Read More: Gerald McCoy (DT – TAM), New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy will miss the remainder of the 2011 season due to a torn right biceps, coach Raheem Morris confirmed Monday afternoon. Tampa Bay will place him on injured reserve. The injury forced him to leave the first quarter of Sunday’s loss against the New Orleans Saints–his first appearance after a two-game absence due to a sprained ankle–and he did not return. It’s the second straight year a torn biceps has ended the former Oklahoma Sooner’s season; in 2010, a torn left biceps forced the No. 3 overall draft pick to miss the final three regular-season games of his rookie season.

McCoy tallied 11 tackles (10 solo), with one sack, in 2011. In addition to those numbers, the team says he tallied 13 quarterback pressures.

According to Morris, his team will address McCoy’s absence by moving George Johnson and Michael Bennett from end to tackle when the situation calls for a pass rush. Further, Da’Quan Bowers will get McCoy’s reps on first and second down. The coach also said the team could try to sign another player to replace McCoy later this week.

Bucs Nation, SB Nation’s Buccaneers blog, suggests Tampa Bay could cut Tim Crowder to make room for whichever defensive tackle it chooses to add. Crowder, a defensive end, has 14 tackles (11 solo) in 2011. The Bucs did not have him active against the Saints.

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer

In Print: Monday, November 7, 2011

Running back Darren Sproles reaches the end zone after turning a screen pass into a 21-yard touchdown that puts the Saints ahead 14-0 in the second quarter.
	[DANIEL WALLACE | Times]

NEW ORLEANS — Once again, the Buccaneers were helpless against an effective throwing game Sunday.

Only it wasn’t Saints quarterback Drew Brees passing the football that hurt most, but the yellow flags tossed by officials.

Despite two weeks of film study designed to cut down on self-inflicted infractions, the Bucs were flagged nine times for 80 yards at the Superdome.

It was partly why the league’s third-most penalized team didn’t manage a touchdown until late in a 27-16 loss.

The Bucs’ third defeat in four games left them at 4-4 and third in the NFC South. Worse, defensive tackle Gerald McCoy sustained another season-ending torn bicep, this time the right one.

“It was just bad ball again,” Bucs coach Raheem Morris said. “We’ve got to go out and play better. We’ve got to go out and play smarter. There is no excuse for being young.

“Foolish penalties … the 15-yard penalties just drive me nuts. It’s not good enough to come to the sideline and apologize to your teammates, your coaches, whatever. That’s just selfish, undisciplined football.”

The most egregious penalty came early in the second half, after cornerback Ronde Barber intercepted Brees at the Saints 33 with the Bucs trailing 17-3.

On second and 10 from the 22, LeGarrette Blount picked up 1 yard on a run. Following the play, he struck Saints defensive end Will Smith in the face mask and was penalized 15 yards.

Blount was immediately taken out of the game. And after a short completion, Tampa Bay settled for Connor Barth’s 48-yard field goal.

Two weeks ago, with the Bucs trailing late, cornerback Aqib Talib’s personal foul after a third-down sack gave the Bears a first down and allowed them to take more time off the clock.

“That can’t continue to be a hindrance to us, and it is,” Barber said. “It’s frustrating for all of us. Emotions lose games for you, sometimes. Points got hammered home last week. But guys have to realize it’s not just coach talk.”

Blount declined to comment but said he would do so today.

There were other penalties.

Receiver Arrelious Benn and tight end Kellen Winslow were called for pass interference during the same drive, Winslow’s negating a third-down conversion.

Then there were the missed opportunities.

Josh Freeman overthrew open running backs Kregg Lumpkin and Erik Lorig on wheel routes that likely would have been touchdowns.

All told, the Bucs reached the Saints 30 five times and came away with three field goals, a touchdown and a failed fourth-down conversion.

“They were just a hair off, the one to Lorig, the one to Lumpkin,” Freeman said. “What can you do? It’s a game of inches.”

Freeman finished 27-of-37 for 281 yards and cut the Saints’ lead to 24-16 with a 5-yard strike to Winslow with 5:33 left. But the Bucs defense, which gave up 453 yards, again couldn’t stop Brees, and John Kasay put it away with a 34-yard field goal.

McCoy’s injury, which occurred early, had a big impact. Frank Okam was inactive due to a calf injury, which meant Brian Price and Roy Miller got little rest.

McCoy, the third overall pick in 2010, missed the final five games of his rookie season with a torn left bicep.

“You hate to see that happen, especially to a young player,” Barber said. “We need that guy. We’re a different team without him.”

Morris benched linebacker Geno Hayes in favor of Adam Hay­ward. But the Bucs could not slow the Saints’ ground game as Chris Ivory, Pierre Thomas and Darren Sproles combined for 175 yards on 27 carries (6.5 per carry).

