Griese Gets the Nod as QB Starter Again

Rumors continue to swirl about the future of Jeff Garcia as the QB for the Bucs, but for now, like it or not Brian Griese is going to get the start Sunday vs the Bears in Chicago. In the end it may be a better move since Griese is a former Bear and knows Lovie Smith's defensive systems. Plus Griese did look solid as the Bucs rebounded from a week one loss to the Saints with a 24-9 thumping of the Falcons Sunday at home. "You know what? He warrants being a starting quarterback in the league, period," coach Jon Gruden said. "With that said, we don't anticipate any changes at that position this week." As far as Garcia goes, the coach was vague when it comes to the role he plays on the team. "We'll address that. It's going to be a long season," Gruden said. "We're going to need everybody on our football team. We certainly need Jeff Garcia. What his role is will be defined on a weekly basis." In the win over the Falcons, Griese was 18-for-31 for 160 yards with one TD and no interceptions. It's been thought all along that Gruden has had issues with Garica as his QB, and one of the reasons he wanted to get Griese in the offseason was eventually to make the move for him to be the starter. For now, Gruden has his wish, and Garcia has a seat on the bench.