By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer

In Print: Monday, November 14, 2011

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TAMPA — You recognize the 6-foot-6 player under center, the curly hair squeezing from underneath the helmet. The strong right arm and No. 5 on his back are dead giveaways.

But Josh Freeman isn’t the same quarterback as he was last season.

Needless to say, the Bucs aren’t the same team, either.

Freeman was intercepted three more times Sunday — one deflecting off the hands of Kellen Winslow, one deflecting off the hands of Arrelious Benn — in the Bucs’ 37-9 loss to the Texans before 56,037 at Raymond James Stadium.

“Nothing is wrong with me,” Freeman said. “I feel like I’m a better quarterback this year than I was last year. As crazy as that might sound looking at the numbers, I feel like I continue to get better with my preparation and execution. I feel like I’m throwing the ball as well as I ever have. Things just aren’t going my way.”

For the ninth time in nine games this season, Tampa Bay failed to score an offensive touchdown during the first quarter.

It trailed 16-3 at halftime and 30-3 to start the fourth.

By losing their third straight game and fourth of the past five, the Bucs (4-5) are closer to the cellar in the NFC South (two games ahead of Carolina) than first place (2½ games behind New Orleans).

In the third quarter, when the game was still within reach, Freeman went 1-for-5 for zero yards, was sacked three times and intercepted twice.

A year after throwing 25 touchdowns and only six interceptions, Freeman has nine and 13, respectively. His 72.1 passer rating is 23.8 points lower than where he finished 2010.

It might be as simple as this: Freeman doesn’t get to face the Bucs defense.

It took only 12 seconds for the Texans (7-3) to make Freeman play catch-up.

On the game’s first play from scrimmage, the Bucs defenders bit hard on a play-action fake to running back Arian Foster before Matt Schaub connected with Jacoby Jones. Jones caught the ball at the Bucs 47, evaded safeties Tanard Jackson and Sean Jones and ran toward the end zone for an 80-yard touchdown.

The Bucs’ poor tackling also accounted for the Texans’ second touchdown. Foster caught a short pass from Schaub in the left flat and sidestepped matador tackle attempts by Jones and cornerback Aqib Talib on his way to a 78-yard touchdown.

After watching his team be outscored 136-46 in its past four losses, coach Raheem Morris tried to shoulder the blame.

“I refuse to believe that our guys are that bad,” he said, “so it has to be my fault.”

For the game, the Bucs were outgained 420-231 (185-90 on the ground) and held the ball 10:12 less than the Texans. Despite claiming defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth (five tackles, blocked extra point) off waivers from New England on Wednesday, Tampa Bay couldn’t slow Foster (17 rushes, 84 yards, one touchdown) or Ben Tate (13 carries, 63 yards, one touchdown).

Oh, and Houston played without the injured Andre Johnson, one of the league’s top receivers.

Unable to shake the Bucs from their doldrums, Morris said he would change the practice routine this week and hinted at more padded workouts in preparation for Sunday’s game at Green Bay against the defending Super Bowl champions.

“The last few weeks have been tough,” Morris said. “The guys right now are not playing well, and we’ve got to find a way to get better.

“You’ve got to go out and get your pads on because we’re not making plays in pads.”

Despite playing with a bandage on the right thumb of his throwing hand (which he sprained three weeks ago against Chicago), Freeman said it had no effect on his performance. He finished 15-of-35 for 170 yards, was sacked four times, intercepted three times and finished with a passer rating of 31.8.

In fact, 14 Texans points came after interceptions.

“They’re a really good defense. They came as advertised,” Freeman said of the Texans, who entered with the NFL’s top-ranked unit and maintained the ranking. “They generated some pass rush and really didn’t allow us to get into any offensive rhythm.

“It’s just that we have not played nearly up to our potential. We are a young team. And as a young team, you have to understand this is the NFL. You see some success, and you can’t rest on that.”

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

Brother of Bucs receiver shot near Illinois campus

Illinois linebacker Trulon Henry, the older brother of Bucs receiver Arrelious Benn, was shot above the right wrist, the bullet exiting through his ring finger, rupturing an artery and breaking bones, as he tried to get teammates to leave a large house party near campus early Sunday. Henry, a 27-year-old senior who is married and has a daughter, had surgery Sunday and will miss at least the rest of the regular season.

“I was only there for three minutes,” he said. “I was trying to get everyone in the car. (Someone) started shooting. It’s crazy.”

Urbana police said two others, neither Illinois students, were wounded. Coach Ron Zook said Henry went to the party to clear out his teammates after a player called to tell him a fight had broken out. Police were searching for the shooter. Benn also played at Illinois.

Times wires

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Coming off an ugly loss and apparently treading water in the middle of a season in which much was expected, could the next big home game be a must-win situation for the Saints?

Faced with that situation a year ago, Coach Sean Payton and quarterback Drew Brees insisted it could not for the defending Super Bowl champions. The only must-win games are those in which a loss means your season ends, Brees and Payton maintained.

Yet, now history repeats.

A year after New Orleans suffered an embarrassing defeat to Cleveland, the team turned in an embarrassing losing performance at previously winless St. Louis. In response last season, the Saints ran off an impressive streak of six consecutive victories. Now New Orleans (5-3) wants to at least launch another streak with wins over divisional foe Tampa Bay (4-3) today and then, next Sunday, Atlanta.

Not everything is exactly the same, however. In between last year’s midseason pivot and this, the Saints also stuck in another humiliating loss. That one came in the postseason, in one of those games that meets the Payton/Brees “must-win” definition, and it, too, came against a team, Seattle, widely regarded as inferior to New Orleans.

Could that playoff failure, coupled with the less grievous one that occurred in St. Louis last week, account for the subtle change in language? For whereas one year ago the Saints waved aside the suggestion they were facing an absolutely critical game in the middle of the season, now the corporate line is that beating the Buccaneers today is absolutely critical.

Win, and the Saints surge toward the heart of their divisional race with momentum. Lose, and New Orleans will fall two games behind Tampa Bay head-to-head, and limp to Atlanta, where the Falcons seem resurgent after a shaky start.

“This game couldn’t get any bigger for being a midseason game where we’re coming off a loss; they’re coming off a loss, albeit they had a bye week, as well,” Brees said. “It was the not-too-distant past that we went up there and were defeated. We understand the importance of this game not only for this point in the season, coming off a loss, divisional game, the second one against this team. Yes, it’s a big game.”

Backing up the significance he puts on today’s game, Brees, who played poorly against the Rams, appears to have taken on even more leadership responsibilities. In normal weeks, Brees steps forward to speak with reporters on Wednesdays; this week he did more, making it clear in the locker room on Monday — the day after the loss to the Rams — that he was open to handle any queries. At practice, where Brees is usually wrapped in a personal zone during stretches, he was instead bantering loudly with teammates.

And perhaps most tellingly, when he and wide receiver Lance Moore missed badly on a wobbly throw by Brees and a wrong cut by Moore, Brees did not, as he normally would, turn away, bob his head with disgust and deliver a loud personal rebuke. This Thursday, Brees charged 15 yards down the field and huddled closely with Moore, gesturing and making it crystal clear that such misunderstandings must be erased from the Saints’ play.

Offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael, who has also assumed a bigger role at practice now that Payton must motor about on a golf cart with his broken left leg raised on a padded bar, agreed there has been a tangible change to preparation.

