Bucs-Cowboys: Longevity Will Be On Display
The Tampa Tribune
Published: October 24, 2008
TAMPA - When Tampa Bay travels to play against Dallas on Sunday, AARP might want to check the endorsement status of Jeff Garcia and Brad Johnson.
Garcia, Tampa Bay's starting quarterback, is 38 and in his 10th NFL season after starting his CFL career in 1994. Johnson, starting for Dallas in place of injured Tony Romo, is 40 and entered the NFL in 1992. The elders will meet as Tampa Bay hopes to continue its development into a premier team.
"I know that there are always young guys coming in and trying to knock you out of the way, or at this point of my career, out the door," Garcia said. "For me, it's about physically staying in good shape and good condition, and mentally, finding ways to keep the game fun.
"It's not always easy because there is a huge strain on you mentally, but if you can enjoy your locker room atmosphere - and we have a great locker room environment with a lot of good people, not just good players, but good people - I think that helps the longevity."
Garcia's other key to longevity is lack of turnovers. Last season, he threw only four interceptions, and so far this season he is 79-of- 114 for 797 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions.
"I'll say this about both of them, and you can do the research yourself, they take care of the ball," Bucs coach Jon Gruden said. "Those two guys take care of the ball and they do it in a rare fashion. They don't come in the game and throw into double coverage and make a decision that puts the offense at great risk. They take care of the ball.
"That's the number one reason both are still playing. Number two is they are very good players. Number three, they are great team guys and they are both proven winners."
Anwar S. Richardson
In The Mix
Rookie RB Clifton Smith isn't on the Bucs' active roster. He could be by Sunday, though.
Smith is getting a lot more work in practice than usual this week and could be promoted from the practice squad. Smith said he usually gets a little more work when Warrick Dunn doesn't dress for practice, which typically happens on Wednesday, but the Bucs may be contemplating using Smith as a return man.
Second-round draft pick Dexter Jackson has struggled to make the yards the Bucs are looking for in the return game, and the team is contemplating a change. Smith returned 47 punts for 782 yards and five touchdowns during his college career at Fresno State. He also returned 10 kickoffs for 182 yards.
Injury Report
FB B.J. Askew (hamstring) and WR Maurice Stovall (hamstring) did not practice; WR Ike Hilliard (head), RB Warrick Dunn (back), QB Brian Griese (elbow) were limited; K Matt Bryant (hamstring), LS Andrew Economos (shoulder), G Arron Sears (back) and LB Barrett Ruud (knee) fully participated.
WR Galloway Has Optimistic Outlook, Again
Tampa Bay WR Joey Galloway is optimistic he might be active this week against Dallas after missing the last five games with a foot injury.
"Hopefully. It's Coach's call," Galloway said of Gruden. "I feel better than I did last week. I'm hoping to have a chance to play."
Even though Galloway, who was limited in Thursday's practice, played four seasons at Dallas, he is not motivated solely by the opportunity to face his former team.
"I think the importance of the game itself is the motivation," Galloway said. "We have some goals, and we feel like we've played pretty good up until now and this is just another step. There are a couple of things we're working on. Like I said, hopefully this is the week I get a chance to play. We'll evaluate today and Coach will make a decision either tomorrow or Saturday."
Published: October 24, 2008
TAMPA - When Tampa Bay travels to play against Dallas on Sunday, AARP might want to check the endorsement status of Jeff Garcia and Brad Johnson.
Garcia, Tampa Bay's starting quarterback, is 38 and in his 10th NFL season after starting his CFL career in 1994. Johnson, starting for Dallas in place of injured Tony Romo, is 40 and entered the NFL in 1992. The elders will meet as Tampa Bay hopes to continue its development into a premier team.
"I know that there are always young guys coming in and trying to knock you out of the way, or at this point of my career, out the door," Garcia said. "For me, it's about physically staying in good shape and good condition, and mentally, finding ways to keep the game fun.
"It's not always easy because there is a huge strain on you mentally, but if you can enjoy your locker room atmosphere - and we have a great locker room environment with a lot of good people, not just good players, but good people - I think that helps the longevity."
Garcia's other key to longevity is lack of turnovers. Last season, he threw only four interceptions, and so far this season he is 79-of- 114 for 797 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions.
"I'll say this about both of them, and you can do the research yourself, they take care of the ball," Bucs coach Jon Gruden said. "Those two guys take care of the ball and they do it in a rare fashion. They don't come in the game and throw into double coverage and make a decision that puts the offense at great risk. They take care of the ball.
"That's the number one reason both are still playing. Number two is they are very good players. Number three, they are great team guys and they are both proven winners."
Anwar S. Richardson
In The Mix
Rookie RB Clifton Smith isn't on the Bucs' active roster. He could be by Sunday, though.
Smith is getting a lot more work in practice than usual this week and could be promoted from the practice squad. Smith said he usually gets a little more work when Warrick Dunn doesn't dress for practice, which typically happens on Wednesday, but the Bucs may be contemplating using Smith as a return man.
Second-round draft pick Dexter Jackson has struggled to make the yards the Bucs are looking for in the return game, and the team is contemplating a change. Smith returned 47 punts for 782 yards and five touchdowns during his college career at Fresno State. He also returned 10 kickoffs for 182 yards.
Injury Report
FB B.J. Askew (hamstring) and WR Maurice Stovall (hamstring) did not practice; WR Ike Hilliard (head), RB Warrick Dunn (back), QB Brian Griese (elbow) were limited; K Matt Bryant (hamstring), LS Andrew Economos (shoulder), G Arron Sears (back) and LB Barrett Ruud (knee) fully participated.
WR Galloway Has Optimistic Outlook, Again
Tampa Bay WR Joey Galloway is optimistic he might be active this week against Dallas after missing the last five games with a foot injury.
"Hopefully. It's Coach's call," Galloway said of Gruden. "I feel better than I did last week. I'm hoping to have a chance to play."
Even though Galloway, who was limited in Thursday's practice, played four seasons at Dallas, he is not motivated solely by the opportunity to face his former team.
"I think the importance of the game itself is the motivation," Galloway said. "We have some goals, and we feel like we've played pretty good up until now and this is just another step. There are a couple of things we're working on. Like I said, hopefully this is the week I get a chance to play. We'll evaluate today and Coach will make a decision either tomorrow or Saturday."
posted by The Gryphon at 7:47 AM
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