Jon Gruden Doesn't Care About Your Stats Because Brian Griese is a Winner

Posted Oct 01, 2008 4:35PM By Adam Gretz (RSS feed)

Earlier this week, it was brought to the attention of Tampa Bay Head Coach Jon Gruden that his starting quarterback, Brian Griese, isn't have the best statistical season. Seems like an accurate assessment, considering Griese currently ranks 25th in completion percentage, 30th in yards per pass attempt, 30th in passer rating, and is tied for the most interceptions in the league with Cleveland quarterback Derek Anderson.

The interesting thing about those numbers? Gruden doesn't care.

"You've got some real good stats there. You know he's 3-0 as a starter; how about that? We've played two very good defenses. The Chicago Bears on the road – he was the player of the week for us last week. He threw a couple interceptions yesterday and we can't have that. He knows that. But he's a winning quarterback for us and we're going to rally around him, continue to try to improve on his strengths and try to clean up a couple plays that hurt us last week."

Translation: If you're a Tampa Bay fan, get used to the sight of Griese lining up under center. At least as long as the Buccaneers continue to win football games.
At the end of the day, Gruden is absolutely correct when he suggests wins are the only stat that matters (let's face it, they are). It remains to be seen, however, as to how long Tampa Bay can continue to win while its quarterback plays like one of the worst passers in the league.

Over his previous ten games, Griese has thrown 14 touchdowns to 18 interceptions, while also fumbling four times. I still think Jeff Garcia, assuming he's healthy, is the better player.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

10-01-2008 @ 10:24PM

Eddie said...

It is a mistake benching Garcia after the year he had for the Bucs. last year. Garcia had a prow bowl year putting his heart and sole into every play. Gruden's decision to bench Garcia after 1 game makes me question his decision making and integrity.

Garcia is the best quarterback the Bucs have had in a long time. Something must of happened behind the scene between Gruden and Garcia for him not to be the starter.

I am a season ticket owner for the Bucs. All my freinds and other fans that sit around us question Gruden's decision at quarterback. We all feel Garcia is the best option we have and hope Gruden puts him back in as starter.

Garcia, through his efforts and success last year has earned the starting job. It doesnt seem ethical to sit him after all he did for the team last year. In fact, he might be the only reason Gruden is still the coach for Tampa. I feel like Garcia is being treated very unfairly and not being showed the respect he deserves.

10-06-2008 @ 12:08AM

Ken said...

I agree with your quarterback comments, and you state the case for Garcia very well. However, I believe a Denver win was there for the taking with either Griese or Garcia at the helm. This was a case of the most pitiful, pathetic play calling I have ever witnessed. The Bucs coaches have zero confidence in their ability to make a big play, even against one of the worst pass defenses in the league. 2nd and long and 3rd and long we don't even try to get the yardage needed. When you are deep in the red zone you have to at least try to get in the end zone, and if you don't succeed, then kick for three. The defense did their job today, holding the Broncs to 16. We can't score more than 16 against the Broncos? We can't if we don't make the attempt. There is a time to play conservative on offense, but today against the Denver defense was not the time. It probably cost us the game.