Tampabay.com
SEPTEMBER 07, 2008

These questions need some answers

After watching today's loss in New Orleans, there are a handful of
questions that weren't properly addressed and likely will be revisited
in the next several days. Let's go over a few:

  • For starters, when Derrick Brooks was injured, it's odd that
    the Bucs used the backup weak-side linebackers, Adam Hayward and Matt
    McCoy. Why not move Cato June to the weak-side (his natural position
    anyway) and have Quincy Black play June's strong-side position? The
    Bucs seem to be high on Black, and he is the fourth best linebacker on
    the team by all accounts. Seems June would have been capable of making
    the transition to the weak side.
  • What happened to the offensive line? These guys were supposed
    to be arguably the best line the Bucs ever had. They did a decent
    enough job as run blockers, but were horrific in pass potection. And
    rookie Jeremy Zuttah had a long day against another rookie, Saints
    first rounder Sedrick Ellis. It's enough to make you wonder if the Bucs
    will think about playing Sean Mahan, acquired in a trade last week with
    the Steelers, to play guard. Also, Donald Penn had, in my opinion, his
    worst day as a starter. He was being manhandled by Will Smith at left
    tackle.
  • What is up with Joey Galloway? He looks to me like a guy who
    doesn't want to be out there sometimes. Seeing how he is the Bucs' No.
    1 receiver, that's a problem. Someone has to say, so there. Galloway's
    effort could be called into question, I think. He made no effort to
    adjust his routes on Sunday despite the incessant pressure Jeff Garcia
    was under. It seemed like Garcia got hit on every pass attempt. Garcia
    had his own issues, of course. He wasn't sharp and looked antsy in the
    pocket, which led to some ugly throws. But he got no help from
    Galloway, who quit running on at least one pattern and made little
    effort in other situations.
  • Finally, what is the plan for Dexter Jackson? The Bucs don't
    seem confident in his ability to field punts in critical situations,
    evidenced by the team's decision to substitute Ike Hilliard for Jackson
    at times. At this point, Jackson doesn't have any other means to impact
    the game other than as a kick and punt returner. If he can only be used
    selectively, that's got to be a disappointment for the club considering
    his status as a second-round pick.
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