Sproles was a particularly tough matchup for rookie linebacker Mason Foster. On the Saints’ first two touchdown drives, Sproles accounted for 35 rushing yards and 36 receiving, including a screen pass he turned into a 21-yard touchdown.

By far, penalties have been the Bucs’ undoing in the first half of the season. During the bye week, Morris showed players video of 47 self-inflicted penalties, including offsides, false starts, personal fouls and illegal formations.

“(Youth) is not an excuse,” center Jeff Faine said. “All these guys have been playing football their whole lives. We know what the rules are.”

So where are the Bucs at the midway point of the season?

“Four-and-four is a pretty average record,” Barber said.

“Pretty average team.”

again’

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Coming off a bye week in which they had extra time to correct their puzzling and drive-killing ills, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were looking to finally play a clean football game. They’ll have to keep searching.

The Buccaneers, again, were their own worst enemy Sunday afternoon in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Buccaneers (4-4) were bogged down by a bevy of penalties, as the New Orleans Saints beat their NFC South rival 27-16.

The Buccaneers were penalized nine times for 80 yards, costing themselves manageable down-and-distance situations.

“It’s not a problem you correct in two weeks,” cornerback Ronde Barber said. “That has to be a mentality. It is what it is. We know what our issues are. They affect the outcome of the game, and they did today. It’s not like we don’t know what they are. We know what they are. We just have to get better at it.”

The Buccaneers, who entered the game as the NFL’s third most penalized team, now have been penalized at least six times in each of their eight games. For the season, they’ve been flagged 81 times for 588 yards.

“Penalties are so tough,” quarterback Josh Freeman said. “Playing a team like the Saints you are going to have to be aggressive. You have to go after it otherwise with the level of intensity they play at you don’t have a chance. It’s the blatant stuff we can’t have. That’s the kind of stuff you can’t have, obviously personal fouls. It seems like they come at the most inopportune times.”

Perhaps the costliest penalty came early in the third quarter, when it appeared Tampa had a chance to cut their deficit to one touchdown after Barber intercepted a swing pass by Saints quarterback Drew Brees intended for running back Darren Sproles at the Saints’ 33.

But with the Saints leading 17-3, Tampa running back LeGarrette Blount made a bone-headed mistake. After he was stopped for only a 1-yard gain on a second-and-10 play from the New Orleans 22, Blount, obviously frustrated with the Saints’ defenders continuing to grab at him as the play came to a close, stuck a football into Saints defensive end Will Smith’s face mask.

He was penalized 15 yards for unnecessary roughness, putting the Buccaneers in a third-and-24 and in essence stalling the drive as the Buccaneers had to settle for a 48-yard Connor Barth field goal.

“It’s just bad ball again,” Tampa Bay Coach Raheem Morris said. “We’ve got to go out and play better and play smarter. There is no excuse for being young. The 15-yard penalties are just (hurtful). Those things, we cannot allow to happen. It’s not good enough to come to the sideline and apologize to your teammates, coaches or whoever. It’s just selfish, undisciplined football.”

Blount declined to speak with reporters following the game.

Morris said he might consider making changes to the lineup if the penalties continue.

“You have to,” he said. “There is nothing else to do. If you go out there and keep making the same mistakes over and over again, that’s your (only) option, next man up.”

SLOW STARTS: Another disturbing trend the Buccaneers continued Sunday was their penchant for falling behind early.

Tampa has only had a halftime lead once this season (the Buccaneers lead the Saints 20-10 at halftime of their Oct. 16 game in Tampa).

Compounding matters, their offense hasn’t scored a first-quarter touchdown and hasn’t scored more than seven points in the first quarter in 62 consecutive games.

Tampa left tackle Donald Penn said the slow starts are perplexing.

“You have to ask other people about that; I don’t know what to tell you,” he said. “You can ask me (about slow starts) week in and week out, I don’t know. We are still going to work hard to get it fixed.”

BLOUNT’S RETURN: Despite Blount’s critical penalty in the third quarter, the Bucs were pleased to have their leading rusher back in the lineup.

Blount, who had missed two games with a left knee sprain, rushed for 72 yards on 13 carries.

Blount wasn’t the only starting returning for injury for the Bucs. Center Jeff Faine was also back in the lineup as was defensive tackle Gerald McCoy.

McCoy’s return was short-lived however. He left the game in the first half with an arm injury and did not return.

FYI: Tampa converted just twice on its 12 third-down attempts, a 17 percent success rate. … Tampa has lost three of its last four games. … Barber had his first interception of the season, giving him 41 in his 15-year career.

•••••••

Nakia Hogan can be reached at nhogan@timespicayune.com or 504.826.3405.

