What now at quarterback?

The quarterback intrigue just never ends, does it?

It's like the gift that keeps on giving for a reporter. We have to generate interesting stories and highlight what's different about the teams we cover. Well, with this team, there's always a story at quarterback.

What we have now is the possibility Jon Gruden will be forced to make a decision on who to prepare for next week's home game against Carolina. It could be the exact opposite of what happened after Jeff Garcia's Week 1 performance in New Orleans. He performed poorly and came away injured, giving Gruden a reason to make a change of starters.

Now, it's Brian Griese that's hurt, and Gruden has an out -- an opportunity to go back to Garcia. But it's not as if that's an automatic fix, either. This offense has issues. Issues with its ability to block, sustain drives, convert third downs -- you name it. This putrid performance, mind you, came against a Broncos team that was woeful on defense. They had allowed 103 combined points in its last three games. Yes, the Bucs had 307 total yards, but 90 of them came on their final scoring drive.

Whatever happens, Gruden's got to make a decision here. And once he's done that, he's got to find a way to fix what ails this offense.

Comments

[shane]

lets go back to garcia he's well rested and is back up to speed with the recievers and backs and with his mobility he'll avoid those killer sacks

[jersey buc]

are you kidding me? Garcia is the best chance this team has to get to the playoffs. PERIOD. There is something more to this story, but the fact is, Jeff Garcia should be behind center next week.

[Ken in Edmonton, Canada]

NO MATTER WHO IS IN AT QB, THEY HAVE TO START THROWING THE FLIPPIN' BALL DOWN THE FIELD ONCE IN A WHILE!!!! That was some of the most painful play calling since Gradkowski started 11 as a rookie, I felt like going to the dentist instead of watching that crap today. This garbage about Galloway not being there to spread the field is crap. Bryant and a couple others are somewhat capable of running a post or a straight line down the field. They are not running 4.9 40's and are capable of running passed a linebacker on occasion......

As well, enough of the garbage two TE sets. Spread a couple receivers AWAY from the line so the opposing defence can't stack absolutely everyone near the box. It is making it harder and harder to run at times, and the 3 yard slant passes ARE NOT CUTTING IT with that many guys near the line.

[Valrico Rick]

I don't think it's going to matter who plays quarterback, this isn't a very good football team. There are a lot of good players on the team, but for some reason they aren't making enough good plays. The Bucs defense held a high powered offense to only 16 points at their home field, meanwhile the offense can't make plays and score against one of the league's worst defenses. It probably is going to get worse from here on out!

[Adam]

Does anyone remember when the Bucs laid a similar egg in 2005 against the Niners who were abysmal on D as well?

[Drew]

It doesn't matter who plays QB. It doesn't matter what type of exscuses are made. It doesn't matter who's elected in November. It doesn't matter who coaches this team. What matters is they really SUCK OFFENSIVELY and we the fans have to re-live these tortured moments for an entire season.

Maybe some higher being could intervene and give the OFFENSIVE players SUPER POWERS of some sort. Don't hold your breath for invisibility, elasticity, a big "S" on the chest. It's just not going to happen. We have to live with the fact that our Super Heroes are the muppetts.

[TRADEWINDS LOSER BOY MOSER]

the bucs sure could have used favre today, oh thats right i forgot allen never talked to greenbay about a trade

[Drew]

Allen was looking for another Muppett Super Hero, not a real Super Hero like Favre.

[aj]

Davin was bad, rusty today. The line was not cohesive. He's the leader of the line, but they clearly had gelled with Zuttah in. They will get better.

The offense needs an identity. They need to quit all that nancy boy, five guy shift and everybody forgets what they are doing crap. It's not fooling anyone anymore and it makes the offense look like a bunch of sissies.

Line up and pound the damn rock. EG was a half inch from destroying Denver today and Gruden went away from him, AGAIN! That's the third time this year. Use of personnel and clock have been terrible this year.

You have to put points on the board. You can't expect the defense to play 40 minutes and win every game. Can Dunn throw at all? Put Johnson in at QB and run the damn wildcat or something.

See how the Fins have put the rock in Ronnie and Ricky's hands and gotten a couple huge wins? In EG and WD we trust.

I knew when the Bucs starting saying they had the best offensive line they'd had in years, maybe ever, that it was a bunch of bull. We spend about 44 bazillion dollars on Jeff Faine who is about as big as a middle schooler and don't upgrade the left tackle spot. Typical Gruden/Allen stupidity. Then we draft a dope head in Talib who is invisible (instead of Desean Jackson). Oh but we did draft a D-Jax you say? Yes...and isn't he a prize? OMG Gruden has got to go. We have ZERO chance to beat Carolina. Heck, Denver's defense may be even worse than Arizona's and we get manhandled and give up several sacks! We're in serious trouble...

