Cody Grim Gets The Call

The Buccaneers announced today that rookie Cody Grimm will step in to replace the suspended Tanard Jackson at free safety. I was pretty sure that Grim would be the guy to get the call because after all he was listed as 2nd string at the position. I guess the folks over at One Buc Palace either don't read my blog or didn't think much of my suggestion of Ronde Barber lol. Of course its also entirely possible that Ronde wouldn't want to make that move at this point either.

As for Grimm I think we can get through this Pittsburgh game and be ok with him in the lineup. Because he is the free safety its likely he won't see a lot of time around the line of scrimmage and he also isn't likely to find himself in many one on one man to man situations in pass coverage either. The Steelers are going to try to pound the rock and tackling is probably one of the best things he does. I would expect them to throw more than 20 times this game which again means less opportunities for him to get exposed in the passing game.

Our next game, however, is against the Cincinnati Bengals and yeah that one has me worried. The Bengals can put so much speed on the field one time, especially with their rookie tight end Jermaine Gresham, that its almost a given that they are going to try to go after Grimm.  And it doesn't get any better from there as the New Orleans Saints are next on the schedule after the Bengals. The team needs to take it one game at a time but the coaching staff has to be looking down the road and wondering just how well Grimm will play.

I'm certainly pulling for the kid but I still think that during the off week Ronde should at least get a look there.  Corner just seems to be a place where we have a glut of talent and Ronde seems like the one guy who could change positions and still be very productive.

I also wonder how his starting will affect Grim on special teams where he has been very disruptive and productive.  We can't afford to take special teams lightly this week because the Steelers realize how bad their offense is and are looking to score by any means possible.  

I'll say this much, having thought it over I still believe the Bucs will beat the Steelers this weekend. Coach Morris may not be quite as aggressive calling the defense but I still think we will be up to the task with Charlie Batch in at quarterback for Pittsburgh. Of course the game is blacked out so most of us won't be able to see it, but I still believe we come out of this game 3-0.