be great one, two punch. However, I am really sick of people putting Gruden down.

Everyone forgets this, but we all hated Tony Dungy when he kept losing to Philadelphia in the playoffs, and now we believe he is way better than Gruden. I mean for christ sake, this is Gruden's 7th season and in the previous 6 seasons, he has coached the Buccaneers to 3 division titles in those 6 years, and won the Superbowl. I wish we could all just rally around him and support his decision about Griese, because the fact of the matter is that even though Griese has thrown 6 INTs, he has thrown 4 TDs, and is 3-0 this season. We all loved him in 2005 when he quarterbacked the Bucs to a 5-1 record before he got hurt.

Anyway, Go BUCS and I'm looking foward to the rest of the season.

[DV]

Brandon... you are one of the tools I was referring to. Who would you rather have as QB? Happy Feet Garcia is impatient and doesn't let plays develop, plus he is selfish and not a team player. McCown needs more experience, but I'd sooner put him in than Garcia. Bottom line is the team is winning, and you can tell Griese is having fun, and is a respectful team mate, and that makes his teammates play hard for him.

[Kevin]

Great win. Gaines Adams was expected to be great this season and he has yet to prove anyone wrong. Our defense is amazing. Can't beat 'em. I love Griese, I feel he can lead our team to victory and I won't waver from that thought. We all shouldn't. He's our quarterback and we need to give him our support. 3-0 so far. I like that stat.

[DV]

Henry,

Good point on the TD/INT ratio... Only there's a problem: There's a quarter back in NY that leads the NFL in career TD's and INT's and he DID get his team to the Superbowl--twice!

Posted by: Brad

Dude, I almost said the same thing but decided not to! Thanks for making that point. Bottom line is Griese is having fun, which is contagious... a quality that #4 has.

[Brian]

great win--the Bucs are cetainly one of the top 5 teams in the NFC, notwithstanding Griese. He sucks. Why do you think so many teams have let him go instaed of making him their starter--CAREER BACKUP! Gruden needs to get over hi sego and od what is best for the team and play Garcia--or maybe even McCown. At least he can accurately throw the ball more than 25 yards, and he can run. He won't make nay more mistakes than Griese.

The defense is championship caliber, as is the running game--the passing game will sink this team if not fixed!!!

[Stop Hatin']

GARCIA IS PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY INCAPABLE OF PLAYING TO THE LEVEL HE WAS AT LAST YEAR!!! STOP CALLING FOR GRIESE'S HEAD!!! That is all.

[Swamp Rat]

The 3 INTs concern me. What concerns me even more is what happens when #55 retires? Even so, I will always support my Bucs.

Brad posted:

"Good point on the TD/INT ratio... Only there's a problem: There's a quarter back in NY that leads the NFL in career TD's and INT's and he DID get his team to the Superbowl--twice!"
---------------------------------------------

Just when I thought Brad understood the point of a ratio...
Farve has thrown 458 TD's and 295 INT's. Those are the stats of winner!

Once again, Griese has thrown 118 TD's and 98 INT's. Those are the stats of a loser.

[DV]

Hey, no named poster... did you watch every game? So, you do realize that NOT EVERY INTERCEPTION IS GRIESE'S FAULT? Like the ones that bounce off recievers' hands or chests? Tool.

[Drew]

Give the Kid a chance to become a franchise QB. If Luke is given the chance he may our best shot at a franchise QB. Great ARM, Great Feet, but does make the occasional idiotic mistake.

Griese on the other hand makes more than the occasional idiotic mistake. No Arm, No Feet...

A franchise QB and this team becomes the darlings of the NFL for years to come.

[Vince]

Logic dictates that with a Defense that will turn the ball over, and a QB that is throwing a lot of INt's yet getting a lot of yards, that the bucs become a Big play explosive team! Jumping out to an early lead and letting the Defense hit the field with a 17 point lead will make this team almost unbeatable! With a decisive lead, the Bucs QB will actually have to throw fewer passes, and can rely at that point on the run game. Big yardage designed plays mean you have fewer attempts per yardage gained, and again, less likely to throw as many turn overs. With a mennacing defense, they can cover up for a few int's any day, but with a lead the bucs play calling is completely open, and the opponents play calling beccomes extremely limited. A coservative approach still means more pass attempts, and ergo more opportunities for int's, and never allows the team to sit build game momentum. Ironic that you could advise an int pron QB to throw more, but what I ultimately mean is fewer throws, bigger plays, and at least the defense will be in a position to play with a lead, as opposed to the defense playing just as hard, but without a lead as a result or 3 and out inept QB plays. A unique circumstance indeed!

[Jay Buc]

Garcia was benched and he looked better than this clown. Gruden didn't even trust him to throw a pass late in the 4th quarter when he entrusted the game to Dunn and Graham because it seemed he completed more passes to players in green than his own team-mates. How does this guy keep his job? The Bucs won in spite of him. Has he ever completed a pass over 10 yards? Pitiful

[Henry]

DV posted:

"Hey, no named poster... did you watch every game? So, you do realize that NOT EVERY INTERCEPTION IS GRIESE'S FAULT? Like the ones that bounce off recievers' hands or chests? Tool."

