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Notebook: Gruden Showing His Sensitive Side

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BY IRA KAUFMAN

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 6, 2008

LAKE BUENA VISTA - Coach Jon Gruden's sensitivity to his players' needs has not gone unnoticed during training camp.

Gruden has been flexible with Tampa Bay's regimen, canceling practices to ensure players stay refreshed. On Monday afternoon, Gruden organized a trip to a local movie theater to see "The Dark Knight," the latest Batman film that is breaking box-office records.

"Great movie," OT Anthony Davis said. "It's a little long, but I'd much rather be in the air conditioning than out here on the field. Coach Gruden's doing a great job taking care of us. He's been throwing us a couple of bones here and there, and we can't do anything but repay him on the field by giving it our all."

Gruden has been resting his veterans regularly, and the Bucs have added a practice tent to provide a comfortable environment for afternoon sessions.

"We're putting in the work, and Coach is taking care of us," Davis said.

"He wants everyone to be on the screws mentally."

New Orleans appears to be the trendy pick to unseat the Bucs as NFC South champions.

Buoyed by the offseason additions of TE Jeremy Shockey, LB Jonathan Vilma and rookie DT Sedrick Ellis, the Saints have upgraded their talent in an effort to return to their 2006 form.

"Gruden always makes that point that he likes people overlooking us," TE Alex Smith said. "Nobody picked us to be South champions last year, either. Just to have those preseason recognitions, if it meant something you'd get a ring right now. We're fine with that. We know what our goal is, and we think we'll be there at the end of the year."

Buchanon Doesn't Mind Getting Down And Dirty

When CB Phillip Buchanon joined the Bucs in 2006, he had developed a reputation as an indifferent tackler in stops at Oakland and Houston.

Buchanon has shown a willingness to be more physical in Tampa's scheme, which calls for defensive backs to play a key role in stopping the run and wrapping up receivers after the catch.

"Being here, we take pride in tackling," Buchanon said. "When you watch CB Ronde Barber and LB Derrick Brooks and all these other veteran players, they lead by example. If you don't fall in line, you are going to be left behind."

Tight Ends Provide Plenty Of Depth

Bucs tight ends coach Bob Casullo said the organization will have some tough decisions to make regarding his group before Tampa Bay settles on a 53-man roster.

"We are very solid at the position," Casullo said, "and it's going to be hard for the powers that be. It's a real athletic group, probably the best group I've ever had, college or pro. Ben Troupe is what we hoped he would be. I don't know what happened to him at Tennessee, but he's been wonderful for us.

"John Gilmore knows what his role is. We had a good player in Anthony Becht and now we've got John and we're expecting him to be better. Alex Smith is doing his thing and Jerramy Stevens is a gifted athlete. We feel very good about our tight end position."

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