The What If Game

By JC De La Torre

St. Petersburg Times columnist Gary Shelton put together an interesting column, speculating on what may have happened if the Glazer family hadn't fired Tony Dungy at the end of the 2001 season. Its a confounding question - where would the Bucs be today? Further, what other what if questions can we add to the pot? I believe its definitely an interesting topic of conversation.

First, lets speculate on Dungy.
Scenario 1 - What if the Glazers didn't fire Dungy in January 2002?
Shelton speculates that Bucs would not have won the Super Bowl the following season and would have never won it under Tony Dungy. Dungy's record in Indy seems to disagree with that assumption, but let's face it - Tampa Bay has no Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison, or Reggie Wayne on their offense - the catalyst of Dungy's success with the Colts. Jon Gruden likely would have remained in Oakland and considering the Raiders team he built went without him, he would have likely gotten the Raiders to the Super Bowl. Would the Raiders have continued their poor play throughout the decade? Its hard to say but with the braintrust that built the Raiders into a power still intact, one would have to imagine that Oakland would still be competitive today.

The Buccaneers would still have had their draft picks, with the ability to draft players like Ed Reed, Charles Grant, Lito Sheppard, Andre Gurode, or Clinton Portis - all players who were available where the Bucs would have picked in the first and second rounds of the 2002 draft. In '03 you could have seen the Bucs select Nnambi Asomugha, Drayton Florence, Kawika Mitchell or Aquan Boldin. How would any of those guys look in a Buccaneer uniform?

Mike Alstott would have definitely been better utilized by Dungy and may have completed a Hall-of-Fame career, rather than become a blocker and short yardage back as he did in Jon Gruden's offense.

Dungy and Rich McKay would have had to make the same tough decisions that Jon Gruden and Bruce Allen had to endure as the salary cap would have been a factor for them as well - but with the extra draft picks, the Buccaneers could have weathered cap hell a little better. Dungy was extremely loyal to his staff and likely wouldn't have fired offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen. It was the elevation of the inexperienced Christensen that evetually cost Dungy his job in Tampa Bay. That means either Christensen would have grown into the role and become a better play caller or the offense would continue to stagnate, worse than it has under Jon Gruden.

Would the Bucs have won the Super Bowl under Dungy? In 2002, not likely, but in 2003 - the last shot the Bucs had a being a truly competitive force during the Sapp/Brooks era, I think he could have gotten it done. Keyshawn would have continued to be a pain in the butt but he wouldn't have been kicked off the team. Benedict McKay wouldn't have bolted to Atlanta mid-season, and Alstott would likely not have injured his neck (there would have been no Joe Jurivicious to collide into on the team). The team would have likely resembled the 99 squad - with the one last hurrah. There was no power in the NFC that year, with the 11-5 Carolina Panthers going to the Super Bowl to face the Patriots. The Bucs would likely have had to beat the Eagles in the playoffs and you'd have to wonder if they could have under Dungy.

If Dungy survived the salary cap years of '04 and '05, he likely could have had the Bucs back in contention in 06 - but what would have been the ceiling? With no offense, the best Tampa Bay could hope for was 11-5 and in most seasons it would have been right around .500, in other words, right where the Bucs are today with Gruden.

Scenario 2 - What if Bill Parcells would have came to Tampa Bay?
So, let's say Dungy was fired and Parcells came to the Bucs with Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum in toe. Would the Bucs have won the Super Bowl? I'd say yes, this team was primed and ready for a championship run. Parcells would have provided the same accountability commanded by Jon Gruden and would have found the pieces on the offense to put the Bucs over the top. The Bucs would have still had all of their draft picks and would have been in much better shape for their salary cap hell. 2003 the Bucs would have had a chance to repeat but Parcells likely would have quit before 2004 or 2005 downturn hit, leaving the Bucs searching for a coach again in 05. Where would they be today? That's tough to say.

Scenario 3 - What if Marvin Lewis would have come to Tampa Bay?
GM Rich McKay picked Marvin Lewis to replace Tony Dungy, but the Glazers vetoed it, wanting an offensive mind after the years of defensive minded Tony Dungy. They also wanted to keep Monte Kiffin and the defensive staff intact, unlikely under Lewis. Would they have won the Super Bowl? Unlikely, while Lewis' teams were definitely effective offensively, there was no Carson Palmer, Chad Johnson or TJ Houshmandzadeh on the Buccaneers. The Bucs would have had their extra picks and likely would have been set up better for cap hell, but the team would still be defensive minded. Its hard to say if Lewis could have gotten it done, his Bengals made the playoffs only once and lost in that game. Lewis likely wouldn't have survived the cap years.

Scenario 4 - What if Lane Kiffin was never been head coach of the Raiders?
Lane likely would have gotten a job in college elsewhere and wouldn't have needed the security blanket of his dad to get the gig. Monte Kiffin would still be defensive coordinator of the Buccaneers, Tampa Bay would have managed to win at least two of their last four games and made the playoffs as a wildcard. Would they have gotten far? Unlikely.

As Shelton said at the end of the article - Dungy would have still brought a consistent winning product to Tampa Bay, as he's done with Indianapolis. The Bucs record wise wouldn't have been much better, but they still would have been competitive and in better position to weather the cap hell years. Likely, except under Parcells scenario, the Buccaneers wouldn't have had a Lombardi trophy to call their own.

Would you trade those memories and the Lombardi trophy for better treatment of the players, more draft picks, and more consistency in winning?

Personally, I would not. That doesn't mean I support Gruden's continued employment with the Buccaneers, but I would never trade that trophy for anything. And who knows? John Fox and Jeff Fisher weathered mediocre seasons and were on the hot seat coming into this season and they're contending for the Super Bowl. Bill Cowher had subpar years in Pittsburgh before the Steelers won it and made him the hottest coaching commodity today. You never know, Buc fans.

Bucs Collapse Not the Worst in NFL History, just the last 15 years...

By JC De La Torre

As it turns out, the Buccaneers four game collapse from 9-3 to 9-7 wasn't the worst in NFL history, its just the worst in over a decade. The 1993 Miami Dolphins started the season off at 9-2 before collapsing with a five game losing streak to finish 9-7 and out of the playoffs.



Some other notable late season collapses included -
1996 Washington Redskins - started 7-1 and finished 9-7, missing the playoffs.
2003 Minnesota Vikings - started 6-0 and finished 9-7, missing the playoffs.
2007 Detroit Lions - started 6-2 and finished 7-9, missing the playoffs
2008 New York Jets - started the season 8-3, finished 9-7, out of the playoffs
2008 Denver Broncos - were the first team in NFL history to be in or tied for 1st place in their division from Week 1-Week 16 and lose the division in Week 17.

Still, the Bucs choke job was the worst in the league since the 93 Dolphins and that is not something anyone can be proud of.

On the bright side, though, the Buccaneers are no longer the last team to go through an entire NFL season (that was not strike shortened) winless. Thank you Detroit Lions. If the Lions lose their first 10 games of 2009, Tampa Bay will no longer have the longest losing streak in NFL history (26 straight) either. Detroit made a good first step by promoting Tom Legwand to President and Martin Mayhew to general manager. Who gives out promotions after an 0-16 season? The Detroit Lions do.

