Good guy running back Earnest Graham, a longtime Luke McCown supporter, didn’t flinch when asked about Byron Leftwich on 1010 AM on Tuesday night.

“Byron’s the best quarterback I’ve played with since I’ve been here. Without a doubt,” Graham said. “As far as his knowledge of the offense, the way he commands the offense in the huddle. …I’ve watched him make some unbelievable throws.”

Graham went on to talk about how Leftwich established himself as a leader back in the spring.

Leftwich was voted by his teammates as a Bucs captain for 2009, along with Jeff Faine, Ronde Barber, Chris Hovan and Will Allen.

On the Jeff Jagodzinski firing, Graham said “I don’t really have a great grasp of even what the reason was. I know what I’ve been reading. Maybe there were some problems here or there about getting the plays in. …Changes happen in this game.”

Joe was pleased to hear Graham talk about he feels as good or better than he did entering his breakthrough 2007 season.

Graham said nobody should be surprised to see him play fullback. “I think it provides some tough looks for the defense, if you have no idea if I’m at fullback and I might back up and play tailback. … The versatility allows to do a lot. …I actually love playing fullback. I love going and hitting people.”