TAMPA - The Bucs are a team made for the Punt, Pass and Kick competition.
What they can't do with any consistency is run the ball.
Since Jon Gruden arrived, the rushing offense has ranked 27th (97.3 yards per game) in 2002, 24th (103) in 2003 and 28th (93.2) this season.
"We're trying to get out of that rental district, we're trying to get into a new area code," Gruden said. "We'll just keep doing what we feel gives ourselves a chance. I think we're averaging 25 points a game in the last six or seven weeks, and we've missed eight field goals in the process and turned the ball over inside the 10-yard line maybe three or four times. We are making strides, but running the ball is discouraging right now.
How important is it to run the ball? In the past five seasons, the Bucs are 11-2 when they've had a 100-yard rusher. Conversely, Tampa Bay is 2-16 when it allows an opponent to go over the century rushing mark.
Running back Michael Pittman has rushed for more than twice as many yards (483 yards) at home as he has on the road (221). All three of his 100-yard performances came at Raymond James Stadium.
"We want to run the ball," Gruden said. "If we had our druthers, we'd rather win like we did against Atlanta, throw it 20 times and run it 40 times. We have a history of being guys who want to run the ball, Bill ( Muir) and I both. But we can't have 15-yard penalties four times on first down. We've got to limit the negative plays, hopefully have some healthy bodies and do a better job of coaching."
All you need to know is this: The Bucs haven't had a 1,000-yard rusher since Warrick Dunn in 2000.
"It's a passing league, but you run the ball to win," running backs coach Art Valero said. "Once you do that you take a tremendous amount of pressure off your quarterback, which is what you want to do anyway."
RESPECT: Even when you are a rookie of the year candidate like receiver Michael Clayton, you're still a first-year player. As such you are fair game for veterans calling you various terms of endearment.
After leading the team in receiving with 70 catches for 988 yards and four touchdowns, Clayton has been afforded rare respect.
"Yeah, everybody calls me "Rook,' " Clayton said. "But now I'm Mr. Rook. It's all in the game. It's fun to be in this situation. You feel the camaraderie and feel like you're part of the team when those veteran players come up and talk to you. Derrick Brooks, Derrick Deese, those guys who have made a statement in this league."
MAKING A SPLASH: Brian Griese is a bad-weather quarterback, having played at Michigan and Denver. That could come in handy today against New Orleans.
The forecast is mostly cloudy with a 10 percent chance for showers, turning windy in the afternoon. "We're going to obviously prepare for the rain a little bit. It's the forecast," Gruden said. "It will be the first time for us in a while. So we'll get some wet balls ... wet snaps and make sure we're as secure as possible.
"We do have wet-ball snaps and periods in training camp, and given the fact we had some horrific weather, we threw some wet ones up there this summer. Brian has had good experience with the wet, slippery football at Michigan and in Denver. So he's confident.
