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Notebook: Penn adds to versatile resume

By ANWAR S. RICHARDSON

arichardson@tampatrib.com

Published: November 16, 2009

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MIAMI - Bucs LT Donald Penn is breaking the traditional view of offensive linemen.

Typically, the best offensive linemen are those who are never mentioned. The elite linemen are simply known for not getting abused by defensive players. They are lunch-pail workers who quietly go about their business.

Penn soon might have to be placed in a category of his own.

Earlier this season, he recorded his first career reception, taking a deflected pass and nearly scoring a touchdown during a 15-yard run. Penn also added another dimension to his versatility during Tampa Bay's 25-23 loss against Miami on Sunday.

After Miami RB Ronnie Brown scored on a 1-yard run in the first quarter, Penn blocked the extra-point attempt by Dan Carpenter. Penn also recovered a fumble during the defeat.

"There is no personal achievement in a loss," Penn said. "My motto coming into this year is to take care of what Donald Penn can take care of, and if Donald Penn takes care of Donald Penn, we're going to be a good team. In my position, I can't go and catch passes. We got guys to do that.

"I'm just making sure Donald Penn makes sure his guy doesn't make the tackle, make sure his guy doesn't get past him. That's all I'm trying to do, make this team better by controlling me."

Penn will be an unrestricted free agent after this season and starting left tackles at his age (26) are highly coveted.

Although his consistent play could reap huge financial benefits this offseason, he is more concerned about helping Tampa Bay win now.

"We had it. We fought our butts off," Penn said. "I'm mad right now, but I've got to look at how the team played. We never quit. That's the only bright spot we have right now. Some people grew up today."

WR Maurice Stovall started his second consecutive game in place of Antonio Bryant, who is nursing a knee injury.

Stovall's next challenge is moving from starter to standout.

In the fourth quarter, Stovall recorded his first touchdown of the season - second of his career - on a 33-yard pass from Josh Freeman. Stovall finished with four receptions for 47 yards and one touchdown.

However, Stovall dropped a pass on third-and-6 on Miami's 22-yard line with 2:18 remaining and his team trailing. Freeman's fourth-down pass was incomplete to TE Kellen Winslow. Although Bucs LB Quincy Black later had an interception that led to the go-ahead touchdown, Stovall still was hard on himself.

"When you have the opportunities to make a big play to change the game and don't capitalize on it, it stays on your mind," Stovall said. "Fortunately, Quincy Black got the turnover and we were able to score again, but in that situation, you don't want it to come down to that.

"You want to capitalize on every opportunity that you get. I'll use that as motivation to get better and make myself into a better playmaker."

Homecoming for Winslow

Playing well in Miami is nothing new for Winslow.

The former University of Miami standout returned to his old city and did not disappoint his followers, catching seven passes for 102 yards. It was Winslow's second 100-yard receiving game of the season and the sixth of his career.

"It was great (to be back in Miami)," Winslow said. "The fans were very supportive. It was a great atmosphere, awesome atmosphere. It felt like home. I had a lot of fun."

Bucs bits

Bucs DE Tim Crowder made the second start of his career and first for Tampa Bay. Crowder's last start was Sept. 30, 2007, during a 38-20 loss against Indianapolis when he played for Denver. ... S Tanard Jackson recovered his first fumble of the season and the fourth of his career. It is the fourth consecutive game that Jackson has come up with a turnover (three interceptions and one fumble recovery). ... Black recorded the first interception of his career in the fourth quarter, setting up a touchdown to give the Bucs a 23-22 lead. ... RB Cadillac Williams led the Bucs with 52 rushing yards and one touchdown, the 17th of his career. With the touchdown, Williams passed Ricky Bell (16 from 1977 to 1981) for the sixth-most rushing TDs in team history. ... Clifton Smith had six kickoff returns for 171 yards, moving him into fifth place in team history, surpassing Phil Freeman (1,667, 1985-87). Smith has 1,745 kickoff return yards.

Anwar S. Richardson

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