Kevin_ODonnell's Blog

 Training Camp is essentially over for the Bucs. The team held their final 2-a-day practices at Camp Disney. After handing out 18 IV's to players yesterday, Jon Gruden lightened the load taking the team inside Disney's Milkhouse (basketball arena) for the morning session. Jeff Garcia told me that mental practice can't be overlooked. Given Gruden's enormous playbook I'd have to agree. Gruden didn't reveal the quarterback rotation for Saturday's game in Jacksonville, other than to say Jeff Garcia should get a few more plays than the six that he got against New England. The focus remains on determining which 53 players will make up this roster.

The Bucs received a surprise visit from Governor Charlie Christ at the end of the morning session. Christ, a long time Bucs fan couldn't pass on the opportunity to give a few words of encouragement. He came to Disney to shoot a Public Service Announcement on child obesity. This also gave him a chance to talk with Derrick Brooks, who he named to his Council on Physical Fitness. Brooks will work with Shaquille O'Neal and other athletes in the state to encourage children to get in shape. Before leaving I asked the Governor for a prediction on the season and his political response is that the Bucs are going to have a winning season. I have to mention that Derrick Brooks was standing over his shoulder. I passed the good news on to Jon Gruden and he said," I told you I like that guy."

As happy as Gruden was to see the Governor, every player and coach was happy to get through this final full day. Even Gruden told me he's excited about heading back to Tampa tomorrow. He said after 3-weeks he can't wait to see his family and sleep in his own bed.

Here are a few quotes from Gruden after the morning session on Chris Simm's situation:

“I’m tired about talking about it. Everyday you see him. He’s out here practicing. He’s healthy. Why the hell would he go on I.R.? I don’t understand why [he would go on I.R.], he’s practicing.  I’m not trying to mislead anyone. We have cleared him to practice. If he were injured, he wouldn’t be practicing and throwing 125 balls a day. It’s the performance that needs to improve. I’m confident in time it will. He has been inactive for a long period of time. That’s all I’m going to say. It’s a work in progress. Right now he’s behind and knows that and we’ll adjust accordingly.”

I asked Gruden if Simm's is in jeopardy of makking the team.

“There is jeopardy for everybody, coaches and players if the performance level isn’t good. I’m not going to stir headlines up here. He’s a great kid, and he had played a lot of football here. He had a serious injury. We’re moving on right now with the preseason. When Chris is ready to go, you will see him. Hopefully a little bit Saturday night in Jacksonville, but right now, it’s a work in progress. He’s clearly behind, but he can catch up.”