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Bucs-Patriots: 5 Things To Watch

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By ROY CUMMINGS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 17, 2008

Splitting Hairs

With Joey Galloway strapped to the sideline by a nagging groin strain, the Bucs have been working Antonio Bryant out at split end. They're working other players there as well, but Bryant is the one who bears watching tonight. Bryant is fast emerging as a starting-caliber candidate, and he could alleviate a lot of concern about Galloway's health and readiness for the regular season if he can work this spot effectively. The Bucs offense desperately needs a speedy receiver to clear out the middle of the field for its flanker, tight end and backs, so the split end is a key component. No one expects Bryant to unseat Galloway as the starter, but if Bryant can make some catches at this spot it will go a long way toward filling a need the Bucs have been looking to fill.

Bennett Done That

RB Michael Bennett is coming off a very impressive performance against Miami in the Bucs' preseason opener. He figures to get a healthy dose of work tonight as well, and if he produces the way he did last week, when he ran 19 times for 74 yards and a touchdown and caught four passes for 16 yards, the Bucs will be pleased. With Cadillac Williams still nursing a sore knee, the Bucs need someone to step up as a home-run threat. Bennett, a former sprinter who cracked off a 31-yard run last week, has the ability to knock defenses out with a long gain. If he keeps putting together outings like the one he produced last week, the Bucs won't be pressed to push Williams back into action before he's ready.

Rush To Judgment

Though they had three sacks last week, the Bucs didn't get so much as one from regulars such as Gaines Adams, Greg White and Kevin Carter. Those three are expected to get the majority of the playing time at their respective positions, and they have to get to the quarterback for the Bucs to be successful. Adams and White are the ones to watch again tonight. Both are pass-rush specialists who don't do that much against the run, so they have to get to the passer. White is learning a new position, but he should have adapted well enough by now to make an impact. Adams is trimmer and faster, but he still might be leaning too much on raw skill than technique to get into the backfield. A sack or two by this group will ease some concern about the defense.

On Display

He probably won't make the team, but Chris Simms is still the most intriguing quarterback on the Bucs' roster. He's coming off a solid performance in his return to action last week against Miami, but he still has a long way to go to prove he can again be an NFL quarterback. With Jeff Garcia still on the sideline with a sore right calf, Simms should get some playing time. If he can put together another solid effort, Simms will have taken another step in his comeback bid. He also might make things interesting for the Bucs, who have yet to decide on a backup for Garcia. If Simms continues to play well, he could make that decision on a backup very difficult.

Making Hayes

The Bucs' linebacking corps has gotten a lot deeper in recent years. It's a hard group to crack now, what with the starters set and reserves such as Quincy Black and Adam Hayward emerging as keepers, but Geno Hayes could do it. The Bucs didn't draft him just for the fun of it. They drafted him because they believe he can help them on special teams and possibly even as a backup linebacker. Hayes might be headed to the practice squad this year, but if he can keep turning in games like the one he had last week when he recorded three tackles, he'll force his way onto the roster. In a game that figures to be dominated by reserves, Hayes is one to keep an eye on all night long.

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