CHUCKY'S LAST CHANCE?
by Steve Michalovich


Gruden might need a 2007 playoff berth to keep his job in Tampa Bay

Since winning the Super Bowl in 2003, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have slid from the elite (or what could be considered elite) NFC teams. With an aging defense and lack of identity on offense, more of the blame should be put on Jon Gruden. Once regarded as one of the best coaches in football, Gruden is now on the hot seat, and another sub par season could have him looking for employment.

Prior to Gruden’s appointment as head coach, Tony Dungy built the Buccaneers from a consistently struggling franchise into a cohesive unit built around one of the best defenses in the game. Gruden, in his first season, lead the team Dungy had built to a Super Bowl win. Not to mention that they played the Oakland Raiders in the game – Gruden’s former team. Gruden’s defense appeared at times throughout the game to know what exact play Oakland was calling. Since that game, the team has been mediocre at best. This could be the season that the Buccs make one last run with a veteran group or they turn the page to the future, possibly without Gruden.

A football team begins with the quarterback position. If that’s the case, Tampa Bay will begin with an assortment of options at this position, with none locking up the current job or even the future one. Thirty-seven-year-old Jeff Garcia is the most likely candidate to start the season at QB. He fits the mold of a Gruden quarterback because he is mobile and makes smart choices. He found success in Philadelphia after most teams said he was done. Also in the pack are Chris Simms, Luke McCown and Brad Gradkowski – all of whom could either be the franchise quarterback this team has never had or a career backup. Regardless, the quarterback situation is anything but sorted out.

Cadillac Williams got bitten by the sophomore slump as his stats in his second year were no where near as good as two seasons ago. In his defense, he was running behind a patchwork offensive line and there was no consistency at quarterback. Joey Galloway is as good as they come at the ripe age of 35, but Michael Clayton has been inconsistent since Tampa Bay selected him in the first round. Galloway has been a saving grace for this team by giving this team a downfield threat.

The days may be over for Tampa Bay’s elite status on the defensive side of the ball. Last season was the first in ten years that Tampa Bay’s defense was not ranked in the top ten in football. And they will try to bounce back without the anchor of their defense – Simeon Rice. They still have the majority of their defensive foundation, which includes Shelton Quarles, Derrick Brooks, Greg Spires, Ronde Barber, and Brian Kelly. Rookie defensive end Gaines Adams joins the pack and will be expected to fill Rice’s shoes.

BEST-CASE SCENARIO:
11-5. The Panthers and Falcons are taking steps back, and the Saints are unproven as Tampa Bay captures the division. Jeff Garcia shows that he still has the fire in him to win, and the defense bounces back for another run at a Super Bowl. Additionally, Gruden is the coach of the year.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO:
3-13. Garcia is ineffective and the entourage behind him on the depth chart can’t hang with Gruden’s high-passing offense. It becomes clear that the once elite defensive unit needs an overhaul. And most disheartening, Gruden’s coaching ability and keen sense for the game are questioned as he is shown the door.