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Gruden In Elite Company With Next Division Title

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 14, 2007

TAMPA - Bucs coach Jon Gruden's name is not always mentioned among the NFL's coaching elite, but his resume makes a strong case for some well-earned recognition.

If Tampa Bay defeats Atlanta at home on Sunday, the Bucs will clinch the NFC South. In addition, Gruden will claim his fifth division title since 2000; he won division crowns in Oakland (2000-01) and Tampa Bay (2002, 2005).

New England coach Bill Belichick currently has the most success with seven titles since 2000. Philadelphia's Andy Reid, Indianapolis' Tony Dungy, Seattle's Mike Holmgren and Gruden will be tied at five after this season, assuming Tampa Bay and Indianapolis win their divisions. The Patriots and Seahawks already have clinched their respective divisions.

"I would rather win that second Super Bowl," Gruden said. "You want to qualify for the playoffs, and you want to have a chance to compete for a championship. I try to keep myself very shallow with these guys. The pressure and all that stuff, everybody can handle.

"We've just got to take a good look at what we can do to improve, keep improving and stay on the gas pedal in terms of improving. That's what I'm most interested in."

Gruden is tied with John McKay (1979, 1981) with two division titles with Tampa Bay. Dungy had one (1999).

Although Gruden is only one victory from another title, his reflection on the latest accomplishment will not occur until after this season.

"It's hard to win. There are a lot of teams that have not won a division title in 10 years, 20 years," Gruden said. "You want to qualify to win your division and make the playoffs and get a home-field playoff game. It's a great step getting to the only bowl game in our business.

"I try not to get too deep or analytical with it. We need to win a football game, and every game we've won has been hard-fought and well-contested. We've got to find a way to win one more game."

BECHT TO CATCH OPPORTUNITY: TE Anthony Becht will find himself in a familiar situation Sunday. He likely will receive significant playing time because Jerramy Stevens will be serving a one-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy. Stevens' receiving ability had been utilized more in Tampa Bay's offense recently, and although Becht was primarily a blocker, his role should change against Atlanta.

"I think I was brought in for a couple of different reasons," Becht said. "In the situation we're in now, with games on the line, you have to have the reliability, accountability and trust. I think Coach Gruden knows that being in these situations in the past, and knowing every play is very crucial, I bring that element out there."

Becht should not have a problem stepping up. Entering this season, he had 167 career receptions for 1,391 yards and 18 touchdowns.

SACK EXCHANGE: DE Gaines Adams gained half a sack after review by Bucs coaches. Greg White was credited with a sack late in the third quarter against Houston on Sunday, but the sack has been split between him and Adams. White has 8.0 sacks this season, Adams 5.0.

PUMPED UP: The Bucs will surprise 20 drivers with free gasoline today as part of the team's first "Random Act of Kindness" program. Bucs players, including RB Earnest Graham, will randomly distribute $25 Hess gift cards to people as they pump gas at the Hess Express near the corner of Dale Mabry Highway and Lambright Street, beginning at 1:30 p.m.

INJURY REPORT: FB B.J. Askew (ankle) did not practice Thursday, LB Ryan Nece (groin) and RB Michael Pittman (ankle) were limited in practice, and QB Jeff Garcia (back), WR Ike Hilliard (back) and DE Greg Spires (calf) fully participated.

Anwar S. Richardson

Anwar S. Richardson

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