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With Garcia Absent, Gruden Tries To Mend Fences With His Quarterback

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By ANWAR S. RICHARDSON

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 8, 2008

LAKE BUENA VISTA - Jeff Garcia is Tampa Bay's starting quarterback.

While that has not changed, Bucs Coach Jon Gruden is optimistic Garcia's opinion of him and management is still positive after weeks of Brett Favre's speculation which concluded with the former Green Bay standout wearing a New York Jets uniform.

"I'm sure Jeff wasn't real pleased with the reports and things of that nature," Gruden said. "At the same time, I feel at the end of the day, hopefully he'll understand and he knows we have a lot of respect for him and hopefully we get Jeff re-signed to a long-term deal because he's a hell of a quarterback."

Garcia's take on Tampa Bay possibly trying to replace him only weeks before the regular season are unknown since he missed Thursday's night practice due to a calf strain injury. He is currently in Tampa being treated and will not travel to Miami for the Bucs' preseason road game Saturday.

Although Garcia could be upset about Tampa Bay's conversations with Green Bay, Gruden, who has no regrets about pursuing Favre, did not believe it would be an issue.

"There is not any air to clear right now. This is not going to become an Oprah Winfrey special," Gruden said. "I feel good about A, being involved in this, knowing exactly what happened, and B, I feel good about our quarterbacks as I said at the opening of training camp.

"I hope at the end of the day that if there are some feelings hurt, hopefully we can get over that and move on. We have work to do."

Garcia openly voiced his displeasure in May after contract negotiations between he and the Bucs stalled.

Tampa Bay finished with a 4-12 record in 2006. Gruden and General Manager Bruce Allen faced the possibility of losing their jobs if Tampa Bay floundered again.

The Bucs signed Garcia in 2007 and he led Tampa Bay to a 9-7 regular-season record and an NFC South title. Garcia threw for 2,440 yards, 13 touchdowns and four interceptions, was selected to his fourth Pro Bowl, and sought an extension to bring his total payout for 2008 to roughly $7 million, the average for NFL starting quarterbacks. He also hoped to recover the seven-figure incentive he would have earned had the Bucs' decision to rest him down the stretch not kept him from taking 70 percent of the snaps.

"Jeff definitely played at a high level and played great last year," Bucs backup quarterback Chris Simms said. "I'm sure it's hard on Jeff. I can't imagine. I'm not in his position, but he's a competitor and I'm sure he feels like he did a lot for this team last year and he just wants his due respect, which is what he deserves."

Garcia begrudgingly participated in Tampa Bay's offseason programs, hoping he would receive a new deal.

However, after several conversations, Tampa Bay ceased discussions about a contract renewal.

While Garcia has the full support of his teammates, Bucs players understand the NFL is a business.

"You never know in this business what's going to happen and when your time is up," Bucs receiver Michael Clayton said. "I've played with six quarterbacks since I've been here and nothing is new to me.

"You just take it all in stride. The moves ownership makes are to make this team better."

Reporter Anwar S. Richardson can be reached (813) 259-8425 or arichardson@tampatrib.com.

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