Walking the Plank... Grrr

So, I've been considering blogging about the upcoming Bucs season and I have decided to do just that. I will be rating all of the main positions including Quarterback, Running Backs, Receivers, Offensive Line, Defensive Line, Linebackers, Defensive Backs, and (of course) Coaching much the same way I review the films I choose to write about.

The preseason so far has been a productive one. I guess the way to start this thing out is to rate the team as I see them standing at this moment, preparing to enter the regular season. Here goes...

Quarterbacks: B

Well, things got off to a bad start this preseason with returning starter/veteran Jeff Garcia going down early with a high calf strain. In his stead, however, we saw great performances from all, yes, all of our 4 other QBs. At this point it is an open battle between returning back up Luke McCown and freshly back from Chicago, journeyman Brian Greise. Bringing up the rear and most likely the practice squad will be Rookie QB Josh Johnson. And, of course, we can't forget now disgruntled and spleen-less Chris Sims.

Garcia returned to play in the third preseason game and showed some rust, throwing 2 interceptions. Still, I am overly happy with the QB corp. It's a foregone conclusion that Sims will be either cut or traded soon, which is the best thing for him. I hope he kicks ass where ever he goes.

Running Backs: B+

At running back we are incredibly deep. I truly feel like the running game this year is going to be sick, partially because we have the ultimate running back by committee going on. Earnest Graham, one time Mr. August is a great choice at first down back after his breakout season last year. He's not the fastest but is without a doubt the toughest runner we have. The return of one time Buc Warrick Dunn is an awesome thing. His elusiveness in the backfield as well as excellent hands make him a threat whenever on the field in medium yardage situations. And on the high speed side of things, we have a great back up RB in journeyman Micheal Bennett.

As for the full back spot, the departure of all time Buccaneer Badass Mike Alstott seems to cement the fact that Gruden doesn't like to use the big guys. Guys like B.J. Askew and Byron Storer make you wish he did.

Receivers: C

The receivers have a lot more potential than they have shown so far. Joey Galloway, Mr. "Gotcha', Bitch!" himself also sustained an injury early in camp and has just now began actually wearing pads on the practice field. This led to a situation, much like the race at QB, for some younger guys to show their stuff. So far, the standout has been hard to judge. Antonio Bryant showed some skill on the field this preseason. Troubled receiver Micheal Clayton continued his ball dropping issues on the field, dropping a clutch pass only to catch a touchdown pass to cap off the next drive. Ike Hilliard also looks well this season. I think they will improve as the season begins.

At tight end, Alex Smith continues to look excellent in action. Not to lay it on too thick, but I think Smith is one of my favorite players on the Bucs. As a tight end he performs all of his duties excellently, providing great blocking in the passing and running game, crisp routes on the field, and a good set of hands. John Gilmore and Ben Troupe have also looked well.

Offensive Line: A

I gotta say this cautiously, lest I screw this up with words too heavy. I think that this line could be the best we've ever had. I know that this line has been hyped up lately, but sometimes things are actually worth the hype. This starting squad of Left Tackle Donald Penn, Left Guard Arron Sears, Center Jeff Faine, Right Guard Davin Joseph, and Right Tackle Jeremy Trueblood have had a great camp and preseason after having most of last year to get used to each other. The word from camp is that these guys are like brothers in the locker room and on the field and that's what makes good O-lines great!

Defensive Line: C+

The only thing that stops me from rated this line higher is the question mark at depth. The starting line up rules with Kevin Carter at Left End, Chris Hovan at Left Defensive Tackle, Jovan Haye at Right Defensive Tackle, and Gaines Adams at Right End. The way of the world at defensive line, however, means that rotation throughout the game is essential. Beneath this great starting lineup lays question marks like Dre Moore, Jimmy Wilkerson, and Greg Peterson. I think the season will find these guys stepping up, though.

Linebackers: A

As usual, our linebacking crew is runs a pretty tight ship. Our starting lineup consists of Cato June at Strong Side, Barrett RUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUD at Middle, and (maybe for the last time) Derrick Brooks at Weak Side. These three guys KICK ASS. Straight up. Behind them, guys like Quincy Black and Ryan Nece are waiting to unleash the pain. I love our linebackers.

Defensive Backs: B+

The secondary is what has always made this team home to one of the most feared defenses in the league. The care with which Monte Kiffin crafts this position is an amazing thing to see. One key loss, though, was the departure of Left Corner Brian Kelly. The starting lineup is Phillip Buchanon at Left Corner, Ronde Barber at Right Corner, Tanard Jackson at Full Safety, and Jermaine Phillips at Strong Safety. Pushing Buchanon for his starting job is rookie first round pick Aqib Talib. I think Talib will be starting before the halfway mark of the season.

Coaching: B

The coaching situation with the Bucs is funny. Imagine two kids in the same class. One kid, wise and methodical, does all of his homework and classwork on time, pays attention in class and comes out with good grades. The other kid, who happens to be smart as hell, spends all of the time he should be using to do his homework trying to find a way to impress the teacher by doing a lot of meaningless extra credit and winds up getting nothing done. One day, a substitute teacher comes on and attempts to evaluate the situation. He gives both kids the same test and averages their scores. He comes up with a perfect 80 percent. Things look pretty even by numbers but the truth is anything but. That's where I'm at.

Jon Gruden is an ass. He is so smart that he feels like everyone around him is not up to his level. He expects his players to perfectly understand and execute his confusing audibles and formation changes. When a player makes a mistake he can actually be seen screaming at the player before he gets anywhere near the sideline. That's how he fucked up with Martin Grammatica, Chris Sims, Mike Alstott, John Lynch, Keenan McCardell, and countless other players. He treats his players like shit. Pure and simple.

The shame is that he has the mind to be great. But it seems that it's that same mind that makes his pride so damaging. I guess it's a lose - lose situation. I keep sticking up for him it my mind but year after year things get all fucked up. I guess we'll see what'll happen soon enough.

Monte Kiffin, on the other hand, is still the man. When the time comes for him to leave us I think we'll all see the true impact of just how great of a coach and a man he is. This guy developed some of the best defensive players in the modern era. You only have to hear the names: Ronde Barber, Derrick Brooks, John Lynch, Simeon Rice, Warren Sapp. And don't forget about the players he continues to help make great like Barrett Ruud, Tanard Jackson, and Gaines Adams.

Kiffin is what stops this category from being a C- with the A effort he puts in every year. And he shows no signs of stopping. I think he has some great stuff in store for us this season.

Conclusion: B

We are certainly an above average team going into this season. The Bucs play again this Thursday against the Texans, but it being the last game of the preseason, expect a lot of second and third string players getting evaluated for the final cuts before the regular season. Unfortunately I will be in class that night so I won't be able to watch. I plan on firing up the DVR, though.

Anywho, I feel good about the season coming up. Part of me can't believe that the season is actually back. I'm sure when the pads start flying and the helmets start popping I'll comprehend it. Well, til next time...