The fallacy of blaming single players and a reminder that football is still a team sport
Cincy Jungle — ... during a quarterback sack. Something about driving the quarterback into the ground. My hands are still raised to this day. The Bengals defense, five plays later, back pedaled into the end-zone watching Michael Clayton score a touchdown. ...

Michael Clayton - An Act of Fiction?
Buc 'Em — With the 15th pick in the 2004 draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers select WR Michael Clayton from Louisiana State University.    And with that, the Bucs had apparently drafted our go-to receiver for the next 10 years, a physical, big receiver who had no issue with going across the middle.  He rewarded us with a rookie season that had us dreaming of what this guy could do with the football in his hands.  Sadly, the next four seasons have been largely a disappointment.  There have been a few memorable plays, ...

Follow Up to Clayton Article
Buc 'Em — ... Player Targets Rec Drops % Catchable Dropped % Catchable % for 1st Down Michael Clayton 61 38 2 5.0% 65.6% 34.4% ...

Closing the Book on Gruden
Buc 'Em — ... field again. Then Williams blows out the other knee and is lost for the year. The Bucs went from three viable backs to one. Everyone was rooting for Williams to come back healthy and his recovery was nothing short of miraculous, but rushing him back to the field was the wrong move, especially with the Bucs’ depth at the position. Another example: despite a multitude of sub-par seasons, Gruden and Allen never made a legitimate effort to replace (or even get some competition for) Michael Clayton. It’s well-known that Clayton had a stellar rookie ...

A Message of Hope
Buc 'Em — ...             In the years following, there have been a few gains, and many losses. With the addition of General Manager Bruce Allen, Warren Sapp and John Lynch were dismissed; a decision that still unnerves Bucs fans to this day. Carnell “Cadillac” Williams was acquired, and for a time, it was good. But as of today, Cadillac still has a difficult road ahead of him. Michael Clayton was a wonderful breakout performance, but had faded in the eyes of many Bucs fans. Inconsistencies at the ...

Position by position breakdown. What to expect for the 2009 season.
Buc 'Em — ... " showing up again this year. Our #2 spot is going to be given to Michael Clayton (I'm assuming this because of the  idiotic  exorbitant contract that was given to him during the off-season). It is officially time for Mr. Clayton to put up or shut up. He has nothing else to blame his failures upon now that Mr. Gruden has left the building. Our third receiver spot should be up for grabs and there are plenty of guys that I feel have the talent to contribute. I would like to see Stovall, Campbell, or Stroughter step up and make some ...

Thursday Morning Links for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Buc 'Em — ...  - Two players (Will Allen and Michael Clayton) visit a military base in Japan.  I think it's neat to see players take time out to do this.  ...

Michael Clayton catches some time with Jerry Rice
Buc 'Em — ... Wayne.  One name that also frequents the discussion? Larry Fitzgerald.  Fitz and Rice spend a week every summer training in Minnesota, along with other players.  Rice invites a select few up there, runs drills with them, coaches them up; a sort of private NFL camp for the cream of the crop. Well this year, there's another new addition to the group.  In fact, it's another #80. That person?  None other than the Tampa Bay Buccaneers own Michael Clayton.  Now no one will confuse him with Rice, but he is up ...

Arizona Cardinals Weekly Flock: No Such Thing as Off Season for Fitzgerald Edition
Arizona Cardinals Community Blog - Fanster.com - Voice of the Cardinals — ... season's playoffs, Fitzgerald has spent the past two months draining his cell-phone battery to bring talented receivers and cornerbacks for group workouts. Fitz's workout partners - Fitzgerald has organized workouts in Minnesota, arranging for Jerry Rice and Cris Carter to provide coaching. He credits former offensive coordinator Todd Haley for stressing the importance of avoiding complacency. Trotter lists Brandon Marshall, Lee Evans, Greg Jennings, Michael Clayton, Sidney Rice, Brian Robiskie, DeAngelo ...

Training Camp Look - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Buc 'Em — ... Whatever happened to Michael Clayton? After a brilliant rookie year, the wide receiver spent the past few seasons buried in Gruden's doghouse. A lot of people were stunned when the new regime handed Clayton a big contract, instead of letting him walk as a free agent. There's a reason for that. The new regime believes Clayton can be a productive starter. Forget all the talk about what a good blocker Clayton is in the running game. Sure, that will help. But Clayton isn't getting big money just to block. He got paid because Morris, general manager Mark Dominik ...