Believe it or not, DV, that comment applies to all QB's. If you don't think so, then you just haven't thought about it enough.

[Drew]

I think the positive comments posted about Brian Griese are coming from a MOLE planted on this site. That's you isn't it Bob Griese?

Make a note of this Bob Griese, we all got wise to Phil Simms and look what happened to Chris.

[RICK]

Garcia throws one int at the end of the NO game and gets benched...greasy throws 6 ints and papa gruden makes 1 excuse after another for him. what the hell did garcia do to be demoted to 4th string qb?

[Bob Griese]

Hey Y'all!!! Don't do us like Phil and Chris Simm's or we'll file an NFL grievance against the Buccaneer Fans.

[Ray]

Two words "Start Garcia."

[Kristine]

I don't think Jon will cut Ronde for polital purposes right now, but his role should be reduced big-time. We have 3-4 guys that are simply more effective at this point. I'm hoping Barber sustains a benign type injury that we can classify as something more sinister and thus take him off the field and let him go next year. Or appease him with a coaching spot or company car, etc. But he needs to be off the field ASAP.

[Rodney A. Westmoreland]

GO BUCS!! All you haters. Better believe now. Yeah the Offense has looked lethargic at times but they find a way to win. The D is looking good even though they gave up a lot of yards so far.

SPT: I told everyone to give D JaX a chance and now look at him. He even looked fearless at times. Still needs work but looking a lot better.

Griese: Give the man a break, 2 of those were off tips those are hard not to give up. The last 2 weeks let's face it 2 very good Defenses.

Graham: Is the man, I’ve always known he would be good.

Bryant, M: After his very tough week, he still was a professional and kicked really well.

Defense: is looking really good off turnovers, this team is going to hang with anybody and the offense does just enough to get Wins.

Brooks: Is not done yet I told everyone that Brooks is just fine just give him just a moment. Same thing for Ronde, He will be fine. Don't worry about Ronde.

Offense: If they get a healthy Galloway back soon and the way Bryant, A. is stepping up and Clayton. Look out everyone the Bucs are for real. Fire those cannons and get this thing going. I'm so excited about the BUCS!!

Gruden: Well Gruden is Gruden and he still can coach is butt off. All you haters remember for years the BUCS did not have the players they needed to run this complicated offense, now Gruden has it and is doing better and better every week.

3-1 I will take that any day. GO BUCS!! and oh YEAH FIRE THOSE CANNONS!!

[Sabby]

Right on Kristine!

[Hammer]

when does davin joseph come back? (watch out d-lines when he does)

[Drew]

To the Glazer Family,

Pay Garcia his BONUS from last year and at least sign him to a TWO Year contract.

Pull Griese and start Garcia!!!

[Jeff]

Go with Griese until they lose and it's his fault. He'll play well vs Denver, as they have no pass rush. Don't worry Garcia fans, we'll see him prancing on the field again this year. Hopefully, he won't be a little bit@# and plays for real this time.

[DV]

For all you Griese haters, how come I haven't heard any of you bitching about Barber giving up TD's? He's just as responsible for putting the team in bad situations the past few weeks. I'll tell you why. Because you give Barber a get out of jail free card for his past performances. If Griese needs to be benched, so does Barber. Talib is better at man coverage.

[Kevin]

Rodney! You're the man!! GO BUCS

[DV]

DV posted:

"Hey, no named poster... did you watch every game? So, you do realize that NOT EVERY INTERCEPTION IS GRIESE'S FAULT? Like the ones that bounce off recievers' hands or chests? Tool."

Believe it or not, DV, that comment applies to all QB's. If you don't think so, then you just haven't thought about it enough.

Posted by: Henry | September 28, 2008 at 07:15 PM

And you haven't thought about the fact that Garcia is a whiny @$s who wants the team to pay him money he doesn't deserve, while undermining the Head Coach by publicly mocking his play book. Selfish, and not a team player. Makes for a losing attitude. Meet the bench.

[sm2]

Griese is a bum! Tampa should have beat Green Bay by 30 points! Garcia must have said something about Gruden's mom for this situation to come to this. The Bucs have won every game this year in spite of Griese. If I were Garcia I would tell Gruden to pound off! Some of the shine is coming off Gruden this season.

[Brandon]

DV:

Barber hasn't been very good, but one thing he HAS done for us in the past is be a part of our defense which has carried us the past 12+ years. Barber has given up TDs each of the last 2 weeks... That's funny, who did more damage? Ronde giving up 7 points or Griese who accounted for 14 of the Packers points?

You said Griese is out there having fun? You mean he thinks it's fun to suck? As bad and rusty as Garcia looked in week 1, if he were QB'ing for us and not turning the ball over the past 2 weeks we would have blown out the Packer and Bears. Griese is only good enough to keep both teams in the game and that isn't good enough for a team that COULD be among the top teams in the NFC if it could only get AVERAGE QB play.