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer

In Print: Sunday, November 6, 2011

The record will show the Bucs have lost games to the Lions, 49ers and Bears this season. But the truth is they’ve beaten themselves.

Tampa Bay is committing 8.4 penalties per game, second most in the NFL. According to coach Raheem Morris, of the 71 penalties called against the Bucs (59 accepted), 47 were avoidable.

“We’re talking about alignment issues; whether it’s wideouts, tackles, illegal formations — whatever the case may be,” Morris said. “That’s all mental preparation. Then you’re talking about mental lapses; whether it comes from fatigue or not, being in the right place at the right time when you’re talking about offside, be it on offense or defense. Those are the things you’ve got to be in control of.

“(Former defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin) used to call them foolish penalties. If you can eliminate some of the foolish penalties, you don’t worry so much about the judgment calls, the pass interference and things of that nature. Those things happen. That’s football.”

During their one gathering during the bye week, Morris forced his team to watch video of all 47 self-inflicted flags. Whether the Bucs have the youngest team in the NFL or not, penalties are the result of a lack of discipline, and Morris knows he has to get a handle on it quickly.

“So when you break it down, there’s about 47 of those foolish penalties you’d like to get rid of,” Morris said. “The celebration (penalty) after a touchdown, whether it’s a fight or taunting or talking to an official, even me talking to an official, those are things you can definitely control and eliminate.”

THE REAL MCCOY: DT Gerald McCoy returns to the lineup today against the Saints after missing two games with an ankle sprain sustained early in the Bucs’ 48-3 loss at San Francisco.

If you think McCoy’s absence hasn’t taken its toll, think again. With McCoy in the lineup, the Bucs produced 10 sacks over their first four games, including four-sack efforts in consecutive games against Atlanta and Indianapolis. Those teams also combined for only 92 rushing yards and no touchdowns.

In what amounts to nearly three games without McCoy, the Bucs have produced only two sacks while giving up 120 rushing yards to the 49ers’ Frank Gore and 145 to the Bears’ Matt Forte.

Tampa Bay now has the second-fewest sacks in the league with 12, three more than Kansas City. What’s more, the Bucs are on pace for 27 sacks this season, one more than last season’s dismal output that tied for 30th in the league.

McCoy said he knows he has to get pressure on the quarterback.

“As the season goes on, you want to turn it up,” McCoy said. “You don’t want to go down. You want to come out hot and get hotter and keep that until they say the season is over. Guys who are the leaders of the team, they have to turn it up, and that dial has to be turned up the longer the season goes.”

HIGH PRAISE: DE Adrian Clayborn, the first-round pick from Iowa, is getting noticed around the league.

He leads the Bucs with three sacks, and his relentless pursuit and ability to set the edge on running plays has impressed coaches.

“He’s physical. He’s got a variety of pass rush moves, and he loves playing,” New Orleans coach Sean Payton said. “The one thing I would say about Adrian Clayborn is he’s 100 mph for every play. And that is a fantastic trait for any player.”

Rick Stroud can be reached at stroud@sptimes.com.

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bucs Report

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer

In Print: Saturday, November 5, 2011

TAMPA — The Bucs have faced some scrutiny since Thursday’s revelation that QB Josh Freeman sustained a minor sprain of his right thumb but was not previously included on the team’s injury report.

Paying particularly close attention were the Saints, Sunday’s opponent. After hearing of the news, the team reported the omission to NFL officials, coach Sean Payton told New Orleans reporters on Friday.

But Morris insisted the Bucs are not among the many teams that often engage in shenanigans with the injury report. He added that Freeman was not included because he was unaffected by the injury, having not missed any playing time or practice time.

“Usually we just put the hurt guys on there and leave the healthy guys off,” Morris said. “I don’t put guys on the list who tape up every day because I’d have all 53 players (on it) because they get their ankles taped every single day.”

Freeman, who has had his thumb heavily taped at times this week, practiced Friday and will start at New Orleans. He has shown no effects from the injury, sustained Oct. 23 against the Bears, before last week’s bye. He threw the ball with good velocity and accuracy during the week’s practices. The wrap he’s wearing, according to coaches, does not restrict his throwing motion.

The injury wasn’t confirmed until Freeman was spotted wearing what appeared to be a splint on his right thumb during an appearance on the NFL Network on Wednesday.

“Listen, I think when your quarterback’s on NFL Network with a splint on his thumb, normally he’s on the injury report,” Payton said, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune. “At least take the splint off before you go on NFL Network, right?”

Regarding S Tanard Jackson, the Bucs admitted an oversight that resulted in his being omitted from the injury report.

Because Jackson left the team’s previous game against the Bears with an injury (hamstring strain), NFL policy requires the team list him on the injury report, even after a bye week.

