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Buchanon Keeps Focus On Winning

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 7, 2007

TAMPA - Bucs CB Phillip Buchanon should have the phrase "I'm just playing football" etched on sheets of construction paper so he can hand them out like pamphlets and stop repeating himself.

Buchanon again took the high road when asked about playing against Houston, his former team, on Sunday.

"I thank Houston for giving me a chance to play over there. It just didn't work out over there," Buchanon said. "Now I'm with Tampa. I'm trying to make the best of my situation. I'm trying to get better every day if I can.

"I'm coming in here, being on time and trying to make myself a better person, because as you grow, you get older and a little wiser."

Houston believed it made the smart choice by giving up on Buchanon last season. The Texans released Buchanon, a former 17th overall draft choice by Oakland, in October 2006 after trading two draft picks for him the previous year.

Buchanon's career seemed in jeopardy, and Tampa Bay signed him the following day. After appearing in 10 games last year with four starts, Buchanon finally has become the playmaker he was expected to be after leaving the University of Miami.

"I can't speak for him, but I'm sure he's motivated to show everybody they made a mistake," Bucs defensive backs coach Raheem Morris said. "Sometimes that can hurt you, and sometimes it can help you, but in his case I think he's even-keeled and doesn't have any animosity towards those guys. He's happy where he is, and I'm sure he's ready to go play and win."

Buchanon is a large part of Tampa Bay's 8-4 record this year.

He has started in 10 games and has 54 tackles, two interceptions (tied for second on the team) and 10 passes defended (third on the team). Buchanon is also pushing incumbent CB Brian Kelly for playing time, which could be his most impressive accomplishment.

"I came over here to win ballgames and get a chance to win a Super Bowl," Buchanon said. "My focus, and from me talking to Coach Jon Gruden and general manager Bruce Allen, our main goal was to come in here and win games and win a Super Bowl. That's still my goal.

"Right now, I'm with the Bucs. I'm very appreciative to be here, and I'm just trying to take advantage of everything I got going. I'm going to try to learn from my mistakes and get better."

GARCIA'S HEALTH IMPROVING: It appears QB Jeff Garcia is moving closer to playing Sunday. Garcia participated in Thursday's practice and, although he was limited, Gruden said he is showing improvement after a back injury caused him to miss last week's game.

"He's making strides. He's getting better. Other than that, that is about all I can say," Gruden said.

Tampa Bay not only has a chance to lock up the NFC South title with a win, it could host two playoff games if the Bucs have a strong enough conference record. That is why Garcia likely will play if he is healthy.

If Garcia is unable to play, Luke McCown will make his second consecutive start.

CADDY PARKED IN TAMPA: Bucs RB Cadillac Williams returned to Tampa this week and is continuing his rehabilitation after suffering a season-ending knee injury in Week 4.

"He has a long road ahead of him, but he's in great spirits. He's off to a good start," Gruden said. "He's here. If you look around carefully, you might see him. ... I have no idea what stage of rehab he's in right now, or which room he's in, but he's here somewhere.

"He's walking around a little bit, but he still has a long way to go. This was a very serious knee injury, and he had a great performance with the operation. Now it's a matter of him applying himself and committing himself, which you know he will, to a daily grind, and it's not easy. We have the right people to help him, and it's going to be a collaborative effort, but it will get done."

BROOKS SCHOOL INVITATION: The Brooks-DeBartolo Collegiate High School in Tampa will host an open house Saturday to provide an opportunity for enrollment for prospective students. School tours will be available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for those interested in attending the school for the 2008 spring semester.

The school is at 11602 N. 15th Street. For more information, call (813) 971-5600 or visit www.bdchs.org.

BUCS BITS: WR Joey Galloway's 18.2 yards-per-catch average on 49 receptions is tops among players with at least 30 catches. Dallas WR Terrell Owens is second with 17.6 yards on 71 receptions ... FB B.J. Askew (ankle) and RB Michael Pittman (ankle) did not practice. Galloway (toe), WR Ike Hilliard (knee) and LB Ryan Nece (groin) were limited in practice. DE Kevin Carter (shoulder) and DE Greg Spires (calf) fully participated.

Anwar S. Richardson

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