Who is that fast-rising QB?
Join Jon Gruden in learning more about Luke McCown.
By STEPHEN F. HOLDER
Published August 2, 2007
LAKE BUENA VISTA - We've heard about Jeff Garcia and the hopes that he can resurrect a dormant offense. We've heard Chris Simms admit he just isn't himself. We've seen the Bucs desperately reach out to Jake Plummer and Daunte Culpepper.
Quarterback headlines dominate training camp. Now, here comes another quarterback tale: that of Luke McCown, who suddenly is a heartbeat away from the top of the depth chart.
Casual observers, most likely, know zilch about McCown. That would put them in same company with coach Jon Gruden.
"I don't really know Luke as well as I'd like to," Gruden said this week. "Until you go to war with a guy in a football game, you really don't know someone."
How could he? With McCown having never taken a regular-season snap for the Bucs, there hasn't been much opportunity to learn about the agile, rocket-armed, unassuming Texan.
Which is why McCown, 26, cherishes this opportunity. Gruden estimates McCown is taking 40 percent of practice snaps, about the amount given to starter Jeff Garcia. Overnight, McCown has gone from afterthought to first in line to the throne.
"To get these practice reps and every day be in there with the guys and work on your presence and command and show the guys you can be a leader is big," McCown said. "You have to practice like you would play and you have to be demonstrative and tenacious. If guys don't believe in you, you have no chance."
McCown has been largely impressive, displaying his arm strength and the athletic ability that allowed the 6-3, 212-pounder to be a standout prep basketball player in Jacksonville, Texas. That has convinced Gruden to stick with McCown despite his lack of experience. McCown has played in five games as a pro, all with Cleveland as its fourth-round pick out of Louisiana Tech in 2004.
"Let's give the guy a chance. None of us have seen him for over a year," Gruden said, noting that McCown missed most of last season after right knee surgery.
The irony is that McCown's precious chance is coming largely because his good friend, Simms, is experiencing physical problems. As McCown lines up for play after play during workouts, Simms often stands by idly.
"Chris is a great friend of mine," McCown said. "We've been here three years together. A lot of what I've gotten better at is because of his help.
"Anytime I get a chance I try to encourage him and give him a little something to remind him that he should smile. His daughter's at home healthy, he's got a beautiful wife, he has a healthy family. Be happy."
McCown leaned on Simms when McCown was sidelined during training camp last season after the offseason knee injury. If not for that injury, which prompted the Bucs to list him as physically unable to perform for the first seven weeks of the season, McCown likely would have been in line to relieve Simms when he was lost for the season in Week 3.
Now, all that's ancient history. McCown, younger bother of Raiders quarterback Josh, is likely to see extensive playing time when the Bucs open the preseason Aug. 10 - probably ahead of Bruce Gradkowski, who started 11 games as a rookie last season.
He isn't promising a polished performance.
"Unless you've really got a guy who has done it six or seven years consistently, there's going to be a little uncertainty," McCown said. "My dad used to say, 'There's no cure for experience.' "
Looks like this opportunity could be the remedy he needs.
Times staff writer Rick Stroud contributed to this report. Stephen F. Holder can be reached at sholder@sptimes.com or (813) 226-3377.