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Gruden Expects Bucs To Go To Galloway More

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 12, 2007

TAMPA - Joey Galloway has appeared in all five games this season, but the receiver's presence was felt in only two of those games.

After having five receptions for 72 yards in the season opener against Seattle, and four catches for 135 yards and two touchdowns against New Orleans - nine receptions for 207 yards and two touchdowns combined - Galloway has totaled nine receptions for 99 yards in the past three games.

Galloway had four receptions for 42 yards against St. Louis, one catch for 7 yards against Carolina, and four receptions for 50 yards against Indianapolis last week. He also eluded talking with reporters this week leading up to Sunday's home game against Tennessee.

'We're going to do our very best to feature our best players,' Bucs coach Jon Gruden said. 'He's certainly one of them, so we're going to be bold in our attempt to get him as many balls as we can.'

What was alarming is Galloway uncharacteristically dropped two balls last week and had only one reception in the second half.

'The drops hurt us. No question about it,' Gruden said. 'I'm moving on. We hit 18 out of 23, so we did handle the ball at times well. We had a couple drops at the end of the first half. It happens. Can't dwell on our misery. Got to move on.'

The key to getting Galloway back involved in the offense lies with Gruden and QB Jeff Garcia. Both said teams have been playing zone defenses against Tampa Bay, which has not allowed Galloway to be utilized.

'When you go into a game like Indianapolis and you're dealing with a lot of crowd noise, a good rush, a good rush end and a situation where they're going to get off the ball a little faster than our O-line, it's tough to really allow plays to develop downfield,' Garcia said. 'This week, I think we'll be a little different being at home.'

PITTMAN'S NEW WHEELS: RB Michael Pittman found a great way to get around after injuring his right ankle against Indianapolis on Sunday.

Pittman purchased a blue scooter at Pep Boys and has been riding it around town. He has a Bucs sticker on the front, plus a second Tampa Bay sticker on the back of his seat and the number 32 on it. Pittman also has a giant foam Bucs finger on his scooter.

'I took it into Publix Wednesday and everybody knew who I was,' Pittman said. 'Everybody just keep saying 'ah, ah, ah.' I just kept saying stop ah'ing, I'm going to be all right. Everybody just wished me the best.'

Pittman expects to be out at least six weeks with his injury. The Bucs claimed he suffered a high ankle sprain, but Pittman said he actually tore ligaments in his ankle.

He describes himself as a fast healer, but he has no intentions of rushing back onto the field until he's ready.

'My first year here, I hurt my ankle in 2002, and when I came back I just wasn't myself,' Pittman said. 'Anybody would hit my leg and I was quick to fall because I wasn't confident in my ankle. I'm not going to do that. What I want to do is make sure it heals and let Earnest Graham and everyone else carry the weight. If I come back at 80 percent, I can't do what I want to do.'

Pittman said he has no intention of riding his scooter on Tampa Bay's sideline this week and is looking forward to putting his scooter away, although he is having fun.

'I may put some low profile tires on there,' he said. 'Chrome out my rims.'

BUCS BITS: CB Brian Kelly (groin) did not practice Thursday, while Ike Hilliard (shoulder) was limited. LB Barrett Ruud (knee) and DE Greg White (shoulder) returned to practice after being limited Wednesday. ... Manatee High's Joe Kinnan was named the Buccaneers Coach of the Week; Edgewater's William Gierke, who received the honor last week, accepted his award Thursday at One Buc Place. Both will receive $1,000 for their high school programs.

Anwar S. Richardson

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