Bucs jelling on both offense and defense

By Jeff Dickinson  |   Thursday, October 16, 2008  |  Comments( 3 )

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Things are clicking in all phases of the game for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers right now, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. After a quarterback “situation” earlier in the season, it now appears as if the Bucs have settled on their man.

Tampa Bay’s defense is also one of the best in the league, clamping down on Carolina last week and only allowing the Panthers three points in a 24-point win. Making things even better for the Bucs is the fact that they host downtrodden Seattle this week. The Seahawks are 1-4 on the season and are without starting quarterback Matt Hasselbeck.

Commentary: Not that there was a quarterback controversy in Tampa Bay, but it wasn’t a settled situation between Jeff Garcia and Brian Griese. When Griese got hurt in the Denver game two weeks ago, it gave coach Jon Gruden the perfect opportunity to reinstate the steadier Garcia over the flashier and more inconsistent Griese.

All Garcia did to allay any fears about the quarterback change was to complete 15 of 20 passes against Carolina without any turnovers. Garcia has now completed almost 67 percent of his passes on the season.

Meanwhile, Tampa Bay’s defense is third in the NFL in total points surrendered, giving up 97. The Bucs are also only allowing opponents 89.7 rushing yards per game, good for ninth place in the league.

The timing of Tampa Bay’s solid play is ideal because the Bucs are in a three-way tie for the NFC South lead with a 4-2 record. The Bucs lead the Panthers and the Atlanta Falcons in the tie-breaking category of divisional record. Tampa Bay is 2-1 within the division, while Carolina is 1-1 and the Falcons are 0-2.

As for this week, the Seahawks have played some of the worst football in the league this season. Seattle has been outscored 71-23 in its last two games, both losses. The Seahawks are struggling on both sides of the ball, ranking 27th in the league in both total offense and defense.

Fan Pulse: Fans are ready for the return of Joey Galloway from injury. The Bucs’ passing game is improving, but Galloway gives them a more serious deep threat and should help to open up the running lanes for Dunn and Graham.

Fantasy Football Impact: Warrick Dunn scored a few fantasy football points last week with his 115-yard rushing performance. Dunn failed to reach the end zone, but Earnest Graham, who was filling in at fullback, did manage to score. Garcia didn’t hurt any of those who had him in their fantasy league with his solid performance, but he isn’t the type of quarterback who is going to throw for 300 yards and three scores.

Injury Watch: Fullback Byron Storer suffered a torn ACL against Carolina. The Bucs signed former Texans fullback Jameel Cook to replace Storer. Galloway, who has been limited in practice with a foot injury, should play Sunday.
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About Jeff Dickinson

I have been writing and editing professionally for 18 years. I spent the first three years of my career as a sportswriter for a daily newspaper in Alabama and got to cover sports and get paid for it! It was great until I got married and then it wasn't too much fun being away from my wife every ...
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