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Bucs/NFL

So many options on offense ... yes, I mean the Bucs

By GARY SHELTON
Published August 6, 2006

For years, you knew what was coming. You knew where. You knew when.

Also, you knew there was a strong possibility of "loss of 2."

For most of its existence, the offense of the Bucs has been a buffet with only one choice, as predictable as it has been plain. It really didn't matter who was coaching, or who was quarterbacking. You knew what was coming, and the guy next to you knew, and most of all, the opposing defensive coordinator knew. The only variation was which particular set of three words was going to describe it.

There was "Wilder runs left," followed by "Rhett runs right," not to be confused with "Dunn for 1" or "Why not Alstott?" To mix it up, there was the always popular "Another illegal procedure?"

And so it went, or in the case of the Bucs, didn't. Coaches tried other options, but really, there weren't any.

When the Bucs open their preseason Friday night against the Jets, however, things might be different. This time - and dare we say it out loud - things might be dangerous. After all these years, Jon Gruden might finally have a huddle to match his playbook. Finally, he might have choices.

There are Cadillac Williams and Joey Galloway and Chris Simms to choose from. There are Michael Clayton and Alex Smith and Ike Hilliard. There are Michael Pittman and David Boston and, as ever, Mike Alstott.

So where does Gruden start? Where does the ball go first Friday night?

1 Cadillac runs left: For Gruden, this should be easier than Professor Petee's sociology class at Auburn. Considering Williams didn't touch the ball last preseason, it might take the Jets by surprise, but if Gruden intends to run him 987 times this year, he might as well start early. Prediction: Gain of 4.

2 Simms Up Top: One of the reasons the Bucs were so low in the offensive standings last year is that Gruden had to let Simms grow into the job. This year, he should open it up early, throwing deep to Galloway. Prediction: Incomplete but cheered wildly for its ambition.

3 Hello, Again: It would be nice if Gruden could demonstrate early that, yes, Clayton will be an impact player again this year. Two years ago, Clayton owned third down. Prediction: Complete for 8 yards.

4 Run Cadillac again: Call it a re-Petee of first down. Prediction: Gain of 3.

5 False Start: The only surprise is it took five downs.

6 Rollin', Rollin': Gruden always has coveted a quarterback who can be a moving target for the rush. So why not roll Simms out early and let him find Smith dragging across the middle? Prediction: Complete for 11 yards.

7 And the Crowd Roared: On the first short-yardage play of the season, Gruden remembers Alstott. Prediction: A gain of 9 and a week's worth of conversation on The Steve Duemig Show.

8 Something to think about: Cadillac had a fine year running the ball, but it would be nice to see the Bucs throw to him now and then, too. The Bucs try it here, although Simms and Williams show they need a little better timing. Prediction: Incomplete.

9 Back at You: Simms looks for Hilliard over the middle, but his pass is knocked down by the Jets defensive line. There were times last year when opponents batted away passes so frequently you would think Simms pitched for the Devil Rays.

10 Ramblin', Scramblin': Under a heavy rush, Simms has to run. Prediction: Gain of 8, 2 yards short. Punt.

11 Free Parking: On the Bucs' second series, Cadillac runs onto the field. Concerned by risk of injury, Gruden pulls him out and threatens to take his helmet if he doesn't sit down.

12 Galloway, too.

13 Return of the Dodge Ram: Earnest Graham, who it appears will not lose his job to Andre Hall after all, gets his first carry of the preseason: He gains 4 yards off-tackle.

14 Still Ticking: Simms throws a 4-yard pass to Dave Moore, who shows his hands are just as good as they were back in '76. That's 1876, of course.

15 Didn't You Used to be Somebody?: Because the Bucs don't have a lot invested in him, the Boston gamble is a good one. If Gruden can restart his career the way he did Galloway's, the Bucs might be onto something. Simms throws deep down the middle to Boston. Prediction: 40-yard gain to the 20.

16 The Red Zone: The cannons go off for the first time this season. Bruce Gradkowski thinks Gruden is angry at him again.

17 Rumblin', Stumblin': Pittman finds a crease off the right side. No one is near him, but he falls at the 5. Prediction: First and goal.

18 Upon closer look: Edell Shepherd brings down a pass from Simms in the corner of the end zone. Officials rule he didn't hold onto the ball. Prediction: Replays show that yes, this time he did.

19 Something to think about: Just because he misses Warren Sapp, Gruden puts Booger McFarland in at fullback. If the Bucs run a pick play, he'll be open. Prediction: Touchdown.

20 Deja Two: After the Jets are offside, Gruden goes for two and gives it to Alstott. He's just short. The refs say he's in. Somewhere, Joe Gibbs' head explodes.

And the rest of the night? Tim Rattay plays well. Maurice Stovall catches four passes. And Gradkowski hears so much profanity he thinks he has joined the cast of Deadwood.

Prediction: Nobody gets hurt. It's a start.

[Last modified August 6, 2006, 01:01:15]