Two with nothing to worry about

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Published September 7, 2007

Joey Galloway, Offense

The logical person inside us all keeps saying the Bucs are a little crazy to rely this heavily on a 35-year-old receiver. But then Galloway keeps making us feel silly by doing what he always does: score touchdowns, run past defenders and provide the Bucs with their No. 1 offensive threat. Galloway, who last season caught 62 passes for 1,057 yards and seven touchdowns, might be even more effective with Jeff Garcia under center, giving him a seasoned, accurate quarterback.

Brian Kelly, Defense

When he's on the field, you barely notice he's there. But take him out, and the void is oh so obvious. Kelly missed 14 games last season because of foot surgery, and boy are the Bucs glad to have him back. Kelly is the classic cover cornerback who, in many cases, takes his man completely out of a play. For all the much-deserved publicity Ronde Barber receives, Kelly is, by far, the better cover man. And don't forget his return also will help safeties Jermaine Phillips and Will Allen.

[Last modified September 5, 2007, 11:08:35]