Jon Gruden Put The Best Defense In The NFL On Notice In His First Practice With The 2002 Buccaneers

Jon Gruden was traded from the Raiders to the Buccaneers overnight in 2002 and his world and the NFL world was turned upside down. To hear the story of his first padded practice was surreal. 

In a run period, where the offense is supposed to run the football on every play to practice their run blocking, Gruden declared war on the #1 Defense in football. He told Quarterback Brad Johnson to run a play action pass and throw it to the fullback in the flat. 

The play was well executed on Offense and the Defense was furious. It was exactly the kick in the ass they needed and set them up to a run to the Super Bowl.

That entire season as well as the entire 50 year history of the Buccaneers has been broken down in a new documentary series called Raising The Flags which is now streamable on Prime Video. 

I know I have plans for this weekend!