And no, not ALL of Griese's INTs are entirely his fault, though he throws enough other bad balls to make up for them... all QBs have INTs that aren't their fault, what's new? Griese has thrown 6 in 2 games and turned the ball over 7x in 3 games. It's time for a change.

[Jeff]

Realax Brandon, Griese is just getting his sea legs. He'll clean up his play as the year goes on. If not, Garcia is semi willing and waiting.

[Brandon]

What makes the team play hard for Griese is the fact that they know if they don't play hard, there will be no way to overcome the inevitable hole that that terrible QB will sooner or later put us into.

Barring injury, Gruden will likely switch starters this week or do something drastic with practice reps to get the backups ready. It was obvious Gruden lost all faith in that piece of dung masquerading as an NFL QB when he didn't let him throw on the gamewinning drive (which most Griese lovers will somehow attribute to him) and the final drive. Griese is done.

[Brandon]

Jeff,

Sealegs? Is that your rationale for why Griese has sucked for the past 4 seasons? The man is 33 years old with limited to no athletic ability but he supposedly makes up for it with smarts...despite the fact that he makes a lot of stupid decisions.... I know, I know, he puts the offense in the right play... the problem is that calling the right play doesn't matter if the bum can't execute.

Here's the newsflash, Griese will only play worse and worse, as he gets beat around and becomes less athletic and teams see that if they challenge the receivers he will struggle. This guy shouldn't be in the NFL.. his arm isn't even strong enough to hold the clipboard.

On a positve note, Dexter Jackson looked explosive, fearless and ran hard, I think we may finally have a returner.

[what]

RV Griese must give a great hand job

[ben bolt fan]

I have to give Matt Bryant all the credit in this game. His son died a few days ago, he had a funneral last night and was kicking and playing a game for his team mates and made all of his kicks. Can any one give that man a game ball??? How heavy was his heart as he turned to the sky and kissed his son good bye after his kicks. He showed no emotion in a game that means nothing but a pay check as comparison to reality of life.
I feel sad for Matt Bryant and at the same time very very proud of his performance!!!!

[aj]

Griese is 9-1 in his last 10 starts as a Buc. I wish Steve Young, Vinny, Craig Erickson, Dilfer etc had stunk that bad.

At some point the coach has to call a pass with a double move. Green Bay was jumping all over every short route today. If they would've done an out, pump fake, then up it would've been an easy score with the Green Bay secondary being so aggressive.

Ronde had one terrible play today. He played quite well the rest of the way. There was sod trouble on the field at the start of the game, they even stopped the game at one point to do a repair at midfield. He planted, turned and went down. Then the equipment guy probably gave him longer cleats for the soft surface.

You can forget about Garcia, it's obviously personal. You can ask MeShawn how that scenario goes with Gruden. McCown would do no better than Griese, his release is much slower and he would've taken a few sacks. And Clayton still would've dropped the ball, then punted it in the air for any defender within 30 yards to intercept.

And Stovall is terrible.

And once again, DB for MVP.

[aj]

I don't get it. Why would you pass with two minutes left and the lead?

[Ron Paul]

PLEEEEAASSSSEE start Garcia next week! Watching Griese is like playing 'Russian Roulette'. At some point or another you're not going to get any more chances and the chamber will fire. If Brian throws any of those picks on the final drive we lose. Put your stupid ego aside and play ball control with Garcia. This defense is too good not to Jon!

[Garick]

The Bucs are looking like a championship team! The defense is playing great and they are beating GOOD TEAMS (despite what you clowns say) by overcoming turnovers and mistakes. That's a mark of a great team. Having said that, your not going to continue to be able to overcome all those turnovers. Please Gruden, the Griese experiment is over. We need to go back to Garcia! Go Bucs!!!

[Erick]

We won, which is great, but how about a decisive win, and not against the Falcons. Griese is great, but what is he thinking with some of these passes. Gruden cannot be happy with his performances and it just shows how much we need a franchise quarterback and not just some stopgaps. Kudos to the Defense though, and Graham pulling out a great run at the end....again.

[Tom DeLand, Florida]

Griese saved us last week against Chicago when we made Orton look like a Hall of Famer. This game the defense returned the favor. Think Garcia's weak arm gets that long ball to Bryant especially after throwing 66 passes before that throw.

The only game we lost was with Garcia who sucked with bad passes and running the two minute drill when the Bucs had a chance to beat the Saints.

Griese drives me nuts at times but the guy does win games in a Buccaneer uniform.

griese simply eecuted the plays gruden called i love the bucs but you should not throw 30 yard passes when your up by 2 scores in the 3rd qtr when it was 20-7 they should have run untill dunn grahm bennet askew and storer could not feel there legs the greenbay o was nonexistant if they happened to score you mix in some screens but throws were called every play and collins and woodson made great plays griese thew decent passes they werent off target or anything just great plays on bad ofensive calls quit griese bashin

[Bryan]

Griese throwing 6 ints in two games is a very big deal. If he can stop that then the Bucs have a real shot...If he keeps it up they will not go far.