“Absolutely,” he said. “It (St. Louis) wasn’t good enough. It’s time to get better this week.”

Brees’ heightened presence actually started a couple of weeks previously, according to backup quarterback Chase Daniel. It’s not that this game has inordinate importance, Daniel said, but that the season’s crunch time has arrived.

“This is it – November and December football,” he said. “All the teams that are going to make the playoffs and do well in the playoffs play well in November and December. In college, they say the championship teams play well in November. Well, in the NFL, the championship teams play well in November — and December.”

Certainly the next month will go a long way toward establishing where the Saints finish the regular season; whether they will play football beyond then, for one thing, and, more likely, where. Tampa Bay is the first in a stretch of four consecutive NFC games.

Those big-picture overtones tend to push aside some of the smaller issues. There is the LaGarrette Blount/Chris Ivory storyline, for instance. Both backs emerged as undrafted free agents in 2010 to lead their teams in rushing as rookies, only to suffer a sophomore jinx thus far brought on by injuries. Blount and Ivory will seek to re-establish themselves this afternoon, and the one that does so best could go a long way toward determining the winner.

Similarly, the Bucs will be looking to settle down after a schedule that had them travel 13,612 miles in three weeks. Tampa Bay lost two of those games before getting a bye last week. Will it respond to the rest and re-engage with its remaining, more normal NFL schedule, or will it squander the progress it made when it beat New Orleans three weeks ago?

There also will be the mounting pressure on the Saints’ defense, which has shown signs of again making the big play, even as the Saints lost two of the past three games. The defense has scored a touchdown in two consecutive games.

Payton also is sounding his November/December theme. It is one he hit hard on last season, when the Saints launched their six-game win streak. But it was also one he continued to sound when the Saints, beginning in mid-December, lost two of their last three regular season games and were forced to travel to distant Seattle, where they lost again in a must-win.

“Honestly, I think from a division standpoint, you’re always paying attention to how your division does,” Payton said. “I do think we all recognize the importance of November and December. The league over the last couple of years has moved these division games to later in the season to really encourage that competition within the divisions. These months are critical.”

Payton did not use the words “must-win” last week. But neither did he mince words when talking about both the unexpected performance his team turned in against the Rams or the sort of mindset his players must adopt now with eight games remaining.

“You hope that each week you’re able to learn from certain things, and yet obviously it was a step backwards,” he said. “But it certainly wasn’t a step that’s going to affect how we play moving forward. We’re not going to allow it to.”

And history, at least of the long-term sort that doomed the Saints in 2010, also will be kept at bay, starting with Tampa Bay, Payton said.

“We deal with a challenge, and we deal with recognizing the importance of a divisional game and getting really ready to play a real good team at home,” he said. “I do think it’s important that you’re able to bounce back and fight through the adversity of a tough loss, and there’s a lot that goes into that. I think we’re mentally pretty tough. We’ll be rested for this game. We’ll have a good week of p

(Sports Network) – When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers make a return visit to the
city of London for Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears, they’ll be hoping
for a much better trip than their first voyage overseas.

The Buccaneers also played at Wembley Stadium, which will be hosting an NFL
regular-season contest for the fifth consecutive year as part of the league’s
International Series venture, in 2009 with a game against the New England
Patriots. A young and rebuilding Tampa squad wound up being overmatched that
afternoon in a 35-7 loss that was one of many low points of what turned out to
be a 3-13 campaign.

Tampa Bay has certainly made significant strides since that outing, putting
together a surprising 10-win season in 2010 and getting this year’s schedule
off to a good start as well. The Buccaneers head back to England tied with New
Orleans for first place in the rugged NFC South after topping the formidable
Saints by a 26-20 score this past Sunday.

The Bucs bounced back strongly from a dismal performance in San Francisco the
previous week, when the team was dealt a 48-3 trouncing by the resurgent 49ers
that matched the most lopsided defeat in franchise history. Quarterback Josh
Freeman, who threw two interceptions that contributed to that loss, also came
through with a much sharper effort against the Saints, with the third-year
standout compiling a season-high 303 passing yards and two touchdowns without
a turnover.

Freeman, Tampa Bay’s first-round selection in the 2009 draft, made his
official pro debut with a short relief stint during the Buccaneers’ last
appearance in London. The 23-year-old has started every one of the team’s
games since and has played a major role in the playoff hopefuls’ resurgence.

“That first year was a very trying year — a lot of new pieces, the first year
for [Buccaneers head coach] Raheem [Morris], first year for me, first year for
a lot of guys,” said Freeman about Tampa Bay’s 2009 London experience. “We
still have a young team, but [now] we have a lot of confidence about what we’re
doing. That year was a rough year, but we expect to go out and win now.”

The Bears earned their share of victories in 2010, beating out eventual Super
Bowl champion Green Bay for the NFC North title with an 11-5 regular-season
record and advancing to the conference championship game. Though success has
been a little harder to come by so far in 2011, Chicago showed more of a
resemblance to last year’s outfit by putting forth a dominating display in its
Week 6 clash with spiraling Minnesota.

Chicago’s previously-struggling defense particularly rose to its prior
standards in the 39-10 rout of the Vikings, limiting its longtime rival to just
286 total yards and a mere 53 on the ground. The Bears had surrendered 382
yards or more in each of their first five games of the season and were gashed
for 169 and 181 rushing yards, respectively, in showdowns against Carolina and
Detroit that preceded last Sunday’s win.

This game will be the first held in London that will pit opponents presently
sporting .500 records or better, and none of the other four matchups at Wembley
Stadium contained teams that had both won the week earlier. The Buccaneers will
also become the first club to participate in this series for the second time.

SERIES HISTORY

The Bears hold a 35-18 lead in their overall series with the Buccaneers and
had won two straight games in the set before sustaining a 27-24 overtime loss
to Tampa Bay at Soldier Field in 2008. The teams also went to overtime in a
2006 encounter in Chicago, with the Bears prevailing by a 34-31 count in that
contest. The Bears also came out on top in a 13-10 squeaker with the Bucs in
Tampa during the 2005 season.

Chicago and Tampa Bay had two scheduled meetings against one another as co-
members of the NFC Central between 1978 and 2001.

Bears head coach Lovie Smith, who oversaw linebackers as a Buccaneers’
assistant under Tony Dungy from 1996-2000, is 2-2 against his onetime employers
during his tenure in Chicago, while Morris has never previously faced either
the Bears or Smith in his present occupation.

WHEN THE BEARS HAVE THE BALL

Chicago has shelved the pass-oriented philosophy the offense undertook over
this season’s early stages for a more balanced approach, and the overall
results have improved following the switch. Running back Matt Forte (527
rushing yards, 36 receptions, 2 total TD) has averaged over 21 carries and 136
rushing yards over the past three weeks, highlighted by a 205-yard outburst in
an early October victory over Carolina, and the Bears have gone 2-1 over that
span. Coordinator Mike Martz’s greater emphasis on Forte has also benefited
quarterback Jay Cutler (1476 passing yards, 8 TD, 4 INT) and helped offset the
protection issues of a shaky offensive line as well, with the group permitting
just five sacks during that three-game stretch after Cutler was taken to the
turf 14 times over the first three weeks. The strong-armed Chicago signal-
caller has only thrown one interception in that time period and is coming off a
sharp 21-of-31, 267-yard, two-touchdown showing against the Vikings. Forte is
also the Bears’ leading receiver and tops all NFL backs in receiving yards
(381) in addition to amassing a league-best 908 yards from scrimmage, with
wideout and return dynamo Devin Hester (17 receptions, 1 TD) becoming Cutler’s
best downfield option as of late. The offense should also get reliable slot
receiver Earl Bennett back from a chest injury that’s kept him out of the last
four games, though rookie Dane Sanzenbacher (17 receptions, 3 TD) had been
doing a decent job in his place.