Cannon Shots: News from first morning practice at training camp
Buc 'Em — ... A few noteworthy items from the Bucs first training camp practice: - As reported, full pads were worn and the hitting was aplenty. - An extra field goal session was added to let fans watch the Nug and Bryant compete. - Tonight's practice is shells only at the stadium - McCown is taking first team reps and looking sharp.  He continues like this, it's his job. - Plenty of dropped passes, but some nice catches by Antonio Bryant and Michael Clayton - Elbert Mack made a nice interception, trying ...

Cannon Shots: Closing notes on first day of training camp
Buc 'Em — ... - Michael Clayton is looking solid, and found the end zone.  Cannons went off.  Please repeat this during the season ...

Monday's camp sessions come to an end for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Buc 'Em — ... - Michael Clayton is on fire right now.  Every report has him not only looking confident, but playing the part too.  Catch bombs, catching TD passes.  A healthy and consistent Michael Clayton will only add to what could be a fierce offense. ...

Cannon Shots: Quick hits on Wednesday's morning practice for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Buc 'Em — ... At the tail end of practice, Michael Clayton looked to tweak a hamstring after a touchdown catch. Dude is on fire right now.  It's practice, but he's improving. ...

Cannon Shots: Update on Wednesday afternoon's practice
Buc 'Em — ... was limited in the afternoon session, but he was out on the field jogging around.  Michael Clayton is going to miss a few days, but nothing serious on the hamstring.  ...

Cannon Shots: A recap of Thursday's training camp session
Buc 'Em — ... on injures, a look at tomorrow's practice, and a surprising call out on a certain new Buc player.  Hit the jump to get the info - Let's hit the injuries first.  It was thought that Antonio Bryant would be back on the field today, but he was nowhere to be found.  He's still considered day to day.  A few other Bucs are dinged up and on that same day to day list; Kyle Moore and Derrick Ward are two of the bigger names.  Michael Clayton (hamstring) and Jeff Faine (groin) are going to be ...

Cannon Shots: Friday practice over, Morris to take team out
Buc 'Em — ... of.  More on that later.  Let's take a quick trip around the Buc's Friday morning practice. - Buc 'Em brought you the story of Mario Urrutia being signed to the squad.  Well on this first day of practice, in 2 minute drills, he caught a slant from Josh Johnson and took it to the house.  He also caught passes from Leftwich over Torrie Cox and Tanard Jackson.  Welcome to the team. - An update on some injuries.  Michael Clayton is still out with the hamstring injury.  Antonio ...

A look back at the first week of training camp
Buc 'Em — ... , and he hasn't let us down yet.  Michael Clayton has come on strong in camp and looks like a number two receiver.  The battle for the third spot continues and each day a new receiver has a strong day.  Today was ...

8/8 Training Camp Updates- Matt Bryant Back, others out.
Buc 'Em — Tight End John Gilmore and Kicker Matt Bryant returned to practice Saturday morning (see, Matt Bryant must have seen my video below!!!), but a few other guys are out; Jeremy Trueblood- Back Derrick Ward- foot Angelo Crowell- hamstring Clifton Smith- hamstring Michael Clayton- hamstring Kelly Campbell- quad Jeff Faine- groin Joe Filani- hamstring Greg Peterson- knee     What happened, ...

Cannon Shots: A look at Monday's training camp session
Buc 'Em — ... depth chart was released on Monday, and is available on Buc 'Em, right here.  - Let's get the injuries out of the way.  Antonio Bryant will miss the entire preseason with some work to be done on his knee.  I've heard reports of meniscus pain, draining fluid, or a torn meniscus.  I'll admit I'm no doctor, but it looks like he should be available week 1 at this rate, per Raheem Morris (as interviewed by Steve Duemig). Other injuries are Michael Clayton, Jeff Faine and Derrick Ward.  Matt ...

Cannon Shots: Tuesday practice - injuries, drills, battles
Buc 'Em — ... - Michael Clayton is still out.  He should be back any day, but still may sit out the first preseason game.  ...

