Preview: Eagles at Buccaneers

Fred Goodall, Associated Press

Friday, October 20, 2006

TAMPA, Fla. — Bruce Gradkowski impressed Andy Reid long before the Philadelphia Eagles coach began watching film of the rookie quarterback’s first two starts for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

"I watched him play every Thursday night last year. So, I have a pretty good feel on how he can play," said Reed, who catches bits and pieces of whatever football games may be airing while he’s working nights at the office.

Gradkowski played at Toledo, a regular on midweek national telecasts, and was selected by the Bucs in the sixth round of this year’s draft.

"He’s a heck of a player, that kid," Reid said. "He’s smart, he’s tough and got all of those intangibles. I think he loves playing the game. He did it at the college level and he’s doing it right now."

Filling in for the injured Chris Simms, Gradkowski made an impressive debut in a loss to New Orleans on Oct. 8. He struggled against Cincinnati last week, but wound up getting his — and Tampa Bay’s — first victory when he beat the Bengals 14-13 with a last-minute touchdown pass.

The Bucs (1-4) face the Eagles (4-2) Sunday in what figures to be the rookie’s toughest test so far.

Philadelphia uses a variety of blitzes to pressure the quarterback and leads the league with 23 sacks.

Offensively, it also will be a challenge to keep pace with the Eagles’ high-powered attack directed by Donovan McNabb.

"We’re just worried about ourselves right now, going out and executing plays that are called and being prepared for whatever the Eagles throw at us," Gradkowski said. "If we do that and we control what we can control — and that’s turnovers and not making mistakes — we’ll be OK."

The Eagles, coming off a 27-24 loss at New Orleans, are first in the NFL in five major offensive categories: total yards, yards passing, total touchdowns, TDs passing and total offensive TDs.

McNabb, who’s thrown for 1,849 yards, 13 touchdowns and two interceptions in six games, is having an MVP-type season. Philadelphia leads the league with 81 offensive plays of 10 or more yards, including a league-best 36 that have gained 20 or more.

By comparison, the Bucs have had 12 offensive plays of 20 or more yards.

"Every time he has his hands on the ball, you hold your breath," Gruden said. "He’s playing that well."

McNabb, however, dismisses the notion he may be playing the best football of his career.

"I don’t know, but it’s fun. ... We’re in a great position right now. We just have to continue to get better," the eighth-year pro said.

"You’re seeing different guys make plays every week, and when you have a handful of guys just awaiting the opportunity to catch the ball or make things happen with it, that makes the quarterback excited. I’m excited about the fact that we are trying to involve everyone. I’m also excited about the way we’ve been playing."

Gradkowski’s play has pumped some vitality into the Bucs, too.

Coach Jon Gruden has been impressed with the rookie’s poise, resilience and ability to protect the football. Gradkowski turned the ball over once in each of his two starts; the mistakes didn’t affect his confidence.

"He’s got two of the best quarterback teachers around in Jon and Paul (Hackett)," Reid said. "Looks like he is absorbing everything."

Gradkowski’s mobility has added another dimension to the Tampa Bay offense and has also helped second-year running back Carnell "Cadillac" Williams get on track. After being limited to 107 yards rushing in the first three games, Williams has gained 205 the past two weeks.

"We’re building momentum," Gradkowski said. "Guys’ attitudes are a little bit different, more positive. We’re going to go after this. We’ve been going after this thing for a while, and now’s the time to start making it pay off."

The Bucs made a couple of moves this week they will hope help now — and in the future.

Defensive tackle Anthony McFarland was traded to the Indianapolis Colts for a second-round pick in the 2007 draft. Meanwhile, former Raiders first-round pick Phillip Buchanon was signed to provide experienced depth at cornerback and on punt returns.

Sixth-year pro Ellis Wyms steps into McFarland’s under tackle position.

"It’s a great test to start with ... a heck of a way to make your debut — against the best offense in the league," Wyms said.

"That’s what we want. We thrive on challenges around here, and it’s a challenge for the defense, as well as a challenge for me to come out and help us make some plays to win."