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Morris Wants New-Look Bucs To Play Angry, Tough

Tribune file photo by JAY CONNER

First-year Bucs coach Raheem Morris says that he and new GM Mark Dominik, right, have high expectations for the 2009 season.

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By IRA KAUFMAN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 23, 2009

DANA POINT, Calif. - If you're searching for a phrase to describe the off-season goals of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Raheem Morris just provided a heck of a clue.

The rookie coach is here for the three-day NFL owners meetings, and he is scheduled to sit down for an extensive session with the media Wednesday morning.

On Monday, Morris offered his initial take on the state of the Bucs, one week before the start of a mandatory minicamp.

"We're looking to create angry workers and tough guys,'' Morris said.

Morris was referring in particular to the recent addition of free agent linebacker Angelo Crowell, but his remarks reflected an overall theme.

"I think we've done a good job,'' he said. "We've made our team tougher, more physical, faster and more ready to finish down the stretch. We've brought in good guys, guys that were part of winning teams. We've lost some great leaders, and now we have to find some new leaders. Some guys on our team have to step up and assume those roles - and we think they're ready to do that.''

Morris scoffs at suggestions the Bucs will enter the 2009 season with low expectations.

"Those people obviously haven't talked to myself and [general manager] Mark Dominik,'' he said. "People are entitled to their own opinions. It'll all be determined in September with wins and losses.''

Morris is precluded from discussing any potential interest in quarterback Jay Cutler, still under contract to the Denver Broncos, but he downplayed any effect the swirling trade speculation might have on Luke McCown, who signed a two-year deal with the Bucs in February.

"I really didn't have to tell Luke anything,'' Morris said. "He knows I'm trying to create the most competitive environment I can. We do want to add a fourth quarterback, however that comes. You've got to create as much competition as you can and let a guy earn his spot. People will respect that.''

Morris said he originated the idea of shifting Jermaine Phillips from strong safety to outside linebacker.

"I let it be Flip's [Phillips'] decision, but I presented it to him, showed it to my coaches and personnel people, and they all bought in and want to see how it looks,'' Morris said. "The best thing we like about Flip, let's be honest, is his ability to play in the box. He will absolutely smash you. He's a violent player, and that's what we love about him.''

Crowell, who missed all of his last season in Buffalo following knee surgery, has already intrigued Morris with his versatility.

"When he was healthy, he was a real load in 2007,'' Morris said. "We love that tape; we want that guy and we think we're going to get that guy. We trust our medical team. He can blitz, that's part of it, too, and he brings a physical toughness.''

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