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For Bucs, Time To Hit The Switch

Tribune File Photo

Jeff Garcia has not thrown a pass to Joey Galloway in a game since last January's playoff loss against the New York Giants.

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By ANWAR RICHARDSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 2, 2008

TAMPA - Tampa Bay does not believe there is any reason it will not be ready for Sunday's season opener against New Orleans.

Never mind that Bucs quarterback Jeff Garcia played less than one half of football this preseason because of a calf injury, or that receiver Joey Galloway (groin) and fullback B.J. Askew (ankle) missed all four exhibition games.

Tampa Bay is not worried about Antonio Bryant or Jovan Haye's many absences from practice because of their injuries, Davin Joseph's broken foot, Earnest Graham's lack of preseason carries or Jerramy Stevens' upcoming two-game suspension.

In fact, players are not sure why everyone else is so concerned.

"You turn that switch on. That's why we're professionals. That's what we do," Askew said. "You see it throughout the league, players miss time and they come back and do what they have to do.

"This is our livelihood. This is how we make our money and you're telling me because you missed some time that you're going to come back and not be ready? No way."

Garcia earned a living connecting with Galloway, his favorite target last season.

Galloway had 57 receptions for 1,014 yards and six touchdowns last season. It marked the third consecutive season Galloway had more than 1,000 receiving yards, making him the first player in Bucs history to accomplish that feat.

Garcia has not thrown a pass to Galloway in a game since last January's playoff loss against the New York Giants, but is optimistic their connection will return on Sunday.

"Joey is a very unique individual in the way he can explode onto the scene," Garcia said. "The way he runs down the field, there aren't many guys you can practice with who can give you the same sort of look.

"That's just something we have to work through. There's not a way around it. Hopefully, he gets the opportunity Sunday and I find him. We can't go back in time. We have to make the best of it."

Tampa Bay will also have to shake off its preseason rust.

Graham's game participation was limited in the preseason, along with receiver Ike Hilliard and several other Tampa Bay veterans. The Bucs did not want to risk hurting key players in meaningless games, but Coach Jon Gruden is optimistic continuity was not damaged.

"We're not the Lone Ranger. A lot of teams in the league had players idle," Gruden said. "I don't like it, but I'm also confident that the players we have, based on what I saw today, have gotten better.

"That's what's most important is that they are ready to go now and the season is about to begin. If I had a perfect world, which I don't live in, I'd love to see these guys out there every day."

Gruden is happy to finally see the majority of his players in practice this week.

Joseph is not expected to play against New Orleans and likely will be replaced by rookie Jeremy Zuttah. While Stevens is serving his two-game suspension, tight ends Alex Smith and John Gilmore will be asked to step up in the red zone.

Regardless of whom the player is, Tampa Bay expects everyone to be ready.

"I think that is what these bonus practice days are for," Bucs safety Jermaine Phillips said. "For us to get together, and for those guys who haven't been in there, to gel and find their niche and get their timing and things of that nature down.

"When you get to Sunday, it's not something you can worry about. All you can do is worry about your individual assignments, do your job, trust your brother, your teammates, to do their job."

Reporter Anwar S. Richardson can be reached (813) 259-8425 or arichardson@tampatrib.com

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