Gruden: no fourth-down regrets

By ROGER MILLS and JOANNE KORTH
Published November 16, 2004

TAMPA - Sometimes coaches look at the film, re-evaluate their decisions and change their stance. Not so for Bucs coach Jon Gruden .

Monday, Gruden said he had no regrets about not attempting a 45-yard field goal on fourth and 1 in the fourth quarter Sunday. Gruden reiterated that he hasn't lost confidence in kicker Martin Gramatica , who has converted 11 of 16 field goals this season.

"You try to show confidence in the offensive football team and try to win the game," Gruden said. "It was a heck of an effort coming from behind 17-0. ... I'm not going to look back and regret history. You have to do the best you can to win a football game. I thought that play was the right play. I thought it gave our team a chance to win it. Ultimately, it had a lot to do with us losing."

History will show the Falcons stopped the Bucs, then scored on a 49-yard pass from Michael Vick to Alge Crumpler three plays later to lead 24-14 and deflate the Bucs.

"Ten times out of 10, I will go for it in that situation. Just kicking the field goal does not guarantee that you will make it. Tying the game does not guarantee that you win. I felt that the play was to go for it," Gruden said of the pitch to Michael Pittman that lost 2 yards. "I think we had the right play called, I just do not think we got it done."

THE A-TRAIN RETURNETH: Fullback Mike Alstott , who has missed the past three games with an MCL tear, appears ready to return and could be upgraded for Sunday's game.

"We'll let him run around on the practice field on Wednesday," Gruden said. "But we're optimistic that he will play in this game."

Quarterback Brian Griese has a right shoulder sprain, but the Bucs don't think it's serious and list him as probable. Fullback Greg Comella (lower back strain), left tackle Derrick Deese (left foot sprain) and safety Dwight Smith (right knee sprain) are listed as questionable.

Defensive end Anthony McFarland , who missed the Falcons game with a triceps strain, is expected to return to practice and has been upgraded to probable.

Receiver Joey Galloway (groin strain) made it through the game and also is probable.

SECONDARY CONCERNS: Cornerback Torrie Cox is getting increased reps at the nickel-back position and appears to be pushing hard for Mario Edwards ' spot. In recent weeks, Cox has been on the field more regularly and Gruden said the coaching staff is impressed with his development.

"We like both of those guys," Gruden said. "We like Cox's progress as well. He is a guy that we think is deserving of more playing time; for that reason he is getting it. Mario's played good. He was victimized once again by a critical pass interference call on the goal line. We are trying to work both of those guys in there."

NUMBERS GAME: Griese was sacked seven times, with much of the pressure coming from the four-man rush of Atlanta's defensive line. Asked if he considered using maximum protection schemes that employ backs and tight ends to help protect the quarterback, Gruden said the trade off is fewer potential receivers.

"When you are getting a four-man rush there are still seven defenders in coverage," he said. "The more guys you keep in against the four-man rush the less people you have in the route. If it is seven defenders against two ... that's a tough time to draw plays."

Deese's foot injury likely contributed to his struggles Sunday, Gruden said, but the coach would not commit to personnel changes against the 49ers. Tackle Anthony Davis played well during the preseason but has been inactive the past eight games. Rookie guard Jeb Terry was active for the first time Sunday.

[Last modified November 16, 2004, 00:40:25]