Bucs know wounded Rams remain a threat

By STEPHEN F. HOLDER, Times Staff Writer
Published September 20, 2007

TAMPA - The 0-2 Rams come to town this weekend needing a win in the worst way. They are searching for answers. They are looking for reasons to believe.

And yet, the Bucs remain wary of what they consider a dangerous team. "I know the feeling," guard Davin Joseph said, recalling the Bucs' 0-4 start in 2006. "We are going to get their all."

The Rams have yet to get their running game on track behind back Steven Jackson, but the feeling in Tampa Bay is that it will only be a matter of time.

"He's a beast," coach Jon Gruden said. "He's a great receiver - no one talks about that enough. He can take a 2-yard check-down pass and go 70 yards. I've seen him do it. He's not off to the start, I think, that he's accustomed to being off to, but he's one or two plays away from exploding right back onto the scene."

Jackson rushed for 58 and 60 yards, respectively, against Carolina and San Francisco, averaging 3.2 and 2.9 per carry with no touchdowns. But consider his 1,528 yards and 13 TDs in 2006 and Jackson is more intimidating.

Defensively Sunday, the Rams clamped down on the 49ers, limiting them to 186 total yards, including just 97 passing. They sacked quarterback Alex Smith four times and yielded just eight first downs to the Rams' 20.

The pressure is going to come. It's up to the Bucs to make St. Louis pay.

"We know they're going to put themselves in a position, based upon the risks they take to create pressure on the quarterback," Bucs quarterback Jeff Garcia said. "That's where we have to be good. You have to be ready to strike when that opportunity comes."

RUUD'S REWARD: Barrett Ruud was recognized Wednesday for his play against the Saints.

"My friends can probably enjoy it more than I can," the third-year middle linebacker said after being named NFC defensive player of the week. "You have to just move on to the next game."

But before doing so, it's worth looking back at what Ruud, making just his seventh start, did Sunday: 16 tackles, a pair of forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.

Ruud was surprised to learn of the award. "I didn't check the box scores," he said. "Somebody could have had 25 tackles. All you can do is, like they say, put it on tape. Your tape will tell the story."

AM I ALIVE? Gruden's initial reaction to the display of bronze statues of Bucs greats celebrating the Super Bowl XXXVII victory recently erected in the lobby of the team's headquarters was one of awe. But on second thought, it was kind of weird.

"That'll go down in my lifetime as one of the greatest moments ever, and to share that with those guys is pretty neat," said Gruden, whose likeness is joined by those of players such as Derrick Brooks and John Lynch. "I feel like I died, honestly. It's cool, but I got a little morbid there for a second. I got a little freaked out."

Boston in court: Former Bucs receiver David Boston is scheduled to appear in court today for an arraignment on a misdemeanor DUI charge.

Pinellas Park police arrested Boston on Aug. 23 after they found him passed out at the steering wheel of his Range Rover. Although a Breathalyzer test was negative, police say a urine test showed Boston had GHB in his system. In lower doses, the drug that is suppose to help increase muscle mass causes drowsiness, dizziness, nausea and visual disturbances.

Boston has proclaimed his innocence. Still, the Bucs released him and reached an injury settlement.

INJURY REPORT: Cornerback Brian Kelly (groin) and defensive end Patrick Chukwurah (knee) returned to practice but were limited, Gruden said.

Times staff writer Anne Lindberg contributed to this report. Stephen F. Holder can be reached at sholder@sptimes.com or (813) 226-3377.

[Last modified September 19, 2007, 21:43:42]