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.