However, the Defense is making some huge plays and I think Gaines Adams was an outstanding draft pick.

im still mad they didnt swap pics with detroit to get calvin johnson gaines is ok not great

[Ron]

Career Regular Season:

Garcia: 52-54 (49%)
Griese: 45-36 (56%)

Tampa Bay Career Regular Season:

Garcia: 8-6 (57%)
Griese: 12-7 (63%)

[bobbyd]

Turnovers suck, but everyone needs to understand the difference between an interception that is the QB's fault, an interception that was simply a good defensive play and an interception that was the fault of a receiver not doing their job. Only one of Griese's interceptions today today was his fault (one was Clayton tipping the ball to the defense and one was the defense ripping the ball out of Dunn's hands). And at least one of the interceptions last week wasn't his fault (on one the ball got tipped at the line of scrimmage and another may have been a bad route by Antonio Bryant).

Stats are important but they don't always tell the whole story. That said, Griese still does need to dial in his passes a bit. There were some overthrown and some thrown to the wrong shoulder. It's hard to argue with the results though, isn't it? When it comes to crunch time, they are finding a way to win.

I'm not buying my playoff tickets yet, but it sure feels good to be 3 and 1 and tied for 1st in the division.

[Brett Farve]

You people are focusing on the wrong stat by Griese. He is 3-0. Look at the W's as the MOST critical stat, not the INT's! You're being kind of hard on a guy that's 9-1 as a Buccaneer. Give him a chance to clean up the issues he's got and he can lead the Buc's to the Big Game! Sure, Greise and the Buc's are flawed, and you'll find things every week that will make you want to pull your hair out, but that is how it was back in 2002. That team was far from perfect but was good enough to get to the Superbowl. I say as long as you keep chalking up the W's give them some to clean up the INT's. Don't get so caught up in the hating that you can't see the positives. Brian ran the 2 minute drill to perfection last week agains't the Bears as well as any QB's in this league.

[Rodney A. Westmoreland]

Kevin, Thanks guy I just speak my mind and from what I have seen. I really think the BUCS are special this year. I really believe if they can play opportunistic football the Bucs will hard to beat. They are making plays all over the field at the right time. Graham has really not been known as a finisher but he is getting done this year. A. Bryant was a steal. Thank you, Gruden and Allen. Glad we did not pay huge amount of money for any of those FA WR's because they have not done crap since they went to their respective teams. Go BUCS and get ready for a show. Denver has an explosive D but if the BUCS get pressure on Cutler, look at they will be dominant. GO BUCS GO!!

[LarryS]

I've got to agree with BobbyD and Brett on their points. Look at the results, Garcia is 0-1 and Griese 3-0. Our defense seems championship caliber and when Joseph returns it should give a big boost to our OL which is doing pretty good right now. If we continue getting better as a team and avoid key injuries we could be the first team playing the SuperBowl at home!

[Stephen]

Tuenovers happen its a part of the game, but the int's that are returned for pts are huge and can cost you games. What makes it so frustrating is to see that when we have the opportunity to step on somebodys throat we dont do it. We left tons of offense on the field again and giving up turnovers never fully gets the momentum in your favor. Regular season you kinda get away with that but come playoffs the 2nd chances dont come very easily. This defense is solid but offensively you have to start closing the deal. I think this could be a special season as well but the keeping teams around can bite you. Go Bucs!! Also, the offense line gets mad compliments!

[bum]

Brandon your an idiot Griese's last 2 drives were 1)runs for clock management 2)was only 1 play, Grahams awesome run! Griese is no godsend, but he is a winner(that scramble for a 1st dwn was great). I'll take that winning turd everytime thank you.
p.s. Hi Kurt. BTW: Homophobes are usually the first out of the closet.

[bucs fan 4 life]

I agree that BG needs to protect the ball better. Our deffense has really saved us these last few weeks with timely plays. I know you guys are going to jump all over RB but he slipped on bad grass and that could happen to anyone. DB is not washed up as some of you said two weeks ago. The O line is doing a good job in the pass game, but the running game is suspect when running up the middle and on the right side behind Zuttah. I for one will be glad when DJ comes back because I think our running game will get better and consistant. Now I think BG is making too many mistakes with the ball. He needs to be more carefull. Now I'll give you one of the int's was MC fault, but the other two were on him. But reguardless of whos fault they are that's still 6 in 2 games and that is bad. I think Gruden fell out of love with Garcia when he started complaining about money. I personally think Garcia gives us a better chance to win, but I don't see Jon going back to him because his ego is too big to admit that BG starting might have been a mistake. I do give him credit for running the ball more this week, it allow the D to stay fresh and it showed. In closing this was a good win and I'll take 3-1.
''

[Bill]

bum, very well said that you should always "take that winning turd everytime". For all the posts calling for Griese to sit, the record (9-1)doesn't lie, which is why he is starting. If you want nice stats, we can pull Jeff George out of retirement. I'd rather win! On another note, it is good that D-Jax perhaps shut up (at least for 1 week) the morons calling to cut him after 3 NFL games.

