Some good news can be found in Bucs loss
It’s still preseason so I’m not that concerned about winning or losing, yet. I am concerned about the poor play by the Bucs offensive line, though. That’s an area where we were weak last year and tried to address in the draft. Hopefully, it’s just a case of rookies who need to improve going against a strong Dolphins defense.
On the plus side, rookie QB Bruce Gradkowski continues to shine. Already a crowd favorite after a great debut last week, Gradkowski threw 11-14 for 193 yards and another touchdown. His lone mistake was an interception that bounced off the receiver’s hands. Gradkowski is quickly becoming the most well known man in Tampa whose name no one can pronounce.
I see Tim Rattay, who hasn’t played well so far, finding himself on the waiver wire soon. With Luke McNown also on the bench with Gradkowski and Jay Fielder returning from injury soon, I can’t see why Gruden would need Rattay.
Another good sign for the Bucs was the outstanding play by their defense, especially Barrett Ruud. The Bucs are heading into this season thin at linebacker so they need Rudd - last year’s 2nd round pick - to step up. And he did with eight tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and a forced intentional grounding in the first half.
Now if we can just get the rookie O-linemen ready for the real season, the Bucs stand a good chance to build on the playoff season from last year.
