Jon Gruden: Too early to name a Week 6 QB

Bucs head coach Jon Gruden said at his weekly press conference that it is too early to tell which quarterback will get the nod for Sunday’s game against NFC South rival Carolina. Starter Brian Griese left Sunday's game against Denver with an elbow injury and Gruden said Griese is questionable. While Jeff Garcia has struggled with injuries as well, he would be the choice is Griese is unable to play.

"We're going to address the quarterback situation as soon as we get all the facts," Gruden said.

"Obviously health is going to be an issue. Jeff did some good things. His health has been an issue and his return to health is something we're excited about. We'll evaluate and let you know on Wednesday."

While the Bucs only scored 13 points against Denver, Gruden didn't point a finger at his quarterbacks. Instead, he gave credit to the Broncos' defense.

"Brian played pretty well and Jeff played pretty well," Gruden said. "Denver used some strange tactics yesterday. They've been a man-to-man team throughout the first month of the season. Yesterday they rushed three 23 times. I thought under the circumstances both quarterbacks did some good things."

The only other player Gruden mentioned as questionable was linebacker Barrett Ruud. Ruud suffered a knee injury and was replaced by Adam Hayward.

Rodney Page, Times staff writer

Comments

[John Gruden]

"We're going to address the quarterback situation as soon as we get all the facts," Gruden said

What i really wanted to say is "if i'm forced to start Garcia i will. i only hope my "genius" can stop those strange tactics that other teams use in a game to get us a win maybe? hell i might even put myself in as the starter! see i am a mastermind on offense!

[DR]

Jesse i want to suck a fart from you're poop shoot!

[Jesse]

oooooh, that is a little to much for me silly goose.

[shane]

Obviously health is going to be an issue. Jeff did some good things. His health has been an issue and his return to health is something we're excited about. We'll evaluate and let you know on Wednesday."

This means(if you read between the lines) Jeff is back as starter McCown is No. 2 and Brian is No. 3(inactive)

[Drew]

Shane,

Did you buy one the new Gruden language decoder rings too? There's a new high tech Gruden language interpreter available at Toys-R-Us. Can't wait to get mine. Also heard all of the NFL head coaches are lining up at Toys-R-Us for the new Gruden high tech play caller.

[Jesse]

Whoever the real funny poster that is using the name Jesse, posting @ 8:25, 10:07, 10:42, 11:12, is not the same Jesse who posted @ 4:17. You got a problem. Hope you have fun dealing with it for the rest of your life. Personally attacking people shows your maturity level, which tells me you're not real bright. Keep hating & see where it gets you. I don't think you understand. Obviously, you don't know what a fan is, which should have you banned from this site forever. What comes around goes around.

[Jesse]

I clearly critized Gruden; went right past you, didn't it, imposter Jesse? Oh, wait, when did you become a fan, imposter? Do you know anything about football? Did you even watch Tampa Bay play the year they won the Super Bowl? What a coward, that you would use someone else's name to try to make that person look bad; be a man, or woman, & state your real name, but you probably can't because you're not bright enough, just obviously presented to everyone by yourself. I'll stick around because I'm a fan, not a weak hater. DR, just take a long break from here; you have embarrassed yourself enough. So much disrespect is pointless.

[DR]

Jesse, you have no effect on me with your rose colored glasses. The only thing you're blessed with is stupidity. Gruden was brought here to power up the offense and the year they went to the super bowl, he had the 18th best offense. Kiffen's team won the super bowl. Grudumbs offense was 10th in 2003 but ever since he hasn't been better than 18th. You all blame everything that walks for Grudens failures but now this is no doubt, Gruden's team. He hasn't drafted talent too well on offense. Caddy and Clayton had one good year. This year, they used a #2 draft pick on a part time kick returner. What a waste. He's traded for Bennett and Griese and what can you say about them? Bennett has been a waste of talent. He's made questionable roster movements and his play calling is predictable and lame. He hasn't been to the playoffs in consecutive seasons for 6 years. Most teams would have fired their coach by now. The Bucs need to get some new life here. They're stagnant. It seems as if there is little effort being put out on the field. I don't think the players believe in the system they are running.

[Dr Phil]

What is going on here Jesse. If you need some help, just give me a call. You were telling DR you wanted to get with him, and now you come off as some bi-polar freak, babbling about banning people cause they make you mad. Are you used to posting at the bucs official board where everyone is banned? Come here little one, let me give you a big one.....

[Dark Side]

Ok. I have some inside info on the pitfalls of Grudens ego. I have an uncle who runs a dry cleaner in tampa and guess who came in to do his dry cleaning???? Jeff Garcia. He asked him about the team and when he isnt playing. Make a long story short... Garcia flat out said Gruden is a lair and his ego is killing the team. He said the he wasnt never as hurt as the team made it seem and that they wanted to take a look at Griese and were going to do it at his first mistake. This is so sad, this fool Gruden is the DR of NFL coaches ... j/k DR, nobody deserves that!

