Bucs TE Stevens pleased to be making impact

TAMPA — For tight end Jerramy Stevens, after sitting out a two-game suspension, just getting back on the field was big.

But if Stevens continues to make big plays like he did in Sunday's overtime win over the Bears, he could find himself featured even more in the Bucs offense.

The Bucs have sought consistency in their receivers. Stevens can help there, as the 6-foot-7, 260-pounder boasts a skill set akin to a receiver, with his speed and pass-catching ability. But his size creates matchup problems, as Stevens showed Sunday.

"I personally feel like some people on the Bears got exposed, but I'm not going to mention no names," he said.

Stevens said he feels he has put his past problems behind him, including his recent suspension for a 2007 violation of the substance-abuse policy. And Bucs coach Jon Gruden believes Stevens' "closure" will help.

"He is a problem for people, I think, in the passing game," Gruden said. "The better he gets as a blocker, the more he'll play. He clearly stepped up. He's made a lot of big plays for us the last four or five games he's played as a Buccaneer. I think now, with his closure, his future is on. The players like him and he really stepped up and made some key plays (Sunday)."

The biggest was a tying 1-yard touchdown reception with seven seconds left in regulation. Said corner Phillip Buchanon: "Stevens is starting to be clutch, he's making those big catches when we need him."

"I think everybody on the team knows I'm going to make that play," said Stevens, who had five catches for 61 yards Sunday. "When I came to the sideline, everybody was like, 'As soon as you split out, we all knew what the deal was.' "

Stevens, 28, said he's just glad to be part of a trio (including John Gilmore and Alex Smith) that he believes is, "the best group of tight ends in the league." They've combined for 15 catches and 177 yards in three games, but Stevens said the group is just picking up where it left off at the end of last season, when "I think we got the coaches' attention …when some of the receivers went down."

"Nobody is concerned about staying on the field," Stevens said. "We're just playing hard while we're in there. We've got a real good rotation. Gruden does a great job of getting us on the field and putting us in position to be successful."

Comments on this article

by Andrew	Sep 26, 2008 4:49 PM
Talk to me when you have read the real legal documents like I have. PS, newspaper articles dont count as legal docs morons. why do you put GO BUCS at the end of every sentence when all you do is get on here anonymously and complain about "your" Bucs?

by Kevin	Sep 26, 2008 1:55 PM
When is DNA "shaky at best". I guess when it keeps you from scoring touchdowns Go Bucs.

by Steve	Sep 26, 2008 1:51 PM
"the "rape" alligations. they are shaky at best." Hey Andrew whatever it takes to help you sleep at night knowing that you are rooting for a thug.

by marcus	Sep 26, 2008 1:21 PM
since he has been here and since he got engaged he has been a model citizen well kind of anyway his suspension came from before he got here wait until he does something while he is here then complain

by George	Sep 26, 2008 12:00 PM
Iam so glad that there is some positive reaction to TE Stevens. Included yours truely. Iam looking forward to watch Tampa play Green Bay in our home stadium. Sunday is my birthday when I turn 63. I remember back then in the Early Bucs 0-26.Times chg.

by Andrew	Sep 25, 2008 4:17 PM
And it makes you all look like the morons of the year. Most of you have never read the "rape" alligations. they are shaky at best. Have you ever heard of duke lacross? We all have skeletons in our closets. Does that mean we should never work again?!

by john	Sep 24, 2008 8:41 PM
Read the rap sheet on Stevens, makes Pittman look like husband of the year.

by DJC	Sep 24, 2008 7:57 PM
Ahhh yes - there it is......

by DJC	Sep 24, 2008 7:56 PM
Exactly Brandon2 - I made the same comment this afternoon but for whatever reason the editors did not post it - don't forget to mention the addition of Pittman was under McKays time not Allens.

by DJC	Sep 24, 2008 7:50 PM
Better character huh? Remember Michael Pittman who rammed his car into his wife's with their chidren inside? That was under McKay.... Not to mention Meshawn - not sure of any criminal background but what a wonderful character!

by Brandon2	Sep 24, 2008 6:49 PM
Character guys from the superbowl team? Remember our starting running back? Remember that Pitman severed a suspension for t-boning his ex-wifes SUV on purpose with her in it? Moral fiber there for sure! Fact is as long as they win who cares!

by john	Sep 24, 2008 3:43 PM
The Bucs (under Allen) have consistently shown complete indifference to the quality of human beings they pay exorbitant sums of money to. So long as the legal system can be bent far enough to allow criminals to play, they can play for the Bucs.

