Avoiding The Banana Skin Well thank god that’s over with for another year, no not Man United’s title challenge as that was finished at the end of August, but rather the bye week for The Bucs, which makes you wait 2 weeks in season for the next game – I am not a fan of it’s work. Thankfully this week go to San Francisco for the classic “guaranteed” victory game which can so easily trip teams up if they look past it. Good as we think we are this season, the Bucs can ill afford to go into this one eyes wide shut. We have already gone on the road to a sinking team with a third string quarterback in place this year…. and cocked it up big style (see New York trip, week 5), so the warning signs have to be heeded. Yes we know they are crap, but on a bad day so can we be too. If we apply ourselves properly we will prevail and the keys to this game all lie on our side of the fence. The last time we played there in 2003 we were hammered so it’s time to put the record straight and exorcise a few 49er demons on the west coast. A few things I think 1. I think I bet in his dreams this week Tim Rattay has seen himself climbing off the bench to throw the winning TD pass in the 4th quarter. Stranger things have certainly happened in the NFL this season so don’t totally rule it out. 2. I think I remember all the times in the 80’s and early 90’s when the 49ers screwed us into the ground at every opportunity, and ruined plenty of my NFL Sundays with it. I therefore hope we show no mercy and give them some payback. 3. I think it does worry me that 4 weeks after Cadillac was first listed as questionable on the injury report, and despite a months inactivity, he still remains questionable for this weekend. Sounds to me like the type of injury that will only be truly 100% right come September 2006. Mr Pittman you have another opportunity to demonstrate your abilities. 4. I think despite all the salary cap implications and crowded Quarterback spot on our roster, I find it hard to think that we won’t see Brian Griese under center for The Bucs again. Just a hunch but I think he’ll be back next season – coming from me that’s probably the death knell on his Bucs career. 5. I think I can’t ever remember the Bucs winning at Candlestick Park – that’s it’s real name rather than the sponsorship garbage that is all the rage today – in recent memory. Having crossed Lambeau Field off his list early this year, I am sure Derrick Brooks will be eager to lay another ghost to rest on Sunday. (Ed- we did win there in 1980 by a single point. Click here for the details) 6. I think Mr Gruden will call Michael Clayton’s number, a hell of a lot more times than in the past 6 weeks. “Simms completes to Hilliard for the Touchdown” will no doubt be the call from Gene on Sunday, when Michael finally breaks his duck for 2005. 7. I think I’m thankful for the later kick-off in week 8 – the monotony of the 6pm start, and the blind panic in trying to re-arrange the bed times for 2 young children every Sunday as a result, means this will hopefully be a more peaceful listening experience this week. With Mr Simms in situ this week, plenty of observers will be watching on to see how he peforms. Contrary to popular opinion this is not another bye week, but rather a great opportunity for Simms to stake his claims and settle into the flow, before we face up to all the divisional games upcoming, starting soon when we face off against The Twits in less than 10 days. In order to establish some flow on Sunday I’d run the ball plenty and early to free up the passing lanes, especially if The Cadillac is out of the garage (sorry Ed, pathetic pun). This is stating the bloody obvious I know but pounding with the run to open up the passing lanes is a classic, time-honoured way of allowing a new young Quarterback to move the offense, complete some passes and feel good about himself. One thing to look out for this week is see exactly where Simms throws the ball to. Brian Griese seemed to fall in love with Joey Galloway, but I think with Simms we will see more stuff going the tight ends way or maybe even Michael Clayton in the shorter and intermediate routes. The Chuckster will no doubt be impressing on Chris the fact that he doesn’t need to complete the Hollywood pass on every play; granted you can look for the deep ball, but using our Backs and Tight Ends for high percentage passing is a positive and not a sign of weakness. We’d all love to see an offensive explosion at some point from the Bucs, but this week I’d settle for a solid win and no more bloody injuries for a change. If Cadillac is back lets nurse him into the game, and share the running load between him and Michael Pittman who has earned the right to carry the ball with his performance against Miami. If our defense plays up to it’s usual level of intensity and gets into the face of Alex Smith or Ken Dorsey, and we play sensible, consistent ball on offense we are more than capable of coming away with the win. In addition coming off a bye week we have no excuses for a lack of preparation either so lets get out there, get on them early and do our jobs so we can return home with our division lead intact in time for the stiffer tests ahead. Prediction wise I came close against Miami, and whilst I’m not yet into Paul’s league this season I’ll stay conservative and suggest 23-10 Bucs this Sunday. Lets hope we hear Gene and Scott call home the victory. Nod of Acknowledgement to …..Tedy Bruschi. I’m not sure if he’s incredibly brave or distinctly stupid, but to be in a physical position to get himself onto the field, less than 9 months after a stroke is truly remarkable. The guy is a hell of a gamer but most of all he’s a father to 3 young kids – I wish him well. Special Nod of Acknowlegdement to…… A very special lady and family friend of The Bromfield clan, Valerie Campbell. It’s just over a year since Valerie was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and despite all the crap and pain she’s had to endure she has maintained her smile and remained the strong and vibrant character she always has been. Thankfully she’s emerged with a clear diagnosis on the other side, which has been a relief to all her family and friends. When you hear people described as tough on an NFL field, it pales into insignificance what those dealing with cancer have to go through – Valerie, you are one special lady. Get in the real world Award……Saints owner Tom Benson. Though nothing surprises me anymore, for him to explore the possibility of permanently moving The Saints to San Antonio out of the background of this years Hurricane and never returning to New Orleans is truly incredible. Particularly as the Saints games don’t even sell out in Texas, any more than they did in Louisiana. Memo to Mr Benson – if you win then the crowds will turn up, if you play bad football then not everybody is willing to pay top dollar to watch losing. I hope someone makes this guy look past the dollar signs and do the right thing – The Saints belong to the people of New Orleans who need them now, more than ever.