For quick fix, offense gives others a shot

Bucs hope Aaron Stecker, Karl Williams and Reggie Barlow will add speed, explosiveness, TDs.

By ROGER MILLS and RICK STROUD
© St. Petersburg Times
published October 24, 2002

TAMPA -- In the search for speed and explosiveness on offense, the Bucs will turn to two quicker pairs of feet ... and a different pair of hands.

Backup running back Aaron Stecker likely will play more Sunday against the Panthers, taking away carries from starter Michael Pittman.

And with injured veteran Keenan McCardell likely out, reserve Reggie Barlow will split time with Karl Williams as the No. 3 receiver. Joe Jurevicius will move into McCardell's spot.

The first priority is to inject life into a ground game that has produced only one 100-yard game, is averaging 93 yards and is ranked 24th in the NFL.

Enter Stecker.

"I'm not going to say he's going to be our featured horse, but at the same time we'll see what happens," coach Jon Gruden said. "But, it's a possibility he will (get more carries).

"We need, obviously, to stand beside our guys. Pitt, we think, is a good back. You don't want to make emotional decisions. But at the same time, you have to take a good look at a guy that's stepping up, a guy that's consistent, a guy that you think can make plays."

Stecker, who has 11 carries for 46 yards this season, sat out practice Wednesday with the flu but said he has gotten a sense from the coaching staff that he will get more carries against the Panthers.

"My coaches have told me that this could be a big week for me and that I need to be on top of my stuff and be really prepared," Stecker said. "Now, every week I prepare myself as much as I can, and if this turns into the opportunity that I have always wanted, the opportunity to show what I'm capable of doing, then I'm going to take full advantage of it.

"I think I'm going to have more than two or three carries this week, just by how things are showing up right now. You never know how things can be come Sunday. We'll see during the week."

Against the Eagles, the Bucs rushed for 81 yards on 21 carries and with the exception of Mike Alstott's 126 yards against the Browns, the running game has not blossomed.

The time has come, running backs coach Kirby Wilson said, to increase the level of competition for game-time carries.

"We have to keep guys stimulated," Wilson said. "It's not at all a (slight on Pittman). It's very fair. What you're always trying to do is create an environment where guys can thrive, and that's what we're trying to do. In the case of Aaron Stecker, it's about giving him an opportunity and an environment to succeed.

"It's not personal. The guys understand that we didn't play well and we're going to play well and we have to do what we have to do. We don't want to panic, but we didn't play well and it's not okay. You have to take measures and that's what we're going to do."

Pittman, who signed a five-year, $8.75-million contract in the offseason, has been the starter since the opener and has 621 yards from scrimmage on 135 touches. The fifth-year player said he still hasn't gotten into a rhythm and would rather not lose carries but would support Stecker.

"If that's the decision they make, then there's nothing I can do about that," Pittman said. "All I can do is play when I get my turn. If they think they need to play Aaron some more, then that's fine. Sometimes a change of pace is a good thing.

"But as a running back you need to get your touches. ... They haven't told me anything but Aaron is my teammate and when he's on the field, I'm going to root for him all the way."

One reason the Bucs may give some of Pittman's carries to Stecker is the younger player's running style. At 5-10, 205 pounds, Stecker is more of a slasher than a power back.

"The two Mikes are more power backs," Stecker said. "They want to go up in there and smash. Now, I will smash with the best of them, but I'm looking for a different way out. Sometimes that's what you need. My style is to try to make people miss. ... The upper echelon running backs in the league can make guys miss."

The likely absence of McCardell, who has a fractured left scapula, has opened the door for Barlow. Considered a deep threat for most of his career, Barlow said he sensed something in McCardell, a teammate for five years in Jacksonville.

"I could tell something was really bothering Keenan. I've played with him for five years and if there's something wrong, he'll throw it to the side and continue to go. But I could tell it might be a struggle to come out and practice and play. Man, I couldn't sleep last night thinking about the opportunity."

Veteran Karl Williams has been a dependable backup receiver through seven seasons with the Bucs and also is the primary punt returner. Williams and Barlow will take some of McCardell's snaps.

"It's the NFL and every week somebody is going down, and you've to have guys who are ready to step in and compete," said Barlow, who dressed for 69 games through his first five seasons but has yet to play for the Bucs. "Karl and myself, we've been thrust in that role.

"This is my seventh year and I've never had to go through this. It's been a struggle, but I try to do things, keep myself going, whether it's running routes after practice on my own or just doing something trying to stay in the groove. But here's an opportunity. I've been in this system and know how things work, so I'm looking to come in and hopefully be able to make a play or two and give the team spark."