Live from windswept Raymond James

The winds are gusting here at RJS in advance of the approaching front, and it's going to make for an interesting afternoon throwing and kicking the football. Things will get even more dicey if and when the storms roll in, as expected.

As for the guys who will do the throwing and kicking, the Saints get RB Reggie Bush (knee) back today as he is in the starting lineup.

For the Bucs, SS Jermaine Phillips returns after breaking his arm last month. He, too, is in the starting lineup.

Off the field, we're hoping to get some time with defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin after the game to address reports he is seriously considering an offer to join his son, Lane, at Tennessee, where Lane is expected to be named head coach tomorrow.

It's all fair game on the blog, so log in and let's chat in the comments section below.

Comments

[Stephen Holder]

The wind is swirling here like you can't believe. Everything is going to be a challenge today, including running the ball -- once the rain starts.

[Drew]

The Bucs need to apply more pressure to Drew.

[Drew]

Lovely, here we go again. Hope this doesn't turn out to be another long nail biting day.

[Drew]

At least the Defense came to play.

[graydon]

We got pounded by the weather over in Lakeland. If it storms like that at Raymond James it's going to clear the stands and make for very difficult football.

Stephen what happens if it gets too bad to play ball? Delay the game?

[Stephen Holder]

Wondering whether anyone else thinks that should have been ruled an interception on the Clayton play rather than a catch/fumble.

[Stephen Holder]

The game could definitely be delayed. Usually only because of lightning though. There is, however, a tornado watch on all day today.

[Leo In Canada]

Stephen, stay away from the field. Phillips is hitting EVERYBODY down there. He is playing like a man possessed!

[Stephen Holder]

Leo, Phillips has established himself as a much better player than Sabby, the fan favorite. But alas, Phillips is almost certain to be gone this year. I have that from a very good source. Besides, he's going to want to test the market to see what he can make.

[graydon]

Dunn is looking great. We need to have a stellar ground game today.

[Stephen Holder]

Let me tell you, it is POURING here!

[graydon]

How is the field holding up? The slipping has started but how long until puddles and mud?

[Leo In Canada]

It seems there is a long list of contributors whom have their contracts expiring this year.

[graydon]

Thank you Caddy! I was wondering why we declined the off sides penalty resulting in 4th and 1.

[Stephen Holder]

Old school backfield there on the fourth and 1 play. Three backs: Askew, Cook and Caddy. Nice little run there by 'Lac, too. He hit that hole very nicely. Nice to see him do that rather than dance.

[Leo In Canada]

Matt Bryant belongs in the Pro Bowl this year!

[Drew]

Stephen,

Are the Bucs applying pressure to Drew?

[Stephen Holder]

Drew, not nearly enough. And you have to hand it to this guy. He is soooo good as avoiding the rush. I haven't seen a guy in the league who sets, slides laterally and re-sets to throw anything like this guy can. It's seamless.

[Drew]

And to think they had a shot at signing him. What were they thinking?

[Drew]

Carolina 14 Greenbay 3

[Stephen Holder]

You might have noticed DT Ryan Sims was playing that whole last series. Turns out Jovan Haye injured his knee and was in the locker room being attended to. His return is questionable, I'm told.

[Dave]

I still don't see how or why Sabby is a fan favorite when you have a monster like Phillips on the team.

[Leo In Canada]

Great play Ronde! The Defense is on the verge of taking this game over for the Bucs.

[graydon]

Clifton! Clifton! Clifton!

[Drew]

Clifton Smith! This Kid is becoming a Monster returner.

[Drew]

Garcia!!!

[Stephen Holder]

That 20-yard run by Garcia begs a question: Why doesn't he do it more? He spends so much time running around in circles in the pocket that you wonder what would happen if he used that energy to go up the field.

[Drew]

Carolina 14 GreenBay 10... Go GB!!!

[Kennedy]

Stephen,
I agree that if Garcia looks to run more north/south, it may force a defense to spy and open something else up downfield.

[Dave]

Or... it causes a season ending injury on Garcia when he establishes himself as a runner...

[Stephen Holder]

I agree it's risky. I'm not suggesting they make it part of the gameplan. And Jeff has to be smart and slide and not drop his shoulder to take on LBs. Okay, that's probably not going to happen.

[Kennedy]

and then silence...

[graydon]

Crap. How is our 33 second offense?

[Kennedy]

time to get more pressure on Brees-looks like when the Bucs stunt, they are getting to him.

[DR]

I'm telling you, this defensive line is not helping Ronde Barber out one bit.

[Drew]

Figures!!! Here we go again...

[Kennedy]

our 33 second offense is take a knee

[Drew]

Carolina 21 Greenbay 10

[DR]

Another red zone FG for the Bucs... against a weak defense. Inside the 5 this time. Does Gruden use Just For Men?

[Leo In Canada]

A few adjustments by the D at halftime & they will do fine. Special teams look great. Garcia's legs look good, but he appears to be tentative throwing the ball. He seems to be afraid his starter's status will end with any Int's. He needs to loosen up and let it fly and not worry about making mistakes.

[Drew]

If they lose this game, blame it on the Red Zone offense. Personally, I would've run Cadillac at the 5 yard line.

[Drew]

On another note, the Bucs signature is to play better when their behind going into the 2nd half. So hold your breath, cross your fingers and hope for the best.

[Leo In Canada]

Drew,no need for all that. The Bucs are going to come out and take over in all phases of the game.

[Greg D'Cruz]

It's obvious that Garcia is struggling to throw the ball. Why aren't the Bucs trying to run the ball more? Caddy looks ready to roll, let's see more of him in the 2nd half.
Go Bucs!!!!!

[BBFan10]

Look at the difference between Brees and Garcia, both guys can buy time, but Garcia had Clayton WIDE open in the end zone for 6 and flat missed him. I notice Brees does not do that. Many of Brees' completions are check downs and broken routes, too bad we can't pressure him. I like Garcia, he is tough and a decent QB, but we will never be a great team until we have a great, franchise-type QB. The difference between a decent QB and a great QB is obvious in this first half.

[shane]

instead of Clifton's nickname being peanut how bout we call him sparky? Seeing as though he always provides a spark in the return game it seems like a good nickname.

[shane]

why not put caddy in he's ready to go and did you see him throw that linebacker to the ground, looks like he wanted to be a bruiser this year. Lets use him on goal line and short yardage situations like I said last week after the Detroit game.

[Drew]

BBFAN10,

I agree, we need a franchise QB that fits the mold of a Brees or Favre.

[DR]

Dexter who? Where has Clifton been all season? Dexter should have been the undrafted rookie.

[Kennedy]

anyone else sick of listening to this sideline reporter? Wahhh, my hair got wet!