Historic Collapse By the Buccaneers, Caddy's Career May Be Over

By JC De La Torre

It was one of the greatest late season collapse in NFL history. Since 1993, every team that has started a season 9-3 has made the playoffs....until now. It will rank up there with the 1964 Philadelphia Phillies blowing a 6 1/2 game lead with 12 to play to the St. Louis Cardinals, losing their last 10 games or the 1958 Brooklyn Dodgers, who led by 13 games in August but blew the lead to the New York Baseball Giants. Its worse than the 1996 Washington Redskins starting 7-1 and missing the playoffs. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers blew a ten point fourth quarter lead with 11:27 left in the game and lost to the woeful Oakland Raiders 31-24, completing an epic collapse that could cost Jon Gruden his job.

Its only rumor and speculation now but when you go from 9-3 to 9-7 and in the process lose to two west coast teams with losing records at home while giving up 72 points, your job security can expected to be questioned. Remember, the Buccaneers owners, the Glazer family, is the same group that fired Tony Dungy after a playoff loss. At least none of Dungy's teams never fell apart like this. What's worse for the Buccaneers is the fact that had they won, all they would have needed would have been a Dallas Cowboys loss to Philadelphia. The Eagles beat Dallas 44-6. We will never know if Philadelphia would have given the same effort if the Bucs could have eliminated them by proxy.

Also in this one, Carnell "Cadillac" Williams, who inspired everyone with his remarkable comeback from a career threatening torn patella tendon in his right knee suffered a similar devastating injury, this time to his left knee midway through the fourth quarter and his NFL career could be over.


The horrible horizontal offense engineered by offensive genius Jon Gruden stalled through the first 15 minutes of the ball game, failing to secure a first down against an Oakland defense that came into the league ranked 27th in the NFL until 0:43 was left in the first quarter.

Seven seconds into the 2nd quarter, Johnnie Lee Higgins 31 yd punt return put Oakland at the Tampa Bay 40 yd line. After three straight runs secured a first down, Oakland Quarterback JaMarcus Russell found Higgins for a 17 yd completion to the Buccaneer 12. Oakland pounded beefy back Michael Bush at the Bucs undersized front four three consecutive times, the third time being the charm as Bush slipped into the end zone for 4 yd score to give Oakland a 7-0 with 10:44 left in the first half.

The Buccaneers offense finally rumbled to life, driving 80 yds on 12 plays, including big passes to Michael Clayton for 29 yds and Antonio Bryant for 15 to set up Carnell Williams 9 yd dart and score to tie the game at 7 with 5:45 left in the first half. After the teams exchanged punts, Oakland took the ball over at their own 39 with 1:45 left in the half. Jamarcus Russell connected with tight end Chaz Schilens 19 yds and tight end Zac Miller for 26 yds putting the Raiders at the Tampa Bay 8 yd line. After a couple runs, Russell avoided a strong rush and tossed it to a wide open Schilens in the endzone with only 0:35 left in the half to give Oakland a stunning 14-7 halftime lead.

The Bucs would tie the game at the 10:14 mark of the third quarter when Bucs quarterback Jeff Garcia scrambled and found a wide open Michael Clayton streaking down the sideline, Clayton hauled in the pass and raced the rest of way for a 58 yd touchdown, Clayton's first score since October 15th, 2006. After forcing the Raiders to punt, the Bucs began at their own 13 yd line and drove 76 yds in 13 plays before settling for a 29 yd Matt Bryant field goal to give the Bucs a 17-14 lead with 14:51 left in the game.

Russell would find the suddenly potent Schillens for 24 yds to the Buccaneers 45 yd line, then two runs by Michael Bush would set up 3rd and 6. On third down, Russell was rushed by Gaines Adams and threw an interception to former Raider Phillip Buchanon but unfortunately during the rush, Adams grabbed Russell's face mask and nullified the pick, giving the Raiders a first down at the Tampa Bay 26. Russell dropped back to pass again and tried for a deep pass to tight end Zac Miller but was picked off by Bucs Safety Sabby Piscitelli. Piscitelli tight roped the sideline then crossed the field for a spectacular 84 yd return before being bulldogged down by Russell at the Oakland 11. From there, Cadillac Williams would take it in from 8 yds out and with 11:35 left in the game, Tampa Bay led 24-14.

Back came Oakland, a short run by Michael Bush and a short pass to Johnnie Lee Higgins achieved a first down, then Russell pitched to Bush, who fired a pass deep down field intended for little used wide receiver Todd Watkins. Bucs safety Will Allen, playing for the winded Sabby Piscitelli, scrambled to get back in coverage and ended up interfering with Watkins, setting Oakland up at point blank range at the Tampa Bay 12. From there, Russell hit Higgins in the end zone for a touchdown, closing the gap to 24-21.


The Bucs tried to strike back, beginning their drive on the 33 yd line. Cadillac had his best run of the season, making a wicked cut in the hole and busting out for a 28 yd run before being pushed out of bounds by Raiders DB Chris Johnson. As he went out, Cadillac reached down to his left knee and buckled in pain...it was a left knee injury, similar to the one he miraculously recovered from last season. The Bucs players surrounded, knelt and prayed for Williams who fought back tears and cursed, knowing that this injury could mean the end of his career. Cadillac had a solid game, rushing for 78 yds on 12 carries and 2 touchdowns. He also caught 5 passes for 37 yds. Tampa Bay had the ball at the Raider 39. Warrick Dunn gained 6 yds off tackle, then was held to no gain. On 3rd and 4, QB Jeff Garcia went deep for tight end Alex Smith, who made the catch but had one foot out of bounds at the one yard line. On 4th and 4, the Bucs decided against going for the field goal and went for a first down. Garcia tried to hit Michael Clayton on the sideline but Clayton was unable to hold on to the ball, giving the ball to the Raiders. Oakland wasted little time, as Michael Bush busted off right end through a gaping hole and raced 67 devastating yards for a decisive touchdown, giving Oakland a 28-24 lead with 7:16 left.

On the Bucs ensuing possession, Jeff Garcia attempted to go deep to Antonio Bryant, but Oakland safety Rashad Baker set under the fluttering pass and picked it off. Oakland would go 51 yds in 10 plays, bleeding 5:31 off of the clock and driving all the way to the Bucs 2 yd line to set up a 25 yd Sebastian Janikowski field goal with 1:13 left in the game, giving Oakland a 31-24 lead.

The Bucs would drive the ball all the way to the Oakland 45 with Tampa Bay facing 3rd and 5 and only 0:13 left in the game. Garcia scrambled but would be sacked by Oakland defensive end Greyson Gunheim to end the game and by result the Tampa Bay season.

