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Jagodzinski: Bucs' Offense Will Run On Ground Game

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By IRA KAUFMAN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: April 1, 2009

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TAMPA - Jeff Jagodzinski's playbook is streamlined - and so is his message.

Run the football.

Tampa Bay's new offensive coordinator said today that the key to the attack in 2009 rests with an effective power ground game that will lead to favorable matchups through the air.

On the second day of the Buccaneers' voluntary minicamp, Jagodzinski outlined his vision for Tampa Bay's offensive philosophy and said quarterback Luke McCown is "more than good enough'' to execute the plan.

"We want to have a run game that makes defenses commit to putting eight men on the line of scrimmage,'' Jagodzinski said after Wednesday's morning practice. "If they want to stop the run, we'll go throw it. But it has to start with the run game. If you get that established, everything else falls into place.''

The Bucs ran on 43 percent of their offensive snaps in 2008, and it appears that number could go up significantly with Jagodzinski calling the plays instead of former head coach Jon Gruden.

Jagodzinski said Tampa Bay's wide receivers will play an important part in the success of the ground game by taking on the eighth man in the box and potentially springing running backs Earnest Graham and newcomer Derrick Ward for big runs.

Despite Tuesday's statement by Denver owner Pat Bowlen that the Broncos are now committed to trading Jay Cutler, Jagodzinski declined to talk about the disgruntled Pro Bowl quarterback or Tampa Bay's interest in acquiring him.

Jagodzinski said Tampa Bay's talent at the tight end position, led by Kellen Winslow, should lead to matchups in the passing game that the Bucs can exploit.

"Kellen does some things with matchups that I think can really benefit us this year,'' Jagodzinski said. "He's been great at practice, asking a lot of questions, and I'm really excited about him. Defenses are going to have to make a tough decision.''

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