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Everything's In Place For Bucs To Succeed

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 23, 2008

Updated: 01/23/2008 12:22 am

Four more years.

There was never a doubt Chucky and Bruce Allen would get new contracts. Tuesday's news of three-year extensions on top of the remaining year on their original deals had been anticipated since the Bucs' season ended.

Maybe three years is one season too many, but whatever. The Glazers believe they have their guys, so they did what they believed was necessary. They don't talk publicly much, but they make their points when they do. After the playoff loss to the Giants, Joel Glazer said he was happy with the way things are going. And we know Glazer is all about winning the Super Bowl, so we assume he means things are on course for just that.

"We made the playoffs this year and there are so many positives for the team right now," quarterback Jeff Garcia said. "There is $20 million to $30 million in salary cap room and there is room to build even more with free agents. And major reasons for that are Jon Gruden and Bruce Allen."

Only the most bullheaded Gruden-basher would argue the previous point, but it's also reasonable to ask for a little consistency. Life on the Chuckycoaster has been exhausting. The three trips to the playoffs, including the Super Bowl championship, were a blast. But each previous time the Bucs made the playoffs under Gruden, they followed with a losing season and chaos.

Next season would be a fine time to buck that trend. This time next year, Tampa will be getting ready to host the Super Bowl. With the pieces in place and the wiggle room that exists under the cap, there is no reason the Bucs shouldn't go to the post next fall as a contender to be in that game.

Better Than Garcia Expected

Chucky may be stubborn and prone to curious moves from time to time, such as abandoning the running game in the second quarter of the playoff game against the Giants with unfortunate consequences. Give the man his props, though. He made it work with a new quarterback, a young offensive line, and injuries to key members of the offense.

Garcia was that new quarterback, of course. He had wondered what it would be like to actually work for Chucky as the two men played out their mating game from afar for several years. The real-life experience, Garcia said, was a revelation.

"It was more than I ever imagined," he said. "It really opened my eyes as a player. He helped me grow so much and I'm just looking forward to what next season will be like.

"Coach Gruden brings a work ethic and drive to be the best. He pushes that in practice and he wants it to carry out onto the field. There is a tremendous feeling in that locker room. As players, we really want to match up to his enthusiasm and dedication. We want to deliver everything."

That's quite a turnaround from even a year ago, when there were dark whispers that Chucky was losing the team. You'd ask some players about it and they'd just roll their eyes, but Gruden adjusted this season. He took the criticism and improved. Good coaches do that.

Which brings us back to the Super Bowl and next season ...

Plan Is In Place

It has been a good couple of weeks for the Glazers.

They wrapped up contract extensions for Monte Kiffin, Bill Muir and Rich Bisaccia.

Now, Gruden and Allen don't have to head into next season on what would have been the final year of their contracts. There is available money to buy the kind of free-agent playmakers who can make a difference.

As owners, the Glazers just removed all the obstacles toward winning another championship. They just gave Gruden and Allen everything someone in those positions could want.

There is stability. There are no questions now about Chucky leaving or anything like that. If he makes it to the end of this deal in 2011, Gruden will have been the Bucs coach for 10 seasons. His tenure as head coach will be the longest in team history.

The management team is in place. The coach is in place. The money is there. A core of good, young talent is there.

Four more years. The only way you get a deal like that is if the boss believes he is building something that will last and bring an end to the Chuckycoaster.

It needs to. Otherwise, those four years could pass awfully slowly.

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