Provided his front line can manage to keep him upright, Cutler should have
opportunities to attack a Tampa defense that’s permitting an average of 276
passing yards per game (26th overall) this year and was shredded by 383 yards
through the air by the Saints’ Drew Brees a week ago. The Buccaneers did
intercept the Pro Bowl quarterback three times, however, including a game-
saving pick by linebacker Quincy Black (13 tackles, 1 INT) in the end zone with
under 3 1/2 minutes left, while ends Michael Bennett (21 tackles, 2 sacks) and
Adrian Clayborn (10 tackles, 2 sacks) were able to generate consistent pressure
up front despite the team not registering a sack. The secondary also got an
instant boost from the return of previously-suspended safety Tanard Jackson,
who notched five tackles, an interception and a pass breakup last week in his
first game action since Week 2 of the 2010 season. A run defense headed up by
young linebackers Geno Hayes (34 tackles) and Mason Foster (32 tackles, 2
sacks) has held the opposition to 70 rushing yards or less in three of the last
four weeks, with a 213-yard output by San Francisco two Sundays back the lone
exception.

WHEN THE BUCCANEERS HAVE THE BALL

Tampa Bay got excellent games out of both Freeman (1459 passing yards, 5 TD, 6
INT) and backup running back Earnest Graham (193 rushing yards, 25 receptions),
who totaled 109 yards on just 17 carries subbing for ailing regular LeGarette
Blount, in last weekend’s big win over the Saints, and Graham will get a chance
to try to duplicate those strong numbers with Blount almost certain to sit out
again with a sprained knee. Freeman hasn’t been quite as steady as his
sophomore breakthrough of 2010, as his six interceptions over the first six
games are already as many as all of last year’s total, but the highly-skilled
youngster was able to connect on several big plays last Sunday, most notably a
65-yard touchdown to wide receiver Arrelious Benn (15 receptions, 2 TD). The
second-year pro brings a deep threat to a pass-catching corps that’s often
lacked one this year, as 2010 rookie sensation Mike Williams (25 receptions, 1
TD) is averaging under 10 yards per grab and tight end Kellen Winslow’s (27
receptions) playmaking potential has been sapped by recurring injuries over the
years. An overlooked offensive line has yielded a sack on only 4.3 percent of
the Buccaneers’ pass attempts this year — fifth-best in the NFL — and Freeman
wasn’t taken down once by New Orleans.

The Chicago defense was stifling against the punchless Vikings this past week,
but that hasn’t been the norm for the unit over the course of this season. The
Bears enter Wembley ranked 28th in total defense (397.3 ypg), 25th against the
pass (275.5 ypg) and are averaging a league-worst 5.4 yards per rush attempt
allowed, though the team did hold Minnesota factor back Adrian Peterson to a
modest 39 yards on 12 totes in Week 6. Chicago also racked up five sacks
against the Vikings, with difference-making end Julius Peppers (15 tackles, 4
sacks) affected none whatsoever by a knee injury sustained the week before by
accumulating two of those takedowns. The five-time All-Pro is the ringleader of
a deep defensive line that contains three other solid pass rushers in end
Israel Idonije (19 tackles, 3 sacks) and tackles Henry Melton (8 tackles, 3
sacks) and Amobi Okoye (11 tackles, 2 sacks), while the back seven has a trio
of impact players in the accomplished linebacker duo of Brian Urlacher (36
tackles, 2 INT) and Lance Briggs (49 tackles) and cornerback Charles Tillman
(42 tackles, 4 PD).

KEYS TO THE GAME

Chicago’s running game. The Bears have been more efficient and far less
predictable on offense over the past three weeks, mainly because Smith has
placed a greater emphasis on ball control and called for greater utilization of
Forte. Containing him will be critical to the Buccaneers’ chances of success,
as they’ve generally done well this year when the run defense has been stout.
Tampa Bay has allowed just 87 rushing yards per game in its four victories, and
169.5 per game in its two losses.

Pressuring the passer. Chicago has been rather hit-or-miss in that department
this season, with 11 of the team’s 14 sacks coming in its three wins. Neither
of these participants possesses anything that remotely resembles a shutdown
secondary, so it’s vital that the front four of each can disrupt the timing of
the two capable quarterbacks that will on the field Sunday.

The Hester factor. The prolific return man has the ability to single-handedly
change the outcome of a game, as he did by ripping off a 69-yard punt return
during Chicago’s five-point win over Carolina back in Week 4, and Hester also
came through with a back-breaking 98-yard kickoff runback for a score in last
Sunday’s triumph over the Vikings. The Buccaneers do own a quality punter and
kickoff man in Michael Koenen and have been good in coverage this year. With a
close contest expected, that needs to continue for Tampa to have its best
opportunity to win.

OVERALL ANALYSIS

The fans in London should be treated to a very competitive game, as these two
teams appear pretty evenly-matched and have enough strengths and weaknesses for
those trying to pick a winner to make a good case for either side. The
difference could come from the varied way each has prepared for Sunday’s bout.
The Buccaneers, perhaps influenced by their unsuccessful prior appearance at
Wembley Stadium, chose to fly to England on Monday and conduct their entire
practice schedule overseas, while the Bears treated the contest like a normal
road trip and arrived on Friday. While that extra acclimation time could give
Tampa Bay an advantage, the Bucs’ better balance on offense and greater
consistency on defense than their opponent may turn out to be the true deciding
factor.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Buccaneers 20, Bears 16

The Sports Network

GIMME 5

By John Romano, Times Sports Columnist

In Print: Monday, October 10, 2011

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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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By JC De La Torre

– Staff Writer

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Oct 2, 2011 – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have made appearances on Monday Night Football 18 times, putting together a record of of 9-9 on the league’s flagship program.

With the nation watching, some of the most memorable moments in Buccaneers history went down.

Here are the ten best games the Bucs have played on the “Monday Night Party with rockin’ Hank”.

Let’s get it kick started:

10.  October 9th, 2000 – Minnesota 30, Tampa Bay 23

It was a classic back-and-forth battle between two NFC Central rivals as the Bucs headed into their house of horrors to face Daunte Culpepper, Randy Moss and the Minnesota Vikings.

The Vikings built a 17-7 early lead but just like the 2011 version, couldn’t hold it as the Bucs used Martin Gramatica field goals to crawl back into the football game.

Trailing 20-16 with 12:01 left in the game, Warren Sapp blocked a 51 yd field goal attempt by Vikings kicker Morten Anderson that was picked up by the Bucs’ Donnie Abraham who raced 57 yards for a touchdown.

The lead would be short lived, as Culpepper would put the Vikes back up with a 47 yard bomb to Moss, beating Abraham and future Bucs’ Hall of Famer John Lynch.

In a crucial 4th and 1 late in the ballgame, Mike Alstott’s attempted half back pass fell off the finger tips of Todd Yoder and the Vikings would run down the clock and kick a field goal with 1:02 left to provide the final margin.

