- It was supposed to be the start of a new era for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, what with proven ex-Pro Bowler Jeff Garcia at the helm of an offense that had struggled to get out of its own way in 2006.
Instead, Sunday's 20-6 loss to the Seattle Seahawks looked like just another link in a recent chain of offensive disappointments for the embattled Jon Gruden and his beleaguered team.
Garcia led a pair of first-quarter field goal drives to stake Tampa Bay to a 6-0 lead, but the Buccaneers would not trouble the scoreboard for the game's remaining 45 minutes.
Only two of the Bucs' drives over the final three quarters lasted longer than five plays, and one of those, a nine-play, 51-yard march when they were already down two touchdowns, ended on a fumble by reserve running back Earnest Graham.
An offensive renaissance? More like a dark age.
'We need to be better than that,' said Garcia, who completed 19-of-27 passes for 201 yards without a turnover on the day. 'We need to find ways to put touchdowns on the board instead of field goals. I think when you look at the game, [we had] too many errors in certain ways.'
Garcia, who left briefly in the second half following a blow to the head before returning, wasn't helped much by a running game that got only 77 yards from its three running backs and saw starter Cadillac Williams exit midway through the third quarter with a rib injury. Williams carried 12 times for a healthy 60 yards before getting hurt, but also negated an early Tampa Bay drive with a fumble.
The Tampa defense was better, but forced just one turnover on the day and allowed quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (222 passing yards, 1 TD) and running back Shaun Alexander (105 rushing yards, 1 TD) enough positive moments to keep the Bucs at arm's length.
'There were six or seven plays that clearly determined the outcome of this game,' said Gruden afterward. 'Field position was horrific and hard to come by offensively today. I don't know how many drives we had, but I would believe that maybe six, seven or eight in a row started deep inside our own 15 yard- line. That's hard duty.'
The Buccaneers will have more difficult work ahead, as defending NFC South champ New Orleans visits Raymond James Stadium for a home opener that could get hostile if things don't go well for the home team. Looming on the horizon are arduous trips to Carolina and Indianapolis, meaning the head coach's typical sleepless nights could get even longer.
Though in the wake of Sunday's poor showing, the franchise's 14th loss in its last 18 meaningful games, Gruden stressed that he wasn't throwing in the towel.
'We're a hell of a lot better on opening day this year than we were last year,' Gruden said.
Whether that translates into more wins remains to be seen.
BIG HURTS?
Williams' status for New Orleans didn't look too promising early in the week, with the team stating that while not cracked or broken, the third-year running back's ribs were extremely sore.
'We're going to count on Cadillac playing, optimistically,' said Gruden on Monday. 'But, realistically, he does have sore ribs and so we'll plan for the other guys to have a bigger role in the running game.'
Michael Pittman, Earnest Graham, and fullback B.J. Askew will play a greater role if Williams can't go.
Also in question is cornerback Brian Kelly, who left the Seattle game with a groin injury after missing 14 games with a serious case of turf toe last year.
The return of Garcia was an encouraging sign, however, after the veteran exited the Seattle game midway through the third quarter after a hit from Seahawks linebacker Julian Peterson.
Backup Luke McCown took a total of nine snaps over two series before Garcia returned.
'I just got my bell rung,' said Garcia. 'It's just one of those things where I took a shot to the head, and that with the combination of my head bouncing off the ground...it didn't create a real positive effect. I had to shake it off and get my rhythm back and find my equilibrium and find my thoughts. Once I did that I felt like I was to the point where I could go in and compete again.'
McCown was 1-of-4 passing for nine yards in his brief time in the lineup, also collecting a nine-yard rush and taking two sacks. The former Louisiana Tech standout hadn't appeared in a meaningful NFL game since 2004, when he started four games for the Browns.
NEW FACES
In addition to Garcia, the Buccaneers lined up a handful of new starters on both sides of the ball. The left side of the offensive line consisted of tackle Luke Petitgout (ex-Giants) and rookie guard Arron Sears (second round, Tennessee), who were part of a group that allowed five sacks and 3.9 yards per rush.
Defensively, right end Kevin Carter (ex-Titans and Dolphins) was credited with a pair of tackles and a quarterback hurry, strong side linebacker Cato June (ex-Colts) posted three stops, and rookie strong safety Tanard Jackson (4th Round, Syracuse) had three tackles and a pass deflection.
Off the bench, veteran tight end Jerramy Stevens (ex-Seahawks) participated against his former team, and was not credited with a catch. Stevens did turn in an eight-yard reception in the fourth quarter, which he promptly fumbled away, but the entire play was wiped out by a roughing the passer penalty.
Other veterans that saw action were end Greg White (ex-Bears) and fullback B.J. Askew (ex-Jets), along with 2007 Draft picks in defensive end Gaines Adams (1st Round, Clemson), safety Sabby Piscitelli (2nd Round, Oregon State), linebacker Quincy Black (3rd Round, New Mexico), defensive tackle Greg Peterson (5th Round, North Carolina Central), and linebacker Adam Hayward (6th Round, Portland State).
Adams, the No. 4 overall pick in the draft, was credited with one assisted tackle in the contest.
Among the inactives on Sunday were linebacker Jeremiah Trotter (ex-Eagles), pass rusher Patrick Chukwurah (ex-Broncos), who was out with a knee problem, cornerback Anthony Madison (ex-Steelers) and defensive tackle Ryan Sims (ex- Chiefs).
NEXT UP: THE SAINTS
New Orleans has a 19-11 lead in its all-time series with Tampa Bay, including a home-and-home sweep last season. The Saints were 24-21 home winners in Week 5, and emerged from Raymond James Stadium with a 31-14 victory in Week 9. The Buccaneers swept 2005's series, including a 27-13 home win in Week 17. New Orleans has won in four of its last five trips to Tampa Bay.
Gruden has a 5-6 career record against the Saints, including 4-6 since taking over in Tampa prior to the 2002 season.
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