Jeff Jagodzinski: Change of Play in Tampa Bay

It is well documented that new acquisitions and younger players struggled with their command of Jon Gruden's offense, in large part because of its extensive verbiage and numerous, complex variables. Luke McCown has remarked about the size of his new playbook (three inches) compared to Jon Gruden's (six).

“What I have tried to do is limit the terminology,” Jagodzinski said. “You can say the same thing without a lot of words. I think it will be player friendly.”

Under Jagodzinski, expect to see many elements of the West Coast offense, though the use of five and seven step quarterbacks drops and the shotgun formation will be very apparent. Luke McCown, Byron Leftwich and rookie Josh Freeman all possess the ability to throw the ball deep, unlike players such as Brad Johnson, Brian Griese and Jeff Garcia—hallmark quarterbacks of the Gruden era.

"I don't think you can lock into one thing," said Jagodzinski, who has worked under several coaches who utilize the West Coast scheme. It's a term that Jagodzinski isn't entirely secure with because he thinks the term is too broad and doesn't accurately describe what he plans to establish in Tampa Bay.

Jagodzinski is confident he can get more receivers involved in the passing game. Whereas Gruden's offense tended to feature particular players (Antonio Bryant in 2008, Joey Galloway in 2005-7 and Clayton in 2004), Jagodzinski seems more likely to spread it around.

"(Tight end particularly) always has been a big part of this offense," he said. "Kellen, I think, does some things with match-ups I think we can get that are really going to benefit us this year. We can put him in different spots and move him around to get the  matchup that we want.

"He can get in and out of a cut like a receiver. He’s good. I’m really looking forward to working with him. He’s been great out at practice, asking a lot of questions. . . I came off the field (Monday) saying, ‘I think we have something good there with him.’"

There will be opportunities for Winslow and Stevens to run receiving routes on the same play. At least, that's the plan.

"We will do that," Jagodzinski said. "Defenses are going to have to decide whether they’re going to play you in regular personnel, are they going to play nickel. If they play regular, you have Kellen on a linebacker. If you play nickel, then you have the run. They’re going to have to make a decision."

In 2009, Buc fans will see many of the concepts similar to some employed by Gruden, but they'll be used in very different doses and out of different formations and sets.

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