[Vince]

AGAIN, IT'S ALL ABOUT THE PLAY CALLING! I understand that it's a very complicated game, yet the biggest contributer to failure is when your opponent knows what play you are going to call. Just ask the Patriot's (wink wink)! That being said, do whatever you want, but make sure you're keeping your opponent off balance! That's just logic, that's just football!

[M. Reynolds]

Yet again, the hyenas come out at the first sign of weakness. Take a breath, people. Go yell at your kids PAL team or something.

That said, I'm beginning to seriously wonder if we might not see McCown soon for at least the threat of a deep ball.

[Gru Jonden]

Again, we saw yesterday what happens when 80% of your plays are short to mid range passes. The run was there, just abandoned... again. No chance of a long pass, either, unless McCown or JJ plays. I think it's McCown's turn, Griese was clearly playing in fear of himself yesterday, and Garcia just doesn't impress me anymore.

[Pete]

Well there's always baskeball season to look forward to.... Fire Gruden!

[Dan]

I commented weeks ago about how great those 5 yard "bombs" are the TB puts into their play calling. I guess to keep the defense honest!! When deep guys can't get deep there's a reason. And it's not usually them. Can anyone say 4-12, Baby? Great job against a porous D.

[Garick]

Are there any real Buccaneer fans here? You guys have to be by far the most pessimist fans and the league! No the offense is not perfect, but we've been doing better this year then in the past. The Broncos are a good team, you don't like to loose those kinds of games...but sometimes it happens. But by all means, go jump off ship. I mean we got blown out by what, 3 points?

[nick]

Stop all the bitching after a loss. The line gave up 3 sacks, first three since the first game of the year! Left Tackle is a strength. and I didnt see denver stack the line against us, in fact I saw three man fronts, so please stop watching canadian football and pay attention to this game.

[DR]

I said this with Dungy's teams and Gruden has better WRs- no matter how bad your WRs may be, you have to throw the ball down field at least a few times. Clayton and Bryant don't have Galloway's speed but they are big bodies with play making ability. If you have a one on one situation, chuck the ball down field and at least show the defense you are willing to challenge them with the long ball. That could get the safeties thinking a split second longer before committing to the short plays and this game is all about split seconds.
The defense did their job, they held Denver to less than 20 points. The offense was a complete failure starting with the offensive line. I guess Gruden was counting on another defensive touch down to win the game. Kiffen, again, is keeping this ship from sinking.

[Brandon]

Wow, I'm amazed by the number of people that have jumped ship. Valrico, that doesn't seem much like you to give up after a close loss on the road in Denver nonetheless.

As for the O-Line, it is always funny to read how we need to upgrade at LT despite the fact that Penn has done well and actually given up less sacks this season than everybody's favorite OT, Jeremy Trueblood, is it his name, his penchant for onfield outbursts? Whatever it is, Trueblood is the worst starting OL we have right now.

We were sacked 3X yesterday, at least 2 of which were clearly on Brian Griese.

As far as throwing the ball down the field more, we're talking Griese here,he makes Brad Johnson look like the Mad Bomber. He's probably the worst QB to strap on the cleats and start for the Bucs since Eric Zeier came through here. Benching him and starting Garcia will be a huge boost for the offense, McCown would be a major upgrade as well.

[bobby d]

Here's my question, and Stephen if you read this, I'd beg someone to ask Gruden in this morning's press conference: What the heck was up with the "No Hurry" offense at the end of the game??? The Bucs actually looked like they were trying to run the clock down. It was baffling.

[Bayrayfan]

3rd and 19 and they hand off the the ball for like 6 yards, ya gotta throw the ball!

[JC]

It doesn't matter who we have at QB, if the offensive line can't hold the gaps, even Tom Brady (Pre-injury) would be taking heat from the opposing defense.

Maybe the Bucs should be scouting for a QB who can scramble (like, Donovan McNabb scramble, not Jeff Garcia half "butt" scramble).

Hopefully, one day, by the grace of the pirate gods... the Bucs FO will stop wasting time on washed-up has beens (or never was') QBs.

