Bucs/NFL

How to watch like a coach

Things are different in the preseason; here is what to look for as tonight's game progresses.

By RICK STROUD
Published August 19, 2006

TAMPA - Think you know something about the NFL? Follow the ball and you might miss the real game.

Jon Gruden offers some viewing tips for tonight's preseason game against the Miami Dolphins.

The Bucs coach knows the secret to a successful season is finding the next man up if a starter goes down.

Those backups have to play special teams and coaches count ceiling tiles at night worrying about a rookie blowing a key assignment.

"Who's going to line up on the punt team and block Ed Reed?" Gruden said, referring to the safety for the Ravens, who will open the regular season at Raymond James Stadium.

"I think he blocked seven punts his rookie year. So hopefully, our wings on our punt team understand Ed Reed is right around the corner and he is scary, man."

If the preseason is about depth, how deep are the Bucs?

At certain positions, such as running back, defensive line and linebacker, they are loaded. At other spots - tight end, safety and quarterback - they need players to step up.

"Everybody is going to have depth. Everybody is going to have a 53-man squad," defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin said. "The difference is what we've always had in the past, we've had quality depth. I'm looking for quality, not just depth. I can make the 53-man roster, but can I still play?"

Here's a look at where the Bucs are deep or need to be deeper:

TIGHT END

One of the biggest concerns. What happens if either Anthony Becht or Alex Smith goes down? Dave Moore, in his 15th season, is primarily a long snapper. Mark Anelli, who's with his fifth team since 2002, also is a long snapper and making a run. Third-year pro Matt Kranchick and rookie Tim Massaquoi had solid debuts. "Tim Massaquoi is coming on, he's getting a little confidence about him," tight ends coach Ron Middleton said. "The offense has just been so overwhelming for him."

DEFENSIVE BACK

Safety is the biggest concern on defense, especially with the history of injuries to Jermaine Phillips and Will Allen. Backups Kalvin Pearson and Donte Nicholson are very good close to the line of scrimmage. Blue Adams and Steve Cargile have shown good ball skills. Rookie Justin Phinisee didn't get to play much last week because the Bucs rarely were on defense in the second half. Tonight he will get some chances in the return game. Rookie Alan Zemaitis looks like another classic Cover 2 corner, and Torrie Cox is having a great camp. "Safety is a big concern because we lost Dexter Jackson," Kiffin said of the former Super Bowl MVP who signed with the Bengals. "Dexter Jackson is a quality football player. And you can always talk about your corners. You've got to have quality depth because you can go back to '03 when Brian Kelly went down."

QUARTERBACK

Chris Simms could play the first quarter tonight, depending on the success of the starting offense, which moved just 11 yards Aug. 11 against the Jets. Veteran Tim Rattay might be keeping the seat warm for Jay Fiedler, who still has not been cleared to practice because of a right shoulder injury. Rookie Bruce Gradkowski, who threw a pair of touchdowns in his first pro game, tries to make a bid for No. 2.

RUNNING BACK

One of the most competitive areas, particularly at fullback. Jets free agent Jerald Sowell is in a battle with Carey Davis and Rick Razzano. Davis made a splash filling in at running back with 67 yards on 14 carries against the Jets. Razzano has struggled catching the ball in practice.

LINEBACKER

Jamie Winborn, Barrett Ruud and Marquis Cooper give the Bucs exceptional depth. Special teams will determine the fate of Wesly Mallard, Antoine Cash, Jermaine Taylor and Anthony Trucks.

RECEIVERS

The Bucs have had discussions with the Cowboys and other teams looking to trade for a receiver. That's a good sign. Joey Galloway, Michael Clayton and David Boston have had good camps. Rookie Maurice Stovall is making an argument for playing time and created the most buzz in the locker room after the first game. Ike Hilliard, Edell Shepherd, Mark Jones and Chas Gessner need to make an impact as a receiver or on special teams.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Davin Joseph has won the job at right guard. Jeb Terry has moved to left guard and is backing up Dan Buenning. Veteran John Wade is holding off a challenge from Sean Mahan, who has started 25 straight games. Scott Jackson and Toniu Fonoti battle for paychecks.

"For us, it's not necessarily all about depth, it's who's starting at certain positions," Gruden said.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Kiffin has several backups who could start for 31 other teams, especially defensive end Dewayne White. A battle has ensued among Jon Bradley, Anthony Bryant and Ellis Wyms, who is slated to earn $3-million. Watch emerging defensive end Andrew Williams.

"If (Chris) Hovan gets hurt, are we still going to be okay?" Kiffin said. "A couple years ago, Wyms went down and (Anthony) McFarland went down. Chidi Ahanotu was out of football and we brought him in. Our backup nose tackles I feel great about because Wyms is like a starter."

Dolphins at Bucs

When: 7:30 tonight.

TV: Ch. 8

Where: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa

[Last modified August 19, 2006, 06:02:27]