Start of something good

BUCS 14, DOLPHINS 10: Bucs get Gruden era off to a grand start, returning the opening kick for TD.

By RICK STROUD, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published August 13, 2002

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TAMPA -- They kicked off the Jon Gruden era in Tampa Bay on Monday night, and before the golden boy of coaching could adjust his headset, the Bucs were dancing in the end zone.

A 95-yard return of the opening kickoff for a touchdown by Frank Murphy -- a feat the team never has accomplished in the regular season but has five times in preseason -- rocked Raymond James Stadium.

As debuts go, this was a home run in the first at-bat, a Grammy on the first album, an Oscar for the first screenplay.

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"What a way to start a season," Gruden said. "It's preseason, but this is a game that sets the tone for the year. He put some juice in this stadium and he put some juice in this team."

It really didn't matter that none of it counted.

The 14-10 preseason win over Miami before a national TV audience did usher in a series of fantastic firsts for Gruden and his Bucs.

Free-agent receiver Keenan McCardell caught his first touchdown in a Tampa Bay uniform from quarterback Rob Johnson, who threw his first for the Bucs.

Free-agent running back Michael Pittman roared for a 38-yard gain on his first handoff. Rookie Travis Stephens ripped off 16 yards on his first carry. Tight end Ken Dilger's first reception as a Buc gained 20 yards.

More importantly, the Bucs took their first steps under the direction of the charismatic Gruden, who posted his first victory as the new boss.

"It's unbelievable," he said. "You know, I grew up here. Nobody wants to hear swan song. But it means a lot for me to coach a good football team. "Murph's return, they told me it doesn't happen here very often. It didn't take long, but that was a big play in the game."

What Bucs fans saw was about what was advertised.

Gruden has placed an emphasis on improving the offensive line, and the starting unit played the entire first half. The Bucs rushed for 182 yards, 103 before halftime. That was a welcome sight considering the Bucs ranked 30th -- next to last -- in rushing last season. And Tampa Bay was playing without starting right guard Cosey Coleman, who sustained an injury to the meniscus in his left knee during warmups and was replaced by Todd Washington.

"We wanted those guys to stay out there and get some continuity," Gruden said. "It's very important those guys play and react to one another, and I thought it was a good move by line coach Bill Muir let those guys go."

And as promised, Gruden might have a difficult time deciding on a quarterback.

Starter Brad Johnson played the first two series, going 2-of-5 for 8 yards. The Bucs went three-and-out on the first series and were forced to settle for a 34-yard field goal by Martin Gramatica, who missed it wide left.

Rob Johnson entered late in the first quarter and the free agent from Buffalo instantly provided punch and points.

After completing his first pass to Dilger for 20 yards, Johnson put his scrambling ability on display, escaping for 11 yards for another first down. He capped the six-play, 62-yard drive by rolling right and passing to McCardell in the back of the end zone.

"We set it up very well a couple of plays before with Mike (Alstott) going up the middle," said McCardell, who sustained a left ankle sprain a week ago in practice. "It drew attention to Mike, and then we ran a bootleg and I had a chance to score."

But true to his reputation, Rob Johnson pleased and then teased. Before his performance ended, he looked indecisive, held onto the ball too long and was sacked three times for a loss of 17 yards.

"With Rob, sometimes every play is going to be a great play, every play is almost a little too exciting for me," Gruden said. "Every once in awhile, throwing the ball away is the best play. We're going to continue to get our point across. He did some good things, he might do that again, or there will be another animated discussion on the sideline."

Johnson, who missed the final eight games last season with a broken collarbone, said it felt good to knock the rust off.

"The first drive was good," said Johnson, who finished 3-of-5 for 33 yards. "I think I was a little anxious out there because I had not played in awhile."

The game also was for discovering depth on defense. And if the performance of the second unit was any indication, the starters better stay healthy.

Dolphins backup quarterback Ray Lucas carved up the Bucs, completing 11 of 15 for 136 yards in less than two quarters of work, including a 5-yard touchdown pass to Dedric Ward to cut the lead to 14-7.

It could have been worse if not for cornerback Dwight Smith's hit on former FSU running back Travis Minor. The hit forced a fumble recovered by safety John Howell at the Tampa Bay 2 with 55 seconds before halftime.

But some parades get interrupted by rain, and Gruden's debut was no different.

The highlight-reel runs by Stephens (12 carries, 59 yards) in the second half were tempered by his fumble at the Dolphins 34 that killed a scoring drive.

The blocks that drew praise to the offensive line were countered by seven sacks for a loss of 34 yards.

"We have to sustain drives," Gruden said. "We missed a short field goal. We have to cash in on those kinds of scoring opportunities."

For all of Gruden's genius on offense, not much was on display Monday. The Bucs had 245 total yards, including 63 passing. And the offense accounted for one TD.

After one preseason game, Gruden knows this: The Bucs played pretty good special teams. It doesn't mean they are one.

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