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Bucs/NFL

Gimme 5

By JOHN ROMANO
Published September 11, 2006

	[Times photo: James Borchuck]
	Bucs running back Cadillac Williams tries unsuccessfully to push Ravens cornerback Chris McAlister out of bounds. McAlister returned a Chris Simms interception for a touchdown on the play. RAVENS 27, BUCS 0 Tips torment Bucs Gary Shelton: This opener emits some bad vibrations Photo gallery Bucs shotz Gradkowski gets No. 2 spot for now Crumpled O-line forms zero on board Passing game nets Bucs little Ravens bully Bucs on first drive React in the Bucs Beat blog

Five topics suitable for inane debate on talk radio.

1. I BELIEVE IT'S CALLED AN OMEN: You have two choices this morning. You can believe that Sunday's game was an aberration. That the Ravens have one of the best defenses in the NFL and the Bucs offense was unnerved by the loss of two offensive linemen late in the preseason. That the Bucs defense failed to force a turnover or make a single game-defining play because the Ravens got on top so quickly. You can believe all of that. Or you can be realistic.

2. TRY THE FAST, SKINNY GUYS: Now we know why the Bucs cut David Boston. Apparently, they are phasing out the wide receiver position. I know there were protection problems, but there is no way Joey Galloway should have three passes thrown in his direction while Anthony Becht gets six. Remember, the Beatles only let Ringo Starr sing one song per album.

3. JUST LIKE CADILLAC LAST YEAR: One game into the season and already we have to worry about overusing the team's greatest weapon. I don't know about you, but I don't think Josh Bidwell's punting leg will last the season.

4. PERSONNEL ISSUES: At the risk of antagonizing Mike Alstott fans, either get him the ball or get him off the field. Alstott was in the game more than Cadillac Williams or Michael Pittman yet had only one carry and three receptions. Blocking is not Alstott's strength. If the offensive line is that weak, why not use blocking specialist Jerald Sowell at fullback?

5. THANK GOODNESS FOR THAT: In the interest of fairness, I should point out one of Sunday's bright spots. When it came time to challenge a referee's decision, Jon Gruden threw the heck out of his red flag. Threw it hard, threw it long, threw it proud. Frankly, it should have made Dolphins fans ashamed of Nick Saban's sissy-man effort with the red flag Thursday night.

A LIST OF FIVE

Five excuses from the Bucs locker room.

5. "Quothe the Raven: Never score."

4. "Didn't like the way Ray Lewis kept whispering 'involuntary manslaughter.' "

3. "Yeah, like you could catch a 340-pound nose tackle with a 2-yard head start."

2. "The locker room has been divided over the whole Star Jones-Rosie O'Donnell tiff."

1. "Knew I shouldn't have borrowed Stuessie's syringe."

FIVE REASONS FOR HOPE

(And, yes, I am really stretching.)

1. The defense: Okay, this one is not going on Monte Kiffin's resume, but the defense did play well enough to win.

2. Chris Simms: He had a poor game, no doubt about it. But the kid does not make excuses, and you have to appreciate that. It gives you faith in his willingness to improve.

3. Recent history: Of the six NFC teams to make the playoffs last season, three lost their season openers.

4. Cadillac Williams: The Bucs did not try running the ball Sunday. They will not make that mistake again.

5. Logic: What, would you rather wait on the Devil Rays?

FIVE SUPER PICKS

Checking out the best bets for Super Bowl XLI in Miami.

1. Seahawks: Not sure how you beat Detroit 9-6 and still stay at No. 1, but, by gosh, I'm not giving up on them yet.

2. Steelers: The way the offense moved without him the other night, I'm beginning to wonder if Ben Roethlisberger isn't a tad overrated.

3. Colts: Forget the sibling rivalry business, Peyton Manning is still the best passer around.

4. Falcons: I'd have even more faith in them if Jim Mora wasn't such a chucklehead.

19. Bucs: Twenty-four hours ago, I thought they were heading to nine wins. Now I'm wondering if they'll have the No. 9 pick in the 2007 draft.

FINAL FIVE WORDS

Worst ever at Raymond James.

[Last modified September 11, 2006, 05:07:41]