5 mistakes Gene Deckerhoff will make this week:
Buc 'Em — ... gone by, and a time to realize that the more things change, the more they stay the  same. Case in Point: Next week when the Bucs play the Titans in Tennessee, you can bet    your home (if you haven't had it foreclosed yet) these five things will come out of Gene's Mic;   "....we'll be back to the 2008 preseason opener after these messages". The word Golly used 7 times. " By Golly that was a sensational catch by Michael Clayton." "Look out Bucs fans, this one is turning into a ...

Interview with Football Outsiders
Buc 'Em — ... 8 - Michael Clayton has been a tremendous disappointment outside of his rookie year.  When looking at his numbers and statistics, was his rookie year the anomaly or have the last few years been the anomaly?  I'm hoping to see some answer that says with Gruden gone, Clayton will flourish.  Feel free to be swayed! ...

PreSeason Week 1-@ Titans: Countdown to Kickoff
Buc 'Em — ... Can Luke McCown engineer a score as a starter- If he doesn't, that doesnt spell doom for him, but it would sure look nice. Does Jermaine Philips look like a linebacker- or does he struggle and appear out of position? After Michael Clayton, which Wide Receivers stand out- and we're not talking about Jerremy Stevens or Kellen Winslow Jr. How well does Clifton Smith do as a feature back, and how often does he get carries? On 3rd down? or do the Bucs mix it up? ...

Cannon Shots: Monday's camp report
Buc 'Em — ... - Raheem Morris called out Michael Clayton for.............dropping passes in practice.  I don't care about practice, but if this becomes an issue again this year, I'll be pissed.  His drop % isn't that bad, but the timing of his drops are bad.  Forget this, I don't even want to have this discussion. ...

Game Preview (Preseason Game 2): Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-1) at Jacksonville Jaguars (0-1)
Buc 'Em — ... For - How will Leftwich do in his return to Jacksonville? - The entire first string offense, but mainly the offensive line with the new scheme. - Will Jacksonville's OL be able to contain the pass rush? - How Talib, Jackson and the team handle the latest commotion - Does Josh Johnson really have a chance at making the team? - Will there be any fans in the seats for the game? Injuries It sounds like Michael Clayton will be able to go, but Jeff Faine may be out.  ...

GAME DAY: August 22 2009-PreSeason Week 2- 7:30PM
Buc 'Em — ... interception in Jaguars territory midway through the second quarter, Garcia found WR Michael Clayton for a 10-yard touchdown play to pull the Buccaneers within a field goal at 10-7. ...

Grading Out the Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Offense
Buc 'Em — ... Michael Clayton - Was able to get most fans to shut up about the drops, for a week.  Showed good awareness in routes.  Able to catch tough passes.  Still a brutal blocker that will help the running game.  If he can continue on this road, will be a good player in this offense. Showed ability to scoop tough throws.  Still need to see him catch on run, as that has been his bugaboo. Grade: B- ...

Despite win over Bucs, Dolphins still have plenty of work to do
The Phinsider — ... and Michael Clayton.  But then the game started and, for some reason, there were suddenly Buccaneer receivers running wide open down the field.  By the time the game was delayed due to lightning, ...

Improving in the Red-Zone
NFL Touchdown — ... and Michael Clayton still. They combined for 1 TD (Thanks Antonio). They simply were not a threat inside of the Red-Zone. ...

GAME DAY RECAP-"Caution: Loss appears worse than it really is"
Buc 'Em — ... gave it all staying in a pocket provided pretty well for the most part, and threw accurately and with command. Michael Clayton was a physical receiver like he has always been, but caught balls in traffic at key moments. On Defense, Linebackers Quincy Black and ...

Bucs start strong, limp home in loss to Cowboys
Buc 'Em — ... to make it 13-7 Dallas.  The Bucs would get the ball back and still were looking to put points on the board.  Leftwich hooked up with Michael Clayton on a huge 47 yard pass play to get in field goal range, only to see ...

