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Jackson Provides A Spark

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By IRA KAUFMAN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 3, 2008

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - With one virtuoso defensive play, Bucs S Tanard Jackson turned momentum on its head Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium.

Tampa Bay was driving early in the fourth quarter when RB Clifton Smith fumbled at Kansas City's 10. The Chiefs defense hustled off the field to a loud ovation while Jackson prepared for his own game-changing stop.

"We're a great tackling defense and we pride ourselves on wrapping guys up, but we were struggling early and the Chiefs hit us quickly at the start," Jackson said. "Once we settled down, we showed our will to handle adversity on the road."

Rookie back Jamaal Charles tried to run around left end on the next snap before he was met by Jackson, who not only forced a fumble but also recovered at the 3-yard line for Tampa Bay's only takeaway.

"As a defense, we needed to make a play and that was a big one," Jackson said. "Once the ball was on the ground, I had to go get it. I hit him Charles up top and the ball fell loose."

On the ensuing play, Bucs RB Earnest Graham flipped a 3-yard scoring pass to TE Alex Smith that pulled Tampa Bay to within 24-19.

Alex Smith also forced the OT by catching a 2-point conversion pass from Jeff Garcia, hurting his left ankle on the play. After the game, Smith said he didn't think the injury was serious.

"It was the play of the day, really," Bucs coach Jon Gruden said of Jackson's takeaway. "We went deep in the playbook today and Tanard Jackson allowed us to do that. He's a great player and he should be a potential Pro Bowler this year."

STAYING ALIVE

Instead of heading to the bye week with a 5-4 record and a two-game losing streak, the Bucs are 6-3 after overcoming four turnovers on the road for the second time in seven weeks.

"That win says a lot about our team and our attitude," jubilant Bucs executive VP Joel Glazer said. "And it also makes Jon the winningest coach in franchise history ... in rather dramatic fashion. Games like this turn out to be difference-makers because we were able to win when we weren't at our best."

BUC BITS

Coach Jon Gruden became the Bucs all-time leader in wins at 57, one more than Tony Dungy. ... The Chiefs, who suited up 14 rookies Sunday, are the NFL's youngest team. ... When Kolby Smith plunged over from 1 yard out in the opening quarter, it marked the first rushing TD surrendered by the Bucs this season. ... Kansas City had been outscored 44-6 in the opening quarter until Sunday, when they grabbed a 14-0 lead after 15 minutes. ... The Bucs won for only the seventh time in 50 games under Gruden when trailing after three quarters.

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