Is Tampa Bay Buccaneers Head Coach Jon Gruden his own worst enemy?
by JScott on Dec 17, 2008 7:00 AM EST
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Is Head Coach Jon Gruden the root of his own downfall? Case in point, WR Joey Galloway. Gruden recently expressed sympathy to the once-upon-a-time #1 Bucs Wide Receiver:
"The versatility issues are part of our problem and special teams plays into the decision. He’s a split end and Antonio is a split end. I’ll leave it at that. He’s a friend of mine. I love the guy and I’m sick for the fact he’s not a part of this. He’s had a lot of injuries this year and Antonio Bryant has played extremely well." - Bucs Report
You’re not playing a healthy Joey Galloway because Antonio Bryant plays the same position? Freaking WOW! Every team outside of Gruden’s would die to have this problem. Why not line these guys up on opposite sides of the field and have them both act as Split Ends? Wouldn’t the defense have to cover both guys? Sweet Heavens. This is why 2nd Round Draft Pick Dexter Jackson continues to be inactive week after week, because two other guys are already Split Ends? Well and the fact that he embraced the fetal position as a returner. Use your entire arsenal Jon! So you lose Michael Clayton’s presence while playing both split ends, does it really matter? He has what, two or three catches a game?
It’s easy to point the finger at Gruden though, who’s to say Galloway hasn’t been reluctant to play opposite Bryant, in other words, out of position? I would love to cling to that idea; however Galloway has already tipped his hand at Gruden being the guy who can’t handle the situation, namely communication, with his players. Here’s Galloway defending his notion that the reporters probably know more about his status on the team than he does:
"Could you guys quit asking [about my status], because then you make [Gruden] take shots at me." - Bucs Beat
And this ladies and gentlemen is where our beloved and talented Head Coach fails miserably. We saw it earlier in the season when Gruden snapped at WR Michael Clayton for declaring he was set to start that week. For whatever reason Gruden can’t handle this communication thing with his players. They say something to the media (or in Galloway’s case, don’t) and Gruden holds it over their heads by not playing them. It begs the question: If Bruce Allen brought in a sought after Free Agent who befriended the media (McNabb?) would Gruden eventually soil the relationship and hence that players production?
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John Gruden
O.M.G. I have been saying that for weeks , Gruden is a real head case. He was touted as an offensive master mind, and he can’t even figure out how to get his best players on the field at the same time ! meanwhile the bucs offense makes scoring touchdowns look harder then any other team in the NFL . with all the movement before the snap they look more like a circus act than a football team.
by gregbuc on Dec 17, 2008 11:06 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Let's be honest here. Jon Gruden isn't trying to be anyone on the team's best friend. He's the head coach, he's not suppose to be buddy buddy with these guys.
The Glazers extended Gruden’s contract for one reason and that’s to win. No one expected the Bucs to compete this year, let alone give themselves an opportunity to make the playoffs. Yet even though the Bucs have stumbled as of late, they have a shot at going to the playoffs when most prognosticators predicated the Bucs record would be below .500.
A number of factors figured in as to why Galloway has not played. Number one is because Bryant has been the man and plays Galloway’s position. Number 2 is that although Clayton isn’t as polished as a receiver as Galloway, he is without a doubt a better blocker, for the run as well as the pass. Number 3, roster spots are like gold and Galloway doesn’ t play on Special Teams. Without Brian Clark (who likey took Galloway’s roster spot last week) we wouldn’t have had a chance to win that game against Atlanta. Number 4 is that Galloway has made a number of drops even with the number of balls thrown his way and that he never really found his way this year after breaking his foot in week 2. He also didn’t play all preseason due to injury.
While I agree Gruden could have handled the situation a little better, I don’t disagree with his reasoning as to why he isn’t playing Galloway. He’s the coach and ultimately it’s his decision. Live with it. I do admire how Galloway has taken things in stride and I do believe a healthy Galloway couldbe useful come playoff time. I would hope Gruden could utilize Joey like Carolina does Steve Smith. Galloway would be great for underneath routes and to spell Bryant for a breather here and there. But to line up Galloway in the slot and use him to block like Clayton? Garcia’s would be laid out all day long.
Basically what I am saying is I back Gruden and if all people want to do is bash him, go cheer for the other team.
by TheUltimateBucFan on Dec 17, 2008 9:40 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
i think you know I'm fair
in regards to my opinions/criticisms of Gruden.
In terms of their Playoff aspirations this year, sure the dumb ass mainstream media didnt think this team had a chance, but anybody who took a moment to see what they accomplished last year with a completely new QB to the system, knew this season could present something special….
As for Galloway playing in the slot, on special teams, and as a blocker.Sure i wanted him to take Clayton’s spot, but not as a slot receiver, but as a split end. It’s ridiculous that Gruden has a highly productive and capable WR on the bench, because Antonio Bryant is playing well. The Cardinals have two WR’s that are essentially the same player and they get both of them into the game and feed them regularly with high success. Gruden could have that.
As far as a Special Teams slot, come on, a Special Teams slot that took several weeks to finally pay dividends in the way of a blocked punt? That’s insanity. Joey Galloway is a Wide Receiver, freak the drop in Special Teams play. This team can’t score touchdowns, in the past Galloway scored touchdowns its as simple as that. Brian Clark was in the right position at the right time…
The whole situation is asinine. This isnt a case of, ‘Oh we lost two games in a row, Gruden has to go’. This is a case of players not being utilized when they could damn well pay dividends had they been used. It’s ridiculous watching this offense struggle week after week with two speedsters sitting on the sidelines undressed, while Clayton blocks (i’m sick of this asset of his by the way, he’s a wide receiver first, become a freaking tight end) and while Antonio Bryant is suspiciously blocking a player from taking the field. We had a three man rotation at Runningback at one point. Hell Graham was a fullback at one point, yet Galloway is sucking air on the sidelines….
crazy
Buc 'Em Your SBNation Tampa Bay Bucs Blog where Dull Boys are not allowed!!
by JScott on Dec 17, 2008 11:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
J, my apologies man. I was speaking indirectly, not to you specifically. I am just upset with all the negativity Jon Gruden gets.
What can I say? I’m a fan. I love the guy and will probably always back him. With that being said, you must admit that Joey Galloway lost his way. The man was injured. Antonio Bryant stepped in and is putting up stellar numbers.Why mess with a good thing? Would it make you happy if we put Galloway as the split end and Bryant as the slot receiver and didn’t make the playoffs? Or what if we keep things the way they are and maybe let Galloway come in as a situational guy or to give Bryant a break and build up his confidence a little? Maybe then we will see flashes of the old Joey G. I would say THAT is the best way to make the playoffs and not only get there…but go far.
Sure we can find a roster spot for Galloway but if we don’t make it to the big show then what’s the point?
by TheUltimateBucFan on Dec 18, 2008 12:47 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
my point is that
we can have Antonio in all of his greatness do his thing, with Galloway on the other side of the field doing his thing. It’s not like the slot position is breeding success so run two split end routes and eliminate the slot altogether.
in the end i think Gruden is limiting the amount of play makers he could have out on the field. The fact that Galloway was Bryant prior to him arriving is enough of a reason for me to want to see them both on the field at the same time. There’s no way Galloway is no longer serviceable, i dont believe it
no hard feelings bro, we both just have strong opinions on how Gruden is handling Joey (amongst others)
Buc 'Em Your SBNation Tampa Bay Bucs Blog where Dull Boys are not allowed!!
by JScott on Dec 18, 2008 5:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
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