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Notebook: Looking Out For No. 2

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By IRA KAUFMAN The Tampa Tribune

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 3, 2008

LAKE BUENA VISTA - While Jeff Garcia is sidelined, Brian Griese and Luke McCown are receiving extra reps in a heated battle for the backup QB job.

"They are both getting a great opportunity right now, and they're making the most of it," said first-year quarterbacks coach Greg Olson, who has worked with Garcia in San Francisco and Detroit. "It's a really good competition between Brian and Luke ... that will be a tough call."

McCown played superbly in Garcia's absence during a 27-23 comeback victory at New Orleans on Dec. 2 that essentially locked up the NFC South title. Griese, in his second stint with the Bucs, set a franchise record with a 97.5 passer rating in 2004.

"Luke's very athletic, and that's something a lot of people don't realize," Olson said. "Brian has a great feel for this offense."

Olson was on the scene Thursday morning when Garcia pulled up injured during a routine rollout.

For an agonizing moment, he feared the worst.

"An Achilles' was the first thing on my mind when it happened," Olson said, "just by the way Jeff reacted. He was down for the rest of the day and the next morning, disappointed and frustrated, but we're confident Jeff will be back on the field soon. We want to make sure he's got fresh legs for the regular season. It's not like he's a young quarterback trying to learn Coach Jon Gruden's system."

Slippery When Dry

Following a light practice day, Gruden expected sharp effort and execution from the Bucs on Saturday morning.

Instead, they batted .500.

While the energy level was high, receivers had a tough day as Tampa Bay simulated game conditions and worked on the two-minute drill.

"Obviously, we dropped a lot of balls," Gruden said. "We dropped too many passes. Our assignments were solid, but we just didn't make enough plays on the offensive side of the ball. When plays are there to be made, you've got to make 'em."

Third-year WR Maurice Stovall was one of the culprits, dropping a pass over the middle with nowhere to hide.

"Nobody wants practice to go that way," Stovall said. "You always want a crisp, productive practice. Anytime the ball's on the ground, whether it's stripped, fumbled or dropped, you don't want to put bad things on film."

Fallen Comrade

The season-ending knee injury suffered by CB Torrie Cox last week will have an impact on special teams.

"I really feel bad for Torrie, and I feel bad for the Buccaneers," special teams and runnings back coach Rich Bisaccia said. "We have high expectations around here, and he's a big part of it. He really helped us raise the bar on special teams. I'm sure he's going to rehab his rear end off."

Cox has been on injured reserve three times since 2003 with knee injuries.

"He's come back from it before," said Bisaccia, "and he knows we're all here to support him. Jon Gruden breeds a tight team. In seven years, it gets tighter all the time."

Extra Points

K Matt Bryant nailed all five of his field-goal attempts Saturday, each from long distance. ... Rookie offensive lineman Jeremy Zuttah continues to impress, with Gruden labeling the versatile third-round pick out of Rutgers "unflappable." ... Gruden says he has been following the Brett Favre saga from afar. "This is a bizarre, unbelievable story and I enjoy the coverage," Gruden said. "All the reporting you guys have done is keeping me up to speed." ... Defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin said he's looking for veteran Ryan Sims, rookie Dre Moore and second-year pro Greg Peterson to step up at under tackle while Jovan Haye recovers from a groin strain that could linger.

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