9. October 18th, 2004 – St. Louis 28, Tampa Bay 21

In what was another Monday Night Rams-Bucs classic, the Rams finally got the Buccaneers, pulling out a 28-21 victory.

The teams exchanged touchdowns for three quarters, heading into the final stanza tied at 21. Rams QB Marc Bulger hit Torry Holt for a 36 yard touchdown with 10:41 left in the ball game to stake the Rams to a 28-21 edge.

Brian Griese completed 28 of 40 passes for 286 yards and 2 touchdowns but couldn’t generate a tying score in the fourth quarter, dropping the Bucs to 1-5 in their lost 2004 season.

The loss prompted Bucs coach Jon Gruden to remark, “I’m fully responsible for this mess, with all these turnovers; we might be the best 1-5 team in history. We did it to ourselves.”

8. November 24th, 2003 – Tampa Bay 19, NY Giants 13

The Buccaneers last victory on Monday Night Football was a hard hitting affair against the New York Giants. Defense ruled the day as only one offensive touchdown was scored in the game.

Tampa Bay took control of the contest with a Brad Johnson to Charles Lee 53 yard touchdown that staked them to a 14-3 first half lead.

The game was notable as it was the first after Keyshawn Johnson was suspended from the team. Lee played his position for this one and for at least one week made the Bucs forget about number 19.

7. September 23rd 2002 – Tampa Bay 26, St. Louis 14

The eventual Super Bowl champions announced themselves to the nation with a dominating victory over Kurt Warner, Marshall Faulk and the St. Louis Rams.

Mike Alstott’s 2 yard run push the Bucs to a 19-7 edge with 10:42 left in the game. After a Rams score and a stop of the Bucs offense, Derrick Brooks gave everyone a preview of the Super Bowl, intercepting Warner and rumbling in for a 39 yard defensive touchdown.

 

6. September 8th 2003 – Tampa Bay 17, Philadelphia 0

The Buccaneers were the last Super Bowl champion to open the season on the road. It was a special game for the Bucs who not only closed down the Vet in 2002 but opened Lincoln Financial Field with a shutout of the hometown Eagles.

The hero of the 2002 NFC Championship game Joe Jurevicius caught two touchdown passes and the Bucs defense held Philadelphia to 245 yards of total offense.

5. December 6th, 1999 – Tampa Bay 24, Minnesota 17

Shaun King threw two touchdowns and Donnie Abraham had an interception return for a touchdown as the Bucs rallied from a 14-10 half-time deficit to beat division rival Minnesota.

The rookie King was good in his first start for injured Trent Dilfer, completing 11-of-19 for 93 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 int.

4. November 26th, 2001 – Tampa Bay 24, St. Louis 17

It was a classic Bucs-Rams contest for a National audience on Monday Night Football. The Bucs and Rams traded blows throughout the contest, but Mike Alstott’s first touchdown staked the Bucs to a 17-9 advantage with 8:36 left in the 3rd quarter.

Kurt Warner tossed a touchdown pass with Brandon Manumaleuna and Marshall Faulk’s two point conversion tied the game at 17.

Warrick Dunn’s 21 yard score would be the difference as he gave the Bucs a 24-17 lead with 11:13 left in the game and the Bucs defense would stymie the greatest show on turf the rest of the ballgame.

3. December 7th, 1998 – Tampa Bay 24, Green Bay 22

The first home Monday Night Football game in 15 years (and first at Ray Jay) saw the Bucs face the hated Green Bay Packers. The Bucs built a 17-6 lead on the strength of two 60-plus touchdown passes by Trent Dilfer. This was classic performance by the Buccaneer defense, sacking Brett Favre six times and forcing eight fumbles (six by Favre).

Still, the Packers wouldn’t let their six game winning streak against the Bucs go easily as Favre rallied the Pack closing within 24-22 2:20 left in the game.

The Bucs would hold on for a big win that kept them in the playoff chase.

2. November 29th, 1982 – Tampa Bay 23, Miami 17

The 0-3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers won for the first time on Monday Night Football by shocking their previously undefeated cross-state rivals.

Bill Capece kicked three field goals while Doug Williams and James Wilder scored rushing touchdowns. The Bucs led 16-3 on Williams 3 yd run but had to get one more sealing touchdown from Wilder with 9:27 left in the game that staked the Bucs to a 23-10 advantage.

 

1. December 18th, 2000 – Tampa Bay 38, St. Louis 35

One of the most unbelievable regular season games in Buccaneer history, Tampa Bay and the defending Super Bowl Champions St. Louis Rams traded blows for four quarters and after Kurt Warner connected with Torry Holt for a 72 yard touchdown, the Rams held a 35-31 edge with just 5:18 remaining.

Then magic happened. The Bucs would drive 80 yards in 13 plays and Warrick Dunn scored from a yard out to give the Bucs the lead with just 0:53 left to play. If it wasn’t for an amazing play by Dunn and Shaun King early in the drive, Tampa Bay may have never had the opportunity to have a chance to win the ballgame.

With 1:48 left in the ballgame and facing 2nd and 10, Dunn took a handoff to the left but was met by Rams defenders, Dunn would lateral to King who raced 29 yards for a first down and was then hit out of bounds by a defender, tacking on another 15 yards to the run.

8 plays later, Dunn scored.

Dunn would have 198 yards of total offense and scored 3 touchdowns.

It remains one of the most exciting games in Buccaneers history.

Read More: Warrick Dunn (RB – TAM), Derrick Brooks (LB – TAM), Joe Jurevicius (WR – CLE), Brian Griese (QB – TAM), Marshall Faulk (RB – STL), Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are eager to show NFL fans across the
nation their new identity on a prime time stage.

A team that was once accustomed to Monday Night Football, the
Bucs have not hosted a game on that night in eight years.

Their previous appearance was three years ago _ an ugly loss
that began a four-game, season-ending slide that kept them out of
the playoffs and also cost former coach Jon Gruden his job.

All that’s history, though.

Tampa Bay (2-1) is building under Raheem Morris, who’s looking
forward to showing off his young team against the Indianapolis
Colts (0-3) on Monday night.

“I said in the locker room, it’s an opportunity to show
everybody what they’ve been missing,” Morris said, adding that the
absence of Colts star Peyton Manning will not take any luster off
the occasion for the Bucs, who won 10 games last season and are off
to another promising start.

“We’re going to a big time game and big time environment with a
bunch of guys who haven’t done it before. Ronde Barber might be the
only guy that’s played on Monday Night Football, coaches included,
so it’s all hands on deck,” the NFL’s youngest coach said.

“Let’s go play a great game on a great stage and act like we’ve
been there before,” the 35-year-old Morris said. “And the key to
that is to go out there and use our formula. Play fast, play hard,
play consistent and do what we do.”

Barber, 36 and in his 15th season, is the lone player remaining
from Tampa Bay’s 2003 Super Bowl winner. He’s the oldest player on
the league’s youngest team. He also knows what it’s like to be a
young guy heading into his first Monday night game.

The Bucs were fixtures in prime time during their best years,
when the roster had a collection of high-profile personalities,
including Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks, John Lynch, Simeon Rice,
Keyshawn Johnson, Warrick Dunn and Mike Alstott.

“When we were good back in the 90′s and the early part of this
decade, we were pretty well known. We had a lot of name guys. Guys
who were popular across the league. We’ve yet to have that kind of
exposure with the guys in this locker room, that kind of attention,
so this is huge for us,” Barber said.

