It’s been said that when first approached concerning a rumor the first thing one ought to do is to always ……….deny , deny and deny. And at this juncture the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and its coach Jon Gruden it’d appear is under a great deal of scrutiny . Ever since it was first made public that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers along with the New York Jets that they’re both said to be in the running for the services of Green Bay Packers’ quarterback Brett Favre . Both teams are now at the center of quarterbacks’ controversy. With the Buccaneers it’s the incumbent Jeff Garcia who guided the Bucs to a winning season within the NFC South where they were champions of the division. A 9-7 season garnered a postseason berth for the Bucs in the playoffs. Unfortunately for Garcia and his teammates they were readily dispatched by the eventual Superbowl champions the New York Giants.
Buccaneers’ head coach Jon Gruden speaks with his veteran cornerback Ronde Barber (20) whilst participaring at the Bucs’ training camp in Lake Buena Vista , Fl. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/John Raoux ………………………..
The New York Jets under the auspices of quarterback Chad Pennington as only what one can clearly deem had a woefully inept season in the AFC East. The New York Jets though not completely out of the equation with regard to the obtaining of Favre. It’s favored that the desired destination of Favre may well be Tampa. However for both quarterbacks at this juncture it could well lead to the demise of their careers within the NFL , even if it’s only momentarily.
Bucs’ starting quarterback Jeff Garcia at the team’s training camp in Lake Buena Vista , Fl. Garcia has been has questioned relentlessly by the local press as to the situation surrounding his position with the team with the advent that it’s been alleged that the team may well be looking to trade for Favre at this juncture. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/John Raoux …………………
Favre the newly reinstated player of the Packers, having earlier retired this year, has seen fit to seek his reinstatement with the possibility of returning to the team that he’s led and played for , for the last sixteen years. Having won a Superbowl , three league MVP awards , the posessessor of countless NFL passing records. And most certainly he’ll be considered a first ballot Hall of Famer for enshrinement in Canton, Ohio. The Green Bay Packers at this moment are considering their options concerning Favre. Albeit that the fans in Green Bay can’t be too happy with the present predicament that the franchises now finds itself in. There are those fans feel that Favre still ought to be team’s starting quarterback and have been extremely vocal in making their argument. However Packers’ GM Ted Thompson and coach Mike McCarthy have made it abundantly clear that they’re going in another direction with Aaron Rodgers being the newly designated signal caller for the franchise.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterbacks Luke McCown(12),Jeff Garcia (7) and Brian Griese (8) take the field during Bucs training camp at Lake Buena Vista , Fl. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/John Raoux …………
For Gruden and his GM Bruce Allen it’d appear that the for the last few years with each opening season. It’s been surrounded with controversy as to the neverending talk as to which quarterback will be leading the team into each season. There never has been a continuity with regard to the signal caller for the team. With the following players on the roster who are able to play the position , Chris Simms, Brian Griese , Luke McCown and Garcia himself the encumbent in the position. And now with the local press scurrying around for any tidbit or soundbyte from either Gruden or Allen as to what direction the team may well be heading. One might deem it only appropriate to think that both the GM coach are keeping their cards close to their chest, before coming to and making a decision. And though on appearance it’d that the Packers may well be contemplating that any team deemed with an interested in trading for Favre will be asked to pay a stiff price for obtaining the services of Favre. They’re at present asking for a first round draft pick in exchange for the player.
Buccaneers’ wide receiver Michael Clayton(80) beats defender Eugene Wilson (38) during a training camp drill at Lake Buena Vista. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/John Raoux ……
After somewhat of a disappointing season where the team having won the NFC South divisional crown with a 9-7 record. The postseason itself imploded as the team succumbed to the play of a determined New York Giants’ squad. Though errant play led to the Bucs’ demise and the loss. Many felt that this would not have happened , had Gruden in part not chosen to sit several of the players prior to their entrance into the postseason in two of the regular season end games. Gruden for his part has been known to obfuscate his responsibilities whenever the team faces adversity in terms of a loss. Rarely has he been known to step forward and state he’s responsible for the team’s loss. Often choosing to surreptitiously castigate his players with a quiet innuendo’s that often led to his players speaking out in public as to their differences with the coach. But at this juncture it’d now seem that Gruden for his part is now prepared to alienate another player for what he believes will be someone that’ll lead the franchise to the Holy Grail in the form of the Lombardi Trophy.
Ben Troupe tight end of the Buccaneers catches a pass during training camp whilst being defended by teammate, safety Will Allen. picture courtesy of ap/photo/John Raoux……
As stated earlier the official statement from the franchise is that at this juncture there isn’t an interest in Favre. However if they’ve been allowed to approach the player and the team with the purpose of seeking a trade. Then what is there to hide from the press and public alike ? Surely at this juncture they’re heading for a mighty fall and placing themselves in an embarrassing position. If nothing else this is a PR situation that’s being handled by the Bucs’ front office with all the aplomb of a child learning to take its very first steps. One understands that a child will fall from time to time. But it appears that whenever a situation of this has materialized for the franchise. They’ve handled it haphazardly and we’re left to wonder what the hell is going on within the franchise ?
Bucs’ running back Warrick Dunn carries the ball for yardage during scrimmage at the team’s training camp. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/John Raoux……..
Gruden’s record with the Bucs though impressive on the surface does leave a lot to be desired. Having won an NFC championship , a Superbowl and three divisional titles. A A closer look will tell that a .500 record of 48-48 does leave a lot to be desired from a coach who’s been deemed to be one of the more astute and brighter coaching minds within the NFL. Some might even say that Gruden himself is overrated at this juncture. As to what the team has in store for itself at this juncture no one knows . But with the rumors running around and every local reporter wanting to break the story as to what’ll materialize in terms of this latest tidbit within the NFL. It’s becoming increasingly appearent that no matter what decision will be made , there’ll be someone who’s bound to be disappointed with the outcome of it all.
Buccaneers’ safety Sergey Ivanov of Russia tries to break up a pass intended for Maurice Stovall during the team’s training camp. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/John Raoux ………….
Within its own division it may well be considered the favorite to retain the divisional crown. But with team that at best still has some issues with its offense where by its most potent offensive weapon is an aging wide receiver in the guise of Joey Galloway. This team and its coach will have a great deal to live up to and at the same it’ll take a great deal of persuading Favre that Tampa is the place where he can garner further success. The one thing that has remained consistent within the franchise and synonymous with the team is the stellar defense upon which their foundation was built. Beyond that it’s been their inconsistency that has left some bewildered, and wondering what’s in store for the fans this upcoming season. So tell us Mr Gruden what’s in store for the franchise as the ball is now in your court ?
abritishman ………………….