Bucs raise intensity level during physical goal-line drill

The end of training camp is still two weeks away, but the Buccaneers will be hard-pressed to match the enthusiasm of Wednesday's morning session.

A spirited goal-line drill captured the attention of fans and players alike as head coach Raheem Morris exhorted the offense and defense to emerge victorious during a physical competition.

"The intensity was unreal,'' running back Cadillac Williams said, "and whoever loses that drill usually runs. I think the offense came out on top. I love that drill. I embrace the drill. It really helps establish an identity for our offensive line.''

Second-year defensive end Kyle Moore turned in consecutive stops in the backfield and running back Kareem Huggins provided an offensive highlight with a nifty cut and vault into the end zone.

"There were a couple of arguable spots that we thought we scored on and the refs thought we scored on, but obviously Raheem being the head coach (and defensive coordinator) made us run another play,'' said quarterback Josh Freeman. "The intensity was really up today and I thought both sides did a good job. We wanted to score every time we were down there, but at the end of the day we're all teammates.''

Morris was thrilled the dynamic practice didn't result in any serious injuries.

"That was a violent morning session and our offensive and defensive lines were stout,'' Morris said. "Those are the practices that build and reveal character.''

Who's the new fullback?

The goal-line drill provided a big surprise when defensive tackle Roy Miller lined up at fullback.

A second-year pro out of Texas who is expected to start at nose tackle, Miller usually earns his pay stopping the run but is not unaccustomed to leading the way in the run game.

"I played a little (fullback) when I was in college at Texas,'' Miller said.

Miller is comfortable in the role of lead back and likes the duty, but said it feels odd to play that position in practice because of who he's blocking.

"At first you feel kind of shady because you've got your own guys on the other side and you want to be on the other side with them stopping the run,'' Miller said. "But whatever I can do to help the team I'm going to do it.''

Linebacker Adam Hayward has gotten some snaps as a fullback in the goal-line and short-yardage rushing offense as well, but Morris said both are more like emergency options.

"When we go out there, the best players are going to be in on goal line,'' Morris said. "So that's just me thinking about game-day rosters. That's us trying to be pro-active instead of reactive. That's us forming our team.

"Every once in a while guys go down with injuries or whatnot, and you've got 45 guys there on game day and you have to know what you're going to do. Do you just throw the package out the window and you're done with it for that day or do you have guys that can go out there and compete? We're just setting ourselves up for all those situations.''

Time off

Several players, including RB Clifton Smith, DT Brian Price and DE Michael Bennett were given off the bulk of the morning workout. None is injured, Morris said.