Offense makes its points in drill

By DARRELL FRY, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published August 8, 2002

10 News video: Jon Gruden has a chance to show his dad what he's done with the Bucs (56k | High-Speed)

LAKE BUENA VISTA -- Two days after struggling in a goal-line drill, the offense fared much better in the same drill during Wednesday's morning practice.

The offense scored three out of six times, all on running plays. Mike Alstott, Aaron Stecker and Dicenzo Miller each reached the end zone.

In a similar drill Monday, the offense had a tough time scoring and Alstott fumbled.

"I felt like we did a little better on the goal line today," quarterback Brad Johnson said. "The first day we kind of struggled, but today we were able to run the ball in there a little better."

Johnson praised the offensive line, crediting it with his team's success. The line, which drew considerable criticism last season when it gave up 47 sacks, has been shuffled during camp, mostly notably with left tackle Kenyatta Walker moving to the right side. But Johnson said the unit is responding well under new line coach Bill Muir.

"I think we're making improvements," Johnson said. "I think our offensive line, those guys are pounding every day, and they're getting better with the assignments and also with just the physical part of blocking and getting the job done. Bill Muir is working those guys to the end. ... It's nice to see."

Johnson said the offense should get even better when it is tested against different defenses, starting with the Dolphins, who will practice against the Bucs here Saturday and Sunday.

"We've gone against the Tampa Bay defense for 40 practices in the spring and now probably 20 so far here in training camp, so we know them, and they know us pretty well right now," he said, "so I think it will be a great addition to get a little practice time against Miami. ... Facing some new defenses and some different styles of (cornerbacks) will help us out in the end."

THE QUIET ONE: Lately, defensive tackle Warren Sapp has been getting all the headlines, which is fine with fellow defensive tackle Anthony McFarland. While Sapp has stayed in the media with his running feud with Giants defensive end Michael Strahan, McFarland has gone through camp quietly -- except on the field.

McFarland has had a ringside seat for the Sapp-Strahan war of words and has enjoyed it even though he probably never would find himself in a similar spat. "We're two different personalities," he said of Sapp. "But it's been fun. I get a laugh out of the whole thing."

McFarland has been tagged as a rising star and was second to Simeon Rice in tackles by defensive linemen with 59, yet he typically draws little media attention, which doesn't bother him.

"I figure the best example you can ever set in terms of leadership is hard work," he said. "I think that's the one thing I try to go out and do each and every day."

FATHER KNOWS BEST: With Hall of Fame safety Ronnie Lott as a father, rookie free-agent linebacker Ryan Nece pretty much knew what to expect when he arrived for training camp. Everything except how tired his legs have become.

"I told my dad that my legs were really tired and he said, 'If you think they're tired now, wait two weeks when they're really going to be tired,' " Nece said.

So far, though, Nece's legs have held up enough for him to look solid during practice. He has impressed coach Jon Gruden and improved his chances of making the team. Already he's listed as second on the depth chart behind Al Singleton.

"I've just gone out there and been able to grasp this defense and really focus on my responsibilities and not worry about what other players are doing," Nece said. "That's allowed me to go out there and make plays."

GET THEM WHILE THEY ARE HOT: There are a limited number of tickets available for Monday's preseason opener against Miami.

The tickets can be bought through Ticketmaster at all outlets, online at ticketmaster.com or by calling (813) 287-8844 and (727) 898-2100.

The game will be broadcast on ESPN.

THOSE RAINY DAYS: The team practiced in the morning amid a light shower, but heavier rain and lightning forced the cancellation of the afternoon workout.

The rainy morning session though was a welcomed change from the sweltering heat of the past week and a half.

"A lot of times it's so hot out there that you're playing with a sweaty ball anyway, so you might as well get used to throwing a wet ball," Johnson said. "It was kind of a cool down for the rest of the players, but I think we'd rather have that nice little sunshine."

Today's lineup

Bucs