Jackson practiced Friday after being given a day off Thursday and is scheduled to start Sunday at free safety.

Morris suggested he’s done with the story.

“Listen, I don’t care,” he said. “It’s for Vegas. You can do whatever you want to do there.”

OKAM, ZUTTAH OUT: Regarding more seriously injured players, DT Frank Okam (calf) and G Jeremy Zuttah (knee) will miss the game. Okam’s loss is lessened by the return this week of Gerald McCoy (ankle).

Zuttah will be replaced at left guard by Ted Larsen, who began the season as the starter. C Jeff Faine (biceps) returns after missing the Chicago game.

“We’re back to the original starting group,” Morris said. “We’re as healthy as we’ve been. It’s nice to see these guys running around playing fast.”

MADU’S DEBUT: RB Mossis Madu makes his debut on the active roster Sunday. It’s unclear whether he’ll see any time outside of special teams, but the recent injuries at running back have taught the rookie free agent to remain at the ready.

“I’ve learned that, unlike in college, where they say, ‘Oh, you’re a freshman. We’ll give you some leniency,’ you have to be ready here,” he said. “Here, you’re a pro and you’re getting a paycheck. You have to come in and make plays and produce.”

FINALLY BACK: Long snapper Andrew Economos was placed on the active roster Friday, completing his road back from the physically-unable-to-perform list. He had been sidelined with a torn Achilles’ tendon sustained in the offseason.

The team cut S David Sims, signed this week, to make room on the roster.

Stephen F. Holder can be reached at sholder@sptimes.com.

Bucs at Saints

1 p.m., Sunday, Superdome, NewOrleans

TV/radio: Ch. 13, 620-AM, 103.5 FM

Line/over-under: Saints by 8; 50

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TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are rested and eager to begin a critical stretch that will be crucial to their chances of winning the NFC South.

The team reconvened following their bye week Tuesday to begin preparation for a key matchup against New Orleans (5-3), which leads the division by a half game over the Bucs (4-3) and Atlanta Falcons.

It will be Tampa Bay’s second meeting in three games against the Saints, who gave the NFL’s youngest club some unexpected help in the race by losing to previously winless St. Louis last Sunday. A victory not only would lift the Bucs into first place but give them a sweep of the season series and a tiebreaker advantage against Drew Brees and Co.

“It’s all clumped up in the NFC South. Perfect suiting for us. Perfect suiting for winning this division like we talked about at the beginning of the year,” Bucs coach Raheem Morris said. “Somebody has to do it, why not us?”

In addition to intercepting Brees three times and forcing four turnovers overall to hold off the Saints 26-20 in Tampa on Oct. 16, the Bucs have won each of the past two seasons at New Orleans.

Last week’s bye came at an ideal for the Bucs, who have played their last two games — the victory over New Orleans and a 24-18 loss to Chicago in London — without injured running back LeGarrette Blount and defensive tackle Gerald McCoy. Both players practised Tuesday and are expected to play Sunday against the Saints.

Morris also spoke favourably about the status of several other players who have been nursing injuries, including linebacker Mason Foster, safety Tanard Jackson, centre Jeff Faine, fullback Erik Lorig and offensive linemen Jeremy Zuttah.

“We know we have a resilient team, guys who fight back. We’re getting healthier. The bye was good for us. We do feel like we’re in a good position,” Morris said, noting that the Bucs are in the thick of the division chase even though they don’t feel like they’ve played up to their capability.

“We haven’t played our best football clearly, and that’s a good thing. We didn’t start playing our best football last year until probably the middle of the year or later,” the coach added. “Last year at this time we had two blowout losses under our belt. We had to bounce back from those losses. We’ve got one this year, so we’re getting a little bit better.”

The Bucs were one of the NFL’s biggest surprises a year ago, rebounding from early lopsided losses to Pittsburgh and New Orleans to finish 10-6 and narrowly missing the playoffs. Sunday’s marks the start of a stretch in which Tampa Bay plays three straight against first-place teams — the Saints, Houston and Green Bay.

“This is crunch time football, no matter what your team situation is. This week for a lot of teams it’s make or break. You’ve got to start looking at games like that,” quarterback Josh Freeman said.

“It’s no longer the beginning of the season. You’re starting to get into the home stretch. We’ve just got to find a way to play well,” Freeman added. “We found a way to do it last year. If we can channel that same sort of energy, come out and put together complete football games, we’ll be in pretty good shape come December.”

TAMPA –

Historically speaking, Sunday’s game at New Orleans could determine the fate of the 2011 Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

At 4-3 and coming off a bye week, the Bucs are seeking a season sweep of the Saints (5-3), who lead the NFC South by a half-game over Tampa Bay and idle Atlanta.

The difference between a 4-4 start and a 5-3 record or better at the halfway mark has been huge in the past five seasons.

