Time to Move on Tampa next

hagan714 · 11-01-2006, 08:27 AM

SAINTS (5-2) at TAMPA BAY (2-5)
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Scouting report

By Brian Allee-Walsh

Based on Sunday's offensive performance at wind-whipped Giants Stadium, the bloom is coming off the rose of noted play-caller Tampa Bay Coach Jon Gruden.

On a day when winds gusted to 40 mph, Gruden abandoned the run and put the ball in the hands of rookie quarterback Bruce Gradkowski.

Bad, bad decision. The Buccaneers lost 17-3 to the New York Giants. Credit Gruden for taking Buccaneers running back Carnell "Cadillac" Williams out of the game, not the Giants' defense.

SAINTS (5-2) at TAMPA BAY (2-5)

BUCCANEERS ON OFFENSE

They have failed to score an offensive touchdown in two consecutive games and four of seven overall, which makes Gruden's decision to abandon the running game against the Giants all that more perplexing. Gradkowski (69.1 passer rating) is not capable of winning a game by himself. Williams is the team's best offensive weapon, though his production (414 yards rushing, 3.7-yard average, one touchdown) has been rather pedestrian. Wide receivers Joey Galloway (two) and Michael Clayton (one) and tight end Alex Smith (two) have combined for five touchdown receptions.

BUCCANEERS ON DEFENSE

Veteran cornerback Ronde Barber leads the team in interceptions (two, both returned for touchdowns against the Philadelphia Eagles) and tackles (52). Defensive tackle Ellis Wyms leads the team with four sacks, two more than defensive end Simeon Rice. Linebackers Derrick Brooks (42 tackles) and Shelton Quarles (33 tackles) are solid against the run. But this perennial top-10 defense slowly is eroding into a run-of-the-mill unit.

BUCCANEERS' SPECIAL TEAMS

Kicker Matt Bryant has been the team's most consistent scorer, converting six of nine field-goal attempts, including a 62-yarder to beat Philadelphia 23-21 in Week 7. Josh Bidwell is averaging 42.5 yards per punt.

BY THE NUMBERS

0 -- Kickoffs returned for a touchdown in franchise history. Futility streak stands at 1,788 kickoff returns without a score, not including 14 playoff games.

WORTH REPEATING

"Right now, I'm cool. I'm just going to go with the flow. Let's see what happens this week." -- Williams on his lack of carries (112) this season. He had a season-high 111 yards rushing against Saints in first game between the teams.

Thus, Tampa Bay brings up the rear in the NFC South at 2-5 going into Sunday's divisional rematch game against the visiting Saints (5-2).

"I will second-guess myself, beat myself up as much as anybody," Gruden said. "But until we answer the bell and respond better, we're going to continue to see some exotic (defensive) looks, some exotic fronts, and coverages and blitzes that make it tough on us."

LAST MEETING

Rookie running back Reggie Bush returned a punt 60 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter to lead the Saints to a 24-21 victory in Week 5 on Oct. 8 at the Superdome. The Saints lead the series 18-11.

http://www.nola.com/saints/t-p/index...620.xml&coll=1

This is a must win. we can not afford splits in the division. I look for the saints to fired up here. We better be because next up is the Steelers.

11-01-2006, 08:27 AM	#1
hagan714 LB Mentallity Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 15,870 Blog Entries: 68	Time to Move on Tampa next SAINTS (5-2) at TAMPA BAY (2-5) Wednesday, November 01, 2006 Scouting report By Brian Allee-Walsh Based on Sunday's offensive performance at wind-whipped Giants Stadium, the bloom is coming off the rose of noted play-caller Tampa Bay Coach Jon Gruden. On a day when winds gusted to 40 mph, Gruden abandoned the run and put the ball in the hands of rookie quarterback Bruce Gradkowski. Bad, bad decision. The Buccaneers lost 17-3 to the New York Giants. Credit Gruden for taking Buccaneers running back Carnell "Cadillac" Williams out of the game, not the Giants' defense. SAINTS (5-2) at TAMPA BAY (2-5) BUCCANEERS ON OFFENSE They have failed to score an offensive touchdown in two consecutive games and four of seven overall, which makes Gruden's decision to abandon the running game against the Giants all that more perplexing. Gradkowski (69.1 passer rating) is not capable of winning a game by himself. Williams is the team's best offensive weapon, though his production (414 yards rushing, 3.7-yard average, one touchdown) has been rather pedestrian. Wide receivers Joey Galloway (two) and Michael Clayton (one) and tight end Alex Smith (two) have combined for five touchdown receptions. BUCCANEERS ON DEFENSE Veteran cornerback Ronde Barber leads the team in interceptions (two, both returned for touchdowns against the Philadelphia Eagles) and tackles (52). Defensive tackle Ellis Wyms leads the team with four sacks, two more than defensive end Simeon Rice. Linebackers Derrick Brooks (42 tackles) and Shelton Quarles (33 tackles) are solid against the run. But this perennial top-10 defense slowly is eroding into a run-of-the-mill unit. BUCCANEERS' SPECIAL TEAMS Kicker Matt Bryant has been the team's most consistent scorer, converting six of nine field-goal attempts, including a 62-yarder to beat Philadelphia 23-21 in Week 7. Josh Bidwell is averaging 42.5 yards per punt. BY THE NUMBERS 0 -- Kickoffs returned for a touchdown in franchise history. Futility streak stands at 1,788 kickoff returns without a score, not including 14 playoff games. WORTH REPEATING "Right now, I'm cool. I'm just going to go with the flow. Let's see what happens this week." -- Williams on his lack of carries (112) this season. He had a season-high 111 yards rushing against Saints in first game between the teams. Thus, Tampa Bay brings up the rear in the NFC South at 2-5 going into Sunday's divisional rematch game against the visiting Saints (5-2). "I will second-guess myself, beat myself up as much as anybody," Gruden said. "But until we answer the bell and respond better, we're going to continue to see some exotic (defensive) looks, some exotic fronts, and coverages and blitzes that make it tough on us." LAST MEETING Rookie running back Reggie Bush returned a punt 60 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter to lead the Saints to a 24-21 victory in Week 5 on Oct. 8 at the Superdome. The Saints lead the series 18-11. http://www.nola.com/saints/t-p/index...620.xml&coll=1 This is a must win. we can not afford splits in the division. I look for the saints to fired up here. We better be because next up is the Steelers.