The Times Is Ass-Kisstacular

A couple weeks after fellow Times writer and former hater Gary Shelton wrote his article/admission about how Jon Gruden deserves to keep his job, John Romano publicly declares that Bruce Allen deserves credit for the Buccaneers' turnaround.

Yet, now that the Buccaneers have won their second division title in three seasons, it might be worth reconsidering Allen's value as a general manager. As in, maybe he has more than you realized.

That's where my pupils dilated and I could feel myself turning into the Hulk (I really did it once.) "More than I realized"?!? But then I read on and discovered that he actually did place the blame on the media bias, which is good for him. He wouldn't like me when I'm angry. Neither would you. I'm not nearly as funny or sexy when I'm all big and green like that.

So why is [Rich] McKay considered a strong talent evaluator, while Allen is portrayed as a paper pusher?

One factor is the way they handle media chores. McKay is likable and mostly accessible. Allen is condescending and usually unavailable. Fair or not, it colors their coverage.

Think of it this way:

What if another GM had accomplished what Allen had this season? What if another GM signed Greg White out of the Arena Football League? What if another GM plugged Donald Penn in at left tackle or Jovan Haye at defensive tackle? What if another GM had the NFL's youngest offensive line protecting one of the league's oldest quarterbacks?

If we're being honest, that GM would be hailed as a miracle worker.

I've never really had a problem with Romano and I don't think he's been one of the major contributors to the hate mongering that has been Tampa coverage of the Buccaneers as of late. But there's no way Rick Stroud would have been able to put his name on this article after the Chris Simms thing earlier this year, so they gave it to a less controversial writer and hoped that the whole thing would just go away. And it pretty much has except for my petty bitching. But I'm done for now. What will be really interesting is seeing how everyone reacts if the Bucs start slow next season. Have Gruden and Allen earned a little benefit of the doubt with this season, or will the sharks start a frenzy as soon as they smell a little blood? And will I make a huge stink out of it if they do? Let me put it this way... I'm going to be wearing pre-ripped pants and shirts before I read the papers next year.