Since 2006, teams with at least five wins through their first eight games advanced to the playoffs 43 times out of 65 opportunities, a 66 percent clip. Clubs that split their first eight games made the postseason only 38 percent of the time, 12 times in 32 opportunities.

The Saints rebounded from a loss in Tampa on Oct. 16 by scoring a franchise-record 62 points at Indianapolis, but were beaten soundly in Sunday’s 31-21 setback at St. Louis, where the Rams had been winless.

“This will be an important week for us to see how we respond,” Saints coach Sean Payton said after Drew Brees was sacked six times and intercepted twice. “I just thought we looked flat. Defensively, they pretty much handled us all day. It’s been a while since that happened.”

With 10 interceptions, Brees woke up Monday morning tied with Josh Freeman of the Bucs for the league lead.

He was under constant pressure against the Rams, who turned the Saints one dimensional, the same formula employed by Tampa Bay in a 26-20 triumph at Raymond James Stadium.

“They were getting good pressure with just their four-man front,” Brees said of the Rams. “It’s something we’ve got to fix.”

The St. Louis assault against Brees was led by left end Chris Long. The son of Hall of Famer Howie Long registered three sacks, three tackles for loss and three quarterback hits as New Orleans fell to 2-3 in the NFC.

The Bucs applied steady heat against Brees at Raymond James Stadium, picking him off three times in a 26-20 victory. Tampa Bay expects second-year defensive tackle Gerald McCoy to return Sunday after missing the past two games with an ankle injury.

Bucs coach Raheem Morris enjoys the challenge of designing a defensive game plan against the Saints, who rank second to Philadelphia in total offense.

New Orleans leads the league in third-down success, converting at a 56 percent rate, and Morris has repeatedly stated that by the end of the day, Brees will rack up at least 300 passing yards.

That didn’t happen against the Rams, who limited Brees to 269 yards by stuffing New Orleans on the early downs.

“Just going to third-and-10 or more, we almost ran out of plays,” Payton said.

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer

In Print: Monday, October 24, 2011

Barber nearly cashes in on big day

. With 14 career touchdowns, CB Ronde Barber is a rare defensive player who can change the scoreboard. On Sunday, Barber tackled RB Matt Forte in the end zone for a safety with 4:49 remaining in the first quarter.

On the Bears’ next series, Barber drifted into the right flat and got both hands on a pass by Jay Cutler. But he dropped what likely would have been an interception return for a touchdown.

“I couldn’t believe it,” Barber said.

“That was a gift.”

Barber finished with five tackles, including a 6-yard sack on third and goal during the fourth quarter, one quarterback hit and three passes defensed.

The sack was the 27th of his 15-year career, the most among defensive backs in NFL history.

“I was just keying the ball,” he said of the sack. “As soon as the ball moved, I moved.

“I don’t know who had me. It was probably the center, but he couldn’t get his hand up because he was snapping the ball with the wrong hand. I was on the right side.”

Running on empty

E arnest Graham was set to be a big part of the Bucs offense Sunday. Filling in for the injured LeGarrette Blount, he rushed for 109 yards on 17 carries in the previous week’s win over New Orleans. But on the Bucs’ first play of their second possession, Graham slipped after catching a short pass. He did not return and was in a walking boot after the game. His status has not been announced. However, Profootballtalk.com reported it’s a season-ending torn right Achilles’ tendon.

Then things went from bad to worse.

On the ensuing punt, FB Erik Lorig hurt his shoulder, although he was able to return.

“Any time you lose a player like (Graham), it always affects you on offense,” coach Raheem Morris said. “But we’re a team of next man up. It was (Kregg) Lumpkin‘s turn. You’ve got to step up and be better than the starter. That’s just our mentality. It’s what the head coach believes. It’s what the organization believes.”

With Graham out, Lumpkin rushed eight times for only 15 yards, a 1.9-yard average, and 13 of those yards came on one play.

Blount, who has missed two games with a sprained knee sustained at San Francisco, could be ready to play after the bye week at New Orleans. But the Bucs have to address their thin running back situation.

Allen Bradford, a sixth-round pick in April, was claimed off waivers by the Seahawks after being released by the Bucs two weeks ago. Tampa Bay most likely will sign Mossis Madu, an undrafted rookie free agent currently on its practice squad.

“Lorig sucked it up and was able to come back,” Morris said. “We do have to address that position. Luckily, we have a bye week in order to do that. We’re able to get that done and get some practices in and, hopefully, get these guys ready to go.”

Tanard injured during interception return

. S Tanard Jackson hasn’t wasted any time making a splash since returning from a 56-week substance-abuse suspension. During the first quarter, he picked off Jay Cutler, his second interception in as many games since being reinstated, and returned it 43 yards. But Jackson had to pull up when he strained his left hamstring and did not return.

