I feel like the teacher who use to tell little Tommy,-"Your a smart kid, but you can do better."  So goes the story for Jon Gruden's Bucs at mid-term.  A 4-4 record that should be at least 5 and 3, possibly 6 and 2.  But they aren't, and here's why from my point of view.

I begin with the defense. This is where I see the most significant dropoff.  I don't care about stats, I don't give a hoot where they're ranked in the league.  This defense just cannot finish games on a consistent basis.  I'm not asking for perfection, I'm asking for more on 3RD DOWN!  Third and 5, third and six or longer has really hurt this team.  Lack of a pass rush in those situations is a glaring problem.  Open field tackling has been suspect at critical times, especially late in the game.  I'm not expecting this defense to be what it once was.  That would be ridiculous.  I'm asking for this defense, or someone on this defense to make that defining play when it counts.  Just as you and I challenge ourselves on a daily basis in our work place, so to must this defense (all 11) say, "This is my time."   As for the lack of turnovers created by this defense - It's simple. Pressure creates turnovers, up-front, on a tackle, in coverage.  It's just not happening. 

GRADES:  Defensive line - D-  Linebackers - C  Corners - C+ (these guys are asked to do too much with no pressure up-front)  Safeties- B (most consistent group so far this season)  

OVERALL GRADE:  C   (Average doesn't cut it in this league)

Now for the offense.  A functional group right now without a running game.  Quarterback Jeff Garcia is being asked to do too much, but I just don't think there is any choice.  He's had one bad game against Jacksonville.  We've all had our bad days. But without this guy, a 4-4 record would be a dream.  If your asking for perfection from Garcia, you better start asking the offensive line to pick it up in pass protection.  The O-Line is a young group, and when the pressure comes, they're getting choppy help from the backs. (I will say the O-Line and backs did a pretty good job against a blitzing Jaguars team Sunday.)

Unless Michael Bennett gets going, the running game will continue to be average.  Bennett is a playmaker, as former Bucs personnel guy Ruston Webster (now with Seattle) told me at the USF/Rutgers game in NJ.  His speed is almost unmatched, it's just a matter of putting him in position to be successful, and Bennett taking advantage.  Earnest Graham is still the most complete back the Bucs have, and B.J. Askew is right there with Graham.  That's fine.  However, this team needs a back that commands attention from the opposing defensive coordinators.  Right now, Bennett is that guy.

GRADES:   Quarterback B+ ( would have gotten at least an A-minus had it not been for the Jacksonville game)  Offensive Line- C+ (still learning)  RB's - C 

OVERALL GRADE: C+

SPECIAL TEAMS:  This may become a problem area for the Bucs after starting the season as one of it's strong points.  Injuries have hit this area hard and it's starting to show.  From kick and punt coverage, to kickoff and punt returns.  Josh Bidwell remains very consistent as does K Matt Bryant.  A very accountable tandem there.  My only question:  When will we see Michael Bennett return kickoffs and punts? 

GRADE:  B (but on the decline due to injuries)

In summary, due to the current state of the NFL teams in their division and around the league, (minus NE and INDY) this team can certainly be above .500 and in the playoff hunt.  As long as injuries don't keep cropping up, it's up to them.  It all comes down to a play or two every week.  Who will step up?

          Tom Korun