by john	Sep 24, 2008 3:42 PM
Hey DJC, funny how the last time we had a team made up of players with better character we seemed to have won a Super Bowl. Not that the issues are interrelated.

by DJC	Sep 24, 2008 2:57 PM
No John - the point is to field a team that wins!! There is not a team in the NFL that says "we may never win but our guys a super nice!"....give me a break man!!

by DR	Sep 24, 2008 1:49 PM
This guy ruined the Seattle Seahawks in the super bowl before he came here. He was the laughing stock of the NFL. He still is. His celebration was disgusting, especially after what he did 8 years ago.He has paid no price fr his actions,but he will...

by Bryan	Sep 24, 2008 1:49 PM
Everyone diserves a 2nd chance to correct their wrongs. You have to remember these guys are young when they come into this leageue. I know I wasn't perfect at 23. We all have to grow up, and & for most that means making poor decisions along the way.

by Orphans	Sep 24, 2008 1:48 PM
Help, save us!

by john	Sep 24, 2008 1:48 PM
The point is not that every football player has to be a perfect human being. Or, that every athlete has to be a role model. The point is that an organization should at least try to field a team that its fans can be proud of.

by Clay	Sep 24, 2008 1:47 PM
This guys is a scumbag... Go read about his rape charges while he was at UW.. it will make you want to puke.

by David	Sep 24, 2008 11:49 AM
We're giving kids from 22 to 30, 100 times more money than their dads ever made. Being a prima donna with money is not easy. I'm gratful that the greatest majority of them the have moral fiber to handle all the temptation.

by DJC

Sep 24, 2008 11:49 AM

Good lord people ? these guys are athletes who play a game to entertain you. They are not the President (who in my opinion is a questionable role model), the Pope or even a teacher in your child?s elementary school (again questionable now a days). Since Stevens has been in Tampa he has done nothing to warrant such criticism, I can almost guarantee that each of you that has such negative comments has some sort of skeleton in your closet. Let?s have the media air out your dirt laundry and see how you like it!

by Adam	Sep 24, 2008 10:57 AM
I don't care what he does. I'm desperate to see someone on the Bucs make some clutch plays. He can burn down an orphanage for all I care as long as he catches the darn ball. I pay too much for tickets to see a losing team.

by glenn	Sep 24, 2008 10:55 AM
Brandon, you're wrong. Stevens did not get his two game suspension reduced. He served the suspension & came back & was instrumental in the THIRD game.

by Andrew	Sep 24, 2008 10:54 AM
MANY people in this league have been suspended and had trouble with the law. They get punished and move on. He has been good for two years now so stop complaining. The NFL is for atheletes not role Models.

by john	Sep 24, 2008 10:20 AM
Why should past issues be "aside". This man has lead a deplorable life and left a trail of destroyed live in his wake. And it sickens me to have to root for this guy.

by Bill	Sep 24, 2008 10:18 AM
So Brandon, why exactly did he miss 2 games if he was only suspended for 1 moron? Wow, you can't even see the forest through the trees. I bet you think McCown should start ahead of Griese you tool! Obviously he was out 2 games; not 1. Go to bed now!

by phil	Sep 24, 2008 9:19 AM
what a complete a--. Does he have talent on the field, yes. But does that mean he has to sling shot his crotch after the TD, say people got exposed and be so damn arrogant?! Have some humility, learn from Brooks and other honorable Bucs...please!

by Larry	Sep 24, 2008 9:17 AM
Jerry, if you use pro athletes as role models, your problems are deeper then Jerramy Stevens...Were's your dad?

by Brandon	Sep 24, 2008 8:10 AM
Great research there, how many times do I have to correct you guys? He sat out one game on suspension, the original ruling was two and he appealed and had it shortened to one. Way to start off an article with false information.

by Jerry	Sep 24, 2008 8:09 AM
Yeah, Joe, we're all very proud of Jerramy. He's a real role model...

by derek	Sep 24, 2008 8:08 AM
past issues aside stevens has been great on field and it would be nice to see an offense that can make some plays.. with our run game and a healthy galloway,bryant,stevens,etc.. out there we have big play potential and maybe can free joey up some now

by Erick	Sep 24, 2008 8:08 AM
It figures that such a great weapon for the Bucs would be a complete a-hole. Why can't we ever find someone who is dangerous ON the field and not off of it. I hate being torn whenever this guy touches the ball. Lower standards for athletes actions?