[Finally Over To The Dark Side]

Ok, I'm finished. All these years i always gave gruden the benefit of the doubt, understanding he would need a few years to get his system in place. But this last game was the straw that broke my back. How many times will that fool run a draw when its 3rd and 20? Everytime! Gruden is pathetic, and its obvious he is no offensive genius. Lets just take Shanahan for example... i wouldnt mind losing with a coach like that, someone that has a pair. He went for a 2pt conversion for a win a few games ago, and this game when he got the ball at the end of the game, instead of running 3 straight times, goes in the air and drove the knife in our hearts. I am so tired of Gruden and his pathetically predictable play calling! If i know whats coming up on the next play, you bet the D knows. I dont care if our recievers suck and cant get open downfield, or our QB cant throw it downfield, how do you expect to make a first down when you dont even try! The worst part about all this is that he wont even get fired if we go 4-12 because he just got extended before the season right?

[Hroth]

Garcia you can plainly see is better than Griese. What's up with Gruden running the ball and not throwing in the end zone at the end of the first half?! That's poor coaching!

[migget]

so what!LET THEM LOSE EVERY GAME THE MIDGET GRUDEN SUCKS FIRE HIM.

[Leo in Canada]

In the "good old days" a player could not lose his starting status through injury. Hopefully ALL QB's are healthy this week preparing for Carolina. Competition is great in pro sports. Let them battle it out in practice and may the best man "this week" start.....and play well enough to lead the Bucs to victory. There is OBVIOUSLY no clear cut heads above all QB on this team so far this season.

[Tom]

Gruden's play calling was terrible again. Why does he continue to take out E.G. late in the game? I love WD, but Graham is a bruiser that is great late in games.

Trueblood is awful. He is by far the weakest player on that line. Unfortunately, we don't have much choice there.

[pickle]

How about Pittman sticking it to us in the end! I don't know why we ever let him go. I guess it doesn't matter since we don't even use our best back in Graham? Mix it up Gruden! Talk to your brother or something because it seems like your head in caught in a time warp! Mix it up!!!!

[interestedcitizen]

The D has played well for years but the vaulted O has failed more times then not. The question of why has to be made. Quarterbacks, talent, playbook what? Of course an occassional breakout game but really not consistency. It seems we are always in a two minute drill and rarely have the game tucked away. Sloppy, misque's, etc all point to coaching or confusion. Sorry, it does. I suspect Garcia, who all of sudden will be sweet as pie had the answer back in August when he fell from grace. Perhaps execution is more the point then options?

[rgoodwin]

GRUDEN NEEDS TO PLAY LUKE MCcOWN OR THE NEW QUARTEBACK JOSH,LET THEM PLAY,HOW ELSE ARE WE THE FANS GOING TO WIN,THEY ARE FRESH,NOT INJURED OR OLD LIKE GARCIA,HE NEEDS TO BE PUT AS THE 4TH STRING QUARTERBACK,HE HAD HIS HEY DAY WAY BACK,WE SHOULD HAVE WON SUNDAYS GAME, AND WE COULD HAVE WON IF GRUDEN WOULD LEAVE GARCIA OUT,GRIESE IS HURT RIGHT NOW BUT HE WILL BE BACK,BUT UNTIL THEN,PLAY THE OTHER 2 QUARTEBACKS,WHAT IS WRONG GRUDEN,ARE YOU BLIND OR WHAT

[bobbyd]

I think Gruden is over-thinking his playcalling, however, there were also plenty of missed plays. Griese hits that TD pass to Jerramy Stevens and it's a whole different ball game. Cutler begins to show his frustration by getting more aggressive and the defense begins to tee-off.

I'm beginning to side with those who believe that Garcia is the better of the two quarterbacks. Here's what I'd wish for: Garcia's arm and mobility with Griese's patience and pocket presence. Is that too much to ask for?

[Vince]

To all those claiming that we are "jumping ship", all we are saying is, let's not let poor, predictable play calling, be the reason we lose. We want to see a variety of short, mid, and long range, passing, plus a commitment to the run!

[Future Florists of America]

We support Jeffie!
Whipppie Yeah!

show your support with a Garcia rainbow sticker too!!!

I think Gruden is over-thinking his playcalling, however, there were also plenty of missed plays. Griese hits that TD pass to Jerramy Stevens and it's a whole different ball game. Cutler begins to show his frustration by getting more aggressive and the defense begins to tee-off.

I'm beginning to side with those who believe that Garcia is the better of the two quarterbacks. Here's what I'd wish for: Garcia's arm and mobility with Griese's patience and pocket presence. Is that too much to ask for?

[J.]

