Bucs-Broncos live from Mile High

We're here in the press box at Invesco Field on a beautiful day in Denver. Before we get into some of the ins and outs of today's game, a little news.

Jeff Garcia is now the No. 2 quarterback behind Brian Griese, with Luke McCown the inactive third quarterback. If you read the St. Petersburg Times last week, you knew that indications pointed to the Bucs making a change in their quarrterback lineup.

With Griese having thrown six interceptions in the past two games, he's clearly been put on notice that he's got to be more consistent. This has to be a sign that coach Jon Gruden is at least willing to make a change if he deems it necessary.

As for the other inactive players, the one mild surprise is that tackle Anthony Davis is not active. That doesn't seem like a big deal, I realize, but it's interesting because there really isn't a backup tackle active in the event Donald Penn or Jeremy Trueblood went down. In a related matter, Davin Joseph is active, which tells me he's definitely playing.

As we told you last night, safety Sabby Piscitelli (elbow), WR Joey Galloway (foot) and FB B.J. Askew (hamstring) did not make the trip.

I'll be here throughout the game to answer your questions and share some thoughts and analysis. See me in the comments section below.

Comments

[Leo in Canada]

The Bucs are truly blessed to have arguably the best backup QB in the NFL. No worries if Griese needs to be replaced. I'm sure Griese will do his best keep Gruden from wanting to replace him.
Stephen, what do make of the report "Bennett was held out at the beginning of the season because he thought he was above playing special teams?"

[STIXX]

I dont believe that. BENNETT isnt a primo donna type

[Stephen Holder]

Leo, there's so much info out there I can't always keep up. Where was this reported? I don't believe as well, as Bennett has always said he'd do whatever he was asked. I think he'd play special teams just to get on the field.

[Leo in Canada]

I was surprised when I heard it. "Ledge" on the pre-game radio show talked about it at length. It must be true. I believe he is paid by the Bucs for performing that duty. Basically Bennett felt because he is a former 1000 yd rusher he was exempt. He obviously changed his mind.

[Stephen Holder]

I suppose it could be true then. I don't know. I haven't talked to Bennett about this topic in a long time. Who knows?

[Stephen Holder]

Davin Joseph is starting today. I didn't realize that earlier.

[Stephen Holder]

The way to beat this Broncos team is to sustain drives and keep their electric offense off the field. Not sure a three-and-out on the first possession accomplishes that.

[DR]

Stephen, do you know what the depth chart at QB is?

[Leo in Canada]

Stephen, please keep an eye on that road grater wearing #75 for the Bucs & let us know how he looks. TV doesn't always allow a decent look.

[Stephen Holder]

DR... I mentioned above that Garcia is No. 2 as we wrote in the paper last Thursday. Griese has officially been put on notice i think

[DR]

Thanks, sorry I didn't notice it before. Yeah, I'd say that would be an official notice that the leash is shorter this week.

[Stephen Holder]

One thing that is going to continue to be a problem today is containing Cutler when he attempts to get out of the pocket. This guy is much more elusive than I realized, having not seen him this year

[Rob]

Im back. An I have the same message. Holder shouldnt we run the football this game? We can dominate on the ground against the Broncos. I say it every week. JON RUN THE BALL!

[D.G.]

GO RAYS!.

[Stephen Holder]

That's a no brainer Rob. See above. Also, refer to the Bucs' earlier scoring drive.

[radio]

is this game being called on the radio on any websites today?thanks

[Rob]

Stephen - Its been a no-brainer all season..yet we always seem to throw the ball 40 times a game. I just hate when we gash teams in the 1st quarter then leave the run alone for the remainder...we have talent running backs we need to pound the rock. Any reason Jon strays from that? Is it because he has no patience??

[Joe Simmons (Slow Joe)]

I am seeing so many plays that Griese is not getting for us that Garcia could.

Yeah, yeah, I know...the backup QB is always the most popular guy in town; but it's not like we didn't see what Garcia can do for an entire season last year.

[Leo in Canada]

Radio, my perception is the NFL will ONLY allow it on NFL Field Pass.

[Stephen Holder]

i believe you have to subscribe to a service to get it online. Unless you live in Tampa Bay and can get it on 620 AM, which I assume you don't. Someone correct me if I'm wrong about that.

