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Gruden: Smith 'A Nightmare'

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 6, 2008

TAMPA Every time Jon Gruden slides in a tape of a Carolina game, he sees No. 89 making a highlight-reel catch.

Gruden loves great players, but at this point, he has seen quite enough of three-time Pro Bowl WR Steve Smith, two days before the Bucs face the Panthers in a Monday night showdown to determine first place in the NFC South.

"That guy, Steve Smith, he's a nightmare, man," Gruden told Panthers reporters on a conference call. "He's like Freddy Krueger to me. He scares the heck out of me."

Gruden has reason to be concerned.

Of Smith's 30 career 100-yard games, five have come against the Bucs. Gruden has repeatedly had a front-row seat as Smith made key receptions to beat Tampa Bay in close games.

"He's a lot stronger than he looks," said Bucs rookie CB Aqib Talib, looking forward to his initial Monday night appearance. "Steve Smith plays big."

Despite Smith's 5-foot-9, 185-pound frame, QB Jake Delhomme has the confidence to throw to his go-to receiver in heavy traffic, arching high passes that Smith latches onto with rare athleticism and toughness.

Smith's average of 18.4 yards per catch ranks No. 1 in the league for players with at least 45 receptions. Fifteen of his 52 catches this season have gained at least 20 yards, and he has five receptions of at least 40 yards, compared to one for the Bucs as a team.

FLY, EAGLES, FLY

Two proud Boston College alums quite familiar with Raymond James Stadium plan to be there today to root on the Eagles as BC faces Virginia Tech in the ACC Championship Game.

"I am definitely going," said Bucs DT Chris Hovan, "and I'm going to be a fan for a change. I just want to watch some good football. I think it's really good for the city of Tampa."

RT Jeremy Trueblood was a three-year starter for the Eagles before being selected in the second round of the 2006 draft.

"Boston College's defense is always good, and I'm impressed with their offensive line," he said. "Virginia Tech's a good team, but I have to go with my allegiance."

INJURY UPDATE

DT Jovan Haye didn't participate in Friday's practice and is unlikely to play against the Panthers because of a knee injury suffered during Sunday's victory against New Orleans. Veteran Ryan Sims is expected to make his first NFL start since 2005 in place of Haye.

DE Gaines Adams (hip) was limited Friday, but WR Michael Clayton (knee) returned to the practice field with no restrictions.

BUC BITS

The Glazer Family Foundation and the Buccaneers Women's Organization will host a shopping spree for 70 children today from 7 to 8 a.m. at the Target store at 6925 W. Waters Ave. in Tampa. ... Panthers MLB Jon Beason, who led all players with 13 stops in Carolina's 27-3 loss at Tampa in Week 6, ranks second in the NFC with 103 tackles. ... With four games remaining, Bucs K Matt Bryant needs 19 points to break the franchise record of 128 points, set by Martin Gramatica during the 2002 championship season.

Ira Kaufman

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