Bucs' backfield has become the wild frontier

This week's electronic conversation between Sports columnists Gary Shelton and John Romano focuses on a new running back, old formations and fine art.

By GARY SHELTON and JOHN ROMANO, Times Columnists
Published October 14, 2007

This week's electronic conversation between Sports columnists Gary Shelton and John Romano focuses on a new running back, old formations and fine art.

GS: Whew. There for a while, I was worried about the Bucs' running game. But that was before they brought in Zack Crockett, king of the wild frontier.

JR: Considering the running backs averaged 0.91 yards per carry last week, I think Zack looks like a long-lost twin.

GS: Not to pick on Zack, but I thought the Bucs would go in a different direction. They need a back who knows how to run free when you would least expect it. I thought they might sign O.J. Simpson.

JR: Don't give up on that idea. I still think they bring in another running back next week. Either that or they revive the Wing-T formation.

GS: I don't think they have enough wings left. I know the NFL is a league of attrition and that everyone has injured players. Still, losing three running backs is hard for a team to anticipate. Think the Bucs can survive?

JR: Only if Jeff Garcia can play John Rambo for the next 11 weeks. I'm not sure I've ever seen an offense more dependent on one player.

GS: Sure you have. Just not a good team. On the Bucs of the '80s, one offensive player would have been a surplus.

JR: The Bucs of the late '90s used a vicious defense and a just-don't-blow-it offense to contend. Are the pieces in place to pull it off again?

GS: It's a lot to ask. But I think the most impressive part of the Bucs' better-than-expected start has been the improvement of the secondary. And the linebackers are terrific. But if the defense is going to carry the Bucs, it has to have a better pass rush. That or access to Bill Belichick's private stash.

JR: Yeah, it's too bad the Bucs didn't go after a pass-rusher in the draft.

GS: So far, it has been hard to tell Gaines Adams from Gaines Quincy Adams. Last year, Houston's Mario Williams had a terrible year, and even he had a sack by this point. Are we certain the Bucs didn't draft Bud Adams by mistake?

JR: It's asking a lot for a player to have an impact in his first month in the NFL, but, on the other hand, the No. 5 pick does ask for a lot of money.

GS: What you are saying, J Ro, is that for the Bucs to win, they have to rush the football on offense and rush the passer on defense. Sounds like a Jackie Chan movie.

JR: I fear they will not be able to pull it off against Tennessee, but I've been wrong before. Paint me a scenario where the Bucs win today.

GS: Who am I? Rembrandt? Okay, here goes. The Bucs have to run the ball a little. The linebackers have to treat Vince Young the way they used to treat Michael Vick. And the Bucs have to win close. Also, they have to pick just the right time to distract the Titans with their new secret weapon ... the "Pacman" Jones Dancers.

JR: That sounds more like a Dali - far too surreal.

[Last modified October 13, 2007, 17:26:13]