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Galloway's Return Can't Spark Offense

Tribune photo by CLIFF McBRIDE

Bucs quarterback Jeff Garcia looks downfield as he rolls away from pressure in the first half.

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By JOEY JOHNSTON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 27, 2008

IRVING, Texas - Joey Galloway was finally back, commanding everyone's attention.

But when Sunday afternoon's game was there to be won, Bucs quarterback Jeff Garcia didn't see him streaking toward the end zone. And it was like a cloud that hung over Texas Stadium, when the Cowboys escaped with a 13-9 victory against the Bucs.

Galloway, returning to the lineup after missing five games with a sprained foot, said he broke free and Cowboys defender Alan Ball fell down. The Bucs had a fourth-and-5 from the Dallas 18-yard line. Had Garcia noticed Galloway - and simply shot-putted the ball in his direction - the Bucs would have had a dramatic victory.

Wide receiver Ike Hilliard and running back Earnest Graham also appeared to be open on the fourth-down play.

"I thought my better option was to find one of my hook routes, get the first down and move the chains," said Garcia, who threw incomplete to tight end Jerramy Stevens, ending the drive with 19 seconds remaining. "It was pretty tight. If I missed that opportunity to Galloway, it's unfortunate for us. Those are things we can't afford to do."

Galloway, who had three receptions for 38 yards, also broke open on a deep first-half route, but Garcia overthrew him.

"It felt good playing again," Galloway said. "The itch has always been there, but sometimes, injuries get in the way of that. I didn't play very much today, but I feel healthy. Hopefully, I'll get some more playing time."

It may be in a different role. Antonio Bryant (seven catches for 46 yards) has emerged as Garcia's go-to receiver. Galloway found himself lining up in the slot position occasionally.

"Joey is a threat every time he steps on the field," Bucs receiver Michael Clayton said. "Defenses have to respect him. When he was in there, we could see some things opening up underneath. He really stretches the defense. Just his presence changes everything."

"We definitely have weapons on this team," Garcia said. "It's a matter of giving them those opportunities."

Unfortunately for Galloway, that didn't happen on Tampa Bay's final play.

Reporter Joey Johnston can be reached at (813) 259-7353.

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