Goal-line defense makes amends
By JOANNE KORTH
Published August 4, 2005
LAKE BUENA VISTA - One day after surrendering three touchdowns in as many plays during a goal-line drill, the Bucs defense looked to redeem itself.
It took one play.
Wednesday, on the first snap from the 2-yard line, running back Derek Watson fumbled. After the ball squirted through a few players' hands, safety Jermaine Phillips wrestled it away from Watson.
Drill over.
"It's just a matter of us playing the way we know how to play and the way the standard has been set from years past," Phillips said. "We know we didn't meet that standard (Tuesday), so we were frustrated. We talk about accountability. To get another shot at it and redeem ourselves was a good feeling, but we have to be more consistent."
Coach Jon Gruden, while pleased with the defense, was not happy about the wasted scoring opportunity on offense. Coming off a season in which ball carriers lost 18 fumbles, reducing turnovers is a point of emphasis.
"If we're going to turn the ball over on the 2-yard line again, we're not going to win," Gruden said. "We can't do that. I'm not going to tolerate turning the ball over inside the 10. It's just too competitive; it's too important."
Last season, fumbles inside the opponent's 10 proved costly in narrow losses to Seattle and St. Louis.
R&R TIME: After five consecutive days with two practices in searing heat, players got a chance to rest and recover Wednesday afternoon. As a reward for hard work, Gruden canceled the afternoon practice.
"We're going to try to get out of the heat a little bit," he said. "It was a 108 heat index (Tuesday) afternoon, a 104 index (Tuesday) morning. We do have some players who have taken numerous IVs on consecutive, consecutive, consecutive days. I think to get those tubes out of them for an afternoon is smart. These guys need to be rewarded a little bit, to recuperate physically and mentally."
Gruden said an "in-house function" was planned but declined to elaborate.
Whatever the itinerary, players were thankful for the break.
"We knew if we practiced well we'd get the afternoon off, so guys were trying to lay it all out there," said rookie tight end Alex Smith, the team's third-round draft pick. "We've been working hard and as long as we continue to put out that effort, he said he'll reward us. We're all happy about it."
GAINING SPEED: Rookie receiver Larry Brackins flashed the raw talent that made him a fifth-round pick in the draft but remained limited because of a hamstring injury.
Brackins, who was hurt during offseason workouts, came off the Physically Unable to Perform list Tuesday. He participated in individual drills, gobbling up yardage with his 6-foot-4, 205-pound frame. He likely will not join full-contact team drills until next week.
"It feels real good to be out there," said Brackins, a product of Pearl River Community College. "I was tired of standing on the sidelines. It felt good; I was running real well. I think I should be back to full force soon."
Brackins also feels good about his knowledge of the playbook but missed valuable repetitions in what is shaping up to be tight competition among several young receivers.
"There's some pretty good guys out there," Brackins said. "When you get your chance you just have to show up and make some plays."
DEESE UPDATE: Left tackle Derrick Deese missed the fourth straight day with a left foot sprain. The 14-year veteran missed most of training camp last season with an injury to the same foot but started all 16 regular-season games.
"I'm sure they'll give him more tests and things of that nature," Gruden said.
Deese had his foot stepped on during Saturday's morning practice.
Second-year player Anthony Davis continued to fill in and impress coaches.
INJURIES: Tackle Chris Colmer hurt a hip and is day-to-day. Sore hamstrings sidelined linebacker Jeff Gooch and running backs Rick Razzano and Jacque Lewis. Cornerback Juran Bolden (abdominal strain) and defensive tackle Ellis Wyms (sore shoulder) returned.