Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Cheer Starts With A "Rah"

It was not a long practice session at One Buccaneer Place on Tuesday, as special teams took center stage. WDAE radio 620's Steve Duemig found himself with quality time to speak to coach Raheem Morris. Here are a few excerpts from the leader of the Buccaneers, Raheem "Rah" Morris.

With special teams on stage, Morris' take on associate head coach Rich Bisaccia:

RM: "There's no doubt Rich Bisaccia is one of the best. It wouldn't shock me if one day he becomes a head coach in this league. He's our associate head coach."

On the doubters around the national media:

RM: "We have no problem with the questions. We will have a tough, fast, physical football team. It's important to stay on an even keel. Don't get too high, don't get too low."

On a day at practice:

RM: "I'm all over the players. I look at the things I didn't like the day before."

On his pre-training camp conditioning "tests":

RM: "I wanted them to worry about not passing that test. You want to set the tone before camp opens."

Players call him "Rah." 

So if you want a cheer for the Buccaneers, start it with "Rah-Rah."

Jermaine Phillips weighed in with Duemig and hit on a few subjects:

On camp in Tampa:

JP: "Camp in Orlando made me hate Mickey Mouse. In Tampa, there's nothing better. It's a great feeling. You didn't feel the energy and excitement you feel here."

On his change from safety to linebacker:

JP: "Rah called me when I was out of town and told me he wanted to see me in his office when I got back. I felt I was going to see the principal. He discussed it with me and said 'I have faith in you but the decision is up to you.' Anybody can be a good linebacker in shorts. I needed to get the pads on. I like what I see, but I have a long way to go."

On the negativity among the national media:

JP: "We could be under the radar."

The team returns to a two-session day on Wednesday and Morris had this tease:

"You'll get a real glimpse of the Bucs on Wednesday—both practices."