[DR]

By the way, did everybody see how bad Gramatica sucks last night? Is he still getting paid by the Bucs? The Saints should sign Mia Hamm to be their kicker instead.

[Yoshi]

Man, I swear you guys are a freakin joke! You get mad at gruden and blame everything on him. Granted some of grudens playcalling was questionable but you cant blame gruden for the o-line not playing to there potential. Not to mention that we did let JayCutler throw for almost 250. Even with all of that it was a close game. How about all yall stop cryin and actually support your team. Im not the biggest gruden fan by far but he wasnt out there playing. The bucs have a good team and you mediocre fans always find away to bash either the coach or the players. I dont know if youve noticed but we aree ranked in the top ten of almost every power ranking. A quarter of the way through the season with a shot at 1st place next week at home and already you "fans" are talking about 6-10 or 8-8 seasons. Shut the hell up, we still got plenty to go with a team that may be able to make a run and play the superbowl at home if a little adjustments are made. I dont know why you give the falcons or the saints credit for improving so much. Who have they played? Lets look at the Falcons, the only teams they beat were lame-o's. Detroit, Kansas City and Green Bay with a banged up QB That we injured with our Fire D. The saints win against us was givin to them with a bad call and they've only won one other game. On top of all of this we won with a Back up that throws more picks than TDs and banged up players. I really dont get it, we win 3 straight and lose one by three points and according to you idiots we're one of the worst teams in the NFL. Why dont you guys do every one a favor and actually think before you post an ignorant comment.

[Turk]

Now that was a GAME last night between the Saints and Vikings. Super exciting!
Great and creative play calling by coaching on both sides, stretching the field and wr's who actually jump and dive for the ball. The biggest thing that stands out is creative and aggressive play calling. I love the Bucs but like a lot of you I am getting sick of Gruden's play calling. His is anemic and he does not trust his players. I'm at the point where I'd like to see him go and get someone in here who is no such an egomaniac , who believes in our players and doesn't play so many darn head games. It took me a looong time to finally feel this way.

[Vince]

Turk, you hit the nail right on the head! Yoshi, you're missing the point, we're sick of winning DESPITE the offense! And we're too smart to keep turning a blind eye, while the team WE LOVE, goes down!

[Matlock]

"We're going to address the quarterback situation as soon as we get all the facts," Gruden said...

Jon, buddy, getting the facts is my job, don't forget it!

[J. Stevens]

Dude, I was wide freakin' open!

[Dark Side]

Thank you Vince. Your exactly right. Its sad that anyone who criticizes Gruden is automatically a hater or is jumping off the wagon. Just because you are fine with our team not living up to its true potential, that does not make you a more loyal fan. In fact, the ones who criticize actually have more faith in the team b/c they have set the bar higher, and that moronic Gruden constantly limbos under that bar, so we voice our displeasure.

[migget]

little jon why dont you QB since you do such a great job of developing QB'S so use how its done wizzard!

This is why Gruden doesn't take any callers like the players do during his Monday radio show. Maybe that was his "programmin' idea" hahaha

[Jesse]

DR, I'm stupid? I don't support hate of any kind, got that? I don't hate people, I hate things--things like hate. OK, how's this for stupid? "Kiffen's team won the super bowl."--DR. Rose-colored glasses? I largely blame Gruden for the loss to the Broncos, & if the losing continues because of him, he's got to go. I want to see Tampa Bay win every week. I would like to hear Gruden be more accountable for the loss to Denver. I've said it before: I've been a fan of Tampa Bay since 1979. Of course, there was no way to see every game of the Leeman Bennett-coached Bucs teams play back then, but I can't even imagine what would kind of stuff would be hurling around here, if the Bucs were still that bad. Trust me, it could be worse. Here's what dumbfounds me: Gruden was the coach when Tampa Bay finally won a Super Bowl, so what makes all of you who don't support him (Dr. Phil--I think your wife is calling) think that Gruden can't lead another team to the Super Bowl. Once again, if he keeps losing, then he's got to go, but this season isn't over. Yet, all of you with crap-colored glasses can't see that Tampa is 3-2, not 0-5. Blame Gruden for not having the Bucs prepared against the Broncos, but the Bucs had just won 3 in a row, & by these comments you'd think Mike Brown was the coach. I've lived in Indiana most of my life, before they got a team when I was already a Bucs fan. I could've cared less for the Colts, but now, I root for them because Dungy is the coach. I hate the way the Glazers handled Dungy's exit, too, but you know what, it's over & done with. Let it go, man! Gruden? Say what you want! State your opinion, but keep personal attacks out of this, or grow up! He won a Super Bowl with my favorite team, so I'll support him as long as there are no more unacceptable 5-11 or 4-12 seasons; for those who still can't get the crap out of your eyes, this team is much better than that.

