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With Garcia On Mend, McCown Will Get The Start

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 7, 2008

LAKE BUENA VISTA - With mending veteran Jeff Garcia expected to remain behind in Tampa and receive treatment for a strained calf, Luke McCown will open up at QB for the Bucs in Saturday night's preseason opener at Miami.

Coach Jon Gruden said Brian Griese, Chris Simms and rookie Josh Johnson are also expected to take some snaps at Dolphin Stadium.

McCown, who started three games for the Bucs last season, will be opposed by his older brother, Josh McCown.

"I think the last time two brothers went head-to-head, it was the Manning Show," Gruden said, referring to the 2006 season opener that matched Peyton Manning of the Colts against Eli Manning of the New York Giants. "We're going to have the McCown Show."

Simms threw only one preseason pass last year after suffering a 2006 spleen injury that required surgery in Week 3.

"I'm just glad I'm out here again," Simms said. "I'm feeling better and getting more reps."

Gruden sounds curious to see if Simms is sharp Saturday.

"I'd really like to see Chris play and get comfortable," he said. "He's going to have some rough times, I'm sure, because he hasn't played. Inactivity is a hard thing as a quarterback, so we'll try to get him some looks."

Josh McCown started nine games last year for the Raiders and joined the Dolphins in the offseason.

Power Supply

A familiar face auditioned for the Bucs on Wednesday as they worked out Lorenzo Neal, a four-time Pro Bowl fullback who played the 1998 season in Tampa and contributed to a productive ground game.

Neal is recognized as a powerful blocker and he led the way for Warrick Dunn and Mike Alstott to combine for 1,872 yards a decade ago.

"He had a good workout," Gruden said. "He was impressive and he took a physical. When you're a two-back football team, the fullback is a critical member of the unit. Lorenzo Neal is a Pro Bowl fullback that we want to look at."

Starting fullback B.J. Askew remained sidelined with a foot injury Wednesday.

"Lorenzo Neal is special," Gruden said. "I don't know anybody who doesn't respect him as a physical presence and a team guy."

Not Going Anywhere

There was speculation Tuesday that veteran quarterback Brian Griese was part of a trade package to acquire Brett Favre, but his agent said Wednesday he received no indication Tampa Bay was using his client as trade bait.

"I had a conversation with Tampa Bay GM Bruce Allen and our conversation is confidential," Ralph Cindrich said. "I'm not at liberty to disclose it. ... As far as I'm concerned, Brian Griese is a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and I don't see that changing."

Many started to speculate Griese could be shipped out of Tampa after he missed Monday's afternoon practice, but the quarterback said he was given that time off to rest. Bucs coach Jon Gruden routinely gives veterans the afternoon off and Griese's scheduled respite was Tuesday.

Computer Prefers Favre Over Garcia

After conducting 10,000 game simulations, AccuScore predicted Tampa Bay would win three or four more games this season with Brett Favre at quarterback than Jeff Garcia because Favre completes a higher percentage of passes, especially on third down. Tampa Bay's chances of making the playoffs as a division winner or wild card increased from 43.5 to 52.1 percent with Favre.

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