Game Balls - A review of the Bucs/Cowboys game
Buc 'Em — ... Barber - I'll be the first to admit I was concerned with him coming into this year.  Count week 1 as a win for him.  Made some nice plays, did NOT get beat deep, had a sack, a few deflections and a near pick.  I'll take it. Geno Hayes - Don't want to get all sacrireligious on the Bucs here, but we'll just say an FSU grad played the WLB spot very well today. Honorable Mention: Byron Leftwich, Michael Clayton Anti Game Balls Before I get ...

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Grading out the offense - Week 1
Buc 'Em — ... Michael Clayton - We knew he was a beast in the run game, and did nothing to deter us from that assessment.  On the receiving side, he did drop two tough passes but had 5 catches for 93 yards, including a tough catch on a 47 yard bomb just before half.  Truly a tough guy after going over the middle and getting lit up, only to see the safety be the one who went down.  His blocking combined with his receiving makes him worth the money at this point.  Would like to see more of this type of performance.  ...

Shallow Thoughts & Nearsighted Observations
The Mile High Report — ... expect was how well he would bounce back from throwing a TD pass to the other team (for Houston's only points of the game.) o.  So, you remember that thing about your objectives when getting the ball inside 2 minutes of the first half?  Here's an example of the wrong way to do it.  Tampa Bay started with 2 minutes to play, at their own 14 yard line.  They led the game 7-6 at that point. TB 1-10  own 14 yard line 2:00  WR screen to Michael Clayton, loss of 1 yard TB 2-11 own 13 yard line  ...

Stat Watch- Where our Bucs rank
Buc 'Em — Individuals: QB- Byron Leftwich - Rating, 17th  Yards, 10th RB- Cadillac Williams- Yards  T6th WR- Michael Clayton- yards 13th, Team: Offense Overall 5th Rushing 5th Passing 8th Team: Defense Passing 30th Rushing 24th Overall 29th All Rankings are League Wide, out of all 32 teams.

The VRR: Trash Talk Heating up Between Cowboys and Giants
Blogging The Boys — ... sacks. Six defensive linemen registered tackles, and Tuck and Umenyiora managed sacks. Most NFL offenses do not rotate offensive linemen, so New York's goal is to throw wave after wave of fresh bodies and fresh legs at blockers, wearing them down during the course of the game. The Giants try to run offensive linemen ragged with different players and different looks. Here's what Gerald Sensabaugh had to say about his big hit on Bucs' WR Michael Clayton. "I think it's a disadvantage," ...

Spreading the Blame and the Pain: Cowboys Defensive Stats
Blogging The Boys — ... beat the Dallas zone early for a 22 yarder, on the play where Demarcus Ware was injured, and Michael Clayton shook off a wicked Sensabaugh lick to gain 20 more in the third quarter. ...

Bills Fantasy Friday: Week 2 Start 'Em/Sit 'Em
Buffalo Rumblings — ... Michael Clayton - Remember him? He of the 1,000-yard monster rookie season and zero 500-yard seasons since.  He's only scored two touchdowns since scoring seven as a rookie.  What happened to this guy? Every time I watch him, he's dropping passes like he's ...

Clayton catches lightning in a bottle, at least for one week
Buc 'Em — ... Where have you been Michael Clayton?  As a Bucs fan I rooted for you in 2004, but you disappeared after that.  Some other dude showed up in 2005-2008 who was a shadow of what I saw in '04.  Sure, he wore the same #80, he wore the eye black under one eye, he pounded his chest, made a few nice blocks along the way, but it wasn't you.  This other guy dropped passes, he fumbled, he was out of shape, he got injured, it was tough to watch. ...

Where the Bucs Rank
Buc 'Em — ... Individual Stats Byron Leftwich :Yards per game #7 / QB Rating #20/ TDs #4 Cadillac Williams Yards per Carry 5.3, #17 among RBs.  Kellen Winslow : T12 in receptions/  Maurice Stovall : #10  avg yrds per Catch Michael Clayton & Kellen Winslow Tied for #30 with 120 Total yards.     Team Stats- Offense T6 Tampa Bay Passing  #14 Tampa Bay ...

Cowboys Defensive Stats, Week Two: Rushmore, It's Not Just a Movie
Blogging The Boys — ... Tampa Bay, week one.  The Bucs are running well, but have not passed on Newman.  They have the ball at their 25 with just 16 seconds left in the half. Again, Newman lets a a receiver get behind him when he's playing prevent.  Michael Clayton here burns him for 47 yards.  Tampa gets a field goal attempt to end the half. ...

