With starting quarterback Jeff Garcia’s propensity for becoming a human pinball, his backup is a crucial position. Last year, the Bucs had limited success with Luke McCown in that role, and traded for Griese in this offseason. Griese seems more suited to the Bucs offense than the Chicago Bears’, where he spent the last two seasons. He’s cool, steady, makes good decisions and takes care of the ball. There’s a very real chance that Garcia will miss some time due to injury this year — as he did last season — and it’s comforting to have Griese in the fold. Griese’s return may not have the sentimental impact of Warrick Dunn’s, but having him on the roster could really pay off for the Bucs.
This article appears in Sep 10-16, 2008.