Dudley, Dilger Add Element To Offense
The Tampa Tribune, published 30 September 2002

The arrival of Rickey Dudley has produced immediate dividends for Tampa Bay's diversified passing game. Signed as a free agent Sept. 17, Dudley scored his second touchdown in as many games Sunday, grabbing a 35-yard strike from Brad Johnson to tie the score at 7 early in the second quarter. Fellow tight end Ken Dilger also caught a touchdown pass in a 35-7 romp that made the Bengals' defense pay dearly for focusing on wide receivers Keyshawn Johnson and Keenan McCardell. ``With two tight ends like Rickey and myself, you never really know week to week,'' said Dilger, whose 22-yard reception put the Bucs ahead 28-7 in the third quarter. ``We can take advantage of every defense.''

Dudley, who played for Bucs coach Jon Gruden in Oakland, displayed his big-play ability by getting behind Cincinnati's secondary down the middle. ``I just found a seam and Brad delivered,'' said Dudley, who scored against the Rams on Monday night in his Tampa Bay debut. ``Not only can Ken and I both get down field, but we can both block. Coach Gruden knew what I can do and I feel comfortable in this offense.''

Dilger, signed as a free agent from Indianapolis, caught five passes against St. Louis on Monday night after being assigned primarily to blocking duties against New Orleans and Baltimore. ``I just ran a little under route and found myself open today,'' Dilger said. ``Brad saw me late and threw it a little low, but I got past the first guy and two others didn't want any part of me. Brad is a very tough guy. Everyone focuses on his arm strength and mobility, but he is willing to take shots to deliver the ball, and that's a great quality.''

Gruden spoke often in camp of his fondness for exploiting defenses by utilizing tight ends downfield. Dudley's burst off the line made Marco Battaglia expendable, giving Johnson another weapon. ``During the off-season, Jon talked about how our tight ends would be a big part of our offense this year,'' Bucs general manager Rich McKay said. ``I'm not surprised.''

Johnson never threw more than one TD pass to tight ends in any game during the 2001 season. ``We have called the play with Dudley probably 15 times this year and probably hit it 10 times to different receivers,'' Johnson said. ``We faked the free safety off and he was one-on-one with the strong safety and he made a good catch. Rickey's a big target ... kind of hard to miss.''

For three weeks, Gruden bristled as critics needled the Bucs' offense for failing to take chances downfield. The answers came Sunday. ``We shifted on Dudley's touchdown and caught them in a three-deep zone,'' Gruden said. ``Brad made a good look to Keenan on the free safety and Dudley hit it. That's the speed he brings to our football team. The guy can legitimately get down the field in a hurry.''