Does roster makeup pre-determine outcome?
Buc 'Em — ... Antonio Bryant 2002 2nd free agent (Allen) Michael Clayton 2004 1st ...

What we know 3 weeks in...
Buc 'Em — ... impersonation. Michael Clayton has abandoned his week one attempt at a revival, in return for a more 2005-2008 look; dropping a sure TD pass in the back of the end zone.   ...

When does Josh Freeman get his shot?
Buc 'Em — ... Week 5- Cincinnati- This is the game Michael Clayton scored a TD at the last minute  (his last TD until the Oakland game last year) which was ruled incomplete but required a review. Gradkowki didn't have a great game, but he did lead the final drive into FG range. ...

ON THIS DAY VIDEO- 10/3/2004 Denver Broncos; Clayton Blows his top, Lynch doesn't!
Buc 'Em — ... returning home to Tampa in a Bronco's uniform. Politics of that move aside, it's ironic the CBS crew were talking about him and showing his profile when he made his little error, and was too nice to Bucs rookie receiver Michael Clayton, who leapt Cat-like in the air to snag an overthrown pass by ...

Week 4 Game Balls to go with the Good, Bad, and the Ugly
Buc 'Em — ... Michael Clayton - I feel weird putting his name here because I've been rooting hard for the guy.  He's made mistakes and as of Week 3 (and I'm sure this hasn't changed) he leads the league in dropped passes.  He registered zero catches in Week 4, but at least one drop.  As a Wide Receiver, that can't continue. ...

Grading out the Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Full team version
Buc 'Em — ... Michael Clayton - This is how you reward those who stuck up for you?  No catches and a drop?  Maybe he just felt bad that ...

BUCSHOTS! Midweek edition- Power(less) Rankings, Clayton rantings, and T-Jack sightings!
Buc 'Em — ... Michael Clayton wants to be more involved in the offense. Seems to me if you catch the ball, that involves you. I'll let you guys touch on this one in the comments..... ...

Fun with Numbers: A cost vs. production look at the Bucs wide receivers
Buc 'Em — ... and Clayton?  You're right, I got off track there.  What I wanted to highlighted is their salary makes just over 10% of the Bucs spent money, 10.49% to be exact.  And what do we have to show for that production? Well, over a 16 game season, assuming each player plays 16 games, the duo will be paid $747,500 per game.  Here's where it gets tricky.  Their current stats are as follows: Antonio Bryant - 3 catches for 35 yards in two games. Michael Clayton - 7 catches for 120 yards in three games.  This ...

With game 5 coming up, a look at some Top 5's.....
Buc 'Em — ... After week one, Michael Clayton had Raheem Morris and Steve Duemig daring anyone to call and ask why the Bucs resigned him. Both signed up for unlisted numbers this week. ...

Positives are there, if you can find them.
Buc 'Em — ... played Matador (Ole) letting Eagle pass rushers through untouched,  or Michael Clayton dropping 4 more passes, for a total of 8 on the year, leading the NFC. Doesn't Raheem Morris understand, Clayton needs 20 touches a game before he can be expected to catch every ball. If Michael Clayton thought he caught heat this week already, that is nothing compared to what this next week will be like. Several fans have already started a website  ...

Clayton must sit
Buc 'Em — ... Michael Clayton has used up every excuse in the book. Not even a note from his mom will relieve him of his debacle yesterday, or what he has had to say about how he feels about the whole thing. We heard about his injuries, and how he is physical. We heard that he was in Coach Gruden's doghouse, which we now must wonder how small of a house that is that Jon could not put this receiver (position used lightly) deeper in it so he could not find his way out. ...

Through the air or not at all
Buc 'Em — ... This seems to be the rally cry of the Bucs offense in 2009.  Coming into the season, big money was paid out to Antonio Bryant, Michael Clayton and Kellen Winslow.  With Bryant coming off a huge year and Winslow aiming to find his Pro Bowl form, a featured passing game wasn't seen as a bad thing.  But then we took a look at our ground game and realized we had a former Rookie of the Year in Cadillac Williams, who was finally healthy, super sub Earnest Graham and his ability to play running back or fullback, and ...

