When the Bears line up Sunday against the 49ers, how healthy will Jeff Garcia be? The bulging disc in his back has limited his action throughout the preseason after Garcia reported to camp with the problem.
The 49ers are right to be concerned.
Garcia seems young, perhaps because he’s only been in the league four years. But he’s 33, and back problems tend to linger with players at any age–especially those over 30.
“Even when it’s not bothering you, you’re aware of it,” said former Cowboys QB and current Fox analyst Troy Aikman, who had issues with his back during his latter years in Dallas. “Because you’re thinking about it, it’s difficult to go out there and cut loose.”
If Garcia misses any significant time, Tim Rattay will step in. That’s 46-passes-in-three-years Tim Rattay. Could he take this team to the playoffs? Doubtful.
reality tv with jon gruden: You know the image of Jon Gruden: intense, focused, demanding. But when he uses it to peddle products on TV, questions arise regarding his integrity.
But those close to him say the furrowed brow and squinty eyes are no act. It’s the real deal.
“I think if we have a chance [to repeat as Super Bowl champions], he gives us a chance,” Bucs defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin said. “He does commercials, but he does not let it distract him from his football. I think the players see that. They see that he’s working.”
The Bucs are the predominant favorite to win the Super Bowl, but they have issues. Ten of Tampa Bay’s 22 starters are 30 or older, and four have played 10 seasons or more.
And this may be the last season that the Bucs’ longtime defensive trio–tackle Warren Sapp, linebacker Derrick Brooks and safety John Lynch–are together. Sapp is in the final year of his contract, and no new deal seems imminent.
Silver bullets: The addition of Ted Washington adds depth to the Patriots that may take pressure off first-round pick Ty Warren, a defensive tackle from Texas A&M. The Pats believe Warren will eventually dominate, but Washington’s presence gives him time. . . . After an impressive training camp (19-39, 233 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT), the Niners kept QB Ken Dorsey. The scouting report said Dorsey had a popgun arm coming out of Miami and that he would never make it in the NFL. Niners coach Dennis Erickson saw a smart QB with more than enough arm strength.
Steve Silverman has covered the NFL since 1981. He has written for Playboy, The Wall Street Journal and Football Digest, among others.
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Edited by the Sports staff of RedEye
