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Bucs Evaluating Roster, Creating Competition

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By IRA KAUFMAN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 23, 2009

DANA POINT, Ca. - Luke McCown has already passed his first test as quarterback of the Buccaneers.

New GM Mark Dominik said McCown has maintained his poise, even as rumors continue to swirl concerning a potential trade with Denver that would send Pro Bowl quarterback Jay Cutler to Tampa Bay.

"When Luke signed his deal, we said you are competing for the job – and that's all Luke wanted to hear,'' Dominik said Monday as the NFL owners' meetings began. "I'm proud of Luke because he has handled everything professionally. Our guys know there are only three quarterbacks on the roster right now and there will be four in camp.''

In their two months on the job, Dominik and rookie coach Raheem Morris have stressed increased competition at all positions and setting a more physical, aggressive tone.

Even veteran kicker Matt Bryant is being challenged by Mike Nugent, who has flashed a strong leg during his brief NFL career.

"Matt Bryant has been a very good kicker for us,'' Dominik said. "I talked to Matt and he understands it's a competition. I've made it very clear to him that he can win it.''

Dominik said Buc fans will notice some significant changes on defense as new coordinator Jim Bates succeeds icon Monte Kiffin, an architect of the Tampa Two.

"There will be coverage changes, more press and re-routing receivers earlier,'' said Dominik. "I think you'll also see more aggressive, blitzing football. That has been Bates' M.O. in the past. We think (linebacker) Angelo Crowell is part of that and that's why it was so important to get Jermaine Phillips back.''

Dominik also said there are plans to tinker with third-year defensive end Gaines Adams in an effort to accelerate his development.

"They'll move Gaines around a little bit more, maybe widen out his stance so he's coming off the edge in a little more of a pinch so he has more of an opportunity to take a straight line to the quarterback,'' Dominik said.

As the head of football operations, Dominik is keenly aware that some Buc fans are unhappy the club hasn't spent more freely during free agency, especially considering Tampa Bay boasted $61 million in cap space.

"Just because you have the money doesn't mean you should just spend it,'' he said. "You've got to make what you think are the best football decisions you can make every day. Raheem and I have spent a lot of time with our coaches, making sure we're acquiring players that really fit with what we want to do.''

Dominik said the evaluation process starts with placing a value on each player.

"You have to stick to that,'' he said. "If you start pulling away from that, you end up putting the player and expectations in the wrong direction.''

Earlier this month, the Bucs announced they would end a 7-year stint in Lake Buena Vista and return training camp to Tampa, using their new facility.

"We loved our time in Orlando, but for us to have the opportunity to bring the Bucs back to Tampa is special,'' he said. "I was fortunate enough to be here when we used to practice at (University of Tampa) Pepin-Rood. That was really a lot of fun and our players loved it. A lot of our fans had a chance to go see their team in their town and we're going back to that.''

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