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BUCS NOTEBOOK

Bucs Trying New Wrinkles On Both Sides Of Ball

Published: Jul 28, 2007

LAKE BUENA VISTA - The Buccaneers are changing the way they do business in 2007, experimenting with new wrinkles on both sides of the ball.

A 4-12 record has a way of fostering a different approach, and Tampa Bay coaches appear willing to consider all options in terms of scheme and personnel.

Jeff Garcia's presence under center has prompted Coach Jon Gruden to consider the shotgun as a legitimate option for his version of the West Coast attack.

"I think it [shotgun] allows us to do some more things," Garcia said. "We'll have a running game out of the shotgun. It's a nice little change-up. It's not something we're going to lean on an awful lot, but I can see five to six times a game being in the shotgun."

Gruden is eager to expand his playbook in terms of rollouts and bootlegs to capitalize on Garcia's mobility. Look for RBs Cadillac Williams and Michael Pittman to become bigger factors in the passing game with Garcia taking the snaps.

In Garcia's eight starts with the Eagles last year, RB Brian Westbrook caught 40 passes, many on third-down situations.

"Watching film, Garcia really does use everybody and he loves to dump the ball to the tailback," said Williams, who caught 30 passes last season. "Since Day One, he told us backs to stay alive out there."

Defensively, the Bucs are considering new packages in an effort to disrupt timing and generate more heat on opposing quarterbacks. Last season, QBs feasted against Tampa Bay's defense, posting a cumulative 91.0 rating.

"To say Monte Kiffin is stuck in his ways is wrong," new defensive line coach Larry Coyer said. "Nothing is off the table for us. We will do whatever it takes to get pressure. We'll use a base four-man front, but we'll also use a lot of different combinations and looks."

BLINDSIDE HIT: Before Luke Petitgout even put on the pads, Tampa Bay's new left tackle found himself under siege.

New Giants GM Jerry Reese wasted little time firing his first salvo of training camp, and Petitgout found himself the surprising target. In remarks made to the New York Post, Reese belittled Petitgout as "a marginal player for a long time," and suggested the decision to release Petitgout in the offseason won't impact New York's efforts to protect QB Eli Manning.

"People act like Petitgout was the second coming," Reese said. "He never made the Pro Bowl and I don't think he ever was the first alternate. Now, all of a sudden, he's the savior? That's ridiculous. I don't think we're that bad off without Luke Petitgout."

Petitgout, 31, signed with the Bucs as a free agent in March after eight years with the Giants. He broke his left leg in November but has been installed as Tampa Bay's starter.

"I don't know why he [Reese] is talking about me," Petitgout said after Friday's morning practice. "I really have no comment, but it's going to be a nice thing to hang in my locker all season."

While Petitgout was reluctant to defend himself, Gruden expressed confidence a critical position has been upgraded.

"To have him working on the left side is something that we're very excited about," Gruden said. "We think Petitgout is a fine football player, a guy that's going to be solid for us every week."

KEEPING THE FAITH: The start of training camp signals new hope for all 32 NFL teams and their supporters.

Dave Massa, a 36-year-old fan from Dunedin, can't wait for the 2007 season to start. He was the first fan to arrive in front of the Celebration Hotel for check-in day, running into Gruden at 7:50 a.m. as the coach was returning from a jog.

"I feel good about this team," Massa said. "We have speed again on defense and I'm excited about Jeff Garcia. We made very good draft picks and they will give us just what we need. I think Gruden is a good coach. I'm sticking with him, but if things don't get better, I understand we'll probably get someone else."

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "Welcome, meet Nolan Ryan. He's got a heck of a fastball." - Gruden, on the Week 1 matchup at Seattle on Sept. 9, when Bucs rookie DE Gaines Adams makes his NFL regular-season debut across from perennial Pro Bowl LT Walter Jones.

BUC BITS: The weather cooperated on the first day of practice, with ample cloud cover and temperatures between 85 and 90. … According to Disney officials, a crowd of 1,030 greeted the Bucs for the morning practice and 657 turned out in the afternoon. … Rookie S Sabby Piscitelli registered an interception, but WRs David Boston and Maurice Stovall made some big catches downfield as the team drilled without pads. … There are 85 players on Tampa Bay's active roster heading into today's dual practice sessions.

Ira Kaufman