A Swift Kick In The Spleen

Posted Sep 25, 2006 by Darin Shaw

Updated Sep 25, 2006 at 08:49 AM

Alright, so now I feel like the preacher in the original Poseidon Adventure – Rev. Frank Scott (Gene Hackman) – Bucs fans need to follow me to higher ground.  Sure, the situation looks desperate.  And the worries are great.

But a ruptured spleen?  He may be done for the year. – Yep.  But remember, just last week YOU WANTED HIM TO BE DONE FOR THE YEAR!  Isn’t it amazing how people were crying for Gradkowski last week, and now they’re crying over him?  Have you forgotten how we felt when Brian Griese went down last season?  What was the headline at TBO the morning after?

Gruden and Allen were likely up all night searching out available signal callers.  But then again, Gruden does that all the time.  Still, talk will be swirling these next few days.  Here are a few that will be rumored to be traveling to Tampa:

Jay Fiedler – if his shoulder is ready, this might not be so far from reality, but as a back-up, not a savior.

Brian Griese – the Bucs (at the moment) look to be headed for a good draft pick… would the Bucs spring it to bring back someone who knew the system?  Would the Bears part with their acquisition now that Grossman appears to be living up to his billing?  Not likely… on the Bears end.

Rich Gannon – every time the Bucs think QB, the press thinks Gannon.  Rich is an analyst now and has covered Simms’ ruptured spleen.  My guess is that he likes his organs un-ruptured, thank you.  Besides, isn’t he like 55 now?

Speaking of those nearing social security, Vinny Testaverde… STOP IT!  Just stop, okay? 

His name is Bruce Gradkowski.  You wanted him last week.  You’ll have him after Gruden has him for 2 weeks (thru the Bye) getting ready.  (Bye) the way, I remember another moment in Buccaneer history where a rookie QB stepped in and took us farther than we imagined.  Do you?

So, in the spirit of Rev. Frank Scott, to all the naysaying pursers: “You’ve said enough.  Now get out of the way!”