Columns

The mighty Quinn? Let's not go that far

This week's electronic conversation between Sports columnists Gary Shelton and John Romano includes thoughts on Quinn Gray (who?), the impact of injuries and whether the Bucs can keep their season afloat.

By GARY SHELTON and JOHN ROMANO, Times Columnists
Published October 28, 2007

An undrafted kid out of Florida A&M, Jaguars quarterback Quinn Gray could be the ultimate sports story.
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GS: Okay, Professor. Here's a question for you. What in the dickens is a "Quinn Gray?"

JR: If I'm not mistaken, I believe it is the Irish pronunciation of "Gradkowski."

GS: Now you're just being mean. I think Jaguars quarterback Quinn Gray could be the ultimate sports story: An undrafted kid out of Florida A&M thrust into the spotlight. I just don't think he can be a great story yet.

JR: It's rather fascinating how injuries have affected the Bucs. They have been terribly unlucky with their own injuries but quite fortunate with opponent injuries. They got Carolina just after Jake Delhomme was hurt, they got St. Louis when Marc Bulger had cracked ribs, and they're getting Jacksonville with Gray. Are you feeling the karma?

GS: Do you wrap karma in plaster of paris? Stay tuned, because the Bucs have dates with Tim Rattay and Joey Harrington. Later on, there are possible reunion days with Trent Dilfer and Vinny Testaverde. It's like playing a football game on the Love Boat.

JR: Do you still have that crush on Julie McCoy?

GS: Don't remind me. It was her or Carol Channing, and I chose badly. Speaking of boats (and really bad segues), do you see the Bucs staying afloat this week? After all, 5-3 sounds a lot better than 4-4.

JR: Quinn Gray vs. Monte Kiffin? I'll take the old guy, with a side order of Derrick Brooks. Even if the final score is 3-2. Are you on board with that?

GS: Ah, it'll be more high scoring than that. Last week, the Bucs showed they could run a little bit. They can pass a little bit. If they get the hang of this new-fangled "exchange" deal, they could be dangerous. I say it'll be 9-2.

JR: Kind of sad, in a way. Jon Gruden has waited six years to get the quarterback he wanted, and now it's like the rest of the offense has been acquired from Aisle 3 of a pawn shop.

GS: Be nice to your elders. I'm not saying the passing attack is old, but it gets motivational speeches from Wilford Brimley. This team shouldn't go into a huddle - it should go into a cocoon. But age or not, Jeff Garcia is having his best season since he was a rookie with the Decatur Staleys.

JR: It's like the betting line for the Bucs should include an over/under regarding Garcia's health. If he keeps playing, the over should be 10 wins. If he gets hurt, the Bucs are 6 feet under.

GS: Ten wins? So far, it appears the Bucs have won over the Saints, won over the Rams, won over the Panthers, won over the Titans and won over John Romano, skeptic at large.

JR: Hey, call me Mr. Happy. With Garcia in the huddle, I see nothing but completions and carnations. What about you? Got a pocketful of rainbows these days?

GS: Well, Mr. Happy, all my rainbows are melted crayons. But in a season that can still go either way, I think the Bucs take a positive step today. Is that peppy enough for you?

JR: That's Tampa Bay's motto: Gaining ground, one curmudgeon at a time.

[Last modified October 27, 2007, 17:10:29]