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Rookie Zuttah Knows He Has Tough Acts To Follow

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 5, 2008

TAMPA - Bucs rookie Jeremy Zuttah knows he has several tough acts to follow.

The team drafted G Davin Joseph (first round) and T Jeremy Trueblood (second round) in 2006, and although it usually takes several years for offensive linemen to develop, both became productive starters as rookies.

Tampa Bay drafted G Arron Sears (second round) last year and he immediately started, while T Donald Penn started 12 games last year after spending 2006 on the Minnesota and Tampa Bay practice squads.

Now, Zuttah is expected to replace Joseph, who has a broken foot, against New Orleans on Sunday and play at the level of his predecessors.

"I felt like I could come in and compete from the spot I got drafted third round," Zuttah said. "From Day One, I was preparing like I was going to be the guy, and that I would be ready when the opportunity came, and that is exactly the situation that I'm in."

Penn understands Zuttah's situation well.

When former Bucs LT Luke Petitgout suffered a knee injury last season in Week 4, Penn took over as starter and has not looked back. Penn is still not 100 percent comfortable, but he quickly learned how to survive against experienced defensive lineman.

He has tried to help Zuttah this week.

"They are going to try to throw a lot of stuff at Zuttah, since they know he's a rookie," Penn said. "He has to go there and expect everything. He has to be patient and know what he can do. That is what I told myself. I know what I can do, and remember my ability.

"If you make a mistake, you can't worry about that for the rest of the game. You've got to let that go."

A DIFFERENT ROLE: The last time QB Luke McCown traveled to New Orleans, he left as a conquering hero.

This year, McCown returns as a backup who might not see the field.

McCown, who played because Jeff Garcia was injured, made his first career start against New Orleans last season and threw 15 consecutive completions in a 27-23 victory.

"Nobody comes into the league and says, 'My goal is to be a backup,'" McCown said. "You always want to play, but you have to be mature enough to understand your role on the team and understand that it's about the team and not about you."

STEVENS NOT PRACTICING: Tampa Bay TE Jerramy Stevens has been around One Buc Place this week but cannot participate in team activities.

Stevens will miss the first two games of this season because of a league-mandated suspension for violating league rules before signing with Tampa Bay in 2007.

Since Stevens cannot play until Week 3 against Chicago, he is working out at One Buc Place (not attending practices or watching film) and waiting for his season to begin.

INJURY REPORT: Joseph did not participate in practice; FB B.J. Askew (foot), WR Antonio Bryant (knee), WR Michael Clayton (chest), WR Joey Galloway (groin), DT Jovan Haye (groin), C/G Sean Mahan (team decision), LB Matt McCoy (groin), S Sabby Piscitelli (knee) and DT Ryan Sims (thigh) were limited; Garcia (calf) and TE Ben Troupe (foot) participated fully.

Anwar S. Richardson

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