Give it up for Jon Gruden.

He put together his best coaching performance as a Buccaneer.  Despite the sting of "one and done" ..for the 2nd time in 3 years, Gruden led the Buccaneers to a winning record despite losing the likes of Alstott, Cadillac, Petitgout and several others.  Going into the season, most picked the Buccaneers to finish dead last in the NFC South.  Few thought the Buccaneers would find the .500 mark, let alone win a division title.

Yet, this franchise is at a crossroads.

Next year, the Buccaneers will face a first-place schedule and they'll have to pull some major strings over the offseason to lure enough weapons to match this year's regular season.  Jeff Garcia has one weapon to call upon -- Joey Galloway.  If there were a "Seniors NFL", both would be first round draft picks.

That's not to say that Garcia and Galloway won't make plays next year.  If healthy, both will.  But to depend on those two to pull it off is asking for trouble.  Garcia is desperate for more explosive talent around him.  We're talking both at wide receiver and running back.  Yes, Earnest Graham had his moments taking over for the injured Cadillac...but the Bucs are still missing a running back that "scares" opposing defenses.

Here's what the Bucs are facing...they must spend their cap wisely.  Yes, they are under the cap by some $30-million.  But remember, EVERYBODY has more cap room next season. If the Bucs don't hit on free agents or trades, there's no way the Buccaneers can hang even in the NFC South. 

So, do you sign Gruden to an extention if the roster isn't there?  Do you believe the Buccaneer Nation will stand for a losing season?  Buccaneer fans had to be coaxed into selling out Raymond James for the playoff game.  It is clear they are losing patience.

But how can you ask Gruden to twist in the wind with one year left?

Get Gruden signed to a two-year extention and put that salary cap to good use.

Al Keck