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Team is ready to 'compete'

By JOHN SCHWARB

© St. Petersburg Times,
published August 12, 2001

TAMPA -- The next time the Bucs put on full pads, they'll be at Raymond James Stadium playing the Dolphins.

Judging by a weekend's worth of joint workouts with Miami at Pepin/Rood Stadium, coach Tony Dungy said the Bucs are as ready as can be for the Monday preseason opener.

"It's been very good work," Dungy said. "I think everyone wants to compete, and that's pretty much happening."

Dungy noted solid play in the passing game during Saturday's workouts. In the afternoon, Keyshawn Johnson made a couple of fine catches and the quarterbacks combined for one interception (Miami's Arturo Freeman picked Brad Johnson).

"This is the best we've been against Miami," Dungy said. "They have a tough secondary, and their style of play is very tough on receivers. Our guys have gotten open a little bit and caught the ball better than they have in the past against (Miami)."

Both teams also showed some intensity. One incident that drew ire from the crowd involved Warrick Dunn, pushed down from behind at the sideline by Miami's Zach Thomas after a reception. Dunn glared at the linebacker while getting up.

More importantly, the Bucs survived without any significant injuries although midway through the afternoon session, tight end Todd Yoder was carted off as a precaution for dehydration.

An NFL Films crew was at the afternoon session.

ROTATION SET: Dungy said quarterback Ryan Leaf will figure into the mix Monday night.

Dungy said Brad Johnson will get the start and go about 15 plays with the first unit, then Shaun King will come in for the next 15 plays. Leaf will be third in the mix.

"We just don't know how many are going to be left at the end," Dungy said. "We'd like to have a 100-play game to get some extra work, but I doubt that will happen."

DUNN JUNIOR?: With the Dolphins in town, there are two former Florida State star running backs and Baton Rouge, La., natives on one field.

Whether third-round draft pick Travis Minor develops into the same Pro Bowl-type player as Dunn remains to be seen, but the five-year veteran sees potential in the rookie.

"I think his game can definitely transcend to the pro level, he can be a dominant player," said Dunn of Minor, both of whom also attended the same high school. "We will definitely talk throughout the year, and I would wish him well."

KEYWORDS: With two regular-season games in the past four years and three consecutive summers of joint practice sessions, one might think a Bucs-Dolphins rivalry is developing.

Keyshawn Johnson, however, was not exactly ready to raise the Dolphins to rival status.

"I don't know. I might put my foot in my mouth," Johnson said. "The Dolphins, they kind of remind me of a team that just constantly competes, competes, competes, then at the end they just kind of run out of a little bit of gas.

"But it's good competition, I was telling (Dolphins cornerback) Sam (Madison) that earlier."

INJURY REPORT: Linebacker Jamie Duncan, sidelined for most of camp with a hamstring strain, practiced in the morning session and likely will play Monday. Lineman Todd Washington returned from a dislocated finger, and safety Dexter Jackson returned from a hamstring strain. Both are probable.

Fullback Mike Alstott (hamstring), punter Mark Royals (knee), defensive end John McLaughlin (hip) and receiver Frank Rice (ACL) are outand defensive tackle Terry Jolly (knee), cornerback Anthony Midget (hamstring) and linebacker Jude Waddy (jaw) are questionable. Players listed as probable: running back Rabih Abdullah (hamstring), cornerback Donnie Abraham (hamstring), safety David Gibson (groin), receiver Jacquez Green (hamstring) and running back Aaron Stecker (neck).

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