Pain of injuries spreads to Bucs special teams
Injuries have decimated the Bucs' stable of running backs. They have depleted the team's corps of receivers. And seemingly every other unit has felt some impact from the rash of casualties.
By STEPHEN F. HOLDER
Published October 31, 2007
TAMPA - Injuries have decimated the Bucs' stable of running backs. They have depleted the team's corps of receivers. And seemingly every other unit has felt some impact from the rash of casualties.
Take special teams, though that's perhaps the last place you'd think injuries would come into play. The special-teams units have been affected as much or more than any other - not that anyone's noticed.
"Nobody reporters ever talks to me about injuries," special-teams coach Rich Bisaccia said, only half joking.
The Bucs have had to make numerous adjustments in the kicking game to compensate for players lost to injury or, in other cases, roster moves necessitated by injuries.
The latest impact could be a big one, with reserve cornerback Torrie Cox suffering a knee injury Sunday that could end his season. Cox was promoted to primary kickoff returner because Mark Jones was lost for the season the week before at Detroit.
The effect of Cox's injury extends beyond special teams. He was a welcome addition when he returned from a league suspension four weeks ago because the Bucs have been missing cornerback Brian Kelly (groin) for most of the season.
But his absence will be felt most on special teams, where he has been an important component of almost every kick and punt unit. In 2006, Cox was selected as a Pro Bowl alternate for his special-teams play.
Often, what might look like just another injury can be much more.
"In the grand scheme of things, (special teams) gets lost," punter Josh Bidwell said. "When you hear about teams having a lot of injuries, the last thing you think about is the impact on special teams. But when you're that team, it's a huge issue. Special teams are made up of very specific athletes playing very specific positions."
Consider some of the changes the Bucs have been forced to make.
Running back Earnest Graham, who doubles as a special-teams extraordinaire, has been taken off that assignment because he is now the starting running back. Injuries to Cadillac Williams and Michael Pittman created that void. Pittman had been the primary kickoff returner before Williams was injured and Pittman was forced to take over at halfback.
Other key special-teams injuries include those to rookie safety Sabby Piscitelli and linebacker Antoine Cash, who was lost for the season during a preseason game.
Some who are indirectly affected include Maurice Stovall, who blocked a punt against the Jaguars and played extensively on special teams while also playing an expanded role as the third receiver. Coach Jon Gruden said Stovall and others were fatigued late in the game, causing the Bucs to spend a key timeout.
Another case in point: Gruden cited the need for special-teams help when fullback Zack Crockett was released and Byron Storer, who is more adept at playing special teams, was added to the roster.
The Bucs have been forced to make another tough call by using cornerback Phillip Buchanon and receiver Ike Hilliard to handle punts in Jones' absence, exposing the starters to greater risk of injury.
All the changing and rearranging means different players are doing different jobs, some of which they're not accustomed to. That can wreak havoc when it comes to execution.
"There is no such thing as 'just special teams,' " said linebacker Ryan Nece, formerly the special-teams captain. "We spend a lot of time on this team on special teams because we know how important it is in this game. ...There's a learning curve. Every job is different. You might be running down on a kickoff and your goal is basically the same, but where you're doing it from and how you get that job done might be totally different based on where you're lined up."
After Cox was hurt while returning a kick in the first quarter on Sunday, the Bucs turned to receiver Chad Lucas - a player on the roster only because of an ankle injury to fellow receiver Michael Clayton. When Clayton returns, it's possible the Bucs will need to find a place for Lucas long term.
It seems the shuffling never ends.
"Injuries don't just affect who's starting," Gruden said. "It affects who's (playing) on special teams. Clearly, the injuries have mounted and our depth and supporting cast has become a problem."
Especially on special teams.