In the aftermath of the greatest late season collapse in NFL history, it will be interesting to see what occurs at One Buccaneer Palace over the next week. If Jon Gruden remains head coach of the team, one would have to expect changes in the coaching staff will be made. If Gruden is fired, will general manager Bruce Allen go with him? Will Jeff Garcia, Joey Galloway, Antonio Bryant, Derrick Brooks, Ronde Barber, Luke McCown and Kevin Carter return for 2009? Will the Bucs actually spend their massive surplus of salary cap space or will they sit on it as they did this off-season, bringing questions on whether the Glazers are devoting their monetary resources to the Manchester United soccer club instead of the Bucs. Interesting times, indeed.

Carolina Runs the Bucs Out of Charlotte

By JC De La Torre

To steal a term from Awful Announcing's superstar Emmit Smith, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense got "debacled" Monday Night in Carolina. The Bucs defense came into the game ranked 9th in the NFL against the run, through 12 games this season they gave up only one touchdown rushing and only one 100 yd rusher all season. Tonight they gave up 299 yds rushing and 4 rushing touchdowns with two runners (DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart) over 100 as the Panthers pulled away from Tampa Bay 38-23 to take over sole possession of first place in the NFC South. In the process, the Bucs wasted one of the best nights of a Tampa Bay Wide Receiver in team history as Antonio Bryant hauled in 9 catches for 200 yds and 2 touchdowns.

The Bucs opened the game with a three-and-out, then followed it with a terrible 38 yd punt by punter Josh Bidwell giving the Panthers excellent starting field position at their 48. Carolina would take advantage, driving 30 yds on 8 plays to set up a 33 yd Jon Kasay field goal to give the Panthers a 3-0 lead.

The Bucs tried to answer back, driving 52 yds in 14 plays and bleeding 8:36 off the clock. Unfortunately, Matt Bryant's 40 yd field goal try clanked off the left upright.

Moving into the second quarter, Ronde Barber intercepted Carolina quarterback Jake Delhomme to end a threat by the Panthers. Bucs QB Jeff Garcia connected with WR Antonio Bryant on a 52 yd bomb taking the Bucs all the way down to the Carolina 3 yd line - but that old Buccaneer bug-a-boo the Red Zone offense came up and bit them again. On 1st and goal, Alex Smith dropped a touchdown pass in the end zone. On second down, Cadillac ran up the middle for no gain, then Garcia missed on a pass to Jerramy Stevens in the back of the end zone, forcing the Bucs to settle for a 20 yd Matt Bryant field goal to tie the game at 3.

On the ensuing drive, Carolina's DeAngelo Williams took over. 1st and 10 from the 27, Williams blasts for 9 yds, then rushes for 1, then explodes for 40 yds, running over several Buccaneer players to deep inside the Bucs territory. From there, Jonathan Stewart would finish the drive off, pounding in from two yards for the first touchdown of the game, only the second rushing touchdown given up by the Bucs this season, at the half it was 10-3 Carolina, the Panthers had 80 yds rushing, most coming on the big run by Williams.

In the second half, Carolina drove to their 46 yd line thanks to Jonathan Stewarts 28 yd blast. Delhomme would be victimized again as Jermaine Phillips picked him with an acrobatic tip up of a low pass and then have the ball fall into your lap play. One play later, Jeff Garcia found a wide open Bryant for a 50 yd touchdown, the Bucs tied the game at 10. Back came Carolina, drive 73 yds in 6 plays, capping the drive with Jake Delhomme's best pass of the game, a 38 yd strike to Steve Smith who took advantage of a busted Bucs coverage to give Carolina the lead back at 17-10.

Tampa Bay wouldn't quit, back they came driving 69 yds in 9 plays part of the way set up by another great play by Antonio Bryant, who caught a 39 yd pass. From the Carolina 4 yd line, Carnell "Cadillac" Williams drove into the end zone for the tying score, 17-17 with 3:37 left in the 3rd quarter.

Carolina would respond thanks to their running game. Williams and Stewart blasted down the field gashing the Bucs defense for runs of 9, 8, 14, and 9 finally culminating in a 4 yd score by Jonathan Stewart, giving the Panthers the lead back at 24-17. So the Bucs would come right back, right? Well, not quite. The Bucs drive stalled at the 43 and a 57 yd punt by Bucs punter Josh Bidwell pinned the Panthers at the 10 yd line. Perfect scenario for the Bucs defense, right?

Well....not exactly. DeAngelo Williams exploded to the right for 41 yds to the Tampa Bay 49. Jonathan Stewart blasts for 3 yds and then back to the right side for another 30 yds to the Tampa Bay 16. Williams checked back in and the Panthers continued to exploit the right side of the Bucs defense, as he busted for 16 yds and another touchdown to give the Panthers a commanding 31-17 advantage and the Bucs defense was left stunned.

The Bucs drove to the 48 yd line, but again the drive stalled and the Bucs had to punt it again, this time the defense found a way to contain the Panthers and forced a three and out. Garcia and the Bucs quickly moved down the field in the two minute drill and with 2:36 left in the game, Garcia hit Antonio Bryant again, this time on a spectacular one-handed grab by Bryant that will be on highlight reels all week. Matt Bryant's extra point was blocked and the Bucs trailed by 8, 31-23. Tampa Bay attempted the onside kick, but Carolina recovered.

Antonio Bryant's Amazing touchdown catch, courtesy of youtube.com

The Bucs had to get the ball back to have a chance. Run off tackle by DeAngelo Williams for 3 yds, time out Tampa with 2:28 left. Williams plunged up the middle, time out Bucs - 2:17 left. The Bucs defense faced 3rd and 5 at their own 36. If they held, their offense would get a chance, give up the first down, the Panthers could run out the clock. The Panthers pitched DeAngelo Williams to the right and Williams not only got the 1st down but scampered nearly untouched 36 yds for the touchdown, giving the Panthers an insurmountable 38-23 lead.

The Bucs had time for one more drive but failed to execute on 4th and 1 at the Tampa Bay 47, enabling the Panthers to run out the clock.

Carolina takes over 1st place in the NFC South with a 10-3 record, the Bucs fall to 9-4, currently the 5th seed in the NFC. The 299 yds by Carolina was only the 4th time since 1996 the Bucs have give up more than 250 yds rushing in the game and was the 2nd most in Buccaneer history. Antonio Bryant was 12 yds shy of the Buccaneer single game receiving record (Mark Carrier's 212 yds).

For the Bucs, they'll need to recover from this smackdown quickly, as they head to Atlanta on Sunday against another team that can run the football. The run defense's failure tonight is correctable and they better do it quickly or a season that appeared to be so promising may suddenly be on the brink.

MNF Madness - Bucs @ Panthers Preview

By JC De La Torre

3 months and 13 weeks of football - 12 games have led to this moment. While the so-called experts fawned over the likes of the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints - these two teams just went about their business. Both boasted stingy defenses, both had offenses that did just enough to win - and really, isn't that what its all about? Winning? The Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been joined in their anonymity. Neither boasts many stars, although there are names that are known - Julius Peppers, Steve Smith, Derrick Brooks and Ronde Barber among them.

