To battle the heat, Gruden turns to air game

By JOANNE KORTH and STEPHEN HOLDER
Published August 24, 2005

TAMPA - The Bucs still are searching for ways to beat the heat.

With hot temperatures and high humidity creating a heat index, or "feels like," temperature in excess of 100 degrees, the team rotated units of offensive and defensive players into the building at One Buc Place to cool down while others practiced.

"We are looking at some potential changes during our regular-season practice schedule," coach Jon Gruden said. "We'll evaluate that as a staff with some of the players and see how they like it and move on accordingly. We are trying to find a way to get more out of our players on Sunday than Wednesday and Thursday."

During training camp at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex, the entire team went into an air-conditioned building for a break midway through practices. On Tuesday, players criss-crossed the practice fields in small groups.

"The best way to avoid heat exhaustion and avoid getting IVs for players to replenish fluids is to lower the body temperature," Gruden said. "You can't do it outside and we don't have an indoor facility, so we're making do."

HELPING HANDS: The team continues to search for a reliable punt returner after Torrie Cox muffed punts in consecutive preseason games. Among the candidates: 33-year-old receiver Joey Galloway.

"Joey Galloway, I think, can lead the NFC (South) in punt returning," special teams coach Rich Bisaccia said. "He's really fast, he can catch, he's played a long time and we'd be excited to have him back there."

Galloway, who returned a punt for a touchdown last season, adhered to a reduced practice schedule during training camp in an effort to remain healthy. Having him return punts might seem risky, but Galloway likely would jump at the chance.

"Joey's never shied away from anything," Bisaccia said. "He catches them every day and Joey's working with the young guys back there."

SNEAK PREVIEW: In its spare time, the coaching staff has begun to look at film of opening-day opponent Minnesota. Though teams rarely show much during preseason, every film has value.

"You always look at the preseason film," Gruden said. "That's the only way you can get a feel for what direction you think they're going. You're always looking for clues."

On the other hand, Gruden tries not to reveal key elements of his offense.

"We've got enough stuff that we could play every day, twice a day and not be able to call all our stuff," he said.

DEESE UPDATE: Left tackle Derrick Deese, who was on the sideline in street clothes for Saturday's preseason game, continues to miss practice while he searches for medical opinions on his injured left foot. His return is unclear.

TALKING TWINS: Cornerback Ronde Barber will host a weekly one-hour show on Sirius Satellite Radio with his twin brother, Giants running back Tiki Barber. The show is at 7 p.m. Tuesdays starting Sept. 6.

INJURIES: Other than Deese, everyone practiced, though defensive tackle Anthony Bryant and linebacker Jermaine Taylor left early with muscle cramps.

[Last modified August 24, 2005, 01:16:13]