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It's time for the Bucs to take some chances

Staff photo by CLIFF McBRIDE

The Bucs unveiled Josh Johnson last week against Washington, but kept the game plan as simple as possible.

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By MARTIN FENNELLY | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 8, 2009

Updated: 10/08/2009 11:09 am

TAMPA - There's a new Bucs kicker in town and his name is Shane Andrus. There's a new Bucs safety and his name is Tanard Jackson. You know the rest of the boys? You know them and their record as they head for a big hurt in Philadelphia.

This was one of those Bucs Sundays a lot of us had marked down for annihilation, maybe more than the Giants here or even the Patriots over there.

Donovan McNabb, doubtless reeling over the prospect of Rush Limbaugh being an NFL owner, will be back with a vengeance. DeSean Jackson will send a limo to the Bucs' hotel for Sabby Piscitelli. Michael Vick might play running back, or receiver, or punt. Who cares! It's the Bucs!

As for the Bucs' approach ...

Last weekend, we watched these guys play it close to the vest in Washington. Were they competitive? Yes. Did they win? No.

It's time to roll the dice and the offense that was going to be unveiled post-Jon Gruden, kid or no kid at quarterback.

Josh Johnson completed 13 passes against the Redskins, but played it close to the vest more than a few times.

Remove the vest.

Bucs coach Raheem Morris said his team in no way scaled back the offense in the name of Johnson's youth and inexperience. They still seemed ever so cautious.

The Bucs have to go for it.

Johnson has to go for it.

If they don't and he doesn't, what's the point?

I'm not talking about kicking that field goal on fourth-and-4 near the Washington goal line at the end of the game. Call 31 other NFL head coaches and they'll tell you take the field goal and stop the other guys, which the Bucs did.

But the first three calls after first-and-goal remain a mystery. Clearly Bucs coaches didn't trust Johnson enough. And there was that ponderous approach when they got the ball back, as the clock ticked, as they ran on third-and-1, as Clifton Smith fumbled, ending matters.

Here's the deal: Either let Johnson go for it or get him out of there.

That might not seem like the greatest of ideas against the Eagles, but actually it is. What is there to lose? Say you lose 35-10. This is a shocking thing? Go for it.

I think Bucs receivers feel that way. Michael Clayton did Monday, when he said he and other pass grabbers need chances, though in classic Clayton fashion, he added, "You're gonna drop some balls, but you also need an opportunity to make up and redeem yourself."

You're gonna drop some balls? Some?

But Clayton's essential point was correct. If not now, when?

You're paying Kellen Winslow millions. Antonio Bryant is your franchise player. Use them, or at least try to use them, and if Johnson can't get it to them, get him out of there.

Who cares if Johnson is a first-year starter? If you have to change your plan, then he shouldn't be in there, and if Josh Freeman can air it out better, then get him in there.

It's already a rough week. The Bucs gave kicker Mike Nugent the boot, him and his $2 million base salary, all of it guaranteed. Ouch.

Want to make it a better week?

Take some chances. Even in Philly, even if you're cheesesteak.

Give this offense a swift kick. Go for it.

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