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Letters to the Editors

Coaching called into question by the fans

After watching the Bears game, I'm sure Tony Dungy and company should be relieved immediately and an interim coach designated for the rest of the season. The Bucs don't seem to have any faith in their coaches. Fire them and move on.
-- Robert Hanson, New Port Richey

I've liked Tony Dungy since his arrival in Tampa, probably because of the poor coaches that came before him. But I am now convinced he is a one dimensional coach who can only reach the big prize with a perfect team. This isn't the Bucs. He refuses to keep passing the ball, when on first down many times the team will gain good yardage by doing so. He always comes right back after a nice passing gain by running the smallest back in NFL history up the gut. His old school theory of establishing the running game is fine, except for the fact he has a mediocre offensive line. So instead of mixing things up, he tries to play as if he has the people to produce a power game.

We've had three offensive coordinators in the past three years. The play calling has stunk for all three of those years, so the blame must lie with Dungy. Tony is better than the coaches before him, but it looks like he's just a bit short of being the man to win the big prize.
-- George H Johnson, Clearwater

Tony Dungy's perception is "we need to execute; we need to get better." The reality is that 13 games into the season, the Bucs can't block, tackle, run or score touchdowns in the red zone. The reality is they're not a well-coached, fundamentally sound team. Dungy can't seem to prepare his players mentally either.

It's time for new players without huge guaranteed contracts that make them slackers and a new coach a la Bill Cowher, who can take mediocre players and make them contenders instead of pretenders.
-- Michael Harris, Oldsmar

As the Buccaneers ended their season Sunday in Chicago, we are left wondering why this "talented" team was so poor. If we dump Dungy, who do we get? Were they good because of Dungy or McKay? I say cut Jacquez Green and Reidel Anthony. The two former Gators have no heart. Do not re-sign Dunn. He is a third-down back at best. If Sapp is going to retire as promised, use the money for some decent offensive linemen. The current group has shown no improvement. Finally, see if Jimmy Johnson would want to sail the Three Rings into Tampa Bay.

P.S. The laughter you hear on Monday is that of the season ticket holders receiving their bill for playoff tickets.
-- Glenn Bradley, Seminole

Offense? What offense? Is anyone home? Are the lights burning? Brad Johnson, you are one gutsy man. You do have my sympathy playing behind the sieve of an offensive line.

So c'mon (Rich) McKay and Malcolm Glazer, go out and buy yourselves three or four All-Pro offensive linemen. And while you're at it, why not buy yourselves (and the fans) a more offensive-minded coach.
-- J.M. Hill, Seminole

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