On the Bears’ next possession, Marion Barber ripped off a 29-yard run, making backup S Corey Lynch miss at the line of scrimmage. Lynch did record an interception during the fourth quarter.

Jackson and RB Earnest Graham (see above) weren’t the only ones hurt:

• FB Erik Lorig injured his shoulder while covering a punt but returned.

• LB Mason Foster aggravated an ankle injury during the first quarter and did not return.

• Foster’s backup, Adam Hayward, aggravated a foot injury but stayed in the game.

• C Jeremy Zuttah, replacing injured starter Jeff Faine, went out in the second half with a knee injury.

• DT Brian Price sustained a right leg injury but came back.

The team’s bye week comes at a good time to get players back. RB LeGarrette Blount (knee) and defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, who missed their second games, could return Nov. 6 at New Orleans.

Forte runs over Bucs

. The Bears’ Matt Forte, below, had a big day, rushing for 145 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries (a 5.8-yard average). In fact, only offensive coordinator Mike Martz‘s decision to take the ball out of his hands, after 108 first-half yards, slowed him (10 carries in the second half compared with 15 in the first).

Injuries contributed to the Bucs’ problems.

LB Mason Foster aggravated an ankle injury early and did not return. S Tanard Jackson strained a hamstring while returning an interception. Gerald McCoy missed the game with an ankle injury, and fellow DT Brian Price was in and out of the game with a right leg injury.

All told, the Bears rolled up 177 yards on the ground, including 39 on six carries (6.5 average) by backup Marion Barber.

“We didn’t stop the run early,” CB Ronde Barber said. “They gave us everything we knew was coming.

“The one long (32-yard run by Forte), we had two guys on the ground. He’s a talented runner, makes you pay when you’re out of position. We didn’t answer them.”

Talib loses control

. The Bucs’ fourth-quarter comeback might have been a little less difficult if not for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against CB Aqib Talib.

Trailing by a field goal, CB Ronde Barber sacked Jay Cutler for a 6-yard loss on third and goal from the Tampa Bay 4. Assuming the Bears kicked a field goal, the Bucs would have gotten the ball back with about 3½ minutes to play and three timeouts, needing a touchdown to win.

But following the play, Talib got in the face of Bears WR Roy Williams, and referee Tony Corente ruled Talib grabbed Williams’ face mask.

Talib would not comment after the game.

“You can go watch the tape,” he said. “I got nothing for you.”

Matt Forte ran the ball three times, and the Bucs held the Bears to a 25-yard field goal. But by the time they got the ball back after the kickoff, there was only 1:50 remaining.

“The problem with us, we’re too young,” Bucs coach Raheem Morris said. “We’re foolish. We almost made the same mistake on offense, and we just can’t do those things.

“That’s a reflection of the head coach. That is completely my fault.”

Quick hits

. WR Dezmon Briscoe had career highs of six catches and 74 yards and caught his first touchdown of the season (second of his career), a 24-yarder from Josh Freeman.

. DE Adrian Clayborn recorded his team-high third sack of the season.

. TE Kellen Winslow extended his streak of games with a catch to 83. He finished with four for 25 yards and a touchdown.

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By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer

Posted: Oct 19, 2011 10:56 AM

Maybe it’s the refreshing chill in the England air, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are getting healthier and could have several players back for Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears.

Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, who did not play last week because of a high ankle sprain, was heavily taped but showing good movement in practice today. Tight end Luke Stocker, who missed last week’s game against the Saints with a knee sprain, also worked out Wednesday. Finally, receiver Sammie Stroughter, who has not played since suffering a foot fracture in the season opener, returned to practice Wednesday.

On the down side, C Jeff Faine has a biceps pull and did not practice along with running back LeGarrette Blount, who is expected to be questionable with a knee sprain. Defensive end Michael Bennett also was not working Wednesday.

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By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer

In Print: Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Adrian Clayborn tries to stop a student from getting past him as players and cheerleaders from the Bucs visit the Harris Academy South Norwood in London.
	[SEAN RYAN | Special to the Times]

LONDON — Pass rushing Bucs defensive tackle Gerald McCoy has been responsible for some changing of the guards, but nothing like what took place Tuesday at Buckingham Palace.

With a game against the Bears on Sunday at Wembley Stadium, McCoy and his teammates were in London, visiting British schoolchildren and taking in the sights with crews from Sky Sports and Fox television.

The day began with a group of 13 players, mostly rookies, including Adrian Clayborn, Da’Quan Bowers and Mason Foster, visiting the Harris Academy South Norwood in southern London to teach American football drills.

Meanwhile, McCoy was trailed by a camera crew from Sky Sports, which took him on a city tour beginning with a boat ride on the Thames River.