Coming off their Super Bowl title, the Bucs played on Monday
night three times in 2003, going 2-1.

Barber will never forget the loss _ 38-35 in overtime to the
Colts. Manning threw for 386 yards and Indianapolis overcame a
21-point deficit in the final five minutes of regulation.

“Believe me, that was a great game for 55 minutes. I scored a
touchdown late on an interception, but they showed their
resiliency,” Barber said.

“It was a frustrating loss. I still cringe when I look at those
highlights on NFL Network as one of the best comebacks ever. This
is our chance, this 2011 team, to prove who we are. I think we’re
all excited about it.”

Colts coach Jim Caldwell and defensive end Dwight Freeney also
were part of that game and remember what it meant for Indianapolis,
as well as former coach, Tony Dungy, who was returning to Raymond
James Stadium for the first time since being fired by the Bucs
following the 2001 season.

It was played on Dungy’s birthday, although Freeney doesn’t
recall learning that until the game was over.

“That’s one I always will remember, just based on the fact that
everybody in the building thought we were going to lose,” said
Freeney, who remembers receiving messages from people who called
his telephone while the Bucs were building a 35-14 lead.

“We ended up winning the game, and that kind of became a staple
for us as an organization and team that we never say quit, never
say die,” Freeney added. “You never give up because you never know
what might happen. That was an example of that.”

The Bucs were one of the league’s biggest surprises a year ago,
winning 10 games but narrowly missed the playoffs. They lost this
season’s opener to Detroit, but rebounded with wins over Minnesota
and Atlanta.

Freeney understands why they might feel their success is going
unnoticed.

“They are definitely a team to be reckoned with and not to take
lightly. … But I do understand how this league is,” the Colts’
star said. “It’s like a rookie who has a good year: Can you make it
two years? … I can definitely see how they could be
underappreciated, but I definitely respect them.”

Morris said the Bucs won’t underestimate Indianapolis,
either.

The Colts are winless without Manning, who’s recovering from
neck surgery. With Kerry Collins (concussion-like symptoms) status
in doubt for Monday night, Curtis Painter could make his first NFL
start.

“They’re running their system, they’re playing hard defense,
they’re playing their style of offense, which is high tempo, run
the football, do all the correct things, and they just haven’t been
fortunate enough to win,” Morris said.

“We’ve got to go out there and not let anything creep into our
head that we’re any bigger than what we are. We’re 2-1. We’re tied
for the NFC South’s best team,” Morris added. “If we want to remain
that we’ve got to play our best game. … Right now they’re
struggling as far as wins and losses, but that could change any
day.”

By Stephen F. Holder and Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writers

In Print: Thursday, September 29, 2011

---

William Moore

TAMPA — Ronde Barber has won a Super Bowl, been to five Pro Bowls and made bigger plays on grander stages (such as the interception that sealed the NFC Championship Game over the Eagles in 2003). But at age 36, being named the NFC defensive player of the week for the ninth time in his career still is a rush for the Bucs cornerback.

In fact, the manner in which Barber won the award — with four tackles, including one for loss, a fumble recovery, an interception and five passes defensed in Sunday’s 16-13 win over the Falcons — was more sweet because the Bucs played man-to-man coverage all over the field.

“This is not the first time … but I’m glad it was with a win,” Barber said. “It was a great effort by the team. I had some standout plays in there, but I’m always humble with these types of awards. It’s nice to be recognized by the naysayers sometimes.”

In the early years, Barber’s performance was dismissed by some because he was thought of as a “system corner” in the zone-based, Tampa 2 defense. The Bucs have played increasingly less Cover 2 the past three seasons.

“We haven’t played that much since Raheem (Morris) has been here,” Barber said. “We’ve got a talented group in the secondary and in the linebacking corps and we feel like we’re capable of doing it.”

TWO-MAN JOB: With FS Cody Grimm (knee) on injured reserve, the question remains: Will he be replaced by Corey Lynch or Larry Asante? The answer is, yes.

Defensive backs coach Jimmy Lake said he envisions using both players in a rotation of sorts Monday against the Colts, though the player who performs better in practice will get the start.

“We feel really good about those backup players that are about to be starters,” Lake said. “There’s a chance they could both play throughout the game. Or there’s a chance one of them may play. If one of them is real hot, then I’ll stick with that guy. I feel comfortable with both of them.”

There are differences between the two. Lynch, because of his body type, is a better fit for covering tight ends, Lake said. Asante, meanwhile, is a good fit against slot receivers. But the Bucs won’t base the safety rotation on the Colts’ personnel.

“Either way, that won’t change our defense,” Lake said. “Whoever ends up playing, they just have to match up with whoever they’re matched with.”

ROSTER MOVES: The Bucs promoted TE Collin Franklin from the practice squad, taking the spot opened by Grimm’s move to injured reserve. Franklin, a rookie from Iowa State, is a receiving threat who led the Cyclones with 54 receptions in 2010.

Tampa Bay used the open practice squad spot to add C/G Zane Taylor, a rookie free agent from Utah who spent the preseason with the Jets.

Falcon fined for hit on Bucs’ Back, not QB

Falcons strong safety William Moore says he was fined $7,500 Wednesday by the league for a helmet hit he had on Bucs running back Earnest Graham. On third and 4 from the Bucs’ 36 in the third quarter, Graham caught a pass for a 5-yard gain. Moore came over to aid linebacker Sean Weatherspoon on the tackle and was called for unnecessary roughness. Moore also had a hit on quarterback Josh Freeman late in the fourth quarter when he appeared to launch himself for a helmet-to-helmet hit, but no flag was thrown.

Times staff

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Game Comment Score Record Today vs. Detroit Normally, opening at home against the Lions would be a tap-in putt, a slam dunk, or whatever the football phrase is for a “gimme.” (Actually, the phrase just might be “opening at home against the Lions.”) Except this season. The Lions are everyone’s chic pick for this season’s surprise team. The Lions’ road to recovery actually got underway last season around the time they beat the Bucs. Lions, 27-20 0-1 Sept. 18 at Minnesota Not sure how going from one old-timer (Brett Favre) to another (Donovan McNabb) at quarterback is supposed to improve things in Minnesota. Doesn’t matter if the quarterback is Favre, McNabb, Joe Kapp or Fran Tarkenton. Why the Vikes just don’t hand the ball to Adrian Peterson 40 times a game is a mystery. Bucs, 20-10 1-1 Sept. 25 vs. Atlanta If there’s a team out there that could knock off the Packers as king of the NFC, the Falcons could be it. Then again, the Falcons, too, are starting to look like that frustrating team that pounds on the door for a few years but never actually kicks it in. In other words, perpetual bridesmaids. Atlanta is practically unbeatable at home. But this game is at Ray-Jay. Bucs, 31-28 2-1 Oct. 3 vs. Indianapolis Remember the last time the Colts came here for Monday Night Football? The defending champion Bucs blew a 35-14 lead with four minutes left and lost 38-35 in overtime on Oct. 6, 2003. Starting with that game, the Bucs went 10-19 over the next season and a half. The Bucs get some MNF revenge. Bucs, 38-35 (OT) 3-1 Oct. 9 at San Francisco The 49ers are in rebuilding mode under new coach Jim Harbaugh, but that doesn’t mean the Bucs should write down a “W” in pen. This is, after all, San Francisco. The Bucs are 1-11 all time in that particular city by the bay, and that lone win was in 1980 when Doug Williams was the QB. Some places are just haunted for some teams. 49ers, 24-17 3-2 Oct. 16 vs. New Orleans For as good as the Saints have been the past several years, the Bucs have held their own against them. In fact, the Saints haven’t swept the Bucs since the 2006 season. And since then, the Bucs have gone 5-3 against New Orleans. The Bucs will split with the Saints again this season. Here is the win half of the split. Bucs, 34-28 4-2 Oct. 23 vs. Chicago