Neither has had features on them on ESPN, the network broadcasting Monday Night's titanic battle that may go a long way in deciding the NFC South title. Neither have been the Fox National game or been on NFL Network's game of the week. Tampa Bay has had one Sunday Night NBC game, but shared the spotlight in their own town with the Tampa Bay Rays, who were playing Game 7 of the American League Championship Series at the exact same time. Both teams have been described as boring. Yet when the Buccaneers and Panthers take the field Monday night, the team's will walk in tied for the 2nd best record in the NFC and 3rd best record in the entire NFL. Once 60 minutes (or more) of hard fought football is completed, one of these teams will be in the drivers seat - but who will it be? One thing is certain, we should have one heck of a show for the national audience.

Let's look at the match ups of these two unappreciated power teams in the NFC -

Carolina's Offense vs. Tampa Bay's defense
The advantage in this match up is clearly the Buccaneers defense. Tampa Bay comes into this ballgame ranked 4th in the NFL in total defense, 3rd against the pass, 9th against the run, 4th in scoring, they're tied for third in the NFL in interceptions (17) and defensive scores (3). Carolina comes in with the 17th ranked total offense in the NFL, 7th rushing, but 22nd passing, and 14th in scoring. The strength of the Panthers offensive attack is their powerful running game, led by shifty DeAngelo Williams and powerful rookie James Stewart. Williams is coming off a 4 touchdown performance against the Green Bay Packers. The Panthers passing game is struggling this year, but with a big time threat like Steve Smith, you can never be relaxed. The Buccaneers defense, led by the immortal Derrick Brooks and Ronde Barber, along with young budding stars Barrett Ruud, Tanard Jackson and Gaines Adams have allowed only one 100 yd rusher this season (Jamaal Charles, Kansas City), and only one rushing touchdown. The secondary, bolstered by Jermaine Phillips return and the solid play of Phillip Buchannon and rookie Aquib Talib, has shown big play capability.

Tampa Bay's Offense vs. Carolina's Defense
Like Carolina, the Buccaneers offense is a middle of the road work in progress. Tampa Bay ranks 14th in total offense, 11th rushing, 12th passing, and 17th in scoring. They'll face a Panthers defense ranked 11th in total defense, struggling a bit against the run at 18th, while ranking 12th against the pass and 7th in scoring defense. The Buccaneers offense took a significant blow when leading rusher Earnest Graham went down with an ankle injury that ended his season. Coincidentally, Carnell "Cadillac" Williams has returned the Buccaneers lineup to bolster the running attack that now has fallen on the diminutive shoulders of veteran Warrick Dunn. The jitterbugging QB Jeff Garcia's mobility is both a blessing and a curse for the Bucs offense, with Garcia, the play is never dead but at the same time, Garcia will miss a lot of opportunities down field as he jumps and scatters around. Antonio Bryant has buoyed the passing game while Michael Clayton has played better and vet Ike Hilliard still proves to be dependable. Tight ends Alex Smith, Jerramy Stevens, and John Gilmore have made impacts in both the passing and running game. The greatest improvement in the Buccaneers offense is without question their offensive line. Led by center Jeff Faine, the Bucs boast an athletic, powerful line that can get to the second level and make plays. The two big issues for the Bucs offense has been red zone efficiency, the Bucs are second to last in the league in TDs scored in the red zone, as well as turnovers (Tampa Bay is ranked 19th with 21 turnovers).

The Panthers defense has been kind of bend-but-don't-break style that gives up a lot of yards but not a lot of points, they rank 7th in red zone defense. Julius Peppers continues to terrorize quarterbacks, while linebacker Jon Beason and corner Chris Gamble lead the second and third levels. The defense started the season off strong but has struggled of late, giving up 98 points in their last three games.

Carolina Special Teams vs Tampa Bay Special Teams
The Bucs have had a resurgence in their special teams thanks to the emergence of young return Clifton Smith. Thanks to Smith, Tampa Bay is ranked 2nd in the NFL in kick returns and 15th in punt returns (after being dead last in the NFL before Smith was called up from the practice squad). Smith is ranked #1 in kickoff return average (29.5) and is 2nd in the NFL in punt return average (17.6) and he became the first Buccaneer to have a kickoff return and punt return for touchdown in the same season. Tampa Bay also has the dependable Matt Bryant kicking and Punter Josh Bidwell, who continues to change field position and pin opponents in holes. Tampa Bay boasts some of the best coverage units in the NFL as well, ranking 5th in kickoff coverage and 11th in punt coverage.

Carolina is no slouch on special teams either. The Panthers are 9th in kickoff returns and 8th in punt return average as former Buccaneer Mark Jones does the returning for Carolina. Like the Bucs, the Panthers are very strong in coverage as well, ranking 8th in kickoff coverage and are 6th in the NFL in punt return coverage. The Panthers are in good hands in the kicking game with veteran John Kasay hitting 95% of his field goals and punter Jason Baker boasting a solid 45.3 punting average.

Coaching
Jon Gruden won his 100th victory as a head coach in the NFL with last week's victory over New Orleans, John Fox put to rest rumors of his replacement by former Steelers coach Bill Cowher with a solid season by his football team.

Intangibles
Obviously, a raucous crowd will be a big advantage for the Panthers as they go bananas for the Monday Night Football cameras. The Panthers have a significant incentive to avenge the early season 27-3 beat down by the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay has not played as well on the road as they do at Raymond James Stadium, where they are undefeated, but only .500 away from Ray Jay.

Final Prediction

After facing the dynamic New Orleans Saints passing offense, the Bucs will get a different test with a very tough Carolina running attack. The Bucs jumped on the Panthers early in their contest in Tampa, forcing Carolina to abandon the running game in an effort to catch up. As always, the Buccaneer offense must avoid the costly turnover and turn red zone opportunities into touchdowns, not field goals. If Carolina can force the Bucs offense into errors (turnovers, drive killing penalties), the Panthers can win this football game. Jeff Garcia is 9-2 lifetime against the Panthers and the Bucs have won 2 of the last three meetings overall and in Charlotte. I think the Bucs defense will stand tall, Clifton Smith will provide field position in a field position critical game, and the Bucs offense will do just enough to pull off a huge road win.

Final Score: Tampa Bay 24, Carolina 17

Bucs Start the Big 3 Slate

By JC De La Torre

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have begun the 2008 season winning 8 of their first 11 ball games. At home they're undefeated and on the road they've won two straight. The Bucs currently sit as the #2 seed in the NFC and in position to win the NFC South title. None of that matters now. All that matters for the Buccaneers and their hopes to become the first team in NFL history to play the Super Bowl in their home stadium are the next three games beginning Sunday with the hated New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium, followed by the final two road trips of the year to Carolina and Atlanta.

Take two out of 3 games, and the Bucs are in good position to stay in the race. Win all three and the race is all but over with the Bucs on there way to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since the Super Bowl year. Lose 2 out of 3 or all 3 and the Bucs are in deep trouble, not only in the division race but the playoffs overall. The easiest of the three (if there is an easiest) is this week's New Orleans game. Of course, New Orleans has won two straight and just beat the Green Bay Packers 51-29 shellacking on Monday Night Football.