Finally over to the dark side..The QB's coach calls the offensive plays for the Broncos..not the head coach or O-Coord.

I agree the play calling wasn't perfect but you have to see the entire field and the routes that are run before you start crying about the deep ball. There was one ball tossed "Deep" (Garcia) and Bryant was double covered.

Of all of you who are complaining how many of you can state how many deep routes were run? Just because the QB throws it short doesn't mean that no one ran a fly or "Deep" route. How many of you know the coverage that was presented when the deep route was run? How many of you know if the reciever even had postion on the defensive player on the route?

Our receivers are not Pro-Bowlers..plain and simple..our TE's are not pro-bowlers..

Since you all like freaking out so much what until next week. I can't wait to see what you people cry about after that..ARMAGEDON!!

[Dark Side]

I dont care what the problem is with our personnel, if the coaching stinks nothing matters. When my wife who knows nothing about football predicts we are going to run and basically "give up" on a 3rd and 23 then the blame rests on gruden!

[Ken in Edmonton, Canada]

For the first time ever, I agree with DR!

Kidding aside, DR your posts do stir the pot here but what you said today can not be more true.

If Gruden is hesitant to throw a deeper ball or go for a TD at the end of the first half like yesterday, then he shouldn't have Griese or Garcia in there. Simple as that. If you don't trust what you have, at least try something else. McCown does have some upside, it's getting to the point where he is worth a look because no other team is giving any respect with the QB's that we have in there. I am still amazed and believe it was a miracle what Griese did to the Bears - not even close to being the norm and he is not that good.

[bobby]

i think the bucs will be fine but i do think we need a big time reciever or even roy williams from detroit since it looks like joey might be done

[Tom]

The call to pitch to Dunn before the end of the half is a huge bonehead call. We had a timeout and in their red zone with 14 seconds left. We could have taken any kind of shot and would be safe with a timeout.

Terrible call by Gruden!!

[Ryan]

The deep ball was not thrown because denver was rushing 3 and dropping 8... which begs the question, why did we not run more?

[DR]

Ken, going back to the bears game, Gruden called a conservative game all day. The only time he stretched the field was when he had to and guess what...it worked and it worked great. Like Ryan said, they dropped 8 in preparation for Gruden's offense. Shanahan and company knew it and after watching KC destroy Denver with the run last week, Gruden, again, was reluctant to run the ball. Remember last year when the pass happy Manning ran, what was it, 12 or so consecutive run plays against the Eagles? Thats called changing things up to take advantage of what the defense gives you. Gruden refuses to change his game plan and he needs to be blasted for it. They lost to New Orleans because of the same thing.
Going to another story, Coach Zorn credited Clinton Portis for calling the 4th down play that secured the win for Washington- Do you think this could ever happen in Tampa? That would be the quickest way to the dog house which seems to be turning into a kennel down here in Tampa.

[Tony F]

Just get Luke in there and get moving forward...oh, and RUN the flippin ball. He's talking about how magazines should take notice of how good Earnest Graham is...I guess they COULD if you used him more, or is he just tryin to up his asking price? Ya gotta wonder....

[Clifford]

At best we'll finish 8-8 and Gruden and Allen will be gone. Re-build?

[Hillary Clinton]

Vote for me!

[Vince]

I don't think Gruden will be done. i think he's a great coach who is just "Gun shy". I feel like he could dial up some great play calls, but maybe they will insist on letting someone else call the plays? But in terms of getting rid of him, NO CHANCE! HE'll get picked up in a heart beat, and probably by a rival team.

[Vince]

And "Ken in edmonton", your post was solid, and very logical.

I bet they are kicking themselves for getting rid of Simms now. As long as the ball wasn't tipped, he could always throw it downfield.

[Vince]

Yeah, actually, Simms was better at throwing the Deep ball than the three step drop. He needs to be in a Pocket PAsser offense, and Tampa didn't even have the Shotgun in the play book under Simms' time. THe Shotgun was added at the request of Garcia, showing that at one time, Gruden did like him. If we are clearly going to miss the play off's (not to be too negative I actually think we will make the play off's), it would be nice to see Josh play. It was good that we figured out early that gradkowski stunk, and it would be good to find out what Josh Johnson's got! He's got a Cannon arm, runs faster than Vince Young and was extremely accurate with some crazy high like 80% completion percentage or something like that. That way we can figure out if we need to spend a first round pick on a QB, And I apologize for even bringing up the draft at this point! Seriously, I'm not that bleak on the Bucs. I actually believe in Gruden, I just think he needs to find his "cojones!"