PLAYER NOTES

--WR Dexter Jackson is expected to be used for both punt return and kickoff return duties.

--G Jeremy Zuttah, a third-round pick from Rutgers, took the first-team reps at right guard with Davin Joseph out with a broken foot.

--C Jeff Faine, who was signed as a free agent, will open the regular season against his former team.

--QB Brian Griese is expected to be the No. 2 behind starter Jeff Garcia and ahead of Luke McCown and rookie Josh Johnson.

--RB Michael Bennett says he has not been a big part of the game plan in practice and believes he could be inactive for Sunday's game against the Saints.

GAME PLAN: The Bucs are hoping to get bigger chunks of yardage this season by adding quick play-makers like WR Antonio Bryant and RB Warrick Dunn.

WR Joey Galloway still makes the offense go. But he has not played or practiced much in the off-season and Gruden has to make his legs count.

So look for the Bucs to be balanced, utilizing their two tight end, one back sets to pound the ball in the early downs. Then both Graham and Dunn could share the backfield to create mismatches on passing downs.

Defensively, the Bucs haven't done much to improve their pass rush. So defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin may have to rely on more blitzes than normal in the Tampa Two scheme. Fortunately, the strength of his defense is the secondary and rookie cornerback Aqib Talib.

The Saints have added some weapons on both sides of the ball. But they will have to be balanced offensively. Deuce McAllister returns and will give the Bucs fits as a downhill runner. Then Payton will hit the Bucs with elusive running back Reggie Bush.

New Orleans also has a new weapon in TE Jeremy Shockey, who will be matched up against either Derrick Brooks or Cato June.

The Saints were sacked five times and two games by the Bucs, who have had trouble rushing the passer with their front four.

"The one thing you don't want to become against that team is one dimensional," Payton said. ""And you know, in that first game, we probably became one-dimensional probably somewhere in that second half when we were down by a big margin. When that happens, you're in trouble.''

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Bucs CB Aqib Talib vs. Saints QB Drew Brees -- It wouldn't be unusual for Brees to pick on the Bucs rookie. It also might not be smart. Talib will start at nickel corner and has shown an ability to make the big play. His coverage skills may allow the Bucs to blitz more.

Saints RB Deuce McAllister vs. Bucs LB Barrett Ruud: McAllister returns after missing most of last season with a knee injury. He is a downhill runner that can give the Bucs problems. Ruud is the Bucs leading tackler.

Saints TE Jeremy Shockey vs. Bucs LBs Cato June and Derrick Brooks: Another dangerous weapon for Sean Payton that will help the Saints passing game.

INJURY IMPACT: G Davin Joseph is out with a broken foot. Joseph was injured in the second preseason game against the Patriots and could miss a month. The Bucs will start rookie G Jeremy Zuttah. But just in case, the team traded for Steelers C/G Sean Mahan, who began his career in Tampa Bay.

--WR Antonio Bryant (knee) and WR Joey Galloway (groin) have been limited in practice, but both are expected to play.

--WR Michael Clayton (chest) DT Jovan Haye (groin), S Sabby Piscitelli (knee) and DT Ryan Sims (thigh) also were limited in practice but all should play.