in London

No team has handed the Bucs more losses all-time than the Bears, who are 35-18 against them. Of course, a lot of those wins were racked up in the days of Walter Payton and that ferocious Bears 46 defense in the 1980s. These days, Chicago’s defense is good enough to win, even if quarterback Jay Cutler often has a hard time distinguishing which guys play for his team and which ones play for the other team. Bears, 21-7 4-3 Nov. 6 at New Orleans Lousy scheduling here, don’t you think? Doesn’t seem fair or entertaining for two teams to play each other twice in a three-game stretch. What if a team is missing a key player — say a Josh Freeman or Drew Brees — for a month? It doesn’t seem right that such an important player would miss a short amount of time and yet miss playing a key division opponent twice. Either way, this series looks like a split in 2011. Here’s the Bucs loss in that split. Saints, 30-17 4-4 Nov. 13 vs. Houston One of these years, the Texans are going to live up to expectations. They’ve had only one winning season in their history (9-7 in 2009), but they still haven’t made a postseason. This will be Houston’s second trip to Tampa Bay. And it will end exactly like the first visit. Bucs, 16-3 5-4 Nov. 20 at Green Bay Late November in Green Bay is not exactly picnic weather. Temperatures could very well be in single digits. Maybe a blizzard could dump a foot of snow. But even if it’s sunny and in the 60s, that won’t change the fact that the defending Super Bowl champs will be lining up on the other side of the ball. QB Aaron Rodgers can light up defenses like the Steelers and Bears. Imagine what he could do against the Bucs. Packers, 38-14 5-5 Nov. 27 at Tennessee The Titans are a strange team. When you expect them to be good, they’re bad. When you expect them to be bad, they’re good. Three years ago, they went 13-3. Then when everyone expected them to be a Super Bowl contender, they went 8-8 and 6-10. Quite frankly, I have no idea what they’ll do this season. But they’ll lose this game. Bucs, 19-16 6-5 Dec. 4 vs. Carolina Boy, the Bucs caught an unlucky break here. Instead of Carolina rookie QB Cam Newton having only a game or two of experience before facing the Bucs, he will have more than three months of NFL time. Still, as good as he was last year at Auburn means little to how good he will be right now in Carolina. There aren’t any Louisiana-Monroes or Chattanoogas on the Panthers’ schedule. Bucs, 27-7 7-5 Dec. 11 at Jacksonville Every year, the Bucs lose a game they are not supposed to lose. Last year, it was that home game against the Lions. There is no earthly reason why the Bucs should lose this game against a mediocre Jaguars team. Let’s just call it a hunch. Jaguars, 23-21 7-6 Dec. 17 vs. Dallas Every year, the Bucs win a game they are not supposed to win. Last year, it was the season finale at New Orleans. There is no earthly reason why the Bucs should win this game against a much-improved Cowboys team. Let’s just call it a hunch. (And for the Cowboys, it’s a Saturday game sandwiched between two tough division showdowns against the rival Giants and Eagles.) Bucs, 30-20 8-6 Dec. 24 at Carolina Merry Christmas, Tampa Bay. And nothing warms the holiday heart like a visit from a rookie quarterback on a team going through a major rebuilding project. The Bucs are trying to sweep the Panthers in the two-game season series for just the third time since 2002. If they can’t, then everything you’ve read so far might be off-kilter. Way off-kilter. Bucs, 34-13 9-6 Jan. 1 at Atlanta A victory here and the Bucs, according to our predictions, would match last season’s 10-6 mark. But … winning at Atlanta has not only been difficult for the Bucs (they’ve lost five of the past six there), but the entire NFL. The Falcons are 20-4 at home over the past three regular seasons. The Bucs’ playoff push comes up just short again. Falcons, 33-23 9-7

By Gareth Rees

– Staff Writer

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Sep 6, 2011 – When Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Raheem Morris told everyone his team was on a “race to ten” last season, the majority of analysts scoffed. This was a young, underwhelming, Buccaneers team that would be lucky to sniff .500. Sports Illustrated NFL czar Peter King even went as far as to predict the Buccaneers would win just two games in their 2010 campaign. Oops!

While shocking the masses and shaking up the NFC south to a 10-6 record, in what many outside of the bay area termed a ‘rebuilding year’, was definitely a success, it could of been one better. If not for a lousy pass interference penalty against tight end Kellen Winslow, the Buccaneers could have beaten Detroit and secured their first playoff berth under Morris. Instead, Lions kicker Dave Rayner drilled two late field goals, one to tie at the end of regulation, and one more in overtime to give the Lions a 23-20 victory, that would end up keeping the Pewter Pirates out of the postseason despite sharing the same record as the eventual Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers.

They wont have to wait long for a chance at revenge.

The Lions come back to Raymond James Stadium this Sunday for the seasons inaugural matchup, where the Buccaneers will no doubt be looking to enact some justice for the postseason snubbing. Having had themselves a breakout preseason, capped off with a dismantling of the New England Patriots, Detroit is kicking off 2011 with a renewed optimism and high expectations. The Buccaneers are also looking to build on their surprise campaign and the matchup is being billed in NFL circles as a marquee preview of two up and coming franchises, both attempting to return from the brink of futility.

Detroit will have franchise QB Matthew Stafford back from injury, a luxury that they did not have last season, making star wideout Calvin Johnson an even more dangerous threat than he already is. That’s saying something, considering Johnson, the man they call Megatron, dominated the Buccaneers secondary to the tune of 10 catches and 152 yards in the previous meeting, albeit without corner Aqib Talib who was missing time due to injury. Talib, who has avoided a suspension from the league in relation to weapons charges brought against him in the off-season, will have his hands full covering one of the leagues most dynamic receivers.

Bucs quarterback Josh Freeman and his offense failed to show any rhythm or timing during the preseason and may have a tough time finding themselves against a young potent defense that has only improved since last years matchup. The truncated nature of training camp appears to have hampered Freeman’s development and the Buccaneers may have to find a spark quickly if they hope to hang with an emerging Lions squad. Let us not forget, that Freeman missed almost the entire preseason last year with a thumb injury and it did not slow him down as the Bucs jumped out to a 2-0 start on the backs of come-from-behind victories engineered by Number 5.

For continuing coverage of the Buccaneers home opener against the Lions, keep it here at SBNation Tampa Bay, and check out Bucsnation.

Read More: Calvin Johnson (WR – DET), Aqib Talib (CB – TAM), Matthew Stafford (QB – DET), Josh Freeman (QB – TAM), Detroit Lions, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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This city is rotten. At least that is what it appears athletes outside the Big Apple believe. Yesterday, Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Ronde Barber told the NY Post he doesn’t visit his brother Tiki in New York “because of the way it treats it athletes.” Barber went on to tell Post scribe Justin Terranova that “it’s a city that loves to love their stars, but it loves to hate them even more.”