[GEORGE F]

THE QB ISSUE IS QUITE SIMPLE. GRIESE 1st 2 QTR'S; GARCIA LAST 2 QTR'S, AND
THE RELIEF QB OF THE DAY TO FINISH OT.
OH ! BY THE WAY, MADDEN IS GOING TO BE IN THE OFF SEASON SOON. BRING HIM IN TO GET IT DONE RIGHT. LOOKS LIKE A PLAN TO ME. MORE PLAN THAN HAS BEEN IMPLIMENTED THUS FAR THIS SEASON.

[Kurt]

Don't let DR get to you Jesse; he's proven wrong most of the time and he has no player insight. I think we were a bit conservative and should have let Griese air it out a bit more or possibly run it a bit more, but the thing is that we were in the game til the last couple of minutes (when our d didn't get the ball back.) Anyway, we lost on the road to a good football team and they are bragging about it because we took a toll on them. We'll be ready for the Panthers and all of you haters are welcome to blog next Sunday afternoon once we win the division back! Gruden doesn't need your alliances; his record speaks for itself!

[Kurt]

...aren't bragging about it...

[BUCFAN4LIFE]

IS DAUNTE CULPEPPER STILL AVAILABLE...AT LEAST HE CAN GET IT DOWN THE FIELD AND MAY FINALLY BE HEALTHY

[Brandon]

Go back into your hole, Kurt. You got your wish and that pathetic bum Griese has proven how dreadfully wrong you are. So now it is Gruden's playcalling that handcuffed Griese? I thought you said Griese ALWAYS got us into the right play? The truth is, a team could be playing bump man coverage against us with no safety help over top and Gruden would call 3 go routes and Griese would still find a way to dump it underneath into the arms of a defender. Griese is a pathetic bum and he has done nothing to prove me wrong since his first start. If we had ANY QB play even average against the Falcons, Bears, Packers we would have blown them all out but because we had crappy Griese in there, we struggled in all 3. If Garcia or McCown... or Doug Williams or Steve DeBerg would have started against the Broncos we could have had a shot at winning. Griese is a freaking bum, I don't care how smart he SUPPOSEDLY is, he might be able to get us into the right play, but the pathetic bum simply can't execute it. I'd rather have any other QB in the game running the wrong play rather than take my chance with Griese running the right play.

[Kurt]

How pathetic your insight is Brandon, and now resorting to lying about things I've written. I stated that Griese was head and shoulders better than McCown and that he would start before long and I was right. I never said he always gets us into the right play period; I don't believe that about any QB ever! It was obvious to all of us though that Griese was holding on to the ball for some "unknown" reason and avoiding any tight plays (knowing that our receivers don't get any separation anyway.) I will use my intelligence and gander that the coach had a tight leash; you can do whatever you please with your less than stellar insight. Griese is 3-1 as a starter (could've been 4-0 had he finished this game,) and he's doing fine. We need a gunslinger to make plays and put points on the board; let him do his thing. All you know how to do is call people names Brandon...it really is sad.

[DR]

Brandon, you're right, Kurt was all about Griese and Griese is horrible. A 60+ QB rating means you're not getting the job done, winning or losing. The Bucs defense won the games, not the pathetic offense. The "offensive genius'" next trick play is probably going to be the hail mary at the 5 yard line. Gruden is the worst play caller in the league. Kurt, you're right, his record does speak for itself. Gruden is just your average Joe Schmoe with his .500 record. His offense has broken the top 18 only once.
As a fan, I'm a realist. My Cowboys deserved to lose last week. They play like that against better teams and they will lose, just like they did against the Skins. The Bucs keep playing the way they are playing, they don't deserve to win any game. They had a great match up against the Broncos and were outcoached. They played a 3 man front and knew that Gruden wouldn't run the ball. Thank God for the defense that will bend but not break. They gave up only 16 points to a great offense but their pitiful offense couldn't do crap against a defense that has given up 30 points a game.

[Kurt]

Once again DR, you speak without thinking. Go check out the winning percentages of the greatest coaches in football history and you will find the .750 is tops. Gruden at .550 is doing fine and as this team which he has had to rebuild since his inception, continues to develop, that percentage will go up. I am a Griese fan and I believe he can keep this team winning, but I never said he "got us into the right play every time." That's just a false statement which is the only way you phonies ever get an edge in with your arguments. I'm just saying...

[DR]

Kurt, rebuilding takes 6 years? There you go again making excuses. Rebuilding starts with draft picks and the defense has some good talent with a great coach, but the offense has yet again, been the weakness and there is no bright future ahead. That percentage will go up? How? If you can't win back to back seasons, how in the world will your winning percentage go up? This is Gruden's team whether you like to admit to it or not. He chose not to draft QBs in the draft and he chose to use the free agency market. His draft picks have been disappointments and he doesn't use his players to the best of their abilities. You're out of excuses. Without Monte Kiffen as the defensive coordinator, Gruden's winning percentage would be well below .500. The Bucs have no shot with Gruden as coach.

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