[john]

Wheres DR smart comment!

[Chris of Orlando]

score was 20 - 7 then two picks later i was deflated. i really dont think we should give griese another chance to win a game the way he has. i think we have to be turnover concious, with the way the defense has performed and go back to garcia. a win is a win, but probably wont be next weeks win against the broncos.

[Joe Simmons (Slow Joe)]

Bench Griese. Start Garcia.

I have no idea what y'all are writing paragraphs about up there. What I just wrote sums it all up.

[herb]

we're winning with Griese..
yes.. he's throwing some int's, but we're scoring more too.

Garcia spent the offseason crying about money and had a leg injury(bogus i think) then blamed his crap performance on being rusty. I think Garcia was rusty by choice and didnt even consider he might get benched.

stay with griese, eff garcia

[George Bush #1]

A win is a win. We all saw Griese make the mistakes. The interception off of Clayton's hands was not his fault. Clayton should have caught the damn ball and we would have had the ball on the 4 yard line. We would have scored after that and the route would have been on. Our offensive line is starting to jel. No sacks in two games against two defenses that rush the passer well. Our offense is not stellar but it isn't made to be stellar either. The West Coast Offense has always been simple and boring. I am not worried about them. I give it up to the D though. They are playing hard. 3 TD's and a bunch of INT's. Plus, it is good to see that they are providing pressure with the front 4. How about Gaines? One game at a time baby!

[Tom]

I think if Simms were QB and he threw three INT's and had two blocked passes Jon would have choked on his chew tobacco! and we would have lost the game because he (Jon) would have started playing musical QB's. (respectively).

[DV]

Garcia is still "rusty" from spending the off season not practicing, whining about money, and going to Garlic Festivals.

[r-u kidding me]

let's just remember that Garcia is 0-1 though the defense gave up 3 looong Td plays in that game.
So please stop w/ the " the record don't lie GReise is 3-1, 9-1 in his starts as a buc qb, Garcia is 0-1"

why don't any of you that point that out also point out that Garcia was last year a Pro Bowl QB for this team?
Or do we tend to just 'forget; that fact?

[DR]

Kudos to Lord Kiffen. His defense played great, only giving up 14 points to a solid passing game. They need to keep that great zone defensive cornerback away from man-to-man situations. Barber has never been a great man-to-man coverage guy. That's why he wasn't selected by his peers last year for the pro bowl, because he doesn't man up nearly as often as other CBs do.
I understand Griese has a 9-1 record his last 10 games, but that isn't a good reason to keep him in the line up. Look at the Titans. Vince Young has a great starting record, but he isn't a legit QB in the NFL. The Titans are so much better with Kerry Collins, it's ridiculous. I know that not every INT is Griese's fault but the pick six was. The Bucs can't keep relying on Lord Kiffen's defense to make up for 3+ turnovers a game.

[Mike]

Hello Buccaneers Fans. Writing from Cardinal Country. Just wanted to send our heavy heart felt thoughts from our family to Matt & Melissa and the whole Bryant and Tampa Bay Buccaneers family. Our prayers are with you. Bless & Love.

[Brandon]

Hey Bum/Kurt:
I figured your little pansy behind couldn't stay away, figured you'd eventually show wearing one of your idiotic psuedonyms.

Bum:

Great use of irony there, dickwad. You said, "Brandon your an idiot Griese's..." Here is where the irony is, assface, you call me an idiot yet you can't spell a simple contracted word like "you're". By the way, moron, his 2nd to last drive was all runs BECAUSE Gruden didn't want to risk seeing that piece of garbage throw again, we were still trailing at the time, 21-20. In the last drive, Gruden has run play-action drags to the TE many times while running out the clock, but he wouldn't dare risk it with Captain INT on the loose.

Ron:

Great use of stats, so according to your stats Griese is a far better QB than Doug Williams, Steve Young and Garcia... yet the use of logic tells us he is no better than Steve DeBerg was and isn't as good as Dilfer or Shaun King were.

[MG - JGF]

Anybody want to consider that Brian Griese might get better with more playing time in this system? He IS 8-1 in his last nine start under Gruden.

With this defense and the solid running game - "Just Win Baby".

I predict that he starts a streak of at least 100 throws without getting intercepted.

This prediction that takes guts considering (1) How adept our receivers are at deflecting passes into the air for easy pickings and (2) How much "seperation" is this group of receivers going to achieve? They may not be fast, but their slow!

A final point - Griese deserves at least some of the credit for the "streak" of not getting sacked. Garcia went down more than, oh never mind.

[Hardhat0038]

That is my point exactly,.. 8-1 in last 9 starts, you just don't bench a winner,...

[Hardhat0038]

Brandon you're a dumfuk...when your teams winning, learn to shut up. If they aren't your team, then still shut up.

[Tom]

The picks that Griese threw yesterday were definately due to poor accuracy rather poor decisions. They weren't "bonehead" plays as much as they were just off target.

He's been throwing high and inside on the sideline routes which is killing us. If he tightens that up, we should be fine.