Raheem Confident in Bucs; himself.
Buc 'Em — ... Michael Clayton has needed to get better for sometime and he will probably not be trusted given the situation; But Morris has a way of making you feel like if there IS a coach that can turn this talent into good talent, it will be him.  ...

Panthers' Hump Day Prognostication
Cat Scratch Reader — ... to monitor and shut down Kellen Winslow as they were able to do with Chris Cooley; it's as simple as that. If we force Johnson to have to rely on Michael Clayton and ...

BUCSHOTS! Yamon Figures, and speaking of figures, Clayton speaks about his 7....
Buc 'Em — ... While we're at it, Pat Yasinskas of ESPN feels bringing in Figures clears the way for Josh Freeman. Michael Clayton has responded to his post game comments made last week on ...

Homers vs. Haters, Tampa Bay edition
Cat Scratch Reader — ... Bucs are not known for their receiving corps, but they do have one of the best young Tight Ends in the game in Kellen Winslow (26 receptions, 257 yards, 4 TDs).  Winslow leads all Bucs in receiving, and figures to be the best outlet for Josh Johnson again Sunday.  Winslow runs routes like a wide receiver, he can split the seam and he can run any pattern in the playbook. He's also a tough blocker in the running game. At the Wide Receivers, the Bucs field Michael Clayton (10 catches, 145 yards) and Antonio Bryant (12 catches, ...

On This Day-October 15th, 2006: 2 Touchdowns ago for Michael Clayton.
Buc 'Em — ... , who threw two touchdowns on the day, the last to Michael Clayton. When you watch this clip, you start to feel for Clayton and remember he had some good times here. They it hits you, he has only scored one touchdown since this game; The ...

Looking for leadership? How about Bucs ownership; and they've played the role before.
Buc 'Em — ... Before reading on, this article is not about players, neither Gaines Adams nor Michael Clayton. It is not about Josh Freeman or the better Josh right now, Johnson. Instead, its about your ability to watch these players, and how this isn't the first time Bucs ownership has led the way in progressive thinking regarding its franchise. I will explain of course before I'm committed for observation.... In Detroit, San Diego, and Jacksonville, fans are spreading out in comfort as their surrounding seats are vacant due to to the economic ...

ON THIS DAY RECAP- 10/22/2006- Philly Cheesesteaks melting on Matt Bryant Day
Buc 'Em — ... Three years ago it wasn't much of a different story:  Still a poor team putting on Pewter uniforms with not much of a chance for victory. The team already scored its miracle of the year the week before when Michael Clayton scored what would be the first of two touchdowns scored in 4 seasons; all with under 2:00 left to win the game. ...

BucShots- Slingbox to England, Road back for Bucs and more!
Buc 'Em — ... set up to a Slingbox unit that transmits the signal through a broadband connection. Hmm, wonder who that is...   Patriots know all about Bucs defensive secondary....as reported by St. Pete Times... More Bucshots after the jump... How Bucs fans and Man U fans are questioning the Glazers is reported by TBO.com...   Michael Clayton may not play as well as Clifton Smith says Pewter ...

Friday Injury Report: Green Bay Packers at Tampa
Acme Packing Company — ... Player Pos. Injury Friday Participation Friday Status Antonio Bryant WR Knee Did Not Participate Questionable Michael Clayton WR Wrist Full Participation Questionable Elbert Mack CB Ankle Did Not Participate Questionable ...

Entire team chips in with first Bucs win in almost a year.
Buc 'Em — ... The run game still seems like an afterthought (21 called runs to 35 called passes), but was effective enough to move the chains when needed.  This was a game where everyone contributed, even beleaguered WR Michael Clayton who came up with a huge catch and a two point conversion reception.  ...

The more things change (Offense), the more they stay the same (Defense)
Buc 'Em — ... If anything, the play of the game may have been the end of the 1st half atrocity perpetrated by the officials when they ruled Michael Clayton had fumbled a caught ball when replays clearly showed the ball was caught and the play was dead. This resulted in 10 Miami point the Bucs had to fight back from.  ...

