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Jackson Could Lose His Return Duties

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By ANWAR RICHARDSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 21, 2008

TAMPA - Tampa Bay made WR Dexter Jackson its second-round pick in April with the hopes he would jump-start the return game, but it may not happen this year.

Bucs coach Jon Gruden suggested Jackson might be relieved of his return duties after several weeks of struggles. Jackson has returned 20 punts for 97 yards (4.9 average), which ranks 25th of 26 in the NFL. He is averaging 23.4 yards on kickoff returns, 17th in the league.

After Jackson fumbled a kickoff to start the third quarter of Sunday night's victory against Seattle, he was replaced by WR Michael Clayton, not the first time he has been benched this year.

"He's a young player. It's been pointed out the last several weeks," Gruden said. "He does have talent and we are asking an awful lot from a young guy, to make some critical decisions. We'll look at that replacing him. We'll look at what candidates we do have, the competition we can create and at the end of the day, we'll do what's best for our team."

Tampa Bay's best choice might be Clayton, who runs aggressively on kickoff returns, but the Bucs cannot afford another injury at receiver with Joey Galloway (foot), Maurice Stovall (hamstring) and Ike Hilliard (concussion) questionable this week.

Gruden said if Galloway is healthy by Sunday, he could be used as a returner. If not, RB Michael Bennett, WR Brian Clark or WR Micheal Spurlock could return kickoffs, while CB Phillip Buchanon also could be in the mix.

"We're not making enough yardage in the return game and we have to take a look at that," Gruden said. "I know special teams coach Rich Bisaccia puts a lot of time in. I'm going to be supportive and remain confident, but we have to get more done there."

A Heady Choice

No penalty was issued on the field for the helmet-to-helmet hit Seahawks LB Leroy Hill delivered to Bucs WR Ike Hilliard, but the NFL is cracking down on helmet-to-helmet hits, so a league-imposed fine could be issued this week. Asked about the seeming incongruity, Gruden declined to share his opinion.

"You're asking the wrong guy," Gruden said.

The Seahawks were, in effect, rewarded for the play when Seattle coach Mike Holmgren challenged the ruling on the field and, after review, officials declared Hilliard fumbled before he was down by contact. Seattle was awarded possession, ending a Bucs scoring threat.

Halloween For Youth

The Bucs and Publix will host a Halloween Celebration for more than 400 disadvantaged youth at Lowry Park Zoo today. Tampa Bay players and cheerleaders will participate, but the event is closed to the public.

In The Numbers

Tampa Bay is one of four teams ranked among the league's top 10 in total offense (eighth) and total defense (ninth). The New York Giants (third/fourth), Philadelphia (10th/seventh) and Washington (seventh/sixth) are the others.

Tampa Bay still has not allowed a rushing touchdown this season. Tampa Bay's defense ranks second in third-down completion percentage. Opponents have completed 32 percent (32 of 97) of third downs against Tampa Bay, while Chicago's 30.1 percent (28 of 93) ranks No. 1.

Anwar S. Richardson

The atmosphere during Sunday's game at Raymond James Stadium was electric, which had a lot to do with the Rays.

Fans listened to the game on the radio and got updates from those watching the Rays on televisions in suites. The Rays' win remained a big topic among Bucs players on Monday.

"Obviously, we were all scoreboard watching, looking at the Rays game as well as ours," LB Derrick Brooks said. "To get home and finally get a chance to see what they did, in terms of making the Series, we know what that's like. There is no better feeling. Our other championship was against Philadelphia and we expect them to go out there and win the World Series."

Coach Jon Gruden has been an avid Rays supporter and is also caught up in their success.

"The cheering was going crazy last night. It was a great night in Tampa," Gruden said. "And again, I want to reiterate on behalf of the Buccaneers how excited we are for the Rays and I know the city of Tampa, St. Pete, Clearwater, this is going to be a real fun week for us."

Anwar S. Richardson

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