OVERALL GRADE: Offensive starters: B+  Defensive Starters C  Now let's get down to specifics.

     Quarterback- (B+) Jeff Garcia is defintely showing me the flash he had with Philly.  That TD pass to Joey Galloway was an eye opener for several reasons.  One, the offensive line gave Garcia plenty of time and space in their protection.  Two, Garcia went through TWO progression reads downfield.  Three, Galloway, knowing he has a QB that keeps plays alive, broke his route, found room, and Garcia delivered.  That my friends, came against a pretty darn good Miami defense. Definitely "A NIGHT AT THE IMPROV."  Forget the 4-10 for 54 yards stats.  I'm seeing definitive progress in the chemistry and timing between Garcia and the receivers. 

     Receivers (A)- Joey Galloway - Stellar.  Enough said.  Ike Hilliard - He definitely deserves more time on the field.  Mr. 3rd down again last night against Fins.  Michael Clayton - Nice runs after catch.  Want to see more Thursday vs. Houston.  Maurice Stovall - Solid.  Gruden's "Disappearing speech" concerning Stovall woke the kid up.  David Boston - Still the key to making Galloway even more affective.  (More on Boston in " An illegal substance test away......") blog.

     Running Backs (B)-  Cadillac Williams had two nice runs last night vs. Miami.  That was imperative to Williams mindset entering regular season.  You could tell after the game he was juiced with his performance.  Add the fact Jeff Garcia told Caddy the offense NEEDS him meant volumes.

     Offensive Line (B-) Would have been a solid B had Donald Penn not stopped blocking  Roth that led to INT.  NOTE: Next play, Penn pancaked a Fin D-Lineman.  In my estimation, John Wade earned the starting job at center last night. 

     Defensive Line (C-) Hope I'm wrong here, but a trend is being set in the pre-season that must stop NOW!  Where's the pressure boys!!!!

     Linebackers (B)  Cato June's strip of ball from Ronnie Brown resulting in TD is what this guy is all about.  Derrick Brooks- playing strong side more, and playing it well.  Barrett Ruud- weak link of the LB corp.  Might be time to get serious talk going with Jeremiah Trotter. Bucs are mistaken if they think they can plug the depth a MLB in-house.

     Cornerbacks (D) - Not even the kind of performance we would expect from Barber and Kelly.  I've seen enought to know, neither brought their "A" game to Miami last night.   They're saving it for Seattle, but at least a half effort last night would have been nice to see.

     Safeties- (C)  No over the top mistakes.  Phillips and Allen will start the season.

     More general observtions:

     Miami's 18-play 73 yard TD drive after June's INT for TD was unacceptable.  If this defense think's it's better than a year ago, they're dreaming in my mind.  At a couple of positions they are better. But overall, they aren't even close.  Their depth on defense (except DL) is suspect.

     Bucs "D" did create two turnovers.  That's a plus. 

      Chris Simms had a six play series and left the game.  I feel for this guy.  I think the only way he makes the team is if TB trades/cuts either McCown or Gradkowski.  To keep four QB's is insane, and directly headlines concerns in the offensive line and it's value in protection.

      Has WR Paris Warren dropped a TD reception all preseason.  If the Bucs don't keep him, someone will defintely pick him up.

      Jon was all giddy again about Gradkowski's performance.  Yes, he moved the ball, looked more poised and more in control, but it was against Miami's nut-squad.

      DL Julian Jenkins is coming on!!

      DL Gaines Adams knocked down another pass.  Would like to see him get within three feet of the QB sometime this preseason.

      RB Kenneth Darby, who is my "diamond in the rough" pick to make this team, screwed up again.  He didn't fumble, but got nailed for an illegal chop block.  Fortuntely Gradkowski still found Warren for a TD on the drive.  Tremendous upside with this kid, but he's on the bubble now.

       Did anyone see Chad Owens second half kickoff return.  Five yards deep in the endzone, he went for it, and got to the 31 yard line.  Owens may have bought himself another week on the roster with that move.  Can't impress the coaches dropping a knee.

       Kudos to Miami Head Coach Cam Cameron.  Just goes to show the old statue of liberty play does work in the NFL.  A classic demonstration last night by Fins QB Trent Green.

       Next stop....Ray Jay vs. Houston.

      Tom Korun