[James]

The Bucs win inspite of Griese? I would think it is our 26th ranked defense that's allowing the other team to SCORE as well.

Griese's offense is the NFL #7 ranked unit.

Kiffin's defense... 26th.

We're winning inspite of whom, what now?

Idiots.

[Snook]

There's nothing better than reading whiny Bucs "fans" complaining about a win. We all know your hate for Gruden overshadows everything. So tell you what... Go root for another team until Gruden is gone. Griese WINS games. Period. Garcia doesn't.

And these clowns complaining about not having Favre... Go look up how many 3 INT games he's had in his career.

[Kurt]

Brandon, I will use my name when I call you an idiot, you idiot. You presuppose that I am somebody else yet, here I am. Anyway, Griese is 3-0 so far, just like I figured and you didn't even think he would start. Who's the person with no insight? I realize it sucks being utterly wrong about something you so vehemently thought you were right about, but that's your life; get used to it. Look forward to Griese being our starter all year you tool. He may not be perfect, but our team is playing well and he did lead us on 5 scoring drives yesterday, just in case you didn't notice.

[GEORGE F. IN LARGO]

AT LEAST WHEN GRIESE GETS IN TROUBLE, HE CAN COME FROM BEHIND AND BAIL HIMSELF OUT. HE DOESN'T DIG A HOLE AND PULL THE DIRT IN 0N TOP. THAT NEEDS TO BE THE CASE WITH ALL THREE ASPECTS OF THE GAME. THAT'S HOW THE BUCS ARE WINNING!!!!

[migget]

jon gruden stii sucks!they still need a wr and a qb

The defense is ranked 13th by the way genius! Anybody that's suggesting that the offense is bailing out the defense is an idiot. The defense does a pretty good job of bailing itself out i.e. 4 forced to's including one for a touchdown.

[J dubb]

The defense is ranked 13th by the way genius! Anybody that's suggesting that the offense is bailing out the defense is an idiot. The defense does a pretty good job of bailing itself out i.e. 4 forced to's including one for a touchdown.

[Snook]

Hey Bucs haters... 3-1. Would be 4-0 if GarSHEa had been benched earlier.

[P Vine]

You idiots!----Garcia looked horrible in the first game; he stunk! Griese, in spite of 3 INTS did not look that bad. I feel that he still had control of the offence, unlike Garcia's first game.

[Pat]

Wow... lots and lots of haters in here. Dang gang, they're 3-1! All of Griese's INTs aren't entirely his fault. Quit moaning and get onboard with who is "pitching" for us or go watch Miami games! GEEZ!?!?!

[Steve]

I am happy D-jax made a positive impact for once, especially since I am an Appalachian Alumni. It is just one game but hopefully he can build on it. Nothing would suck more than to actually have someone from my school get drafted by the Bucs to only be a bust....Keep it up Dexter

[Kurt]

Although I think the defense still rules in TB, the offense is ranked #7 under Griese! Go Bucs!!!

[J]

I can tell there are a lot of Duemig fans out there who hate Gruden. We are 3-1 because we don't have that h@#$ Garcia starting for us.

Griese - 3-0
Garcia - 0-1

[Opinion MASTER]

gee whiz gosh darn lads and lasses, "haters" "idiots" "morons"
just becuase some of us don't feel Griese is the right man for the job??

3 wins is nice, but really 6 interceptions, 4 most definitely his fault isn't pretty. The whole "some int's weren't his fault, works in Garcia, 4 int SEASON as well you know?

But really, is it necassary to bring the ugliness with you instead of leaving it where it belongs,

.. on your mugs or mirrors??

[Kurt]

Opinion Master - While I agree that the interceptions have to decrease, we are looking so much more explosive on offense than we ever have before! The mistakes will decline as the season progresses, but when was the last time you thought we could actually win a game with time running out? Did you ever feel that way with Garcia? End of story; Griese is the man and he shall lead us to more victories than losses. Besides, the team rallies behind him and just plays better!

[Opinion Master]

let's not forgetthat fumble either last week. I beleive in the red zone..

as said above
Trent Dilfer does really come to mind watching Brian.

[Anand]

Defense was magical yesterday. Keep up the great work..

Rumors are swirling in Detroit that they may try to unload Roy Williams before the trade deadline for a first round pick. Any truth to this rumor? With Grandpa Galloway hurt, Antonio Bryant still highly unproven, Dex Jax still too young, and dont even get me started on Mo Stovall and Clayton, I am not opposed to this idea. He's a proven WR threat. After the trade deadline we'd only owe him $2.4mill in salary for the final 11 games (we have plenty of cap money). And he would fill a void that we've had for the past few seasons. What are everyone's thoughts? Can someone pass this on to Gruden and Allen to maybe stir up a little interest?

[nick]

The only difference between Griese now and back in 05 is he has better players around him. He did his best to give away the game. The interception by Woodson would have meant the game back then. We would have major controversy if we didn't win the game.

[nick]

We saw Baby Jackson grow up before our eyes. Way to go kid. Must be the shoes.

