Maurice Stovall Doesn’t Have The Answer

Tribune reporter Anwar S. Richardson needs to get promoted to Lead Buc Dude. I think that's what it should say on his business card, anyway. Richardson consistently has the most insightful and least biased Buccaneer articles for the Tribune. Take, for example, his interview with Maurice Stovall. Stovall gives an update on his broken arm and what he's able to do in practice. Then Richardson drops a nice bomb.

Why haven't the other receivers on this team been able to contribute on Joey Galloway's level?

It's an obvious question, but no one seems to have the balls to ask it so directly. Stovall's answer/non-answer doesn't shed a lot of light on the situation, though.

I don't have that answer. I can only control what I do. When I am on the field, I can only control what I do and put it on tape. When I am on offense, just play my role no matter what it is, whether it's catching or blocking or running any route. When I'm on special teams, it's the same thing. Anytime you are on the field, you have an opportunity to contribute and you have to make the most of the situation.

Still awake? Good, because Richardson follows it up nicely.

Do you think you've had a successful NFL career or are you disappointed?

I think as a player, I always have high expectations for myself, whether it's on special teams or offense. I want to be the greatest wide receiver to ever play in the NFL. On special teams, I want to be the greatest gunner to ever play in the NFL. You need to always have high goals and expectations for yourself, whether you reach them or not.

He doesn't really answer the question, but if his goal is to be the greatest in NFL history, he's going to have to be in the league about 100 years to make it to Don Hutson's level (and when Jerry Rice can go back in time and eliminate the pass interference rules that protected him for 20 years, I'll listen to his arguments as to why he's better than Hutson.) One thing I really like about Stovall, though, is that he is embracing his special teams role. He doesn't see it as a stepping stone or a necessary evil. He really loves running full speed for 50 yards and slamming into people. You have to respect that.

You've established yourself on special teams, so isn't the next step to establish yourself as a receiver?

A receiver and a better special teams player and as a leader on the team.

I would say to go read the article, but I pretty much copied all the interesting stuff here. So congratulations to Richardson for asking hard questions and congratulations to Stovall for being ambitious and a team player. I'm just happy all over. See what an extra day off can do for the attitude?