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Gruden Says Poor Tackling Was Key To Loss

By NICK WILLIAMS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 9, 2008

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During Tuesday morning's press conference, Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden credited Carolina's talented running attack, but said it was a lack of sound tackling that led to Monday night's 38-23 loss to the Panthers.

Going into the game, the Buccaneers had allowed just one rushing touchdown and one 100-yard rusher, but gave up four touchdowns and 299 yards on the ground to the Panthers, who assumed sole possession of the NFC South lead.

"We missed more tackles than we've missed probably all season," Gruden said. "I'm not going to stand up here and make excuses. I'll take responsibility for it and we got to do much better."

DeAngelo Williams had 19 carries for 186 yards while rookie Jonathan Stewart had 15 carries for 115 yards. That helped the Panthers (10-3) break open a close game in the fourth quarter, when they scored three touchdowns after the Bucs (9-4) had pulled into a 17-17 tie.

"We missed a few tackles and a lot of that has to do with those two backs. They're outstanding," he said. "It was an excellent job their receivers did on blocking on the perimeter. It gave them some one-on-one situations and they took advantage of that last night."

Gruden was pleased with the performance of receiver Antonio Bryant, though, especially his one-handed touchdown grab in the fourth quarter. Bryant ended the game with 200 yards and two touchdowns.

"Unbelievable, unbelievable," said Gruden of Bryant's highlight catch. "He's running all the routes, he's making all kinds of catches, he's got tremendous stamina and what a performance he put out there last night. It was too bad it wasn't in a winning cause."

Gruden also gave injury updates. He said defensive tackle Chris Hovan (ankle) in questionable, offensive lineman Jeremy Zuttah (ankle) is questionable, and said center Jeff Faine "is going to be OK" but didn't specify the injury. He did not give an update on the status of defensive tackle Jovan Haye.

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