Sports: Vance returns for second stint

Vance returns for second stint

By ROGER MILLS

TAMPA -- With Dexter Jackson injured and Shevin Smith released, the Bucs were about to enter the season with two veteran safeties, John Lynch and Damien Robinson, and two inexperienced backups, David Gibson and Lemar Marshall.

The Bucs added experience Monday, signing Eric Vance, who was waived by the Chargers on Sunday.

To make room for Vance, the Bucs waived Marshall.

Vance, 6 feet 2, 212 pounds, played three games for the Bucs in 1998, including a start against Tennessee when Lynch was injured. Vance played in six games in 1999.

He was released Dec. 7, one month after spraining his right foot against the Saints.

STARTING OVER: One year ago, Regan Upshaw was the incumbent starting right defensive end. Backup Steve White pushed him out days before the regular season.

Monday, White was on the receiving end when he lost his starting job to Marcus Jones.

"I would be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed," said White, in his fifth season from Tennessee. "But, it's not my job to make that decision. Last season coach told the team to know your role. He said, "Players play, coaches coach and trainers train.' All I can do now is play."

It's not as if White won't be getting a lot of time to play. The emergence of Jones, who finished the season well and has had a tremendous camp, does not spell doom because the Bucs plan to use Jones as Chidi Ahanotu's backup at left defensive end. White will see considerable time with Jones playing both sides.

"You have to go out every day and do your job the best you can," said White, who had seven tackles, two sacks and one forced fumble against the Redskins in the playoffs last season. "So, I'm going to go out and do my best and maybe somewhere down the road, I'll be starting again."

KEYSHAWN SPEAKS: Keyshawn Johnson brought along not just his Pro Bowl skills, but a reputation for being one of the best blocking receivers in the game. Some of that was evident Friday night when he virtually escorted Warrick Dunn downfield on a memorable 48-yard run. During the game, a number of other receivers also chipped in efficient blocks.

Is it a sign of things to come?

"I'm not going to try to be their dad or anything like that," Johnson said. "I have said it before, go back and see from day one, I'm not going to have to scream and holler. All I have to do is go out and play and they will eventually take notice. If they take notice, they'll do it and if they don't take notice then they won't do it.

"Then obviously, you guys will kill them in the newspapers, the fans will be booing them and the coaches will be cutting them. I don't have to do anything different."

Johnson, who has 31 touchdowns in four seasons, said the enthusiasm of the receivers is a product of coordinator Les Steckel's new offense.

"They feel good about the offense, they feel good about the coaches that are here," Johnson said. "Sometimes players need a change of environment or a change in personality and they probably have gotten that in the offense. They believe in certain things now, that they probably didn't believe in in the past."

PEACHY PETE: The morning after the Bucs put Jason Odom on injured reserve, new starting left tackle Pete Pierson was the center of attention at One Buc Place. Pierson said he is relieved to be settled in as the starter.

"Even though they paid Odom a lot of money to be the starter, I went into it thinking that I could compete (for the job)," Pierson said. "It's been something that I have waited about seven years, for to come. And it's going to be a very nice feeling."

PRACTICE SQUAD FILLED OUT: Defensive end Chartric Darby, cornerback Anthony Midget, fullback Matt Keller, running back/wide receiver Frank Murphy and quarterback Ted White were signed. Darby was with the Bucs this preseason until he was cut Sunday. The Bucs have long had their eyes on White since he played at Howard University. White was nearly claimed by the Bucs off the Chiefs practice roster last season, but Kansas City moved him to the 53-man roster Nov. 22. White, 16 of 35 for 116 yards and two interceptions in the preseason, played for Frankfort in NFL Europe this summer. He finished 73 of 158 for 891 yards and five touchdowns and seven interceptions. Midget, a fifth-round pick by the Falcons, had two preseason interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown.

INJURY REPORT: Jackson (right ankle sprain) is out; Guard Kevin Dogins (right shoulder sprain) is probable.

Is change good?

The Bucs, six points from reaching the Super Bowl last season, have changed nearly half their starters from last season's opener:

1999 Offense

WR Bert Emanuel

TE Dave Moore

LT Paul Gruber

LG Jorge Diaz

C Tony Mayberry

RG Frank Middleton

RT Jason Odom

WR Reidel Anthony

QB Trent Dilfer

RB Warrick Dunn

RB Mike Alstott

1999 Defense

RDE Steve White

DT Warren Sapp

NT Brad Culpepper

LDE Chidi Ahanotu

WLB Derrick Brooks

MLB Hardy Nickerson

SLB Shelton Quarles

LCB Donnie Abraham

FS Damien Robinson

SS John Lynch

RCB Rhonde Barber

2000 Offense

WR Keyshawn Johnson

TE Dave Moore

LT Pete Pierson

LG Randall McDaniel

C Jeff Christy

RG Frank Middleton

RT Jerry Wunsch

WR Jacquez Green

QB Shaun King