[Jack]

When will we (Gruden) get real and bench Michael "Bad Hands" Clayton?. Two dropped easy passes and one fumbled interception. Great day Clayton. I say hands of clayton.

[Kurt]

Still, five scoring drives; should have been six. He put enough points to win even with his pick six; remember that when making your coarse remarks. Don't just sit on the bad. We're ranked #7 in offense and I'll take the bad with the good right now. I see a lot of progress and the picks will go down for sure. btw - that fumble was forced, so it's not like he dropped the ball. Some of you act like our players are the only ones that go through adversity?

[Opinion MASTER]

the fumble was forced, of course, but you would expect that of a young, inexp. qb, not a ten year vey.

A 10 year vet, you would expect hm to throw that ball away as he felt the pressure..

as a ten year vet, you'd think he knows what 'outside the pocket' means when throwing the ball away, instead of taking a 15 yard, loss of down, penalty.

just saying..

[Kurt]

That's utter BS. Good QB's move outside the pocket just as he was doing; he just got stripped. That's a 10 yard penalty that shouldn't have been thrown because he chucked it 30 yards downfield! I'm not saying he's the coming of the messiah, I just think once he gets control of the int's we'll actually have an offense for a change. We scored on 5 posssessions yesterday (and it should have been 6 if not for 'drop the ball' Clayton - on the 2!) Think about how long it has been since we had a top 10 offense! We're ranked 7 right now; not just because of Griese, but because he knows when to audible into running plays, he manages the clock well and gets good field position. Give the guy a break. When we start losing because of him, start b!tching at him, ok? He still put enough points on the board to win yesterday!

[Bo]

If you take away the tipped and batted balls; he's really only thrown 3 ints and two were 20-30 yards downfield. I think the naysayers will always find reasons to complain. No biggie; we're still 3-1, mostly because of a balanced attack which includes his arm!

[Jesse]

I'm very happy with this win, but now that the game is over, you'd think by some of the post-game comments that it was still being played right now. Here's a clue for some of the clueless out there: there is no nearly lost column. To complain about what nearly lost the game & not give the team any credit for winning, particularly this week with Matt Bryant's son, shows how shallow some of you are. MATT BRYANT & THE BUCCANEERS WON! Honestly, I don't care who plays, who steps up, or how they win, just win! I think the whole team showed up in the face of tragedy & won! Like every honest Bucs fan, I want to see Tampa Bay dominate, score on every possession & shutout every opponent out, but it's not going to happen every game and may not happen at all. Do those who want Griese benched really think Gruden is not going to get in Griese's ear about the picks? The fact is, they won, & it was as impressive as the Bears win, to me, because this was a team victory. Technically, all those complaining about Griese's picks could just as well complain about the 2 TDs given up by the D; oh, wait, but the BUCS WON!

I had a good feeling about this game & the matchups. I believed it could be lopsided. To me, it still feels like they did dominate in many ways. 36:50 TOP kept the Pack's offense off the field; this was part of the gameplan. Excellent win! Tampa's not getting enough credit by those "experts," & some of you "fans" still try to embarrass "your" team, but I'm going on record: I believe in the Bucs, 100%. This team has been built to win; #2 D last year was my sign, which brings up--26th in total D last week, 13th this week--what a difference a week makes! The D was great! And the offense is ranked 7th, which is a good thing. This team has a special chemistry, no matter who plays, which I've believed dating back to last season, even after the Giants loss. As fans, we should support the team when they win (or lose), which is common sense & is citing the obvious! God Bless You, Matt! I believe! Hop on board, now! Show some faith! To beautiful Colorado, where Tampa Bay will be there in Denver as if they were waiting all week to play the Broncos! I'd say this team is ready to play that game today. GO TAMPA BAY!

[Kurt]

Nice post Jesse.

[Stab]

It was a fun game to watch but I thought the Bucs coaches were late in telling Griese to throw a few pump fakes in. The Bears were locking in on Griese and he sure was staring down the receivers yesterday. It was good to see Graham break 1 loose - our run offense is weak right now. We need Joseph back the stabalize the line.

[3Bucs]

What I can't understand is the sentiment that we need to wait for Griese to lose before we fix the weak link? When you discover your boat has a leak, do you wait for it to start sinking before you fix it?

I tip my hat to Matt Bryant, that took incredible courage to just go out there and take the field, let alone perform like he did. As a parent myself, I can only try to imagine how difficult that must have been. Keep the faith Matt, you'll be with your son again soon.

[Pete]

A W is a W is a W.........

3 -1 is a geat way to start the season. I heard the fat boy and his compadre hating on Gruden and Griese on the radio today, why, because they can't stand us being 3-1. It is about winning, pretty, ugly, who cares, a W is a W..................

[J]

for all you Griese haters, think about this..wasn't Rich Gannon a journeyman qb that never amounted to anything until he hooked up with Gruden for a couple of years and got acclimated to the offense that eventually got them to a very unfortunate superbowl and league mvp? i'm not comparing the two, but give Griese a chance..he's smart, gets rid of the ball on time, and gives the offense a chance at making plays..

