Griff Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 In Week 10, Tampa Bay coach Jon Gruden went for two in the final minute, and it gave the Buccaneers a 36-35 victory against the Washington Redskins. In a conference call with Washington-area writers, Gruden discussed what has happened in the eight weeks since that game. 1. On thoughts from the teams' first match-up earlier this season: "It's been a long time, but it was a great game. There were a lot of twists and turns in that one, and I think both teams fought hard. It was a well-played game and we were fortunate to win it." 2. On differences in the Redskins since the first game: "They were pretty darn good when they were here. I just think they're a good football team; they lost a couple tight games during the midseason, but they are very talented. They have explosive playmakers that we know well. Portis, Moss, Brunell is playing very well. They can run it and throw it, they're extremely dangerous on offense -- they use very creative formations, change personnel on offense. Cooley is a guy that you really have to account for. Defensively, they never stay the same. The masters of the perimeter blitz, they can play maximum zone or maximum blitz within the same sentence, so it's a lot to prepare for. They are well schooled in the kicking game -- Danny Smith is one of the best coaches in the league." 3. On changes in the Buccaneers since the first game, especially in QB Chris Simms: "We had two rough games prior to the Redskins. He's a young quarterback, and it does take some of these guys time to get acclimated to the speed of the game and get into some kind of rhythm, but he has played very well. He's a talented guy, he's a charismatic guy, our team has rallied around him, and we've got some people -- Joey Galloway has really come on strong for us, Carnell Williams has gotten healthy and really made a difference for us in the last six or seven weeks." 4. On the frequency of players suggesting strategy and whether he heeds their advice: "It happens all the time. Some of these guys, unfortunately, give their input on what we should be calling every single play. Absolutely, feel the pulse of your team. Sometimes, guys' demeanor has an influence on you. Our football team wanted to go for the win in that situation (the first Redskins-Buccaneers game), it was almost a united front, and we felt at the 1-yard line, that was our best chance to win at that time." 5. On changes in the Buccaneers defense since their Super Bowl season: "Yeah, we're pretty good there. The Redskins have made some changes on defense since they won their last Super Bowl, too. We like to keep these guys as long as we can. Fortunately, we do have some guys that we can build our team around. Chris Hovan has come in here and given us some great play. I think Anthony McFarland and Ellis Wyms, two defensive tackles that have been hurt the past couple of seasons, have really paid huge dividends. What can I say? Juran Bolden has come in here from Jacksonville and given us a third corner that we really like." http://nfl.com/features/squibkicks/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HittinSkinz Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 Gruden is a classy guy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellis Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 Gruden is a GREAT coach. I read in the Washington Post the other day that he really looks up to Gibbs and has even borrowed a few of his ideas for his own play designing. I can't wait to watch Gibbs vs Gruden again. Such an awesome game. I think this game is so 50/50 on whose going to win and the closer saturday comes the more I think it's going to come down to a match-up of coaching and play calling--not players. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seabee1973 Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 I love that the skins have mad changes on there defense since they won there last superbowl. I surer hope so Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baculus Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 I think Gibbs has definitely influenced Gruden's play calling - you can see similarities in their formations, use of shifts, max protection, and bunch plays. I've always liked Gruden - he brings a certain x-factor to that game that only good coaches can display. Luckily, Gibbs has that x-factor, too. :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkinsfaninSD Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 I like Gruden also. His comment about making D changes since our last superbowl had me cracking up though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Full Monty Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 Brunell's playoff experience will help carry the day. I predict a lot of scoring drives in our favor. There's just something about Monte Kiffin's defense that Gibbs knows how to attack it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteelerSkins Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 I really think that the Skins can eat up some yeardage against these guys, too. Hopefully, it translates into points. Hey Gruden, you think there have been changes on D since the last SB title? How 'bout the zone blitz? What was Chucky, 15 years old or something? Oh yeah, remember how the Bucs o-line got chewed up by the Pats' front seven? The Skins front seven could dominate and be the difference maker . . . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Griff Posted January 6, 2006 Author Share Posted January 6, 2006 I really think that the Skins can eat up some yeardage against these guys, too. Hopefully, it translates into points. Hey Gruden, you think there have been changes on D since the last SB title? How 'bout the zone blitz? What was Chucky, 15 years old or something? Oh yeah, remember how the Bucs o-line got chewed up by the Pats' front seven? The Skins front seven could dominate and be the difference maker . . . Nice picture Steelerskin, I have always loved Lambert, "Count Dracula in cleats" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbuzz1962 Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 I think Gruden respects our team more than people know. I saw him questioned on ESPN, and he stated the Redskins were without a doubt the hottest team in the NFL. He isn't overlooking this game, that was obvious. He is a class act, and I have always respected him, and his coaching. On the other hand, when Simms was interviewed, he seemed a bit ****y for a rookie. I think he forgot the Skins didn't have their secondary playing in that 1st game. I feel he will loose his cool, probably by the 2nd quarter, and start forcing plays that will get them in a lot of trouble. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terpfan Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 I was watching NFL Network and they had an interview with Monte Kiffen and he really gave our offense some props. Seems like a good guy, I think he and Gibbs are pretty good friends. At least I can respect Tampa's coaches, but there will be plenty of time for that after we beat them! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlsbadd Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 Gruden is a cool guy and good coach. I think there is not to many teams that haven't taken some plays from Gibbs. Heck ,the WR screen came back in style after Spurrier ran it so much, every team started using it. It's gonna be a hellava game tomorrow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grimreaper36 Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 Gruden is a great coach, plus watching his facial expressions during a game is hilarious. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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