Yes, Tiki Barber has said some outlandish things in recent weeks, most notably comparing his current plight to that of Anne Frank. But, before you dismiss this on the narcissistic Barber, look at another recent quote given to the Post’s Kevin Kernan via an American League superstar:

“I feel sorry for David Wright,” one AL superstar said recently. “He’s got to get out of there. That’s got to be an impossible place to play, and it’s so hard to hit in that ballpark.”

Kernan went on to suggest that David Wright would be a better fit for the Phillies. Think about that statement. The city with the most losses in history that booed Santa Claus and needs a judge and jail on premise during its sporting events is a better place to play than New York.

There are plenty other examples. Yankees fans did their best to drive Alex Rodriguez out of town early in his tenure. Joe Torre was kicked unceremoniously out of the door in 2007. Some fans today act as if he was just along for the ride in the nineties. Tom Coughlin has been on and off the griddle numerous times, despite winning the Super Bowl in 2008. Isiah Thomas was quoted by ESPN as saying the “toll that the [Knicks] job took on me, my wife and my kids, I don’t want to go through that again.” Thomas did a terrible job here, but the point is he is more content to stay at a tiny college in Florida then take on the Knicks job again. Don’t worry; Mike D’Antoni is the next coach in this town to be raked over the coals. Despite not having a consistent roster in any of his three seasons, the fans have run out of patience. Also, the love affair between Rex Ryan and the town will soon come to an end. The AFC Championship isn’t going to suffice any longer. Remember, you can’t build anything here because of the total instant gratification mentality. Personally, for this lifelong New Yorker it’s become tiresome. Why’s this the case? I have a few theories.

First, social media has lifted the filter on information. Anybody with a Smartphone can express their opinion. Instead of respecting that power, they tend to react emotionally on Twitter, Facebook, and the Blogs. That’s why you no longer see Josh Thole on Twitter, and you get canned PR based public relations on those that still interact.

Next, the disintegration of talk radio. Lack of a true career path has led to talk radio living up to Bob Raissman’s “valley of the stupid” moniker. Corporate suits and program directors are more interested in cheap gimmicks than building a brand. What intelligent individual is going to work for a frat house like WFAN? When the self proclaimed “New York’s #1″ features a Howard Stern wannabe that spends a show talking about Alex Rodriguez’s cousin there is something wrong. Don’t forget the Sports Pope in the afternoon that is allergic to facts. Unfortunately, the listeners aren’t as erudite as you and me. They take this information, run with it, and show up to the ballpark angry. Those “useful idiots” just put money into the coffers of CBS. What they don’t realize is they are running their beloved stars out of town.

Finally, it’s the nature of what this city has become. High cost of living, arrogant Fortune 500 companies beholden to Wall Street that enslave their employees, and a transit system that will sap the life out of even the most positive person create a fan that needs to beat up on someone. What better target than an athlete getting paid million to play a game. Never mind that said athlete had to overcome similar nonsense during his career path to get to the majors, all they see at the end of the day is someone to beat up. It makes them feel important for four hours before the grind begins again tomorrow at 6 AM.

If I were an athlete I would stay away from this place. The money is similar elsewhere, taxes lower, and quality of life exponentially better. Make a career in St. Louis, Green Bay, or in the South. Why put up with this nonsense? Why subject yourself to stupidity? There is no changing a town that is ruined beyond belief. Now, if you do want to deal with it there is no better place to win. You will be lionized beyond belief (see Derek Jeter), but don’t slip up because yesterdays hero is tomorrows zero. There is no equity built anymore in this town. Either you perform or you don’t. If you don’t, prepare for there to be questions about your intestinal fortitude.

Too bad there isn’t one big mirror to flash in front of the New York sports fan. If such a thing existed I think they would come to find out all the things they hate about their athletes are actually things they hate about themselves.

Tags: Alex Rodriguez, Craig Carton, David Wright, Derek Jeter, Isiah Thomas, Joe Torre, Mike D’Antoni, Mike Francesa, New York Fans Worst in Sports, New York Giants, New York Jets, New York Knicks, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, Rex Ryan, Ronde Barber, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tiki Barber, Tom Coughlin, WFAN

Kellen Winslow believes the Tampa Bay Buccaneers can contend for the Super Bowl championship next season. To do so, however, they’ll need to keep Aqib Talib, even after the cornerback’s latest legal trouble.

“We need that guy to win,” Winslow told NFL.com on Friday. “Talking about Super Bowls — we need him really more than anyone besides (quarterback Josh) Freeman. He’s that good. He locks down receivers. He’s got to iron out what he’s got to iron out, but we need him as much as anybody.”

The Top 100: Players of 2011

The tight end reiterated that point a few hours later on NFL Network’s “NFL Total Access,” saying Talib is “too talented to let go” and citing the cornerback’s close relationship with Bucs coach Raheem Morris as a reason he might stay, despite speculation that the team is ready to cut ties after the lockout ends.

“Hopefully his situation gets worked out, and we can move on,” Winslow said.

That situation is an aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charge that Talib faces in Garland, Texas. Police say Talib fired a gun at and pistol-whipped his sister’s boyfriend during a March 21 domestic dispute, and a Dallas County grand jury handed down an indictment last week.

It’s not the first time that Talib, who’s free on $25,000 bond, has been in trouble. He was involved in a fight with fellow Bucs rookie Cory Boyd at the 2008 NFL Rookie Symposium, hit teammate Torrie Cox in the face with his helmet while scuffling with Donald Penn during a minicamp workout in May 2009, and was charged with simple battery and resisting arrest in connection with an assault on a taxi driver in Tampa in August 2009.

But Talib, a starter since the Bucs took him in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft, has done well on the field, intercepting 15 passes in his three NFL seasons. He’s coming off a fine 2010 campaign in which he had 50 tackles, 11 passes defensed and six picks, one returned for a touchdown.

That has led to support from Winslow and five-time Pro Bowl cornerback Ronde Barber who called Talib “a great teammate” in a recent interview with PewterReport.com.

By Ileana Morales and Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writers
In Print: Saturday, March 5, 2011

---

TAMPA — Shelton Quarles, the Bucs’ pro scouting coordinator and a former Pro Bowl linebacker with the team, was arrested on a DUI charge early Friday.

Police arrested Quarles, 39, about 2:30 a.m. on Interstate 275 near Himes Avenue. Police saw a black Audi with the headlights off going 79 mph in a 55 mph zone. When they pulled Quarles over, police said, he “had a strong odor of alcohol on his breath and bloodshot eyes.”

Quarles showed other signs of impairment during field sobriety tests, police said. He refused to submit to a breath test and was taken to jail without incident. Bail was set at $500.

A member of the Bucs’ Super Bowl XXXVII championship team, Quarles played 10 seasons for Tampa Bay from 1997 to 2006.

After his retirement, Quarles was hired as a pro scout. In January, he was promoted to coordinator of pro scouting.

“We are aware of the matter and are reviewing it,” Bucs communications director Jonathan Grella said.

If convicted, Quarles could face further discipline from the NFL or the Bucs. Commissioner Roger Goodell has punished players and team administrators for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.

Goodell imposed a $100,000 fine and 30-day suspension to Lions president Tom Lewand after his DUI arrest in June.

Quarles always has been known for his charitable efforts in the community. His Impact Foundation helps single-parent families. He recently raised more than $130,000 to benefit the foundation with the Shelton Quarles Celebrity Waiter night. He also hosts a pro-am as part of the PGA Transitions golf tournament in Palm Harbor.