[Michael Harris]

The Bucs are a good football team. Not great yet but good. Great teams peak in November and December. This team is still a work in progress. Their weak link is at the Receiver position. Even if Galloway returns, they have no receiver who is a proven at the position. I felt in the last draft that's what they needed. Gruden for some reason doesn't like receivers in Round 1. So they're paying the price. Griese needs to learn how to look off receivers. Steve DeBurg is available to teach him this and was one of the best.

[DR]

Jesse, how dare you insult anybody on talking football on a football blog. Let's not go overboard and exploit a terrible tragedy in someone's life. What happened to Matt Bryants family was horrible just like if it happened to anybody else. He made a respectful decision to play in honor of his son, but don't exploit that decision. That's a decision him and his family made. Let's not pretend that we know the guy like he's our best friend. Don't disrespect him by exploiting his situation. You must be republican. You must have loved watching Palin toss her mentally handicapped kid around stage.

[DR]

The Bucs won the football game with the help of Matt Bryant. Matt Bryant played the game to honor his son and be with his teammates, not to be bigger than the team. Quit disrespecting him by making him that way.

[My $$$ is MY $$$!!!!! Not thiers!!!!!!!]

Democrates have ruined this country... say NO to the DAN loving, white man's money spending party of the liberal scumbags.

Take our country back... from the depressions of the lazy and useless minorities and illegal immagrants that the liberal scumbags continue to pander to for thier votes.

[DR]

I don't see any rich people foreclosing on houses. I do see the Bush administration trying to give free hand outs to the rich republican execs who ruined the lives of many middle class workers through greed. The worst administration ever, worse than Benedict Arnold himself, is almost done with.

[Elliot]

Griese is to Financial Executives as the Bucs "D" is to Tax Payers

I LOVE THE BAILOUT STYLE BUCS DEFFENSE

[alex]

im a die hard bucs fan and this is wat i think r defense is basicly right now r team and r savior and they need to keep it up but were allowing to many poitns and a lot of yardage r offense has improved brian griese is better than jeff garcia right now but he needs to calm down on the ints or were gunna be in a lot of nail biter cuz we almost list to green bay bcuz of his costly ints but i love griese and i think he is the QB for us lets go bucs!!!! keep up the good work

[interrestedcitizen]

Now what is Coach Gruden to say? The facts are he has no choice. If this guy were named Simms he would be gone already. Garcia, waiting for the year to end. His role ended with his last statement to the press. Luke, well Luke has the arm but he isn't the one to take them to the Super Bowl. The D, well hanging in great although one wonders as the year progresses if age will show its face? No Brian's the guy like it or not so pray a lot because his track record speaks for itself. So far I feel we have been lucky not winning on talent. Gruden coached teams seem to have those sudden breakdowns and to that degree we will get bitten.

[Gary]

Griese is the 28th ranked "starting" QB in the league.

62.5 passer rating.

ONLY 71 of 128 completions to attempts.

6 interceptions and 1 fumble to 4 TDs.

Anybody, including the "GURU" himself, want to tell me that this is the QB to lead this team to a championship needs to put down the pipe!!!

3 and 0 as the starter is ONLY because of our defense. The defense won those games even after Griese had given them away.

Wake up and put down the "GURU" Koolaid!!

Gruden, oh I'm sorry, Mr. Offensive Guru, stop making it personal and really put our best chance of winning in the games.

[me]

So what are all you Griese lover gonna do when his turnovers start costing us the game. Griese is a leader he leads the NFL in interceptions damn near leads them in lowest QB rating and lowest completion ratio. Defense is the only reason we won the last 3 games period. Defense didn't play in the first game. You will see Griese will not finish the year as the starting QB. Loose the ego I don't care who the best QB is play him !

[MORONS, ALL OF YOU!]

Wow, you people think Gruden, sucks... look at Oakland since he left. Is that what you people want the Bucs to become? I can tell you now that if there were a better coach available, Oakland or St. Louis would have signed him by now.

[Kitty]

I'm loving this season. It reminds me of 2002, and while the O-line struggled during that time as well, Gruden managed to tweak the very same offense in order to make it a top-rank caliber team. I'm sure he will also make the appropriate adjustments this year as well. Stay tuned...

[lilargue]

After reading all these comments, I'm suprised the Bucs can still sell out the stadium. You guys have no room to talk about Griese and his INT's. When you can go out to R.J. Stadium and do what these players, like, Griese or even Rex when he was with the bears, do than maybe you can begin to talk. These guys go out and try to win every game for their teams, cities, and fans, and all they get is what you read around things like this. I think that Griese is just as good as Brad Johnson(give him 5 seconds in the pocket and he's better than anyone) and that he may not have the WR's that Johnson had. But still quality one's. Brian has never had an offensive line better than the 2005 one in his career, which equals to INT's in the long run. GO GRIESE, GO BUCS. Also all you Gruden haters, wouldn't last a week as a Steelers fan, I mean they've only had what, 4 coaches, maybe 5 with the one they have now in what 35+ years. WOW!!!