The Buccaneers

The Buccaneers travel to N’awlins this weekend to take on the Division leading Saints in what’s sure to be another NFL media circus.  While I have nothing against N’awlins or the people therein, I *do* have issues with some of the “stars” that came out for the Saints first home game since Katrina. Anything for a photo op I guess.   And like some people have alluded to their game against the Falcons, you could have taken the best players from the other 31 teams and put them together to play the Saints; they still would have lost. 

The Rumor Mill says that Gruden might actually try the shotgun formation with Gradkowski. Apparently several of the team practices have included it. Odd considering that Gruden doesn’t like to use it.  Maybe Gruden is finally waking up?  Gradkowski is also working at running the ball a lot. One pundit has said that he wouldn’t be suprised if Grad’s rushing numbers are the team’s highest (Gradkowski is *almost* as good at running the ball as Michael Vick).  Speaking of Michael Vick, the Bucs signed another VT QB to their practice squad — getting him from, you guessed it, the Falcons.

Kenyatta Walker was placed on IR yesterday, officially ending his 2006 season.  Trueblood will start in his place.  Apparently Walker’s knee is progressing slower then the Bucs had hoped, and he’s had to have it drained several times already.  Walker has always been kinda like a mixed bag of nuts — you never knew which Kenyatta you were going to get come gametime.  He’s great at his position, but also great at getting called for a foul. ::shrug::  Not too sure if this is good or bad for the Bucs, but let’s just say it was expected. I’m wondering when some of the other rookies are going to be put in as starters.

Chris Simms is rumored to have had three pints of blood pumped from his stomach upon admittance to the hospital.  Gruden and the Bucs are going to have “some ’splainin to do” if Simms decides to retain a lawyer — first question would go something like “So Coach Gruden, what made you think it was ok to send this man back into the game when he was complaining about hardly beingable to breathe?”  I sure hope the Bucs and Simms can get this thing figured out.

Saints players to watch (or watch out for, as the case may be): 

Charles Grant:  Since 2002, Grant has made 30 sacks.  He’s also 6'3" and 290 pounds, making him a formidable player. With his size he can bullrush a guy like he’s nothing but a scarecrow.

Duce McAllister:  The 2001 first round pick has had nine 100 yard rushing games, and while sidelined last year due to a knee injury, he looks to be back in Pro-Bowl form.  Granted, Reggie Bush has been the chosen one this year, but that doesn’t mean the Bucs won’t see a healthy dose of McAllister as well.

Joe Horn:  A heck of a receiver, Horn makes a legitimate impact in how well the Saints do.  When Horn catches for over 100 yards in a game, the Saints are 18-7.  Need I say more?  Leave the cell phone at home Joe.

Reggie Bush:  The second overall pick in the draft is as explosive as our Caddy was last year. While still making some rookie mistakes, you can’t sit back and be conservative with this guy.  He can catch as well as run — double team anyone?

John Carney:  With the Panthers winning on a last second FG, I’ve gotten to the point of being leary of every kicker.  Like Gramatica was for the Bucs a few years back, Carney was the Saints leading scorer last year.  And like (Panther’s kicker) Kasay, he can put it through the uprights from over 50 yards out.  Where do these guys come from?

Drew Brees:  The Saints are 3-1 thanks mostly to their QB.  Brees is Mr. Cool under pressure, he’s moble in and out of the pocket, and he can find the open man.  When the Saints O-Line does a good job protecting him (which is most of the time) he’s deadly accurate.

                                                              GO BUCS!