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Garcia Likely The Man Sunday

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By ROY CUMMINGS

rcummings@tampatrib.com

Published: October 9, 2008

TAMPA - Jeff Garcia still doesn't agree with Jon Gruden's decision to replace him as the Bucs starting quarterback four weeks ago. He now sees clearly, though, why his coach made that move.

"When I watched the film of that New Orleans game ... I just didn't have that explosion or getaway that I normally have," Garcia said of his injury-plagued Week 1 start. "But now I feel like all that is back. The speed is back, the explosion within the pocket is back, the mobility is back. Right now I'm not favoring anything."

Good thing, because Brian Griese is favoring plenty. Griese, who started the past four games, was unable to throw Wednesday because of an elbow injury sustained in Denver.

Though Gruden declined to make an official announcement, he likely will turn to Garcia to start a critical NFC South game against Carolina at Raymond James Stadium. Gruden believes the veteran quarterback is far more capable now that he is recovered from calf, pinkie and ankle injuries.

"Mobility and creative playmaking are part of his style, so I do think he's coming back," Gruden said. "That's a good sign."

Here's a bad one. The offense Garcia takes over looks nothing like the unit he helped lead to the playoffs last year. The Bucs have scored touchdowns on 38 percent of their red zone opportunities, compared with 53 percent through five games in 2007.

"We've analyzed it to the point of insanity, really," Gruden said. "The bottom line is, we've got to get better."

A healthy and mobile Garcia may be the answer.

Reporter Roy Cummings can be reached at (813) 259-7979.

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