"Thanks, Jon. We've decided we can go 9-7 and collapse in December for a lot less money."

Joe’s been thinking a lot about Raheem the Dream saying the Bucs will “Stay the Course,” when describing the direction of the team. Can Morris explain what that course is?

Morris put it out there as if the Bucs had an unfortunate hiccup at the end of the season and just need a few tweaks and new energy and they’ll be right back in the Super Bowl mix. So what if they’re missing a top flight quarterback, a running back and a pass rush. No big deal.

Joe is concerned GM Mark Dominik, Morris and others in the organization are not objectively evaluating the team, and are strictly echoing the Glazers new philosophy: Stay in the hunt, rather than truly rebuild. Stay under the cap. And stay positive with the media.

It’s obvious that in these tough economic times the Glazers, with a billion dollar soccer team to payoff, are trying to keep costs down while simultaneously – and allegedly – not skimping on building a winner in Tampa Bay. It’s a noble goal, and one that’s attempted daily across Corporate America. But that philosophy possibly never has been successful in a sports league with a salary cap. Joe can’t think of an example.

The Glazers are smart enough to know a true Bucs rebuilding would come with huge financial risk. A 4-12 season could bring blacked out games and massive revenue loss, especially with the Rays looking mighty attractive to sponsors.

And, frankly, the biggest indicator the Bucs will “Stay the Course” is the hiring of Morris and Dominik. It would be even a greater gamble overhauling the team with a rookie coach and GM.

That kind of rebuilding is what you do with a stud atop the organization, guys like Parcells, Holmgren, Shanahan or Cowher, the guys the Glazers seemed to have no desire to pursue.