Ex-Bucs TE Stevens arrested after fight

Former Bucs tight end Jerramy Stevens was arrested Thursday night on a felony battery charge involving two bar bouncers in Tampa.

His bail was set at $2,500, and he was released from jail.

Stevens was at Duke’s Retired Surfer’s Island Bar, 5210 Tyson Ave. W, about 8 p.m. when he became unruly and was asked to leave by bouncers. Police said he refused and punched two of them, William Donald Russell, 23, and Vincent Jordan, 35, who then held Stevens on the ground until officers arrived. Jordan was taken to Tampa General Hospital with a possible broken jaw.

Stevens’ attorney, Mark O’Brien, released a statement to the St. Petersburg Times that offered a vigorous defense of Stevens and portrayed him as the victim.

O’Brien said Stevens had to be treated at a hospital after his release from jail where he “received treatment for multiple broken ribs and extensive bruising to his body and face. Initial medical reports reflect his wounds are defensive in nature,” O’Brien wrote.

“We are confident that when the dust settles everyone will realize that not only is Mr. Stevens innocent but more importantly the wrong person was arrested,” O’Brien added.

The Bucs released Stevens, 31, on Oct. 25 after he was arrested on a felony charge of marijuana possession with intent to sell and drug paraphernalia. He has had multiple arrests during his career.

Times staff writer Stephen F. Holder contributed to this report.

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By Ileana Morales and Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writers
In Print: Saturday, March 5, 2011

---

TAMPA — Shelton Quarles, the Bucs’ pro scouting coordinator and a former Pro Bowl linebacker with the team, was arrested on a DUI charge early Friday.

Police arrested Quarles, 39, about 2:30 a.m. on Interstate 275 near Himes Avenue. Police saw a black Audi with the headlights off going 79 mph in a 55 mph zone. When they pulled Quarles over, police said, he “had a strong odor of alcohol on his breath and bloodshot eyes.”

Quarles showed other signs of impairment during field sobriety tests, police said. He refused to submit to a breath test and was taken to jail without incident. Bail was set at $500.

A member of the Bucs’ Super Bowl XXXVII championship team, Quarles played 10 seasons for Tampa Bay from 1997 to 2006.

After his retirement, Quarles was hired as a pro scout. In January, he was promoted to coordinator of pro scouting.

“We are aware of the matter and are reviewing it,” Bucs communications director Jonathan Grella said.

If convicted, Quarles could face further discipline from the NFL or the Bucs. Commissioner Roger Goodell has punished players and team administrators for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.

Goodell imposed a $100,000 fine and 30-day suspension to Lions president Tom Lewand after his DUI arrest in June.

Quarles always has been known for his charitable efforts in the community. His Impact Foundation helps single-parent families. He recently raised more than $130,000 to benefit the foundation with the Shelton Quarles Celebrity Waiter night. He also hosts a pro-am as part of the PGA Transitions golf tournament in Palm Harbor.

Ex-Bucs TE Stevens arrested after fight

Former Bucs tight end Jerramy Stevens was arrested Thursday night on a felony battery charge involving two bar bouncers in Tampa.

His bail was set at $2,500, and he was released from jail.

Stevens was at Duke’s Retired Surfer’s Island Bar, 5210 Tyson Ave. W, about 8 p.m. when he became unruly and was asked to leave by bouncers. Police said he refused and punched two of them, William Donald Russell, 23, and Vincent Jordan, 35, who then held Stevens on the ground until officers arrived. Jordan was taken to Tampa General Hospital with a possible broken jaw.

Stevens’ attorney, Mark O’Brien, released a statement to the St. Petersburg Times that offered a vigorous defense of Stevens and portrayed him as the victim.

O’Brien said Stevens had to be treated at a hospital after his release from jail where he “received treatment for multiple broken ribs and extensive bruising to his body and face. Initial medical reports reflect his wounds are defensive in nature,” O’Brien wrote.

“We are confident that when the dust settles everyone will realize that not only is Mr. Stevens innocent but more importantly the wrong person was arrested,” O’Brien added.

The Bucs released Stevens, 31, on Oct. 25 after he was arrested on a felony charge of marijuana possession with intent to sell and drug paraphernalia. He has had multiple arrests during his career.

Times staff writer Stephen F. Holder contributed to this report.

[Last modified: Mar 04, 2011 10:26 PM]

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By Ileana Morales and Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writers
In Print: Saturday, March 5, 2011

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TAMPA — Shelton Quarles, the Bucs’ pro scouting coordinator and a former Pro Bowl linebacker with the team, was arrested on a DUI charge early Friday.

Police arrested Quarles, 39, about 2:30 a.m. on Interstate 275 near Himes Avenue. Police saw a black Audi with the headlights off going 79 mph in a 55 mph zone. When they pulled Quarles over, police said, he “had a strong odor of alcohol on his breath and bloodshot eyes.”

Quarles showed other signs of impairment during field sobriety tests, police said. He refused to submit to a breath test and was taken to jail without incident. Bail was set at $500.

A member of the Bucs’ Super Bowl XXXVII championship team, Quarles played 10 seasons for Tampa Bay from 1997 to 2006.

After his retirement, Quarles was hired as a pro scout. In January, he was promoted to coordinator of pro scouting.

“We are aware of the matter and are reviewing it,” Bucs communications director Jonathan Grella said.

If convicted, Quarles could face further discipline from the NFL or the Bucs. Commissioner Roger Goodell has punished players and team administrators for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.

Goodell imposed a $100,000 fine and 30-day suspension to Lions president Tom Lewand after his DUI arrest in June.

Quarles always has been known for his charitable efforts in the community. His Impact Foundation helps single-parent families. He recently raised more than $130,000 to benefit the foundation with the Shelton Quarles Celebrity Waiter night. He also hosts a pro-am as part of the PGA Transitions golf tournament in Palm Harbor.

Ex-Bucs TE Stevens arrested after fight

Former Bucs tight end Jerramy Stevens was arrested Thursday night on a felony battery charge involving two bar bouncers in Tampa.

His bail was set at $2,500, and he was released from jail.

Stevens was at Duke’s Retired Surfer’s Island Bar, 5210 Tyson Ave. W, about 8 p.m. when he became unruly and was asked to leave by bouncers. Police said he refused and punched two of them, William Donald Russell, 23, and Vincent Jordan, 35, who then held Stevens on the ground until officers arrived. Jordan was taken to Tampa General Hospital with a possible broken jaw.

Stevens’ attorney, Mark O’Brien, released a statement to the St. Petersburg Times that offered a vigorous defense of Stevens and portrayed him as the victim.

O’Brien said Stevens had to be treated at a hospital after his release from jail where he “received treatment for multiple broken ribs and extensive bruising to his body and face. Initial medical reports reflect his wounds are defensive in nature,” O’Brien wrote.

“We are confident that when the dust settles everyone will realize that not only is Mr. Stevens innocent but more importantly the wrong person was arrested,” O’Brien added.

The Bucs released Stevens, 31, on Oct. 25 after he was arrested on a felony charge of marijuana possession with intent to sell and drug paraphernalia. He has had multiple arrests during his career.

Times staff writer Stephen F. Holder contributed to this report.

[Last modified: Mar 04, 2011 10:26 PM]

Click here for reuse options!
Copyright 2011 St. Petersburg Times

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