Then it was off to Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Horse Guards and 10 Downing Street, the home of the prime minister.

Bucs offensive linemen Donald Penn, Davin Joseph, James Lee and Jeremy Zuttah filmed light-hearted teasers for the Fox TV pregame show and had tons of fun doing it.

“I seen all the great sites of London today,” McCoy tweeted. “What a blessing!!”

The Bucs returned to the Pennyhill Park Luxury Hotel and Spa in Surrey, 45 minutes from London.

They will move to a downtown hotel Friday and have a walk-through Saturday at Wembley Stadium in preparation for the game.

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By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer

Posted: Oct 13, 2011 05:56 PM

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ injury list is daunting, with running back LeGarrette Blount (knee), defensive tackle Gerald McCoy (ankle) and linebacker Mason Foster (ankle) not practicing again Thursday.

Foster, the rookie third round pick from Washington who leads the Bucs in tackles, took some mental reps during practice at Tropicana Field Thursday, according to coach Raheem Morris, and has the best chance of playing among the three against the Saints.

If Foster is unable to go, the middle linebacker duties will be split between Adam Hayward and Quincy Black, who would move over from his strong side position on passing downs. Black, who did not play last week at San Francisco due to an ankle sprain, had full participation in practice Thursday.

“Mason looked a little bit better…we’ll see where he is tomorrow,” Morris said. “It’s hard to say with do you think he’ll play stuff. I don’t play that game. I just get the next guy ready. He’s out there on a limited basis. He’s out there at (middle linebacker)…getting the mental reps.

“Adam Hayward is our backup (middle linebacker) right now so he’s been out there doing some things. We’ve still got Quincy who can back up and do some nickel (middle linebacker) things as well. We’ve got all these guys ready to go with hopes Mason (will play).”

Tight end Luke Stocker (knee) and WR Sammie Stroughter also did not practice Thursday and are expected to be out against the Saints. Linebacker Zac Diles, who did not play last week due to a hamstring injury, was limited in practice Thursday along with tackle James Lee. Cornerback Aqib Talib (knee) practiced again Thursday.

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OPENING LINE—Saints by 5

RECORD VS. SPREAD—New Orleans 3-2; Tampa Bay 2-3

SERIES RECORD—Saints lead 22-16

LAST MEETING—Buccaneers beat Saints 23-13, Jan. 2, 2011

LAST WEEK—Saints beat Panthers 30-27; Buccaneers lost to 49ers 48-3

SAINTS OFFENSE—OVERALL (2), RUSH (14), PASS (2)

SAINTS DEFENSE—OVERALL (16), RUSH (15), PASS (16)

BUCCANEERS OFFENSE—OVERALL (20), RUSH (16), PASS (20)

BUCCANEERS DEFENSE—OVERALL (23), RUSH (T23), PASS (20)

STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES—Since New Orleans swept season series between NFC
South rivals in 2006, Tampa Bay has won five of eight meetings between teams,
including pair of last-season wins directed by Josh Freeman(notes) at Superdome. Saints
have won past two in Tampa by combined score of 69-13, though. … Saints QB
Drew Brees(notes) has completed at least 20 passes in NFL-record 25 consecutive games.
… New Orleans TE Jimmy Graham(notes) has topped 100 yards receiving in three
consecutive games. … Bucs have had difficulty containing most of Brees’
receivers. WR Devery Henderson(notes) has five career TD receptions against Tampa Bay,
averaging 50 yards per catch on those scoring plays. WR Robert Meacham has a TD
catch in his past four games against Bucs, and WR Lance Moore(notes) has TD in two of
his past three in the series. WR Marques Colston(notes) has five or more receptions in
four straight games against Tampa Bay. … Bucs DT Gerald McCoy(notes) sprained left
ankle early in last week’s loss to San Francisco and likely won’t play. … Bucs
S Tanard Jackson(notes) reinstated by NFL after being suspended more than a year for
violating league’s substance abuse policy. He began practicing Wednesday and
coach Raheem Morris has not ruled out the possibility of Jackson playing against
Saints. … Freeman, in his third season, has led game-winning drives in the
fourth quarter or overtime in eight of 16 career victories. … Bucs DE Adrian
Clayborn(notes) and LB Mason Foster(notes) each have two sacks, tied for second among NFC
rookies. … Tampa Bay TE Kellen Winslow(notes) has a reception in 81 consecutive
games.

By Rodney Page, Times Staff Writer

In Print: Tuesday, October 11, 2011

TAMPA — The challenge for the Bucs last week was traveling 3,000 miles to play the 49ers with one fewer day of rest. That clearly didn’t go too well after a 48-3 loss, tied for worst in franchise history.

The challenge this week might be trying to defeat NFC South rival New Orleans without two of their top players.

Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy is week to week because of a left ankle sprain, coach Raheem Morris said. And running back LeGarrette Blount could miss Sunday’s game with a left knee injury.

“Right now, I’m not real motivated to say (McCoy’s) going to definitely play this week,” Morris said Monday. “But I’m not ready to count him out, either.

“I don’t want to rule (Blount) out, but I’m not looking at him. It is what it is. Next man up. I’d like to get more detailed information on him. I’ll call him day to day.”

McCoy was injured with less than a minute left in the first quarter while trying to tackle 49ers running back Frank Gore. A pile of players rolled into McCoy and his left ankle bent backward. He did not return.

Morris said he would move Brian Price to nose tackle and put Frank Okam in McCoy’s place if McCoy can’t play. And he said rookie Da’Quan Bowers could fill McCoy’s spot on passing downs. Defensive end George Johnson was added to the roster.

Blount left in the third quarter after making a 29-yard catch and getting tackled at the knees by safety Dashon Goldson. If Blount can’t play, Earnest Graham will get the bulk of the carries. Kregg Lumpkin and Allen Bradford will play too. In five games, Blount has 77 carries for 328 yards, both tops on the team, and has three touchdowns. Graham has 18 carries for 84 yards. Bradford and Lumpkin have a combined seven carries.

“We’ve got some guys who are capable of running the football,” Morris said. “Hopefully they’ll show that this week.”

McCoy has 11 tackles this season and one sack. But he brings more to the team than just statistics, Morris said.

“He’s certainly been a catalyst for how we play,” Morris said. “With McCoy, we’ve lost our engine a little bit. We’ve got to have somebody else pick it up.”

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GIMME 5

By John Romano, Times Sports Columnist

In Print: Monday, October 10, 2011

Talk of the town

Five topics suitable for inane debate on talk radio.

Just to clarify: The head coach is fond of saying that stats are for losers. For the record, so are turnovers, penalties, busted coverages and silly decisions.

Living and dying with the QB: The final score may have been embarrassing, but it’s not as worrisome as Josh Freeman’s turnovers. The Bucs can absolutely recover from a 48-3 loss, but they will go nowhere if Freeman continues throwing interceptions at nearly triple the rate of last season.

Here’s an idea: Stop complaining to the officials. Either way, you weren’t covering the spread.

Cross your fingers: He is not yet dominant, but Gerald McCoy has been getting better and better. If he’s out for any length of time, the Bucs have a serious problem.

Batteries not included: You better hope Jim Harbaugh didn’t just give the rest of the NFL a blueprint for attacking Tampa Bay’s defense. Long before Frank Gore heated up, the 49ers found ways to match quicker receivers against linebackers Dekoda Watson and Geno Hayes, and the results were not pretty.

A list of five

Five ways to bounce back against the Saints.

5. Due to blackout, charge Saints to get in.

4. Copy Hank Williams Jr.’s stellar comeback plan.

3. Sneak into ref’s locker room and steal all the yellow flags.

2. Gerald McCoy’s replacement? Chris Christie.

1. Sign Darren Sproles. (Not so funny now, is it?)

Memories of five Buc blowouts

Dec. 19, 1999: Maybe it’s a vineyard thing. Tampa Bay’s other legendary rout was also in the other bay area when the Raiders beat the Bucs 45-0. If you’re looking for a silver lining, the Bucs recovered to go 11-5 and reach the NFC Championship Game.

Nov. 17, 1991: Deion Sanders picked off Vinny Testaverde twice in this 43-7 loss at Atlanta. It had the potential for a historic beating, but backup quarterback Jeff Carlson screwed up by driving for a late touchdown.

Nov. 17, 1985: This one had a backstory. A year earlier, the Bucs purposefully let the Jets score late so they could get the ball back and James Wilder could set a rushing record. The host Jets didn’t forget. They pummeled the Bucs 62-28.

Oct. 21, 1984: This was one of John McKay’s final games as coach. And it was the worst home loss in franchise history. Walter Payton and the Bears won 44-9.

Oct. 2, 1983: The Bucs were losing to the host Packers 49-7 — at halftime. Green Bay eventually won 55-14. McKay called it the worst performance he’d ever seen. When a reporter tried to ask a question, McKay threatened to punch him in the mouth.

Five super picks

Checking out the best bets for Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis.

1. Patriots: At least until the Bills beat them again.

2. Saints: Forget the Saints. How hard is it going to be to beat Carolina?

3. Packers: Brett Favre speaks. Packers stock goes down.

4. Lions: Last time Tigers and Lions were both playoff teams? 1935.

13. Bucs: Only franchise with two losses of 45 points or more in the past 20 seasons.

Final five words

Sometimes youngry can be yawful.

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