[Stephen Holder]

rob, here's my theory on that: Gruden wants to win, yes, but he would prefer to win the way he draws it up on paper. Problem is, the game is played on grass, not a chalkboard. As good a coach as Jon is, his biggest weakness is his stubbornness.

[Rob]

Outstanding answer Mr. Holder. I agree most definetly. At the same time, it brings me back to my point that we could use an offensive coordinator or atleast a playcaller who knowns Jon's offense. Sometimes you need someone who takes that step back and says hey...I know what we want to do, but this is what they are giving us. In my not so humble opinion 5.7 YAC is better then 5.7 per pass...ONLY because you have incompletions when you pass.

[Rob]

Sorry I meant 5.7 Yards Per Carry..not YAC

[Domanik]

Why doesn't Gruden ever pass the ball! We have to stop running. WAH

[Rob]

Domanik - a typical couch fan.

[ben bolt fan]

Now that I am really mad about the bolts lack of scoring I even more pissed at this lousey offense. Trueblood sucks!!!!! This offense is the only one the Broncos has stopped all year long. No talented offensive with a shity offensive coordinator.

[Stephen Holder]

That's a hell of a couple plays for Jeremy Trueblood there: negates a first down with a holding penalty then gets beat by Dumervil for the sack on the very next play.

[Leo in Canada]

Trueblood is getting embarrassed. I sure hope he rises to the challenge.

[Stephen Holder]

Bolt fan, you don't want to have your IP address blocked by the blog police, so watch the language. But seriously, I agree totally that this Broncos defense is pretty much a joke.

[DR]

What do you mean the Broncos defense is a joke? I mean, the Kansas City Chiefs have a great offense...for a high school team. The Chiefs won by running the ball. The Bucs are averaging over 7 yards a carry, give EG the rock.

[DR]

Again, Lord Kiffen's defense is doing a great job. They bend but don't break.

[Leo in Canada]

Is A. Bryant out there today?

[Rob]

Run the freaking ball...RUN RUN RUN RUN RUN...goodness I wish he would adjust his play calls....he is a fool if he doesnt run EG, Dunn til they cant walk tomorrow.

[ben bolt fan]

Why are the bucs not running. Were is Bryant and that o-line needs to get a push. This game paln is a little week on both sides.

[Joe Simmons (Slow Joe)]

I swear we must lead the league in drops

[Leo in Canada]

Sorry Joe. My bad for asking about him.

[Rob]

Its great to see Mike Clayton making plays. I still think he has potential

[Rob]

NO SHOT AT THE ENDZONE ARE YOU KIDDING ME...SO NOW NOW NOW HE RUNS THE BALL...OH MAN GRUDEN IS TERRIBLE.

[Turk]

A little bit too conservative for my taste.

[Leo in Canada]

You have to like the Buc's chances in the second half! Low tie score at halftime. A few adjustments and put 'em away.

[Rob]

Leo you are always so positive I love it. Sounds good...Stephen go pass a note to Jon about running the football!! Ha

[Joe Simmons (Slow Joe)]

You should have known better, Leo! :-)

Count me as one of the people ticked we didn't take a shot in the end zone.

[Stephen Holder]

I literally said to my ESPN colleague sitting next to me that Gruden wouldn't take a shot at the end zone in that situation. I knew it. Sure enough -- he didn't. Same thing happened last week before the half. They positioned the ball in the middle of the field for the FG. Go figure

[Rob]

Mike Shannahan said at halftime "If you pass to much in this league you get your butts kicked" wish Gruden would take notice and then look at EG 10 yards again!

[Stephen Holder]

The question I have is whether it's that he doesn't trust his players or is he just being overly prudent? Not sure which it is.

[Rob]

Stephen - 3rd and 4 and we throw a two yard pass. An thankfully Bryant gets and extra two yards. How come we cant run that draw or atleast playaction in that situation? Does Griese make a lot of checks at the line?

[DR]

16 passes and 13 of them less than 5 yards. that makes no sense, just run the ball.

[Rob]

Gruden being prudent? Is that a sign that he might go back with Garcia soon?

[DR]

With the blocking the way it is, he may want to go to Garcie. Griese looks like Frankenstein rolling out.

[Leo in Canada]

Great punt & coverage. Time for a TURNOVER!!