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Gruden News Conference Transcript - Dec. 3

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Courtesy of Buccaneers

Published: December 3, 2007

Bucs coach Jon Gruden discusses Sunday's win at New Orleans and other topics:

(On injuries)
''I don't have any updates right now on the injuries. We have several players, I think, being evaluated this morning. I'll do my best to update you on Wednesday.''

(On if Jeff Garcia has anything structurally wrong with his back)
''No. I've already made a statement there. There's nothing structurally wrong with his back. He's got a sore body and we'll go from there.''

(On if Garcia is a possibility to play against Houston)
''Yes, he is. We'll see how he feels today and tomorrow. The players have tomorrow off; we'll see how he is Wednesday. We feel like he's making improvement and that's a good thing.''

(On what he needs to see from Garcia in order to put him back in the game)
''I just want him to tell me he's ready to go, and see him move around pain free. Like I said, he's getting better and for the time being we'll continue to work with Bruce [Gradkowski] and Luke [McCown].''

(On what Luke McCown showed him in the New Orleans game)
''He showed a lot of poise. That was a very loud, difficult place to play for any quarterback. They were jacked up. The Saints are at full-strength, getting Charles Grant and [Brian] Young back. I thought he showed tremendous poise and great command, and he also made a lot of plays. Those three things stood out in my mind.''

(On so many players stepping up this season)
''Well, we're building a team. We're building a football team. We added some draft choices, some young guys, and we've added some free agents. I said several weeks ago, the train is back on the track. We still have a long way to go, but there are some newcomers that are doing a good job for us.''

(On if the Bucs' standing in the division factors into when the team will bring Garcia back)
''No. He's a needed guy on our football team. We need to win another game. We're in the fight of our lives to win every Sunday and this week will be no different. If Garcia's cleared to play, he'll play.''

(On Jerramy Stevens making a big play)
''He made a lot of big plays for Seattle over his career there. We're trying to incorporate him more and more into the offense. I think that play he made yesterday just showcases his athletic ability and what he can do as a receiver. He's growing into the offense, I think, as an all-around tight end, proven as a blocker. He's a great kid, he's worked hard since he's been here [and] I'm happy for him.''

(On the performance of the defense in the second half)
''I thought they were tremendous. They got consecutive stops. They gave our offense an opportunity to reload and we made a lot of different kind of plays. We had some good rushes, some games upfront, coverages were solid and I was impressed with that.''

(On if he believes in team of destiny implications)
''We have had some success lately; a lot of different guys have stepped up. Our football team, I think, has a lot of football character, a lot of passionate guys that love to play and compete. They have a healthy respect for this league and they know that if we're not ready to play, we'll be defeated and defeated soundly.''

(On the plays that QB Luke McCown that other guys haven't made around here)
''He had some explosive runs, scrambles when he's not just avoiding a rush and keeping a play alive, he's avoiding a rush and running for 15 or 20 yards. I think he had two carries for 35 yards. The ball he throws to Galloway, the 60 yard gain, is a big time play. It's a rifle, it's on the money, and there are three or four other plays he made scrambling on a naked bootleg hitting B.J. Askew with a defensive end right in his face. He showed some rare athleticism and playmaking.''

(On importance in finding a lot of different receivers)
''That's important. It shows that he understands where to go with the ball, he understands his complementary receivers, his check down receivers, and most patterns that are any good have five eligibles into the route because that's all we're allowed to have. If you can use 10 different men on any given Sunday you're doing a heck of a job seeing things and reacting to things, and distributing the ball.''

(On RB Earnest Graham taking advantage of his opportunity)
''I'm really proud of him and thankful for him. Obviously, what he has done statistically speaks for itself. Not a lot of backs in our history here have done what he has done; rushing and receiving and combined yardage in just seven or eight starts. He's been durable, he's protected the football, and I think what goes unnoticed sometimes is his ability to pick up blitzes and just being an every down back. He's been outstanding for us.''

(On DE Gaines Adams)
''He is very good, he is getting better and getting and more and more confident with his game. He is a big part of our future. He has some real flash ability, and he is putting it together now. He is putting a lot of different things together and it shows. He is getting off the ball well, and our games are improving too. He is working better, his stunt game is improving, he is playing a six technique, and he is getting better. His overall understanding of our defense is improving also. He showed great stamina and effort, and made a couple of big plays again yesterday.''

(On DT Jovan Haye)
''He is quietly had a very good season, and I can't say enough of what he has done, as a run defender, and a high effort player. He has given us some pass rush where it is hard to rush the passer from. He is a great guy, he is just a great kid, and he has a tremendous motor. He is a disciplined, fiery guy and we are glad he is here.''

(On if QB Jeff Garcia will need practices before he plays in another game)
''We will just see how it goes. Hopefully, he can return and get a couple of good healthy practices in and we can resume. I would like to get him back practicing before a game. He has already missed one week of practice, and we will just take it day by day.''

(On QB Luke McCown preparing for his second start)
''He is still an inexperienced player; he has had five career starts. We will do the best we can to prepare him to play. It won't be easy; Houston has some really good defensive players, and a good scheme.''

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