Just got back from the weekly Wednesday Bucs locker room chatter with the players.  Listen in and you'll be ahead of the curve.

We heard from Head Coach Jon Gruden that the Rams play an unorthodox style of defense.  What they show you is not what they bring.  Fine.  The Bucs have a ready made offense to combat that style.  Their shifts and motions also confuse defenses, which will likely minimized St. Louis'a ability to catch the Bucs off guard.  Quarterback Jeff Garcia told me he hopes their style of play negates the Rams options on defense.  Wide Receiver Ike Hilliard told me flat out, that's the plan.

Defensive Lineman Chris Hovan is well aware that Gruden was not happy with the pressure put on Drew Brees last week.  Hovan said quote: " Coach Gruden wants the heat turned up, we'll turn it up."

Cornerback Brian Kelly is still not sure he will play against the Rams this week.  Kelly says he will go only if he is physically able to compete for four quarters.  He's not going if he's not ready to test the body for 60 minutes.  However, he is improving.

Back to QB Garcia....the buzz word on offense is consistency.  A repeat performance off the Saints game will tell the tale. 

Latest line on the game: Bucs favored by 31/2

Tom Korun