Did Referees blow the call? See for yourself... in SLOW Slow Motion
Buc 'Em — ... We slowMo-ed the slo Mo! Not that it matters what speed you play the tape, the ball was caught by Michael Clayton as came down to the ground, and in fact the ball did not come loose until it was stripped out after he rolled on the ground. ...

New Orleans Saints' Defensive and Special Teams Player Grades @ Rams
Canal Street Chronicles — ... as a physical corner. I know the Saints were short handed, but matching him up against a burner like Donnie Avery was a terrible matchup. I heard whispers of Jason David comparisons (ahem, Saintsational) and that is going a little too far. Just because he can't run with Donnie Avery it doesn't mean he has no clue out there. Gay will be fine, just a rough day for him lined up against a receiver that is as fast as just about anyone. Next week against Antonio Bryant and Michael Clayton I think Gay will look better. ...

Rookie mistakes take their toll on Freeman, Bucs.
Buc 'Em — ... were playing lights out. Josh Freeman threw a beautiful ball to the back corner of the endzone where Michael Clayton was waiting.  ...

An Exercise in Futility
Buc 'Em — ... would be sitting this one out. As the game began I settled in with my wings, my beer, and my stromboli (yep, I was rolling like that yesterday) and I watched with enthused awe as the Bucs drove the ball 95 yards for the touchdown. The drive was surprising in that it featured more than two running plays. I was even further amazed when the ball hit Michael Clayton's hands and stayed there. Clearly, today was our day. ...

Maybe it's best to keep that game film on the shelf
Buc 'Em — ... I thought about giving Michael Clayton a game ball for his first touchdown of the season, but I was afraid he’d drop it. I’m afraid the long arm of Murphy’s Law is cast over One Buc Place; uniformed officers surrounding the complex with sirens flashing and guns drawn, waiting for the order to strike. ...

New Orleans Saints' Defensive and Special Teams Player Grades @ Bucs
Canal Street Chronicles — ... : C (2.00) Torrence was placed on IR, I'm told, and that's too bad. The guy was finally getting some playing time. Sure, he wasn't the best corner but you can't argue with the guy's toughness. He separated his shoulder and came back in the game to play and make a tackle due to the Saints' injury problems. He finished with 4 tackles and teamed up with Harper to get the other half of a sack on Freeman. He was also responsible for the touchdown pass to Michael Clayton, though, and I feel like his coverage was spotty enough that a better quarterback could have ...

OC Greg Olson signed to contract extension
Buc 'Em — ... Once again from my trusty website: www.rotoworld.com With this move, i'm sure he will be here for some time. I really just hope we see some progress in the run game, so we can run some play-action to -Michael Clayton- our receivers. Stay tuned for more updates, and more importantly, GO BUCS!!!!! -RJ ...

With Clayton injured, Stovall has chance to shine
Buc 'Em — ... opinion were considered statute, he’d be shaken out of town. Armchair head coaches would bench him. He’d earn the league minimum, if he had a job at all, and the NFL would legalize Stickum on a case-by-case basis. In the real world, he’s No. 2 on the depth chart. His lack of production is matched only by the lack of fan support, and if it were not for the lack of talent surrounding him at the receiver position, he would have been cut long ago. Instead, Michael Clayton will be on the sideline Sunday when the Buccaneers ...

A lesson on judging play calls from Bill Belichick...sort of.
Buc 'Em — ... opponents 1 inch line, its first and goal, plenty of time left, and you throw the ball 4 times, is pretty silly too.  Now you don't have to be a football expert to see these examples are extremes to say the least. But the line between extremes and an extreme game plan are a little harder to discern. Jon Grudens 48 passes in the crazy wind in Giants Stadium with a rookie Bruce Gradkowski was  crazy  by anyones definition. Yet two dropped passes by Michael Clayton and Joey Galloway could have seriously changed the ...

Jets Flight Connections 121009
Gang Green Nation — ... HC Rex Ryan decided that QB Mark Sanchez will not play this Sunday.  Rich Cimini reminds us that he thought of it first. Fellow rookie and first round pick QB Matthew Stafford will not start either. Fellow rookie and first round pick QB Josh Freeman is getting ready for the Jets game.  The Buccaneers have their work cut out for them, and having WR Michael Clayton might help. The state of the upcoming  ...