Apparently there are no mirrors on Gruden's Fantasy Island of the Lost. Since becoming caretaker of the team that Tony Dungy built, the legendary 3:17 a.m.-riser has managed to do nothing but rip the heart and soul from this team and failed to inspire much confidence with his inability to plug the leaks in this sinking ship.
With a 12-17 record after the Super Bowl, I know I wouldn't want to face myself in the mirror every day. Maybe it is time that someone tell the Emperor that the duds he's wearing are as transparent as his ability. I can think of a dozen coaches who have done a better job during the past two years. I'm sure the Glazers, even as pre-occupied as they are with Manchester United, are aware that Mike Holmgren will be available at the end of this season. Is it time to do a little holiday shopping?
After selling the team's soul to win a Super Bowl, the Emperor of One Buc Place has not only compiled a dismal record, he created a team that is made up of misfits and has-beens. Gruden's shortcomings are being revealed on the field every week.
My advice to Gruden is to get some sleep. Set your alarm clock for 7 a.m. and stop shaving in the dark. Take a long look in the mirror in the light of day and maybe you will find a way to snap this team out of its somnambulism. If you can't, there are plenty of other coaches that would like to try.
-- Randy Auryansen, Indian Shores
I am fed up with the spate of letters from so-called Bucs fans severely critical of Jon Gruden. Rubbish like he won the Super Bowl with Tony Dungy's team. Come on, the Bucs won the Super Bowl because the No. 1 defense had an offense with receivers like Joe Jurevicius and Keenan McCardell, who could make worthwhile plays and were not with Tony Dungy.
Why did the Glazers pay so heavily in the draft for Gruden? Because they knew they were getting a top-class coach.
-- Brendan Kearney, New Port Richey
Wow! ... This whole area must be the most delusional on this planet. The Bucs, from the players to the front office, keep talking about the playoffs. Are you kidding me? This team beats a couple other bottom-feeding teams and no matter what clings to some vague hopes of appearing in the playoffs. Why? So they can get destroyed by an actual playoff contender? Please, stop focusing on the unattainable and maybe start focusing on forming a better, more stable balance between offense and defense.
-- Martin Reinhart, Clearwater
I have to disagree with Gary Shelton and others who claim that Gruden promptly dismantled that Bucs Super Bowl team we were all so proud of. In 2003 Gruden did just the opposite. Virtually the entire team was in place to go for another ring, with the exception of Dexter Jackson, who decided to cash in his MVP for a big contract (and look who's back!). The result was a losing season. Causes included injuries, penalties and most significantly poor performances by many of our Super Bowl stars. I loved that Super Bowl team, but they were given a chance to repeat. It became clear it was never going to happen with that same group. Fans would stick with favorite players forever, but Gruden isn't paid to be sentimental.
-- Melanie Egan, Orlando
[Last modified December 19, 2004, 00:16:17]
