About a month ago Raheem The Dream seemed to be making a fuss over free agent and soon-to-be jailbird, the noted NRA spokesman Plexiglass Burress. Why the Bucs wanted him when they shelled out so much cash to Antonio Bryant and Michael Clayton confused Joe.

Unless one of the two was stinking the joint up in OTAs.

In recent weeks, Raheem The Dream’s lust for Burress has died down. General manager Mark Dominik even emerged to throw water on the fire claiming the Bucs have no interest in Burress.

But The Sports Xchange, via CBSSports.com, suggests the reason for that is Kellen Winslow. So sharp in practices, Winslow may have influenced the Bucs to use him as a No. 3 receiver.

TE Kellen Winslow will be a major component to the Bucs’ offense. After missing the first week of Organized Team Activities, Winslow made a quick impression as a play-maker. Offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski plans to utilize Winslow almost like a third receiver to create mismatches with linebackers and defensive backs.

Joe thinks this is a smart idea. It’s almost like a throwback. Anyone remember Air Coryell? Winslow’s father, Hall of Fame tight end Kellen Winslow, Sr. was used just that way on passing downs.