So let's take a look at this match up a little more in depth -

Tampa Bay's Offense vs. New Orleans' Defense

Tampa Bay has the NFL's 12th ranked offense (13th rushing, 11th passing) and is averaging 23.4 points per game. The Saints defense is once again in the lower half of the league, ranked 22nd overall (18th against the run, 24th against the pass) and gives up an average of 25 pts a game. The Bucs will be without the services of their leading rusher Earnest Graham who is out for the season but is easing former NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Carnell "Cadillac" Williams back into the rotation. The Bucs will go primarily with Warrick Dunn at running back. As for their passing offense, Jeff Garcia continues to be steady but not spectacular at QB, while receivers Antonio Bryant and Ike Hilliard and tight ends Alex Smith and Jeramy Stevens have propelled the passing attack. Missing in action is Joey Galloway, who hasn't seen significant playing time since Week 1 against the Saints.

The running attack and short passing game is going to be crucial to Tampa Bay, as will be protecting the football. Playing keep away while sustaining drives, controlling time of possession and keeping the ball out of the hands of the New Orleans offense is just as crucial as scoring points when the opportunity presents itself. This week would be a great time for head coach Jon Gruden to take the the mothballs off of Joey Galloway.

New Orleans' Offense vs. Tampa Bay's Defense

The Saints offense comes in red hot, leading the league in total offense and scoring 51 points against a decent Green Bay Packers defense. New Orleans is #3 in scoring, #1 Passing, but #27 rushing. The Saints will be getting running back\wide receiver Reggie Bush back just in time to face the Bucs #4 ranked defense. The Bucs 2nd ranked pass defense will get its stiffest test since meeting the Saints in the opener, while the 13th ranked rush defense will need to contain Bush, Pierre Thomas and their old nemesis, Deuce McCallister. The Bucs defense is 3rd in the NFL in scoring defense and looks like they'll be getting a boost with starting strong safety Jermaine Phillips returning to the lineup.

Tampa Bay's Special Teams vs. New Orleans' Special Teams

Returner Clifton Smith has breathed life into an anemic Buccaneer return game. Thanks to Smith's heroics, the Bucs rank 3rd in the NFL in kick return yardage, and have risen to 16th in punt return yardage after spending most of the season dead last. The Bucs have a kickoff return and punt return for touchdowns (both by Smith) in the same season for the first time in team history. The Saints have had their share of heroics as well, getting three punt returns for touchdowns and leading the league in punt return average. The Saints kickoff and punt return coverage are a little suspect as they rank 21st and 26th respectively. The Bucs boast solid coverage play ranking 5th on kickoff coverage and are 17th in punt coverage. Bucs Punter Josh Bidwell ranks 10th in the NFL in punt average, while the Saints Ben Graham ranks 23rd. The Saints are on their third kicker this season, Garrett Hartley, who has made all six field goal tries since coming aboard, including a 44 yder. The Bucs Matt Bryant has been solid for Tampa Bay, making 86% of his field goals with a long of 49.

Coaching

Jon Gruden is the winningest coach in Buccaneer history and has the Bucs in contention for their 4th division championship in the 7 years of the NFC South. Sean Payton is one of the most innovative offensive head coaches in the NFL and his passing attack is feared through out the league.

Intangibles

The Bucs have won 4 of the last 7 meetings with the Saints and 2 of the last 3 in Tampa. Brees has had trouble finding his rhythm on the road as he has thrown five touchdown passes and seven interceptions in five road games compared to 17 TD passes and four picks in five home games. The Saints have also struggled on the road, as they opened the season with four straight road losses before a 30-20 win at Kansas City on Nov. 16. The New Orleans defense gives up an average of 29.7 points on the road. The Bucs are 5-0 at home this season, winning by an average of 13 points. New Orleans won the last meeting in Week 1 24-20, holding off a last minute drive by Jeff Garcia and the Buccaneers with a late interception.

Final Prediction

Its an irresistible force meeting the immovable object. Frankly, the Saints offense vs. the Bucs defense isn't what will decide this ballgame - the two will battle to a stalemate. I think what will be the difference is whether or not the Bucs offense can score on a Saints defense that gives up an average of 29 points a game on the road, whether they can control the ball, thus the clock limiting the cracks Drew Brees has at the Bucs secondary. The Bucs offense must also avoid the costly turnover and short field for the Saints. Don't help them. A few nice returns by Clifton Smith certainly wouldn't hurt things. The Bucs have it all ahead of them starting this week. I think they get the job done against a tough New Orleans team coming off an emotional win on national television.

Final Score: Tampa Bay 27, New Orleans 20.

Red Zone, Schmed Zone - Bucs Outslug Vikes

By JC De La Torre

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers continued to struggle in the Red Zone, scoring only 1 touchdown in 5 trips inside the Minnesota 20. Despite their continued struggles, the Bucs outslugged the rugged Vikings 19-13 to keep pace in the NFC South and improve to 7-3. The Buccaneers defense got off to a slow start against Vikings superstar running back Adrian Peterson, giving up 51 yds on his first six carries - but the Bucs D shut down Peterson the remainder of the game, stopping his streak of 100 yd games as they held him to 85 yds on 19 carries.

The Bucs opened the game forcing a 3 and out by the Vikings, and then drove all the way to the Minnesota 37 yd line - but failed to convert on a 4th and 1. The Vikings would take possession and thanks to the running of Peterson, they drove 36 yds on 8 plays to set up Ryan Longwell's 43 yd FG to put Minnesota up 3-0. Tampa Bay answered right back, driving all the way to the Minnesota 17 before Jeremy Trueblood's personal foul back the Bucs up and essentially killed the drive, forcing the Bucs to settle for a 39 yd Matt Bryant field goal to tie it up at 3.

In the 2nd quarter, the Vikings answered right back, driving 76 yds in 8 plays, assisted by a roughing the passer penalty on Bucs defensive lineman Jimmy Wilkerson and a defensive holding penalty on defensive back Ronde Barber. The penalty set up a 4 yd touchdown pass from QB Gus Frerotte to WR Bobby Wade, giving Minnesota a 10-3 advantage.

The Bucs again would march down the field driving 64 yds in 10 plays. During the drive, the Buccaneers Quarterback Jeff Garcia took a vicious late hit by Minnesota D-lineman Ray Edwards, setting up the Bucs first and goal at the three yard line. Unfortunately, the Bucs would stall again, as Warrick Dunn would be hit in the backfield on first down losing four yards. Garcia then rolled out and just missed hitting Michael Clayton in the endzone. Jon Gruden then inexplicably called a center screen which was easily foiled by the Vikings defense, forcing the Bucs to settle for a 26 yd Field Goal by Matt Bryant. Once again the Vikings would answer, driving 51 yds in 6 plays and matching the Bucs scoring drive with a 37 yd field goal by Longwell. At the half, the Bucs trailed 13-6.


The Bucs opened the second half driving the length of the field, all the way to the 17 yard line. Warrick Dunn rushed for 10 yds to the Minnesota 7 but Tight End Jeramy Stevens was called for holding. Garcia dropped back to pass and found Antonio Bryant, who danced 27 yds for a touchdown - but Davin Jospeh got called for holding, eliminating the score and setting the Bucs up on 2nd and 30. After Minnesota was called for offside, Garcia found Tight End Jeramy Stevens 31 yds to the Viking 1 yard line. 1st and goal from the 1 yard line, Fullback BJ Askew dove into the endzone, scoring the first touchdown of his 6 yr NFL career, tying the game at 13.

