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Bucs offense has red zone issues

By Dave Scheiber, Times Staff Writer
In print: Thursday, October 9, 2008

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TAMPA — The Bucs hope to shake off a case of the red zone blues Sunday against NFC South rival Carolina.

After Sunday's 16-13 loss in Denver, they rank 28th in touchdown productivity inside the 20. The offense had three chances against a defense that surrendered 33, 34 and 38 points in its previous three games but scored just one touchdown.

Through five games, Tampa Bay has 21 visits inside the 20 and scored eight touchdowns (38.1 percent). On the flip side, Matt Bryant has made 10 field goals for an overall scoring percentage of 85.7 percent.

"We just have to do a better job of executing," said TE Jerramy Stevens, who would have scored in the first quarter but was overthrown in the end zone. "All of us receivers would like to see the ball thrown into the end zone and let us go up and make a play."

Said coach Jon Gruden Wednesday: "You beat yourself up on it. You can analyze it to the point of insanity."

The upshot?

"We've got to do a better job," Gruden said. "And I've got to call better plays, too."

STILL NO JOEY: WR Joey Galloway remains out with a foot injury. Gruden had no updates on Galloway, who missed all of training camp and the first five games.

"We miss him," he said. "But at the same time our receivers are playing pretty darn good."

The Bucs are tied for 28th in yards per pass attempt (5.5) and have five completions of more than 20 yards, 30th in the league.

LINEBACKER NEWS: Gruden said he expects MLB Barrett Ruud, who hurt his knee in Denver, will try to play Sunday. Meanwhile, the Bucs signed ex-USF standout LB Ben Moffitt, according to his agent, Marc Lillibridge.

more INJURIES: Three Carolina offensive linemen are on the injury report: Ts Jordan Gross (concussion) and Jeff Otah (ankle) and C Ryan Kalil (ankle). Besides Ruud and Galloway, the Bucs listed FB B.J. Askew (hamstring), TE John Gilmore (illness), QB Brian Griese (right elbow), LB Derrick Brooks (hamstring), TB Warren Dunn (not injury related), C Sean Mahan (abdomen) and S Sabby Pisci­telli (elbow). Their status will be updated Friday.

carolina move: Ryne Robinson went on injured reserve with a sprained left knee. It means Mark Jones, a Buc from 2005-07, will continue to return punts and Jonathan Stewart, the 13th overall pick in April who has rushed for four touchdowns, will continue to return kickoffs.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.