Monday Night Football viewers will hear a voice who really knows the Bucs. Ron Jaworski called Bucs preseason games on Ch. 8 for several years.

Joe has a lot of respect for Monday Night Football color analyst Ron Jaworski. “Jaws” lasted 10 seasons at quarterback in Philadelphia, before the emergence of Randall Cunningham sent him packing in the mid 1980s. Plus it’s very refreshing to be rid of Joe Theismann’s massive ego in the booth.

Jaworski does his homework for his TV work. And he knows the Bucs well, as he was the color man on Bucs preseason broadcasts for at least four seasons following the Super Bowl win 2003.

The St. Pete Times caught up with Jaworski for a Q & A this week.

He talked about the great discipline of the Bucs defense, how Jeff Garcia drives him crazy, and how he loves Jon Gruden, among other topics.

What have been your impressions of the Bucs this season?

Defensively, I’ve been absolutely blown away. When I look at the Bucs defense, it’s hard to explain, but you see an energy about them. They are so plugged in. They play with incredible discipline. I’m going to break down the Tampa 2 defense for (ESPN’s) NFL Matchup show. Everyone has heard of (the Tampa 2), but not many know what exactly it is. And these guys play it the way it’s supposed to be played. Hey, Rod Marinelli (coach of the winless Lions) plays the Tampa 2, and it’s not helping (laughs). It’s about the players. (The Bucs) understand their roles, and they play with that energy I talk about. 

Joe can’t mention Randall Cunningham as he did at the top of this post without tossing out a little video. You kids who never saw him play have no idea what you missed. Enjoy.