Minnesota drove to the 49 yd line but failed on 4th and 1, allowing the Bucs to take over and drive all the way to the to the Viking 30 yd line.This time, they self destructed before they got to the endzone as for the third straight game, Bucs rookie running back Clifton Smith coughed up the football. After 3 quarters of play, the game remained tied at 13.

After forcing a Minnesota punt, the Bucs drove 63 yds on 13 plays, eating up 8:52 off the clock, driving all the way to the Minnesota 10 yd line. Unfortunately, on 3rd down and 1, Warrick Dunn was stopped cold, and Tampa Bay again would settle for 3 points, this time a 29 yd field goal by Matt Bryant to give the Bucs their first lead of the game at 16-13. Minnesota fumbled the ensuing kickoff and the Bucs would drive 18 yds in 7 plays, but Jeff Garcia's two incomplete passes would end the drive and Tampa Bay for the fourth time settled for the field goal. Matt Bryant was true on a 26 yd field goal to put the Bucs up by six points, 19-13.

The Vikings would start from their own 20 yd line but failed to get a first down. On 4th down and 3, Frerotte's short pass intended for Sidney Rice fell short. It appeared the ball game was over. After three dive plays took it to the 2 minute warning, Matt Bryant attempted a 46 yd field goal that would just about put the game out of reach. Bryant, though hooked it slightly right and missed the field goal, giving the Vikings one last gasp. It wouldn't matter as Jimmy Wilkerson would sack Frerotte, then on the next play strip running back Chester Taylor of the football, Ronde Barber would recover and the Bucs would run out the clock for the win.

Tampa Bay outgained the Vikings 363-210, held the 5th best rushing offense to only 99 yds on the ground. The Bucs have now beaten Minnesota 4 straight times and have won eight of the last 9 meetings against the Vikings in Tampa. The victory improves the Buccaneers to 7-3, 2nd in the NFC South. Minnesota falls to 5-5, entering a 3 way tie for first in the NFC North.

Bucs Rise from the Dead, Survive KC in OT

By JC De La Torre

Be it the upcoming bye week or poor preparation or just coming in flat, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers came into today's game against the Kansas City Chiefs not ready to play football. The spunky Chiefs, led by their little known QB Tyler Thigpen, used trickeration, opportunistic defense and a suprisingly effective running attack (despite missing star running back Larry Johnson) to pace themselves to a commanding 24-3 lead midway through the 2nd quarter. It would take the greatest comeback in Buccaneer history for Tampa Bay to escape with a wild 30-27 overtime win.

The Bucs defense turned in one of their worst performances of the season, yeilding 384 yds, 183 of it on the ground. The running game was the initial driving force for Kansas City's first touchdown, as the Chiefs drove the field on their opening possession, going 69 yds on 12 plays, bleeding 6:41 off the clock and capping the drive with a Thigpen to Dwayne Bowe 7 yd score. On the Bucs first play from scrimmage, running back Earnest Graham fumbled, KC recovered, setting up a 1 yd Kolby Smith touchdown run. The "death by a thousand paper cuts" Buccaneer offense found themselves have run 1 play and down 14-0.

The Bucs would get on the board after a 21 yd catch by WR Antonio Bryant would set up a 25 yd field goal by Matt Bryant, capping a 13 play 68 yd drive and cutting the Kansas City advantage to 14-3 with 13:08 left in the 1st half. Kansas City would then pull out a trick play from their playbook. Lined up in the "Wild Cat formation" that seems to be all the rage in the NFL, RB Jamal Charles took the snap and handed the ball off to Wide Receiver Mark Bradley on a reverse. Bucs corner Ronde Barber broke for Bradley, but forgot QB Tyler Thigpen was making his way down the field behind him...Bradley fired a pass 37 yd downfield to a quarrantined Thigpen who waltzed into the end zone to give Kansas City a shocking 21-3 lead.

The Bucs offense would try to move the ball down the field, but QB Jeff Garcia was intercepted by Kansas City CB Brandon Carr. The teams would exchange punts, then Kansas City began to "matriculate" the ball down the field. First, Thigpen would hit Bradley for a 56 yd bomb, setting up KC on the Bucs 12 yd line. An offensive holding call in the red zone would spoil the drive though, and the Chiefs would settle for three points, a Connor Barth 37 yder. Kansas City's lead was 24-3 with only 2:17 left in the first half.

Then, the game turned. Bucs kick returner Clifton Smith, called up from the practice squad two weeks ago, took the ensuing kickoff 97 yds for a touchdown (the 2nd in Buccaneers history), cutting the lead to 24-10. The Bucs defense stiffened, pitching a 4-and-out (the first play was marred by a Barrett Ruud personal foul), giving the Bucs offense the football with 1:08 left in the half. Tampa Bay would drive 55 yds in 7 plays, getting Matt Bryant to drill a 43 yd field goal as time expired in the first half, the Bucs had cut the Kansas City lead to 11 and trailed 24-13 at halftime.

Both defenses would come out firing in the 3rd quarter, as the teams exchanged punts throughout the third stanza. Into the 4th, the Bucs were driving to the Kansas City 16 yd line. QB Jeff Garcia dropped it off to Clifton Smith, who was playing for the banged up Earnest Graham, Smith made the catch, but was drilled and fumbled the football - Kansas City recovered at the 10 yd line - a crushing red zone turnover.

But the Bucs defense would finally deliver, KC running back Jamal Charles would take a pitch outside but as he was hit at the 3 yd line by Bucs safety Tanard Jackson, he lost control of the football, which Jackson fell on and the Bucs had it first and goal from the three yard line.

Bucs head coach Jon Gruden went into his own back of tricks, as QB Jeff Garcia handed off to Earnest Graham, who performed a rocker step and then tossed a 1 yd touchdown to TE Alex Smith. The Bucs would go for two to cut the lead to 3, but Garcia's pass to WR Ike Hillard fell incomplete. Kansas City 24, Tampa Bay 19.

Back came the Chiefs, who would go 71 yds in 10 plays, bleeding six minutes off the clock and capping the drive with a 28 yd Connor Barth field goal. Kansas City was back up by 8, 27-19 with only 7:41 left. During the drive, the Bucs appeared to get another crucial turnover as Corner Phillip Buchanon intercepted QB Tyler Thigpen and returned it to the Chiefs 3 yd line. Unfortunately for the Bucs, 2nd year safety Sabby Piscitelli was called on a defensive holding call, negating the pick and continuing the drive for KC.

Here came the Bucs, QB Jeff Garcia running the no-huddle and racing Tampa Bay down the football field. He connected twice to WR Ike Hillard, the first a 23 yder and the second a 12 yd that put the Bucs at point blank range at the KC 19 with 3:34 left. The Bucs pitched the ball outside to Earnest Graham, who battled and fought his way down to the KC 3 yd line, unfortunately, the effort cost the Bucs as defensive end Tamba Hali hit Graham from behind and he coughed up the football into the endzone, where it was recovered by KC for a touchback. The Bucs challenged the fumble but it was upheld. It appeared the Bucs had coughed up their last chance.

The Tampa Bay defense wouldn't allow it, with 1 time out left, the Bucs were able to keep Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles in check and then on third down, Tight End Tony Gonzalez pushed off while attempting to catch a first down pass - the penalty backed the Chiefs up 10 yds. They would hand the ball off to Charles, who would fail to reach the yard to gain, and as we reached the 2 minute warning, the Bucs offense would get one last shot.

Clifton Smith returned the punt to midfield. Garcia would open the drive with a 7 yd dump to Earnest Graham, then tried to hit Joey Galloway deep but it fell incomplete. On 3rd and 3, the Bucs ran a draw to Clifton Smith, who ran 10 yds to the Kansas City 33. Garcia spiked it with 0:51 left. Garcia hit Antonio Bryant at the Kansas City 19 yd line and Garcia would spike it again with 0:35 left. A false start on WR Ike Hillard cost the Bucs 5 yds, but more importantly, the Bucs suffered a 10 second run off, leaving the Bucs with 0:25 left. Garcia went straight to the end zone and found Bucs wide out Antonio Bryant tight roping the back of the end zone for a 24 yd touchdown. The Bucs were down 27-25 and needed a two point conversion to put it into overtime. Garcia would take the snap, by himself some time and then found TE Alex Smith in the end zone for the 2 pointer. Smith went down hard on the play, injuring his knee but held on to the football. Tie game! The Bucs finally had caught the Chiefs.

The Bucs won the toss and got the first possession in overtime. Clifton Smith returned the kickoff to the 26 yd line. On the first play of overtime, Garcia found WR Michael Clayton, who broke a tackle and raced down the sideline 29 yds to the Kansas City 45 yd line. After an offside penalty on the KC defense, Clifton Smith went up the middle for 2 yds and Garcia hit WR Ike Hillard for 3 yds and the 1st down at the 35. Garcia would connect with Clayton again at the 25 for a first down. After a first down incompletion, Smith would rush for 5 yds. On came Matt Bryant. As Matt began to kick, Kansas City called for a time out, Bryant made the field goal, but it didn't count. We go again, but before the kick, Bucs offensive lineman Jeremy Trueblood flinched for a false start - the play is dead - but its a good thing for the Bucs, as Bryant had pushed the kick wide right. Its 3rd and 10, instead of kicking it five yds further back, head coach Jon Gruden put the Buccaneers offense back out onto the field. Garcia would dump the pass off to Jamel Cook, who scampered for 9 yds to the Kansas City 16. From there, Matt Bryant drilled a 34 yd field goal, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers overcame a 21 point deficit to win, the biggest comeback in Buccaneers history.

Tampa Bay escapes Kansas City with a 6-3 record, a half game behind the idle Carolina Panthers in the NFC South and limp into their bye week with a scary, but thrilling victory. For the Chiefs, its a crushing lesson in how to win, they drop to 1-7 despite completely outplaying Tampa Bay in nearly every facet of the game. The Bucs 4 turnover (2 in the red zone) performance should have ended in defeat, but they continued to fight, got some timely big plays from some unlikely sources and found a way to get the W. Sometimes, that's all you can ask for. The victory, btw, made Head Coach Jon Gruden to the #1 spot for victories in Buccaneers history.

Bucs O Shoots Blanks in Big D, Tampa Bay falls 13-9

By JC De La Torre

The Bucs rolled into Dallas to face Team Disarray but were sent home with an opportunity lost, falling in a frustrating 13-9 defeat to the Dallas Cowboys.

The Bucs wasted yet another tremendous performance by the Buccaneers defense, where they held their opponent under 200 yds of total offense for the third straight game.

Bucs took the lead with two first quarter field goals by kicker Matt Bryant. It was an early indicator as the Bucs failed to score on promising drives and had to settle for three points. Dallas had one of their few drives of the day, cashing in with a Nick Folk field goal with 9:02 left in the first half. After a missed 51 yd field goal by Matt Bryant, Dallas got possession of the football in good field position, with under a minute left in the first half. On 3rd and long, Tampa Bay's Ronde Barber made a tackle that would have saved a first down and forced a punt, but the Zebras would give the Cowboys new life with a "horse collar" personal foul penalty on Barber. The same "horse collar" type tackle was performed by the Cowboys earlier in the game and occurred again in the 2nd half - but was not called. This penalty began a succession of 4 straight penalties against the Buccaneer defense that set the Cowboys 1st and goal at the 3 with 0:06 left in the half. Dallas QB Brad Johnson would connect with new Cowboys WR Roy Williams on a "jump ball" touchdown pass, and the Cowboys led 10-6 at the half.

At the start of the 2nd half, the newest Buccaneer, Returner Clifton Smith, would cough up the football on the opening return of the half, setting the Cowboys up 1st and 10 at the Bucs 48 (Dallas was penalized with a personal foul for a late hit that apparently happened during the scrum for the football). The Bucs D would stiffen and prevent any further damage. After an exchange of punts, the Cowboys managed to move in to Bucs territory and get another 45 yd field goal from their Pro Bowl kicker, Nick Folk, to extend the lead to 13-6.

In the fourth quarter, a beautiful 31 yd reception by Alex Smith set up a 41 yd Matt Bryant field goal to close the gap to within four. The Bucs would get a few more chances but failed, the last of which, a two minute drill where the Bucs would convert two fourth downs to get it to the Dallas 21 yd line but a final 4th and 5 pass from Garcia to Jeremy Stevens would go incomplete. Game over, Dallas wins. The Bucs outgained Dallas 262-172. Dallas superstar Terrell Owens was grumpy, held to 33 yds on 5 receptions. Dallas running back Marion Barber was held to a 2.8 average, rushing for 71 yds on 25 carriers. The Bucs weren't any better offensively. Earnest Graham was held in check, with only 42 yds on 17 carries. Antonio Bryant had 7 receptions for 46 yds and there was a Joey Galloway siting for the Bucs, as Galloway hauled in 3 catches for 38 yds.

With the 13-9 loss, the Buccaneers fall to 5-3, ending the second quarter stretch a disappointing 2-2, and tumble out of first place in the NFC South. Dallas, meanwhile, gets a big victory that helps stop the bleeding at least for one week. Next up for the Bucs, another struggling team on the road, the Kansas City Chiefs.

Bucs Defense, Garcia Waltz Past Seahawks

By JC De La Torre

It was a surreal atmosphere at Raymond James Stadium Sunday Night. With the Rays playing Game 7 of the ALCS at the exact same time, the fans' attention at Ray Jay was split down the middle. Several thousands of fans (including myself) brought radios to the game and gave updates to the ongoing game to fellow fans, causing the strange cheering outburts in the stadium at times when nothing was going on on the field. The Bucs were kind enough to keep the score of the Rays game on one of the sideline scoreboards, so with every run the Rays scored - the fans exploded in cheers. The would explode into cheers at halftime, too as the Bucs honored one of their greatest - Mike Alstott.

There was a football game played at Raymond James, btw. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers throttled the Seattle Seahawks 20-10 in a game that wasn't nearly as close as the score indicated. The Tampa Bay offense, behind the exception play of Jeff Garcia and Antonio Bryant, rolled up 402 yds, 22 first downs (including a remarkable 10 of 18 on third down), and controlled the clock for an unreal 41:41. The well rested Bucs defense continued its dominant performance, limiting the Seahawks to a meager 176 yds of total offense and forcing two turnovers.

The Bucs opened the scoring in the first quarter on a 47 yd TD pass from Garcia to Bryant to give the Bucs an early 7-0 lead. The Bucs saw a scoring oppotunity go by the boards when WR Ike Hillard fumbled after a devastating helmet-to-helmet hit that knock him unconscious. It was a scary moment for the Bucs, as Hillard laid motionless on the field for several minutes. Thankfully, Ike came to and was about rise to his feet and take a seat on the cart for his ride out of the stadium.

The Bucs would open up the scoring in the 2nd quarter as Earnest Graham capped a 6 play 59 yd drive with a 1 yd run. Aquib Talib's interception would set Bucs up for another scoring drive, this time the Bucs went 5 plays for 25 yds and capped it off with a 27 yd Matt Bryant field goal to spot the Bucs to a 17-0 lead. Bryant would miss another field goal attempt on the closing moments of the first half.

At halftime, Bucs Superstar Mike Alstott was honored and had his jersey retired by the Buccaneers. It was an emotional half-time speech for Alstott, who expressed his love for Tampa Bay and its fans, while the Buc fans returned the love. It was a great moment and a nice send off for the A-train.

The second half was basically a snoozer as the Bucs grounded out the clock, after a long punt return set up a Seattle field goal, the Bucs would respond with a clock crushing 9:34 drive than spanned 67 yds on 16 plays and was capped by yet another Matt Bryant field goal, giving the Buccaneers a 20-3 lead. Late in the game, the Seahawks would get a garbage touchdown, ending the Bucs 7 quarter no-touchdown streak.

For the second straight week, the Bucs put together a dominating performance, this time under the bright lights of Sunday Night Football. Next up for the Bucs - the Dallas Cowboys - a team in a bit of disarray with the injury to their starting QB and losing 3 of their last 4.

Sunday Night Should Be All About 40

By JC De La Torre

One of the selfish reasons I desperately want to see the Rays win tonight is that Game 7 would happen at the exact same time as the Bucs hosting the Seattle Seahawks on NBC's Sunday Night Football. At halftime of the game, Mike Alstott - the A Train - one of the most beloved players in Bucs history will be honored by the team.

#40 won the hearts of fans, teammates and those around the league with his team-first attitude, his undying loyalty to the Buccaneers, his hard charging, powerful, bull-like, never-say-die running style, and his gutsy, big plays at big moments in Big games.

We all know his signature runs, be it pin-balling off a bunch of Washington Redskins and rolling into the endzone for a crucial touchdown in the NFC playoffs, be it steamrolling the Minnesota Vikings or the Cleveland Browns, the A-Train was always there when the Bucs needed a battering ram.

He is Tampa Bay's all-time touchdown leader and he was a leader in the locker room.

The battered Seattle Seahawks come to town, desperate for a victory - but gave the Buccaneer defense a little bulletin board material this week when RB Julius Jones said, "You have to beat them atheletically. They have a bunch of older guys who've played a long time, so you have to beat them as an athelete,"....basically saying the Bucs defense was old. Mr. Jones should be reaquainted with Tanard Jackson, Jermaine Phillips, Gaines Adams, Aquib Talib, Cato June, Barrett Ruud, Jovan Haye, and Chris Hovan - none of which are over the age of 30.

The Bucs won't lose on Mike Alstott night...they can't!

So Rays, please win - because Sunday Night belongs to #40, Mike Alstott - THE A TRAIN!

Bucs Smackdown Panthers!

By JC De La Torre

There haven't been many opportunities to say this - so I will enjoy this while I type it. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers up and laid the SMACKDOWN on the Carolina Panthers yesterday. The Bucs crushed Carolina 27-3 in a game that really wasn't even as close as the score. This was as a complete victory as we've seen from this Buccaneer squad in some time. The special teams contributed (blocked punt), the Offense contributed (20 points), and the defense absolutely dominated (3 interceptions of Jake Delhomme).

The Panthers turned the ball over three times and were limited to only 282 yds of total offense (most of which came in garbage time when the Bucs were playing reserves). The game not close from the outset. Rookie Linebacker Geno Hayes blocked Carolina punter Jason Baker's punt, recovered and took it in 27 yds for a score to give the Bucs a 7-0 lead. With 5:21 left in the first quarter, Tanard Jackson intercepted Delhomme, setting up a 5 play, 26 yd drive that culminated in a 2 yd Garcia to Alex Smith TD pass.

The teams would trade field goals in the second quarter and Matt Bryant would add another in the 3rd quarter to increase the lead to 20-3.

The Bucs would put the finishing touches on this one, driving 56 yds in 10 plays, as Earnest Graham plunged in to the end zone from the fullback position to stake Tampa Bay to a 27-3 advantage with 14:11 left in the ball game. The rest of the game consisted of failed Carolina drives and Warrick Dunn's running, as Warrick became the first back in 2008 to rush for over 100 yds against the vaunted Carolina defense. Dunn finished the day with 115 yds on 22 carries.

Tampa Bay didn't escape the game in perfect shape. Penalties continued to be a major issue for the team, as they were flagged several times for unsportsmanlike conduct. The Bucs finished the day 7 penalties for 80 yds. They also sustained injuries to FB Bryan Storer, WR Maurice Stovall, and LG Aaron Sears. Injured players Sabby Piscitelli and Barrett Ruud made it through without issue.

Then, there's the QB debate. Jeff Garcia looked steady, moving around in the pocket and making plays. He didn't turn the ball over and made the plays that resulted in the two Tampa Bay offensive touchdowns. Garcia was 15 for 20, 173 yds, with 1 TD. He was not sacked, which is a credit to the o-line who had a terrific day handling one of the fearcest front fours in football. I said to a friend, if Griese is going to be gun shy - he is no use to us. He may turn the ball over, but he also takes more chances that moves the chains and gets the Bucs into scoring position. Against Denver, he looked afraid to make a mistake, and that's not going to help the Bucs. Garcia looked confident, made plays, and most importantly, didn't turn the ball over. He looked like the old Jeff Garcia from last season. I think if Jeff Garcia has his head on right and is playing like he did last season - he is the choice for quarterback.

The Bucs improve to 4-2, dropping Carolina to an identical 4-2 record and enter a 3 way tie for first place in the NFC South with Carolina and Atlanta - two teams the Bucs dominated at home. Next week will be a big one, as it is Mike Alstott Commemorative Night. The Bucs will honor the A-train in front of a National television audience. The struggling Seattle Seahawks provide the opposition.